Idioms & Phrases

idiom or phrase

QUESTION 61

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.

QUESTION 62

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.

QUESTION 63

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.

QUESTION 64

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.

QUESTION 65

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.

QUESTION 66

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.

QUESTION 67

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.

QUESTION 68

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.

QUESTION 69

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.

QUESTION 70

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.

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