Instructions:
These multiple-choice questions (MCQs) are designed to test your understanding of various idioms and phrases. Your task is to select the option that you believe best represents the meaning of the given idiom or phrase. By answering these questions, you’ll not only improve your comprehension of common idiomatic expressions but also enhance your verbal ability. It’s worth noting that these questions are frequently encountered in various exams, making them an excellent resource for exam preparation. So, dive in and sharpen your language skills with these commonly asked questions!
Idioms and Phrases MCQs Set-1 Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does the idiom “Under the weather” mean?
a. Feeling excited
b. Feeling ill or unwell
c. Feeling extremely happy
d. Feeling energetic
Explanation: The correct answer is (b) Feeling ill or unwell. When someone is under the weather, it means they are not feeling their best and might be experiencing symptoms of sickness.
Example sentence: She couldn’t attend the party because she was under the weather with a fever.
2. What does the idiom “Cold feet” imply?
a. Chilled toes
b. A love for winter weather
c. Nervousness or second thoughts about a decision or action
d. Being unaffected by emotions
Explanation: The correct answer is (c) Nervousness or second thoughts about a decision or action. When someone gets cold feet, it means they are hesitant or anxious about going through with something, often due to fear or uncertainty.
Example sentence: He had cold feet on the day of his wedding, but he eventually went through with it.
3. What does the expression “Apple of my eye” mean?
a. A delicious fruit
b. Something of great value or affection
c. A sour experience
d. A difficult challenge
Explanation: The correct answer is (b) something of great value or affection. When someone refers to something as the “apple of their eye,” it means it’s something or someone they cherish deeply.
Example sentence: Her daughter is the apple of her eye; she loves her more than anything.
Recommended: Idioms and Phrases Practice Test
4. What does the phrase “Set the record straight” mean?
a. To break a world record
b. To correct a misunderstanding or false information
c. To create a new record
d. To play music on a record player
Explanation: The correct answer is (b) “To correct a misunderstanding or false information.” When someone sets the record straight, they clarify or provide accurate information to rectify a misconception.
Example sentence: He wanted to set the record straight about the rumors circulating about him.
5. What does the saying “Kill two birds with a stone” signify?
a. To harm animals
b. To achieve two goals with a single action
c. To miss an opportunity
d. To waste resources
Explanation: The correct answer is (b) “To achieve two goals with a single action.” This idiom emphasizes efficiency and getting multiple tasks done simultaneously.
Example sentence: By combining his work trip with a family visit, he killed two birds with a stone.
6. What does the idiom “Snowed under” mean?
a. To enjoy snowy weather
b. To play in the snow
c. To make a snowman
d. To be overwhelmed with work or tasks
Explanation: The correct answer is (d) “To be overwhelmed with work or tasks.” When someone is snowed under, it means they have a large amount of work or responsibilities to handle, often to the point of feeling overwhelmed.
Example sentence: She’s been snowed under with assignments this week.
7. What does the expression “To break someone’s bubble” imply?
a. To harm a person physically
b. To destroy someone’s illusions or dreams
c. To burst a literal bubble
d. To surprise someone with a gift
Explanation: The correct answer is (b) “To destroy someone’s illusions or dreams.” When you break someone’s bubble, you shatter their optimistic or unrealistic expectations.
Example sentence: Telling him the truth about the situation burst his bubble.
8. What does the phrase “Walk on eggshells” mean?
a. To take a leisurely walk
b. To be very cautious in one’s actions or words
c. To play with fragile objects
d. To dance gracefully
Explanation: The correct answer is (b) “To be very cautious in one’s actions or words.” When someone walks on eggshells, they are being extremely careful to avoid upsetting someone or making a situation worse.
Example sentence: She had to walk on eggshells around her boss to avoid conflicts.
9. What does the idiom “Bite the bullet” mean?
a. To face a difficult situation with courage
b. To chew on a bullet
c. To avoid confrontation
d. To eat quickly
Explanation: The correct answer is (a) “To face a difficult situation with courage.” This idiom signifies bravely confronting a challenging or unpleasant situation, often despite fear or uncertainty.
Example sentence: She had to bite the bullet and tell the truth.
10. What does the phrase “Make two ends meet” signify?
a. To create a double-sided object
b. To have enough income to cover expenses
c. To tie two pieces of string together
d. To save money for the future
Explanation: The correct answer is (b) “To have enough income to cover expenses.” When someone makes two ends meet, it means they are managing their finances in a way that allows them to pay their bills and meet their basic needs.
Example sentence: With careful budgeting, they were able to make two ends meet.
11. What does the expression “To be at loggerheads with someone” mean?
a. To have a friendly conversation
b. To have a heated and prolonged disagreement or conflict
c. To collaborate on a project
d. To share a meal
Explanation: The correct answer is (b) To have a heated and prolonged disagreement or conflict. When two or more people are at loggerheads, it means they are in a state of strong disagreement or conflict.
Example sentence: The two politicians were at loggerheads over the proposed policy changes.
12. What does the phrase “Pretty penny” signify?
a. A significant amount of money
b. A beautiful coin
c. A small amount of money
d. A valuable antique
Explanation: The correct answer is (a) A significant amount of money. When something costs a pretty penny, it means it is quite expensive or requires a substantial financial investment.
Example sentence: That luxury car costs a pretty penny.
13. What does the expression “Break a leg” mean?
a. To physically break a leg
b. To wish someone good luck
c. To engage in a dangerous activity
d. To experience a stroke of bad luck
Explanation: The correct answer is (b) to wish someone good luck. “Break a leg” is a theatrical expression used to wish performers good luck before going on stage.
Example sentence: Before the play, the director told the actors to break a leg.
14. What does the phrase “Through thick and thin” signify?
a. Only during difficult times
b. During thick fog
c. During thin economic times
d. In all circumstances, both good and bad
Explanation: The correct answer is (d) “In all circumstances, both good and bad.” “Through thick and thin” means being loyal and supportive regardless of the challenges or situations.
Example sentence: She stood by her friend through thick and thin.
15. What does the saying “Beat around the bush” mean?
a. To physically beat a bush
b. To get straight to the point
c. To avoid addressing an issue directly and speak evasively
d. To engage in a physical fight
Explanation: The correct answer is (c) “To avoid addressing an issue directly and speak evasively.” When someone beats around the bush, they are not getting to the main point and are instead talking in a roundabout or unclear manner.
Example sentence: Stop beating around the bush and tell me what you really think.
16. What does the expression “Hang in there” mean?
a. To hang something on a wall
b. To keep going or persevere
c. To give up easily
d. To hang clothes to dry
Explanation: The correct answer is (b) To keep going or persevere. “Hang in there” is an encouragement to stay determined and not to give up, even when facing difficulties.
Example sentence: I know it’s tough, but you need to hang in there and keep working toward your goals.
17. What does the phrase “Cut corners” signify?
a. To physically cut the corners of a paper
b. To take shortcuts
c. To avoid making any changes
d. To save money by reducing expenses
Explanation: The correct answer is (b) to take shortcuts. “Cutting corners” implies not following standard procedures or regulations.
Example sentence: They decided to cut corners in the construction project, and it resulted in safety issues.
18. What does the idiom “Steal someone’s thunder” mean?
a. To steal someone’s belongings
b. To take credit for someone else’s achievements or ideas
c. To borrow someone’s umbrella
d. To disrupt a peaceful situation
Explanation: The correct answer is (b) to take credit for someone else’s achievements or ideas. When someone steals another person’s thunder, they claim recognition or praise for something that wasn’t their own doing.
Example sentence: She stole his thunder by presenting his idea as her own.
19. What does the expression “Call it a day” imply?
a. To start a new project
b. To continue working late into the night
c. To stop working on something
d. To make plans for the future
Explanation: The correct answer is (c) To stop working on something. “Call it a day” means to bring an activity to a close.
Example sentence: We’ve made good progress on the project; let’s call it a day.
20. What does the saying “Better late than never” mean?
a. It’s better to be late than never arrive at all
b. Punctuality is essential in all situations
c. Being late is never acceptable
d. To do something rather than not doing
Explanation: The correct answer is (d) to do something rather than not doing. This saying emphasizes the importance of completing a task or fulfilling a commitment, even if it’s delayed.
Example sentence: He finally finished the project a week late, but better late than never.
