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-6 Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does the expression “Devil quoting the Bible” imply?
a) The devil is a biblical figure
b) Using religious references for deceptive purposes
c) Quoting passages from the Bible
d) The devil’s knowledge of the Bible
Explanation: The correct answer is (b). This idiom means using religious references or quoting from the Bible for deceptive or insincere purposes.
Example sentence: He tried to manipulate others by playing the devil quoting the Bible.
2. What does the saying “The devil is in the details” mean?
a) Satan is found in intricate things
b) Details are only important to the devil
c) Detailed work is cursed
d) Paying attention to small and often overlooked details
Explanation: The correct answer is (d). This phrase emphasizes the significance of paying attention to small and often overlooked details.
Example sentence: When planning an event, remember that the devil is in the details.
3. What does the expression “Other fish in the sea” imply?
a) The sea has a lot of fish
b) There are different types of fish in the sea
c) Fish are easy to find in the sea
d) There are plenty of other options or opportunities
Explanation: The correct answer is (d). This idiom means there are many other options or opportunities available.
Example sentence: Don’t worry about that failed job interview; there are plenty of other fish in the sea.
4. What does the saying “A snowball’s chance in hell” mean?
a) A snowball has a chance in a hot place
b) Having an extremely slim or virtually impossible chance
c) Snowballs are easy to make in hell
d) Snowballs melt quickly in hell
Explanation: The correct answer is (b). This phrase implies having an extremely slim or virtually impossible chance of success.
Example sentence: He has a snowball’s chance in hell of winning the race against professional athletes.
Recommended: Idioms and Phrases Practice Test
5. What does the expression “Something isn’t over until the fat lady sings” imply?
a) A lady will sing at the end of something
b) A performance ends when a lady sings
c) Something isn’t finished until the final act or conclusion
d) It’s not over until a lady starts singing
Explanation: The correct answer is (c). This idiom means that an event or situation isn’t considered finished or concluded until the final act or outcome.
Example sentence: The game isn’t over until the fat lady sings, so don’t give up hope just yet.
6. What does the expression “Bounce off the walls” imply?
a) Feeling very excited or hyperactive
b) Playing a game with walls
c) Having a bouncy ball
d) Painting walls
Explanation: The correct answer is (a). This idiom describes a person who is feeling very excited or hyperactive as if they could bounce off the walls.
Example sentence: After having too much sugar, the kids were bouncing off the walls with energy.
7. What does the saying “As right as rain” mean?
a) Feeling fine, healthy, or in good condition
b) Being accurate about the weather
c) The correctness of rain
d) Rain is always correct
Explanation: The correct answer is (a). This phrase means feeling fine, healthy, or in good condition.
Example sentence: After a good night’s sleep, I woke up feeling as right as rain.
8. What does the expression “To get bent out of shape” imply?
a) To become physically bent or twisted
b) To become upset, angry, or agitated
c) To engage in physical exercises
d) To bend something into a particular shape
Explanation: The correct answer is (b). This idiom means to become upset, angry, or agitated about something.
Example sentence: Don’t get bent out of shape; it’s just a minor issue.
9. What does the saying “Every cloud has a silver lining” mean?
a) Silver linings are found in clouds
b) Every problem or difficulty has a positive aspect
c) Clouds are made of silver
d) Clouds can be beautiful in certain lighting
Explanation: The correct answer is (b). This phrase suggests that even in difficult situations, there can be a positive aspect or outcome.
Example sentence: Losing his job was tough, but he found a new career opportunity. Every cloud has a silver lining.
10. What does the expression “Play the devil’s advocate” imply?
a) Advocating for the devil’s point of view
b) Defending evil deeds
c) Presenting an opposing viewpoint or argument, often to provoke thought or discussion
d) Advocating for diabolical actions
Explanation: The correct answer is (c). This idiom means presenting an opposing viewpoint or argument, usually to stimulate thought or discussion.
Example sentence: She liked to play the devil’s advocate in debates to challenge different perspectives.
11. What does the expression “Cross that bridge when we get to it” imply?
a) Building a bridge to cross a river
b) Crossing a bridge without looking
c) Planning bridge construction in advance
d) Deal with the problem when it happens
Explanation: The correct answer is (d). This idiom means addressing a problem or issue when it arises and not fretting about it beforehand.
Example sentence: Let’s not worry about future complications; we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.
12. What does the saying “Throw caution to the wind” mean?
a) Tossing caution signs into the air
b) Acting recklessly or without concern for potential risks
c) Throwing wind into the air
d) Being cautious about the wind
Explanation: The correct answer is (b). This phrase suggests acting recklessly or without concern for potential risks.
Example sentence: He decided to throw caution to the wind and go on a spontaneous adventure.
13. What does the expression “A penny for your thoughts” imply?
a) Offering money in exchange for thoughts
b) Estimating the value of someone’s thoughts
c) Asking someone to share their thoughts or ideas
d) Requesting a penny in exchange for thoughts
Explanation: The correct answer is (c). This idiom is a polite way to ask someone to share their thoughts or ideas.
Example sentence: “You seem lost in thought; a penny for your thoughts?” she asked.
14. What does the saying “Bite off more than you can chew” mean?
a) Taking big bites while eating
b) To do more than you can
c) Chewing gum excessively
d) Avoiding biting into something
Explanation: The correct answer is (b). This phrase implies attempting to manage more responsibilities or tasks than one can handle effectively.
Example sentence: I wanted to impress my boss, but I think I’ve bitten off more than I can chew with this project.
15. What does the expression “Judging a book by its cover” imply?
a) Judge or form an opinion on someone based on appearances
b) Evaluating a book’s appearance before reading it
c) Judging a book’s quality by its cover design
d) Criticizing the cover of a book
Explanation: The correct answer is (a). This idiom means making assumptions about someone or something based on their outward appearance, without knowing the full story or understanding their true nature.
Example sentence: Don’t judge a book by its cover; get to know people before forming opinions.
16. What does the expression “Rain on one’s parade” imply?
a) Weather forecast for a parade
b) Creating a parade during rain
c) To spoil someone’s moment of praise
d) A parade with rain-themed decorations
Explanation: The correct answer is (c). This idiom means to spoil someone’s plans or enjoyment by delivering bad news or making negative comments.
Example sentence: Don’t rain on his parade; he’s really excited about his upcoming trip.
17. What does the saying “By the skin of your teeth” mean?
a) Teeth cleaning
b) Narrowly or barely succeeding, with very little margin for error
c) Dental issues
d) Having teeth with no skin
Explanation: The correct answer is (b). This phrase signifies narrowly or barely succeeding in something, with very little margin for error.
Example sentence: He passed the test by the skin of his teeth; it was a close call.
18. What does the expression “Put all your eggs in one basket” imply?
a) Placing all your resources into a single high-risk endeavor
b) Arranging eggs in a basket
c) Keeping eggs in multiple baskets
d) Balancing eggs on a basket’s rim
Explanation: The correct answer is (a). This idiom means investing or relying on a single endeavor, which can be risky if it fails.
Example sentence: Diversify your investments; don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
19. What does the saying “Put something on ice” mean?
a) Cooling something with ice
b) Delaying or postponing something
c) Preparing a cold beverage
d) Packing items with ice
Explanation: The correct answer is (b). This phrase means delaying or postponing something for a later time.
Example sentence: Let’s put the project on ice until we have more information.
20. What does the expression “Cannot have a cake and eat it too” imply?
a) Being unable to eat cake
b) Having the ability to both have and eat a cake
c) Cannot have everything for yourself
d) Eating a cake without having it
Explanation: The correct answer is (c). This idiom means desiring to have or enjoy something without giving it up or using it.
Example sentence: You can’t have a cake and eat it too; you need to make choices.
