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 11
Medium
Stop crying and pull yourself together; we have a crisis to manage!
A The big issue people are avoiding discussing
B You can't have everything you desire
C It is better to show than tell
D Calm down
Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

The idiom 'Pull yourself together' means 'Calm down'. The context in the sentence highlights this usage.
Question 12
Hard
I think I need to take a sick day today; I'm feeling a bit under the weather.
A Feeling sick
B Things are going from bad to worse
C Trust what someone says
D Intentionally raise a false alarm to gain attention
Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

The idiom 'Under the weather' means 'Feeling sick'. The context in the sentence highlights this usage.
Question 13
Medium
If you're asking me what time the mechanic will finish, your guess is as good as mine.
A You'll make mistakes if you rush through something
B Very excited and deeply joyful, especially in love
C Stuck between two equally bad options
D I have absolutely no idea
Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

The idiom 'Your guess is as good as mine' means 'I have absolutely no idea'. The context in the sentence highlights this usage.
Question 14
Hard
The combination of a recession and the pandemic created a perfect storm for small businesses.
A To not hold someone responsible for something
B Something that is very common
C The worst possible situation
D Everyone gets a chance at least once in their life
Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

The idiom 'A perfect storm' means 'The worst possible situation'. The context in the sentence highlights this usage.
Question 15
Hard
He promises to help around the house, but actions speak louder than words.
A Believe what people do and not what they say
B Treat people fairly and with respect
C That's true, I agree completely
D To be completely mistaken
Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

The idiom 'Actions speak louder than words' means 'Believe what people do and not what they say'. The context in the sentence highlights this usage.