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 41

Medium

Burn the midnight oil

A Don't be so critical

B An assertion that, despite one's often eccentric behavior, there is a reason behind it

C To work late into the night

D Have more energy after having been tired

E None of these

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

The idiom 'Burn the midnight oil' means 'To work late into the night'.

Question 42

Medium

Drastic times call for drastic measures

A To not hold someone responsible for something

B Doing something poorly in order to save time or money

C To be mistaken

D To become serious about something

E None of these

Correct Answer: E

Explanation:

The idiom 'Drastic times call for drastic measures' means 'When you are extremely desperate you need to take drastic actions'.

Question 43

Hard

In the heat of the moment

A To do something pointless

B To have something secured

C Stop working on something

D Overwhelmed by what is happening in the moment

E None of these

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

The idiom 'In the heat of the moment' means 'Overwhelmed by what is happening in the moment'.

Question 44

Medium

Keep something at bay

A Destroy relationships

B There's no reason to complain about something that can't be fixed

C Keep something away

D Leave out all the unnecessary details and just get to the point

E None of these

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

The idiom 'Keep something at bay' means 'Keep something away'.

Question 45

Hard

Put wool over other people's eyes

A He seems crazy but actually he's clever

B To deceive someone into thinking well of them

C It's too late

D Move on, this subject is over

E None of these

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

The idiom 'Put wool over other people's eyes' means 'To deceive someone into thinking well of them'.