51. A person who is 'the salt of the earth' is:
- C. A person who works with minerals
- B. A fundamentally good, honest, and reliable person
- D. A skeptical and cynical person
- A. A common and ordinary person
Answer: This expression is a high compliment, describing someone of great worth and character.
52. What does it mean 'to get a taste of your own medicine'?
- B. To experience the same negative treatment that one has given to others
- A. To finally find a cure for an illness
- D. To become a doctor
- C. To share medication with someone
Answer: This idiom means that someone is receiving the same kind of unpleasantness that they have been inflicting on others.
53. To 'throw caution to the wind' is to:
- C. Give up on a plan due to potential dangers
- D. Enjoy a windy day
- B. Behave recklessly and take a risk
- A. Act in a very careful and considered way
Answer: It means to stop being careful and to do something without worrying about the negative consequences.
54. In the context of idioms, a 'sacred cow' is:
- D. A stubborn and unchangeable person
- B. A literal cow that is worshipped
- C. A very rare and valuable item
- A. An idea, institution, or person held to be above criticism
Answer: The term refers to something that is so revered or established that people are unwilling to question or criticize it.
55. What does it mean 'to jump on the bandwagon'?
- D. To get on a parade float
- B. To oppose a popular trend
- A. To start a musical career
- C. To join a popular activity or trend to share in its success
Answer: This idiom means to adopt a particular cause or activity simply because it has become fashionable or popular.
56. If you have 'bigger fish to fry', you:
- D. Are dealing with a very large problem
- B. Are going on a fishing trip
- A. Are preparing a large meal
- C. Have more important or pressing matters to attend to
Answer: This expression is used to say that one is not interested in a particular matter because it is not as important as other things one has to do.
57. To 'go down in flames' means:
- D. To be a victim of a fire
- C. To fail in a spectacular and dramatic way
- B. To become a firefighter
- A. To succeed brilliantly against all odds
Answer: This idiom describes a complete and disastrous failure, often in a public manner.
58. What does it mean to 'harp on the same string'?
- B. To be persistent in achieving a goal
- D. To find the perfect solution to a problem
- C. To dwell on or talk about the same subject repeatedly and tediously
- A. To be a skilled musician
Answer: This phrase means to continually bring up the same topic, often to the annoyance of others.
59. To 'read between the lines' means to:
- B. Understand the implicit or hidden meaning in what is said or written
- A. Read a text very carefully and slowly
- C. Be suspicious of everyone's intentions
- D. Edit a document for errors
Answer: It refers to the skill of inferring the real meaning or intention behind someone's words, which are not explicitly stated.
60. A 'Hobson's choice' is:
- C. A very difficult and complex decision
- A. A choice between two equally good options
- D. The freedom to choose from many options
- B. A choice that is offered but with no real alternative
Answer: It's a 'take it or leave it' situation, where the only choice is to accept or reject what is offered. The phrase originates from a stable owner, Thomas Hobson, who offered customers the horse nearest the door or no horse at all.
61. The phrase 'long in the tooth' is used to describe someone who is:
- C. Old or getting old
- B. Having dental problems
- A. Very talkative
- D. A veterinarian specializing in horses
Answer: This idiom comes from the fact that horses' gums recede as they age, making their teeth appear longer. It is a colloquial way of saying someone is old.
62. What does it mean 'to keep a stiff upper lip'?
- A. To be arrogant and condescending
- B. To not show any feeling, especially of fear or distress, in the face of adversity
- C. To suffer from a facial paralysis
- D. To be stubbornly silent
Answer: This phrase describes the quality of remaining stoic and resolute during difficult times, without displaying emotion.
63. To 'make ends meet' means:
- D. To connect two separate things
- A. To finish a project successfully
- B. To become extremely wealthy
- C. To earn just enough money to cover one's basic living expenses
Answer: It refers to having sufficient income to pay for essentials like food, housing, and bills, without any surplus.
64. What is the meaning of 'to mend one's fences'?
- B. To start a new argument with someone
- D. To prepare one's defenses
- C. To try to repair a damaged relationship and restore friendly relations
- A. To perform repairs on a physical fence
Answer: This idiom means to make peace with someone with whom you have had a disagreement.
65. To 'run the gauntlet' means:
- B. To face a series of harsh criticisms, attacks, or challenges
- C. To escape from a dangerous situation unharmed
- A. To participate in a medieval race
- D. To wear protective gloves
Answer: Originally a form of punishment, this idiom now means to endure a trying ordeal or a period of intense scrutiny from many people.
66. What does it mean 'to take the bull by the horns'?
- A. To avoid a difficult situation
- B. To engage in the sport of bullfighting
- C. To deal with a difficult or dangerous situation directly and decisively
- D. To act in a reckless and impulsive manner
Answer: This idiom means to confront a problem head-on with courage and confidence, rather than avoiding it.
67. A 'wolf in sheep's clothing' is a person who:
- D. Is very shy and timid
- B. Hides malicious intentions under a guise of friendliness
- A. Is harmless and gentle
- C. Is a shepherd
Answer: This phrase describes a dangerous person who pretends to be harmless in order to deceive others.
68. To 'go scot-free' means:
- A. To travel to Scotland without a visa
- C. To escape from a situation without any punishment or harm
- B. To be found guilty and pay a heavy fine
- D. To receive a discount
Answer: 'Scot' is an old word for a tax or payment. To go 'scot-free' means to get away without paying or being punished for wrongdoing.
69. What does it mean 'to pay through the nose'?
- D. To pay for something with great reluctance
- A. To get an excellent bargain
- C. To suffer a nasal injury
- B. To pay a ridiculously high price for something
Answer: This idiom means to pay an exorbitant amount of money, far more than the item is worth.
70. The 'apple of one's eye' refers to:
- B. A person with exceptional eyesight
- C. A person who is cherished more than any other
- A. A favorite type of fruit
- D. A perfect or flawless object
Answer: This phrase is used to describe someone who is dearly loved and treasured.
71. To 'burn one's bridges' means:
- B. To create a new opportunity for oneself
- D. To end a journey abruptly
- A. To commit an act of arson
- C. To do something that makes it impossible to return to a previous situation or relationship
Answer: It means to act in a way that destroys any chance of going back, often by alienating people or ruining a relationship.
72. A 'dog's breakfast' is a slang term for:
- A. An early morning meal
- B. A very simple and easy task
- C. A complete mess or a poorly done job
- D. A meal prepared for a pet
Answer: This British slang expression refers to something that is in a state of utter confusion or chaos; a muddle.
73. What is the meaning of the proverb 'let sleeping dogs lie'?
- B. To avoid bringing up a past issue or problem that could cause new trouble
- A. To be kind and not disturb resting animals
- C. To ignore a current and pressing issue
- D. To allow someone to be lazy
Answer: The proverb advises against stirring up old conflicts or problems, as it might lead to renewed strife.
74. A 'mare's nest' refers to:
- B. A discovery that turns out to be illusory or a hoax; a muddled situation
- D. A very valuable and rare find
- C. A stable where female horses are kept
- A. A comfortable and cozy place
Answer: This term describes a false discovery that causes excitement but is ultimately worthless, or it can refer to a state of great confusion.
75. To 'rule the roost' means:
- A. To be the most dominant or authoritative person in a group
- C. To live in a very high place
- B. To own a large poultry farm
- D. To be the loudest person in a room
Answer: This idiom means to be in charge or to be the person who makes all the decisions in a household or organization.
