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 31
Medium
Their argument over who should wash the dishes was just a storm in a teacup.
A To become serious about the core of something
B Understand the current situation
C A big fuss about a small problem
D Get officially fired from a job
Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

The idiom 'A storm in a teacup' means 'A big fuss about a small problem'. The context in the sentence highlights this usage.
Question 32
Easy
I felt terrible yesterday, but after a good night's sleep, I'm as right as rain.
A Perfectly fine
B To deceive someone into thinking well of them
C When problems keep happening consecutively
D He is quite foolish
Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

The idiom 'As right as rain' means 'Perfectly fine'. The context in the sentence highlights this usage.
Question 33
Medium
Even if you hate the job, try not to burn bridges when you resign.
A Destroy relationships permanently
B Be patient and wait a moment
C On probation or in a precarious situation
D Have more energy after having been tired
Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

The idiom 'Burn bridges' means 'Destroy relationships permanently'. The context in the sentence highlights this usage.
Question 34
Medium
We already voted and rejected the proposal, so please don't beat a dead horse.
A Something that ends at the very last minute
B Move on, this subject is over
C Don't take it too seriously
D To emphasise a point so that it is fully understood
Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

The idiom 'Don't beat a dead horse' means 'Move on, this subject is over'. The context in the sentence highlights this usage.
Question 35
Hard
My grandfather is eighty years old but he exercises daily and is as fit as a fiddle.
A To go from being very poor to being extraordinarily wealthy
B To deceive someone into thinking well of them
C Do a significantly good job
D In extremely good health
Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

The idiom 'Fit as a fiddle' means 'In extremely good health'. The context in the sentence highlights this usage.