A) To try desperately to save a hopeless situation
B) To hold onto something very tightly
C) To reach for something out of reach
D) To waste time on unimportant matters
Correct Answer: A) To try desperately to save a hopeless situation
Explanation: “Grasping at straws” refers to trying anything possible, even if it’s unlikely to succeed, in a desperate attempt to avoid a negative outcome.
A) To be extremely confident and proud
B) To be easily angered or hold a grudge
C) To be very careful about your appearance
D) To be indifferent to other people’s opinions
Correct Answer: B) To be easily angered or hold a grudge
Explanation: “Have a chip on your shoulder” means to have a grudge or to be easily upset, often due to past grievances.
A) To finish a smaller task first
B) To cook more food
C) To start a new project
D) To deal with more important matters
Correct Answer: D) To deal with more important matters
Explanation: “Have bigger fish to fry” means to be concerned with more significant or important issues rather than minor ones.
A) To be patient and wait
B) To ride horses in a race
C) To take control of a situation
D) To prepare for an event
Correct Answer: A) To be patient and wait
Explanation: “Hold your horses” means to slow down and wait, often used to advise someone to be patient before taking action.
A) A little bit late
B) At the exact scheduled time
C) Just before it is too late
D) Ahead of schedule
Correct Answer: C) Just before it is too late
Explanation: “In the nick of time” means arriving or completing something just before the last possible moment.
A) To start something prematurely
B) To move quickly
C) To make a hasty decision
D) To take a risk
Correct Answer: A) To start something prematurely
Explanation: “Jump the gun” means to act too soon or start something before the appropriate or planned time.
A) To maintain a serious attitude
B) To remain optimistic and cheerful
C) To physically keep your chin up while standing
D) To avoid speaking
Correct Answer: B) To remain optimistic and cheerful
Explanation: “Keep your chin up” means to stay positive and remain encouraged, even in difficult situations.
A) To ignore the procedures
B) To physically know how to tie knots
C) To be familiar with the details of a task
D) To learn new skills
Correct Answer: C) To be familiar with the details of a task
Explanation: “Know the ropes” means to be well-acquainted with the procedures or details of a task or job.
A) To abruptly stop a habit or activity
B) To cook a meal
C) To start a new activity gradually
D) To avoid making changes
Correct Answer: A) To abruptly stop a habit or activity
Explanation: “Quit cold turkey” means to stop a habit or activity abruptly and completely, without any gradual reduction.
A) To enforce rules
B) To read a legal document
C) To act in a chaotic manner
D) To reprimand someone severely
Correct Answer: D) To reprimand someone severely
Explanation: “Read the riot act” means to reprimand or warn someone in a serious manner, often about their behavior.
A) To receive a share of profits or benefits
B) To avoid participating in an activity
C) To be involved in an ongoing conflict
D) To witness an event without participating
Correct Answer: A) To receive a share of profits or benefits
Explanation: “Piece of the action” means to get a part of the benefits or profits from a particular situation or venture.
A) To speak about theoretical concepts without applying them
B) To follow the advice you give to others
C) To avoid giving advice to others
D) To ignore personal beliefs in favor of others’ opinions
Correct Answer: B) To follow the advice you give to others
Explanation: “Practice what you preach” means to act according to the principles or advice you promote to others, ensuring consistency between words and actions.
A) To calm down and regain control of your emotions
B) To separate yourself from a group
C) To begin a new project with enthusiasm
D) To continue working despite obstacles
Correct Answer: A) To calm down and regain control of your emotions
Explanation: “Pull yourself together” means to regain your composure and control your emotions, especially after a distressing or emotional situation.
A) To enjoy a leisurely boat ride
B) To balance a boat while on water
C) To create disturbance or trouble in a stable situation
D) To navigate through calm waters
Correct Answer: C) To create disturbance or trouble in a stable situation
Explanation: “Rock the boat” means to disrupt a situation that is currently stable or peaceful, often by introducing changes or creating issues.
A) To physically dodge attacks during a fight
B) To avoid confrontation or conflict
C) To adjust to difficult circumstances
D) To remain inactive during a crisis
Correct Answer: C) To adjust to difficult circumstances
Explanation: “Roll with the punches” means to adapt and respond effectively to challenging or adverse situations, much like a boxer adjusting to punches.
A) To mention someone who is not present
B) To speak about something with great enthusiasm
C) To use strong language when upset
D) To talk about someone who has just arrived
Correct Answer: D) To talk about someone who has just arrived
Explanation: “Speak of the devil” is used when someone you were talking about appears unexpectedly, as if they heard the conversation.
A) To physically stand on a specific spot
B) To maintain your position and not give in
C) To avoid making any changes or adjustments
D) To move to a more secure location
Correct Answer: B) To maintain your position and not give in
Explanation: “Stand your ground” means to hold firm and not yield or change your stance, especially in the face of opposition or challenge.
A) To allow someone else to take the lead
B) To physically sit in the rear of a vehicle
C) To avoid participating in a discussion
D) To take responsibility for a task
Correct Answer: A) To allow someone else to take the lead
Explanation: “Take a back seat” means to let someone else take charge or take a more prominent role while you assume a less active or less visible position.
A) To face a difficult situation with courage
B) To physically handle a bull in a farm setting
C) To avoid dealing with a challenging problem
D) To delegate difficult tasks to others
Correct Answer: A) To face a difficult situation with courage
Explanation: “Take the bull by the horns” means to confront and deal with a challenging situation directly and bravely, taking control of it.
A) To continue working despite difficulties
B) To start a new project with enthusiasm
C) To give up or admit defeat
D) To offer help or support to someone
Correct Answer: C) To give up or admit defeat
Explanation: “Throw in the towel” means to surrender or admit defeat after recognizing that continuing is no longer feasible.
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