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 31
Medium
Every dog has his day
A A big fuss about a small problem
B Money you save today you can spend later
C Someone criticizing someone else he is just as bad
D To be received badly by an audience
E None of these
Correct Answer: E

Explanation:

The idiom 'Every dog has his day' means 'Everyone gets a chance at least once'.
Question 32
Easy
Know which way the wind is blowing
A Everything is going wrong at once
B Get treated the way you've been treating others
C Understand the situation
D To make a bad situation worse
E None of these
Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

The idiom 'Know which way the wind is blowing' means 'Understand the situation'.
Question 33
Hard
Once bitten, twice shy
A Give away a secret
B Hear something from the person involved
C When an attempt fails and it's time to start all over
D You're more cautious when you've been hurt before
E None of these
Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

The idiom 'Once bitten, twice shy' means 'You're more cautious when you've been hurt before'.
Question 34
Easy
Shape up or ship out
A To gamble everything you have
B People who have faults should not criticize others for having the same faults
C Work better or leave
D Get out of control
E None of these
Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

The idiom 'Shape up or ship out' means 'Work better or leave'.
Question 35
Medium
That ship has sailed
A Believe what people do and not what they say
B Hear something from the person involved
C It's too late
D An enjoyable day or circumstance
E None of these
Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

The idiom 'That ship has sailed' means 'It's too late'.