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 16
Medium
If you think I'm the one who ate your lunch, you're barking up the wrong tree.
A He has bigger things to take care of
B The absolutely hottest days of the summer season
C Severe stiffness in the leg
D To be completely mistaken
Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

The idiom 'Barking up the wrong tree' means 'To be completely mistaken'. The context in the sentence highlights this usage.
Question 17
Medium
The host told a funny joke to break the ice at the awkward dinner party.
A Take on a project that you cannot finish
B Have more energy after having been tired
C You're more cautious when you've been hurt before
D Make people feel more comfortable
Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

The idiom 'Break the ice' means 'Make people feel more comfortable'. The context in the sentence highlights this usage.
Question 18
Medium
I passed the difficult mathematics exam by the skin of my teeth.
A To drink heavily on a regular basis
B To intentionally ignore someone or show them no interest
C Make people feel more comfortable
D Just barely making it
Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

The idiom 'By the skin of your teeth' means 'Just barely making it'. The context in the sentence highlights this usage.
Question 19
Easy
My adventurous sister is ready to travel at the drop of a hat.
A Stop working on something
B Do something without having planned beforehand
C You can't force someone to make the right decision
D Stuck between two equally bad options
Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

The idiom 'Do something at the drop of a hat' means 'Do something without having planned beforehand'. The context in the sentence highlights this usage.
Question 20
Hard
You failed the quiz, but don't cry over spilt milk; just study harder for the final.
A Intentionally raise a false alarm to gain attention
B There's no reason to complain about something that can't be fixed
C Doing something poorly in order to save time or money
D Something you never forget how to do
Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

The idiom 'Don't cry over spilt milk' means 'There's no reason to complain about something that can't be fixed'. The context in the sentence highlights this usage.