Idioms and Phrases MCQs with Answers & Explanations (Page 8)

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'cut no ice' (usually used in the negative) means to fail to have any influence or impact. If the lawyer's argument had no effect on the jury, it means they were not persuaded by it. Option (a) is the correct definition. Option (b) and (c) are literal misinterpretations. Option (d) is the opposite.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'by the skin of one's teeth' means to only just manage to do something; to succeed by the smallest possible margin. Since teeth do not have skin, the 'margin' is essentially zero, emphasizing how close to failure one was. Option (d) is the correct definition. Option (a) is the opposite. Option (b) is a possible reason for passing, but not the meaning of the idiom. Option (c) is a nonsensical literal interpretation.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'on its last legs' refers to something that is in a very weak state and near to collapse, failure, or death. The expectation of bankruptcy clearly indicates that the company is failing. Option (a) is the correct definition. Option (b) and (c) are incorrect interpretations of 'legs.' Option (d) is the opposite of the idiom's meaning.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'it's all Greek to me' is used to say that one does not understand something at all, as if it were in a foreign language one does not speak. A 'complex theory' can often be incomprehensible to a non-expert. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal interpretation. Option (b) is the opposite. Option (d) might be true, but it is not the meaning of the idiom.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'bear fruit' means to yield positive or successful results. Becoming a 'successful author' is the positive result of her 'years of hard work.' Option (a) is the correct definition. Option (b) and (d) are literal misinterpretations. Option (c) is the opposite of the idiom's meaning.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'run riot' means to behave in a noisy, violent, and uncontrolled manner. This is a common way to describe children who are left unsupervised. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) and (d) are the opposite of this behavior. Option (b) implies an organized protest, whereas 'run riot' implies chaos.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The proverb 'don't count your chickens before they hatch' is advice to not be too confident in a future outcome and not to make plans based on it until it is certain. The fact that the job offer isn't 'official yet' means the outcome is not certain. Option (a) is the correct explanation. Option (b) is a literal interpretation. Option (c) is the opposite of the caution advised by the proverb. Option (d) is illogical.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'leave in the lurch' means to abandon someone when they are in a difficult situation. A 'sudden resignation' of a key leader can leave an organization in a state of confusion and difficulty. Option (a) is the correct definition. Options (b) and (c) are the opposite of the situation described. Option (d) is unrelated.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'a loose cannon' refers to a person who is unpredictable and uncontrollable and who may cause problems for their own side. The phrase 'you never know what he's going to say or do' is a direct explanation of their unpredictability. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is the literal origin of the idiom (on old warships). Option (c) is the opposite. Option (d) is a literal interpretation.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'cut corners' means to take shortcuts and do something in a less thorough way than is standard, usually to save time or money. This often results in a lower quality product or service, which is why doctors would be worried about a healthcare bill. Option (a) is the correct definition. Option (b) is a literal misinterpretation. Options (c) and (d) are the opposite of cutting corners.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'add fuel to the fire' (or 'flames') means to do or say something that makes an already bad situation, argument, or feeling even more intense. A controversial statement would worsen a heated 'political debate.' Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) and (d) are the opposite. Option (b) is a literal misinterpretation.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'get up on the wrong side of the bed' means to start the day in a bad mood, which then continues for some time. Being 'grumpy all morning' is a direct result of this. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is the literal interpretation, but the idiom is figurative. Option (c) is unrelated. Option (d) is the opposite.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'the cat's whiskers' (or 'the cat's pyjamas') refers to someone or something that is considered excellent or superior. If a person thinks they are the cat's whiskers, they have a very high opinion of themselves. Option (a) correctly explains this feeling of superiority. Option (b) and (d) are literal misinterpretations. Option (c) is the opposite feeling.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'against the clock' means to be rushed and have a very limited amount of time to complete something. A 'deadline' imposes a time limit, forcing one to work quickly. Option (a) is the correct definition. Option (b) is a literal misinterpretation. Option (c) is the opposite. Option (d) describes when one might work, but not the pace.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'bad blood' refers to feelings of ill will, resentment, or hostility between people. An 'argument' is a common cause of such feelings. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) and (d) are literal misinterpretations. Option (b) is the opposite.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'draw a blank' means to fail to find something one is looking for or to be unable to remember something. In a police investigation, it means failing to find any leads or evidence. Option (a) is the correct definition. Option (b) is a literal misinterpretation. Option (c) is the opposite. Option (d) is a different meaning of 'blank'.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'a pillar of strength' refers to a person who is a source of great support and comfort to others in times of trouble. The word 'pillar' is used metaphorically to suggest someone who is strong and holds things up. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is the literal meaning of 'pillar.' Option (b) and (d) are the opposite of the idiom's meaning.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'all at sea' means to be in a state of confusion or to be lost and unsure of what to do. The context of a new intern needing a mentor for 'new software' supports this meaning of confusion. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (b) is a literal misinterpretation. Options (a) and (d) are the opposite of being confused.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'keep one's head' means to stay calm and rational during a time of crisis or difficulty. Not 'panic-selling' during a 'market crash' is a clear example of remaining calm. Option (a) correctly defines this action. Options (b) and (d) describe negative reactions, the opposite of the idiom. Option (c) is a literal misinterpretation.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'touch-and-go' describes a situation that is very precarious and uncertain. The fact that they 'finally' reached an agreement implies there was a period of uncertainty where the outcome was in doubt. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is the opposite. Option (b) is a literal misinterpretation. Option (d) is irrelevant.