Idioms and Phrases Practice Questions

5 questions per page • Detailed step-by-step solutions

Directions (Q. )

In each question below, an idiom or proverb is followed by several possible meanings. Choose the option that correctly conveys the meaning. If none of the options is correct, select 'E' ('None of these') as your answer.

Question 16

Medium

Birds of a feather flock together

A People who are alike are often friends

B To be easily successful, especially when sexual or romantic

C No manners

D Work better or leave

E None of these

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

The idiom 'Birds of a feather flock together' means 'People who are alike are often friends'.

Question 17

Easy

Do something at the drop of a hat

A To spoil something

B Don't count on something good happening until it's happened

C Do something without having planned beforehand

D Any difficult situation or obstacle

E None of these

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

The idiom 'Do something at the drop of a hat' means 'Do something without having planned beforehand'.

Question 18

Easy

Every cloud has a silver lining

A To get upset

B To emphasise

C Very excited and/or joyful, especially when in love

D Good things come after bad things

E None of these

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

The idiom 'Every cloud has a silver lining' means 'Good things come after bad things'.

Question 19

Medium

Get a taste of your own medicine

A Get treated the way you've been treating others

B Take on a project that you cannot finish

C The person we were just talking about showed up

D Slow down

E None of these

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

The idiom 'Get a taste of your own medicine' means 'Get treated the way you've been treating others'.

Question 20

Easy

Go on a wild goose chase

A Don't give up

B To do something pointless

C Hear news of something secret

D Avoid saying what you mean

E None of these

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

The idiom 'Go on a wild goose chase' means 'To do something pointless'.