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-3 Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does the idiom “Get out of hand” mean?
a) To become physically fit
b) To lose control or become chaotic
c) To receive a helping hand
d) To gain control of a situation
Explanation: The correct answer is (b) To lose control or become chaotic. When a situation gets out of hand, it means it becomes uncontrollable or disorderly.
Example sentence: The party got out of hand when unexpected guests arrived.
2. What does the expression “Like two peas in a pod” imply?
a) Extremely similar or identical
b) Completely different from each other
c) Sharing a love for gardening
d) Inseparable and always together
Explanation: The correct answer is (a) extremely similar or identical. When two people or things are like two peas in a pod, they are very much alike.
Example sentence: They look so alike; they’re like two peas in a pod.
3. What does the phrase “Know which way the wind blows” signify?
a) To have a strong sense of direction
b) To be knowledgeable about meteorology
c) To be aware of the current situation or trends
d) To predict the weather accurately
Explanation: The correct answer is (c) To be aware of the current situation or trends. When someone knows which way the wind blows, they understand what’s happening around them.
Example sentence: A good leader must know which way the wind blows to make informed decisions.
4. What does the saying “Hit the nail on the head” mean?
a) To miss the target completely
b) To criticize someone harshly
c) To do something the exact way in which it should be done
d) To be good at carpentry
Explanation: The correct answer is (c) To do something the exact way in which it should be done. When someone hits the nail on the head, they get it exactly right.
Example sentence: His analysis of the problem hit the nail on the head.
Recommended: Idioms and Phrases Practice Test
5. What does the expression “Catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar” imply?
a) Flies prefer honey to vinegar
b) Getting what you want by being nice
c) Flies are attracted to sweet things
d) Vinegar is a better insect repellent than honey
Explanation: The correct answer is (b) Getting what you want by being nice. This phrase suggests that using a gentle approach can yield better results.
Example sentence: Instead of arguing, try being diplomatic; you can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar.
6. What does the idiom “Let someone off the hook” mean?
a) To release a fish that was caught
b) To forgive or excuse someone from a responsibility
c) To give someone a fishing rod
d) To hold someone accountable
Explanation: The correct answer is (b) To forgive or excuse someone from a responsibility. When you let someone off the hook, you allow them to avoid facing consequences.
Example sentence: He decided to let his friend off the hook and didn’t report the mistake to the boss.
7. What does the expression “Like riding a bicycle” imply?
a) To dislike riding bicycles
b) A skill that you learn and will never forget
c) To be skilled in riding bicycles
d) To ride a bicycle frequently
Explanation: The correct answer is (b) A skill that you learn and will never forget. “Like riding a bicycle” suggests that a skill or ability can be easily relearned.
Example sentence: Even though she hadn’t cooked in years, it was like riding a bicycle; she remembered everything.
8. What does the phrase “Blame one’s tools” signify?
a) To criticize the quality of one’s tools
b) Blaming something on someone else
c) To take credit for the work done by tools
d) To thank the tools for success
Explanation: The correct answer is (b) Blaming something on someone else. When someone blames their tools, they are avoiding taking personal responsibility.
Example sentence: When she understood she had no way out of the problem, she blamed her tools.
9. What does the saying “It’s not rocket science” mean?
a) A statement about the complexity of rocket science
b) A compliment about someone’s intelligence in rocket science
c) Very difficult to understand
d) Not that difficult to comprehend
Explanation: The correct answer is (d) Not that difficult to comprehend. This phrase is used when emphasizing that a task is simple.
Example sentence: Making a sandwich is not rocket science; anyone can do it.
10. What does the expression “Spill the beans” imply?
a) To accidentally drop a container of beans
b) To reveal a secret or disclose confidential information
c) To cook a pot of beans
d) To share a meal involving beans
Explanation: The correct answer is (b) To reveal a secret or disclose confidential information. When someone spills the beans, they unintentionally disclose something that was meant to be kept secret.
Example sentence: She accidentally spilled the beans about the surprise party.
11. What does the idiom “Get the show on the road” mean?
a) To watch a live performance
b) To start an activity or event
c) To stop a performance
d) To attend a roadshow
Explanation: The correct answer is (b) To start an activity or event. When someone says, “Let’s get the show on the road,” they mean it’s time to begin or get things started.
Example sentence: We should get the show on the road before it gets too late.
12. What does the expression “Pull the last straw” imply?
a) To remove a piece of straw
b) To take the final step in a process
c) To reach the limit of tolerance and cause something to end
d) To count the number of straws
Explanation: The correct answer is (c) To reach the limit of tolerance and cause something to end. “Pull the last straw” means to be the final action or event that makes a situation unbearable.
Example sentence: His constant excuses pulled the last straw, and they decided to end the partnership.
13. What does the phrase “That ship has sailed” signify?
a) A missed opportunity or chance
b) A reference to a sailing ship
c) A message about a departing ship
d) A ship that has recently arrived
Explanation: The correct answer is (a) A missed opportunity or chance. When someone says, “That ship has sailed,” it means that the opportunity has passed.
Example sentence: I wanted to invest in that stock, but now it’s too late; that ship has sailed.
14. What does the saying “It is always the darkest before dawn” mean?
a) Things get better after a difficult period
b) Nighttime is darker than daytime
c) Dawn is always accompanied by darkness
d) The darkest time is at midday
Explanation: The correct answer is (a) Things get better after a difficult period. This phrase suggests that even in challenging times, there’s hope for improvement.
Example sentence: Don’t lose hope; remember, it’s always the darkest before dawn.
15. What does the expression “Have one’s head in the clouds” imply?
a) To daydream or be unrealistic
b) To be very tall
c) To wear a hat with clouds on it
d) To be an expert meteorologist
Explanation: The correct answer is (a) To daydream or be unrealistic. When someone has their head in the clouds, it means they are not grounded in reality.
Example sentence: He’s always talking about grand adventures; he has his head in the clouds.
16. What does the idiom “On thin ice” mean?
a) Walking on a frozen lake
b) Skating gracefully
c) In a dangerous or risky situation
d) Standing on solid ground
Explanation: The correct answer is (c) In a dangerous or risky situation. When someone is on thin ice, they are in a precarious or risky position.
Example sentence: He knew that his actions had put him on thin ice with his boss.
17. What does the expression “Give a cold shoulder” imply?
a) Offering a chilly beverage
b) Sharing a warm greeting
c) Treating someone with indifference or unfriendliness
d) Offering assistance on a cold day
Explanation: The correct answer is (c) Treating someone with indifference or unfriendliness. When you give someone a cold shoulder, you’re being unwelcoming or distant.
Example sentence: She didn’t want to talk to him, so she gave him the cold shoulder.
18. What does the phrase “Cannot make an omelet without breaking some eggs” signify?
a) Making breakfast without using eggs
b) Everything has a cost to pay
c) Breaking eggs to test their freshness
d) Preparing an omelet carefully without any mistakes
Explanation: The correct answer is (b) Everything has a cost to pay. This phrase suggests that sometimes you have to endure difficulties to achieve a goal.
Example sentence: Starting a new business is challenging; you can’t make an omelet without breaking some eggs.
19. What does the saying “Once bitten, twice shy” mean?
a) Being afraid of insects
b) Being cautious after a negative experience
c) Repeating mistakes intentionally
d) Avoiding all risks
Explanation: The correct answer is (b) Being cautious after a negative experience. When someone is once bitten, twice shy, they become more careful after a bad experience.
Example sentence: After the financial loss, he became once bitten, twice shy about investing.
20. What does the expression “Bolt from the blue” imply?
a) A sudden and unexpected event or surprise
b) Running very fast under a clear sky
c) Getting struck by lightning
d) An escape plan involving a blue vehicle
Explanation: The correct answer is (a) A sudden and unexpected event or surprise. A bolt from the blue refers to something that happens suddenly and unexpectedly.
Example sentence: The news of his resignation came as a bolt from the blue to the team.
