Idioms and Phrases Practice Questions

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

Directions (Q. )

In each of the following questions, four alternatives are given for the idiom or phrase italicised in the sentence. Choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the italicised idiom or phrase.

Question 1
Medium
I tried to be friendly at the party, but she just gave me the cold shoulder all evening.
A Doing a good job
B To make a bad situation worse
C To intentionally ignore someone or show them no interest
D Something that happened completely without warning
Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

The idiom 'The cold shoulder' means 'To intentionally ignore someone or show them no interest'. The context in the sentence highlights this usage.
Question 2
Hard
In this tech hub, software developers are a dime a dozen, but truly great ones are rare.
A You'll get what you want by being nice rather than mean
B This situation isn't over yet
C Something that is very common
D You're better off not knowing the truth
Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

The idiom 'A dime a dozen' means 'Something that is very common'. The context in the sentence highlights this usage.
Question 3
Easy
The apology took five years to arrive, but I suppose it's better late than never.
A To have a personal dispute or selfish motive
B An assertion that there is a reason behind eccentric behavior
C Put yourself in a tough position to support someone
D Better to arrive late than not to come at all
Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

The idiom 'Better late than never' means 'Better to arrive late than not to come at all'. The context in the sentence highlights this usage.
Question 4
Easy
We've been painting this room for eight hours; let's call it a day and finish tomorrow.
A A very rare event or occurrence
B Stop working on something
C No chance of success at all
D Someone very precious and loved
Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

The idiom 'Call it a day' means 'Stop working on something'. The context in the sentence highlights this usage.
Question 5
Easy
The construction company got in trouble for cutting corners on the building's foundation.
A He can't make up his mind
B Doing something poorly in order to save time or money
C The person we were just talking about showed up
D Tell something briefly
Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

The idiom 'Cutting corners' means 'Doing something poorly in order to save time or money'. The context in the sentence highlights this usage.