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 41
Easy
His youngest daughter was always the apple of his eye.
A To take the credit for something someone else achieved
B Someone very precious and loved
C Something that happens rarely
D Follow a popular trend
Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

The idiom 'Apple of eye' means 'Someone very precious and loved'. The context in the sentence highlights this usage.
Question 42
Easy
Stop being such a couch potato and come for a walk with me outside!
A A remarkably lazy person
B To become more comfortable in whatever new thing you are doing
C Having absolutely no manners
D Something that shows potential in the beginning but fails to deliver
Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

The idiom 'Couch potato' means 'A remarkably lazy person'. The context in the sentence highlights this usage.
Question 43
Medium
Eating a diet rich in vitamin C can help keep winter colds at bay.
A Keep a threat or problem away
B Don't count on something good happening until it's happened
C To make a bad situation worse
D A warm cup of coffee
Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

The idiom 'Keep something at bay' means 'Keep a threat or problem away'. The context in the sentence highlights this usage.
Question 44
Medium
I wouldn't be caught dead wearing that ridiculous neon hat in public.
A He seems crazy but actually he's clever
B To raise your middle finger at someone in anger
C Something you never forget how to do
D Would never under any circumstances do something
Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

The idiom 'Wouldn't be caught dead' means 'Would never under any circumstances do something'. The context in the sentence highlights this usage.
Question 45
Easy
I tried reading the legal contract, but it was all Greek to me.
A Be extremely happy when a person leaves
B To take the credit for something someone else achieved
C Completely meaningless and incomprehensible
D I made a mistake and learned from it
Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

The idiom 'All Greek to me' means 'Completely meaningless and incomprehensible'. The context in the sentence highlights this usage.