MCQs on Idioms & Phrases [Set – 5] 1. What does “Throw in the towel” mean? A) To delay a task indefinitelyB) To give up on something completelyC) To keep fighting despite challengesD) To start working on something new Show Answer Correct Answer: B) To give up on something completelyExplanation: “Throw in the towel” originates from boxing, where a towel is thrown into the ring as a sign of surrender. It means to give up when you realize you cannot succeed. 2. What does “Under the weather” mean? A) Feeling slightly unwellB) Feeling extremely happyC) Being caught in a difficult situationD) Experiencing an emotional breakdown Show Answer Correct Answer: A) Feeling slightly unwellExplanation: “Under the weather” means feeling ill or not in the best health. It is often used when someone has a minor cold or isn’t feeling well. 3. What does “Bite the bullet” mean? A) To face a difficult situation bravelyB) To avoid a challenge entirelyC) To start an argument with someoneD) To confront someone angrily Show Answer Correct Answer: A) To face a difficult situation bravelyExplanation: “Bite the bullet” means to endure a painful or unpleasant situation with courage, often because there’s no other choice. 4. What does “Beat around the bush” mean? A) To speak directly about an issueB) To avoid addressing the main topicC) To confront someone openlyD) To take immediate action Show Answer Correct Answer: B) To avoid addressing the main topicExplanation: “Beat around the bush” refers to avoiding the main issue or not speaking directly, often to delay discussing something uncomfortable. 5. What does “Once in a blue moon” mean? A) Something that is bound to happen soonB) Something that occurs every dayC) A frequent occurrence in lifeD) An event that happens very rarely Show Answer Correct Answer: D) An event that happens very rarelyExplanation: “Once in a blue moon” means that something happens extremely infrequently, almost never. It’s used to describe rare events. 6. What does “Break the bank” mean? A) To earn a great deal of moneyB) To save a lot of moneyC) To spend all your moneyD) To steal from a bank Show Answer Correct Answer: C) To spend all your moneyExplanation: “Break the bank” means to use up all of your financial resources or spend a large amount of money, often more than one can afford. 7. What does “Spill the beans” mean? A) To hide important detailsB) To reveal a secret or sensitive informationC) To exaggerate a situationD) To prevent someone from finding out the truth Show Answer Correct Answer: B) To reveal a secret or sensitive informationExplanation: “Spill the beans” means to disclose confidential or secret information, often accidentally or prematurely. 8. What does “Take with a grain of salt” mean? A) To completely trust what is being saidB) To be highly critical of someoneC) To treat something with skepticismD) To accept advice without question Show Answer Correct Answer: C) To treat something with skepticismExplanation: “Take with a grain of salt” means to not fully believe something, especially when the information could be exaggerated or unreliable. 9. What does “Go the extra mile” mean? A) To do more than what is expectedB) To barely meet expectationsC) To complete a task just in timeD) To ignore responsibilities completely Show Answer Correct Answer: A) To do more than what is expectedExplanation: “Go the extra mile” refers to putting in additional effort beyond what is necessary or expected in order to achieve success or help others. 10. What does “The elephant in the room” mean? A) An issue that is unimportantB) A topic everyone avoids but knows existsC) A solution that everyone agrees onD) A problem that can easily be solved Show Answer Correct Answer: B) A topic everyone avoids but knows existsExplanation: “The elephant in the room” refers to a significant problem or issue that is obvious to everyone but is being ignored or avoided in conversation. 11. What does “Burn the midnight oil” mean? A) To work on something during the dayB) To give up on a task halfway throughC) To start a new project early in the morningD) To work late into the night Show Answer Correct Answer: D) To work late into the nightExplanation: “Burn the midnight oil” means to stay up late working on something, typically studying or working on an important task. 12. What does “Let the cat out of the bag” mean? A) To keep a secretB) To reveal a secret unintentionallyC) To intentionally spread false informationD) To hide something from everyone Show Answer Correct Answer: B) To reveal a secret unintentionallyExplanation: “Let the cat out of the bag” means to disclose something that was meant to remain hidden or secret, often by mistake. 13. What does “Bark up the wrong tree” mean? A) To blame the right person for a problemB) To resolve a conflict peacefullyC) To make an effort in the wrong directionD) To focus on the correct issue Show Answer Correct Answer: C) To make an effort in the wrong directionExplanation: “Bark up the wrong tree” means to pursue a mistaken or misguided course of action, especially when addressing a problem. 14. What does “Jump on the bandwagon” mean? A) To start a new trendB) To support something just because it’s popularC) To be the last to follow a trendD) To criticize popular opinions Show Answer Correct Answer: B) To support something just because it’s popularExplanation: “Jump on the bandwagon” means to join in on something that is currently trendy or widely supported, often without critical consideration. 15. What does “Caught between a rock and a hard place” mean? A) Facing two equally bad optionsB) Having two easy choices to makeC) Being stuck in a comfortable situationD) Being forced to choose the best option Show Answer Correct Answer: A) Facing two equally bad optionsExplanation: “Caught between a rock and a hard place” means being in a difficult situation with no good alternatives, often where both choices seem unfavorable. 16. What does “Steal someone’s thunder” mean? A) To take credit for someone else’s workB) To give someone too much attentionC) To avoid giving someone recognitionD)

MCQs on Idioms & Phrases [Set – 4] 1. What does “Hit the nail on the head” mean? A) To avoid answering a question directlyB) To describe something perfectly or accuratelyC) To complicate a situationD) To strike at the wrong place Show Answer Correct Answer: B) To describe something perfectly or accuratelyExplanation: “Hit the nail on the head” means to get something exactly right or describe a situation with precision. This idiom is often used when someone gives an accurate answer or explanation. 2. What does “On cloud nine” mean? A) Feeling confusedB) Being undecidedC) Experiencing a bad dayD) Being very happy or elated Show Answer Correct Answer: D) Being very happy or elatedExplanation: “On cloud nine” refers to being in a state of great happiness or excitement. The phrase conveys a feeling of extreme joy. 3. What does “The ball is in your court” mean? A) To have no choice in a matterB) To be indecisive about an issueC) To take responsibility for making a decisionD) To ask for someone else’s opinion Show Answer Correct Answer: C) To take responsibility for making a decisionExplanation: “The ball is in your court” means that it is now your turn or responsibility to take action or make a decision regarding a situation. 4. What does “Break the ice” mean? A) To begin a conversation in a social settingB) To end a difficult conversationC) To ignore someone intentionallyD) To create tension in a situation Show Answer Correct Answer: A) To begin a conversation in a social settingExplanation: “Break the ice” is used when someone starts a conversation or interaction to reduce tension and make others feel comfortable in a social setting. 5. What does “Burn bridges” mean? A) To repair relationshipsB) To sever ties and prevent future relationshipsC) To maintain a neutral positionD) To build new connections Show Answer Correct Answer: B) To sever ties and prevent future relationshipsExplanation: “Burn bridges” means to end relationships in such a way that you cannot go back or rebuild them, often by causing harm or offense in the process. 6. What does “Call it a day” mean? A) To finish or stop working for the dayB) To continue working lateC) To delay a task until the next dayD) To avoid work altogether Show Answer Correct Answer: A) To finish or stop working for the dayExplanation: “Call it a day” refers to stopping work or deciding that you’ve done enough for the day. It signifies the end of a task or activity. 7. What does “Costs an arm and a leg” mean? A) Something that is very cheapB) Something that is freely availableC) Something that is of poor qualityD) Something that is extremely expensive Show Answer Correct Answer: D) Something that is extremely expensiveExplanation: “Costs an arm and a leg” is a way of saying that something is very costly or expensive, implying that it is nearly unaffordable. 8. What does “Cut to the chase” mean? A) To speak about unrelated topicsB) To focus directly on the main issueC) To avoid discussing important mattersD) To extend the discussion unnecessarily Show Answer Correct Answer: B) To focus directly on the main issueExplanation: “Cut to the chase” means to get straight to the point without wasting time on irrelevant details. It’s often used when someone is asked to focus on the main issue. 9. What does “Devil’s advocate” mean? A) To support a well-accepted argumentB) To agree with someone’s viewpointC) To oppose an idea purely for the sake of debateD) To encourage consensus Show Answer Correct Answer: C) To oppose an idea purely for the sake of debateExplanation: “Playing devil’s advocate” involves taking a position against a popular or widely accepted argument in order to provoke discussion or test the strength of the opposing side. 10. What does “Elvis has left the building” mean? A) The show is over or someone has departedB) The event is about to startC) Someone is taking a breakD) The audience is returning for an encore Show Answer Correct Answer: A) The show is over or someone has departedExplanation: This idiom means that an event or situation is over, or someone important has left. It originated from Elvis Presley concerts, signaling the end of the show. 11. What does “Hit the books” mean? A) To destroy books physicallyB) To start studying hardC) To choose a book to readD) To organize a book club Show Answer Correct Answer: B) To start studying hardExplanation: “Hit the books” is an idiom meaning to begin studying intensely. It’s often used by students preparing for exams or assignments. 12. What does “Jump on the bandwagon” mean? A) To take action earlyB) To oppose a movementC) To support a popular trend or activityD) To avoid making decisions Show Answer Correct Answer: C) To support a popular trend or activityExplanation: “Jump on the bandwagon” refers to joining a cause or movement that is currently popular or gaining widespread support, often to fit in or avoid missing out. 13. What does “Keep your chin up” mean? A) To stay positive and cheerful during tough timesB) To maintain a neutral stanceC) To ignore challengesD) To question everything you do Show Answer Correct Answer: A) To stay positive and cheerful during tough timesExplanation: “Keep your chin up” means to remain optimistic and maintain your confidence, even in difficult or discouraging situations. 14. What does “Kill two birds with one stone” mean? A) To accomplish two tasks with one effortB) To solve multiple problems in different waysC) To make a situation worseD) To fail at multiple tasks Show Answer Correct Answer: A) To accomplish two tasks with one effortExplanation: This idiom means that you can complete two objectives at once with a single action, saving time and effort. 15. What does “Let the cat out of the bag” mean? A) To reveal a secret unintentionallyB) To avoid making a mistakeC) To control a situationD) To act cautiously in revealing information Show Answer Correct Answer: A) To reveal a secret unintentionallyExplanation: “Let the cat out of the bag” refers to accidentally revealing a secret or information that was meant to

MCQs on Idioms & Phrases [Set – 3] 1. What does the idiom “Don’t cry wolf” mean? A) Don’t make false claims to attract attentionB) Don’t alert others without a reasonC) Don’t scare others with unproven dangersD) Don’t make loud noises for no reason Show Answer Correct Answer: A) Don’t make false claims to attract attentionExplanation: “Don’t cry wolf” means not to raise a false alarm repeatedly, as it can lead to others ignoring you when you really need help. 2. What does “Elvis has left the building” mean? A) The main performer has arrivedB) The event has come to an endC) A surprise is expected soonD) The situation is about to start Show Answer Correct Answer: B) The event has come to an endExplanation: “Elvis has left the building” is often used to indicate that something has finished or there is nothing more to be seen. 3. What does “Every cloud has a silver lining” mean? A) A moment that never occursB) Something that is very easy to doC) Every situation is entirely bad or goodD) Every bad situation has something positive Show Answer Correct Answer: D) Every bad situation has something positiveExplanation: This phrase means that even in difficult situations, there’s always a positive aspect or hope. 4. What does “Feel under the weather” mean? A) To dislike the weather conditionsB) To be afraid of the coldC) To be unusually happyD) To feel unwell or sick Show Answer Correct Answer: D) To feel unwell or sickExplanation: “Feel under the weather” refers to feeling slightly ill. 5. What does “Give someone the cold shoulder” mean? A) To help someone with adviceB) To greet someone with a hugC) To assist someone in needD) To ignore someone intentionally Show Answer Correct Answer: D) To ignore someone intentionallyExplanation: This idiom means to deliberately ignore or shun someone. 6. What does “Hit the nail on the head” mean? A) To do something exactly rightB) To finish a task carelesslyC) To avoid a difficult situationD) To miss the point entirely Show Answer Correct Answer: A) To do something exactly rightExplanation: “Hit the nail on the head” means to perfectly identify or do something correctly. 7. What does “In the heat of the moment” mean? A) To delay taking any action or responseB) To act impulsively due to strong emotionsC) To make a calculated decision after thinkingD) To calmly assess a situation before acting Show Answer Correct Answer: B) To act impulsively due to strong emotionsExplanation: This phrase refers to doing something in an emotional or rushed state, without thinking it through. 8. What does “It takes two to tango” mean? A) A single person is responsible for an issueB) To avoid collaborating with othersC) Two parties are needed to solve a problemD) Only one individual should be blamed for a mistake Show Answer Correct Answer: C) Two parties are needed to solve a problemExplanation: This idiom means that both parties are usually responsible in any situation, especially conflicts. 9. What does “Kill two birds with one stone” mean? A) To create more problems by acting impulsivelyB) To solve two problems with one actionC) To face two issues without a solutionD) To cause unnecessary complications Show Answer Correct Answer: B) To solve two problems with one actionExplanation: “Kill two birds with one stone” refers to accomplishing two things at once. 10. What does “Let the cat out of the bag” mean? A) To conceal important informationB) To reveal a secretC) To cook beansD) To successfully hide something Show Answer Correct Answer: B) To reveal a secretExplanation: This idiom means to reveal something that was supposed to be kept confidential. 11. What does “Once in a blue moon” mean? A) An event that occurs frequentlyB) Something that happens on a daily basisC) Something that happens very rarelyD) A moment that never occurs Show Answer Correct Answer: C) Something that happens very rarelyExplanation: “Once in a blue moon” means something that happens very infrequently. 12. What does “On the ball” mean? A) To act with complete indifferenceB) To be caught off guard frequentlyC) To be highly competent and alertD) To be slow to react Show Answer Correct Answer: C) To be highly competent and alertExplanation: This idiom refers to being quick to understand or react to a situation. 13. What does “Pull someone’s leg” mean? A) To trick someone into working hardB) To tease or joke with someoneC) To give someone genuine adviceD) To physically harm someone Show Answer Correct Answer: B) To tease or joke with someoneExplanation: “Pull someone’s leg” means to joke or fool someone in a playful way. 14. What does “See eye to eye” mean? A) To communicate without speakingB) To be in constant disagreementC) To agree with someone on an issueD) To avoid direct confrontation Show Answer Correct Answer: C) To agree with someone on an issueExplanation: “See eye to eye” means to agree with someone or share the same viewpoint. 15. What does “Sit on the fence” mean? A) To avoid making a decision or commitmentB) To choose sides without hesitationC) To act impulsivelyD) To take a firm stand on an issue Show Answer Correct Answer: A) To avoid making a decision or commitmentExplanation: “Sit on the fence” means to remain neutral and not take sides in a situation. 16. What does “Speak of the devil” mean? A) To summon someone by calling their nameB) To discuss the negative traits of someoneC) To mention someone just before they appearD) To talk about a dangerous person Show Answer Correct Answer: C) To mention someone just before they appearExplanation: This idiom is used when the person you were talking about unexpectedly appears. 17. What does “Steal someone’s thunder” mean? A) To offer someone assistance secretlyB) To refuse help when neededC) To encourage someone’s successD) To take credit for someone else’s work Show Answer Correct Answer: D) To take credit for someone else’s workExplanation: “Steal someone’s thunder” refers to taking attention or praise that someone else deserves. 18. What does “Take it with a grain of salt” mean? A) To blindly believe anything toldB) To ignore all advice given by

MCQs on Idioms & Phrases [Set – 2] 1. What does the idiom “A blessing in disguise” mean? A) Something that seems bad at first but turns out goodB) A curse that brings misfortuneC) A hidden opportunity for successD) Something that improves gradually over time Show Answer Correct Answer: A) Something that seems bad at first but turns out goodExplanation: “A blessing in disguise” refers to an event or situation that initially appears negative but eventually results in something positive. 2. What does “A dime a dozen” mean? A) Something very expensiveB) Something rare and valuableC) Something common and of little valueD) Something that has increased in price Show Answer Correct Answer: C) Something common and of little valueExplanation: “A dime a dozen” means something that is very common and therefore not highly valued. 3. What does the phrase “Actions speak louder than words” convey? A) What you say is more important than what you doB) Deeds are more impactful than promisesC) People believe only what they hearD) Talk is the most effective form of communication Show Answer Correct Answer: B) Deeds are more impactful than promisesExplanation: “Actions speak louder than words” implies that people judge you more by what you do than by what you say. 4. What does “Add fuel to the fire” mean? A) To calm down an already tense situationB) To make a problem worseC) To take no action in a conflictD) To resolve a heated argument Show Answer Correct Answer: B) To make a problem worseExplanation: “Add fuel to the fire” means to make an already bad situation even worse. 5. What is meant by “All bark and no bite”? A) Someone who threatens but doesn’t actB) A person who quietly takes actionC) A dangerous but silent individualD) A calm person who acts aggressively Show Answer Correct Answer: A) Someone who threatens but doesn’t actExplanation: “All bark and no bite” refers to someone who talks tough but doesn’t follow through with action. 6. What does it mean to be “All ears”? A) To speak without being heardB) To be deaf to someone’s concernsC) To gossip about othersD) To be very attentive and ready to listen Show Answer Correct Answer: D) To be very attentive and ready to listenExplanation: “All ears” means that someone is listening very attentively and is eager to hear what’s being said. 7. What does the idiom “At the drop of a hat” mean? A) To wait for someone’s approvalB) To procrastinateC) To act without hesitationD) To be unsure of what to do Show Answer Correct Answer: C) To act without hesitationExplanation: “At the drop of a hat” means to do something immediately, without any delay or hesitation. 8. What is meant by “Barking up the wrong tree”? A) To pursue the wrong course of actionB) To focus on solving the right problemC) To ask for help from the wrong personD) To be constantly confused about decisions Show Answer Correct Answer: A) To pursue the wrong course of actionExplanation: “Barking up the wrong tree” means to direct efforts toward the wrong solution or target. 9. What does “Beat around the bush” mean? A) To resolve an issue directlyB) To avoid addressing the main issueC) To go straight to the pointD) To cut down trees without hesitation Show Answer Correct Answer: B) To avoid addressing the main issueExplanation: “Beat around the bush” refers to avoiding the main point, often by talking in a roundabout way. 10. What does “Bite off more than you can chew” mean? A) To handle responsibilities with easeB) To take on more responsibilities than you can handleC) To avoid responsibilities altogetherD) To complete tasks ahead of schedule Show Answer Correct Answer: B) To take on more responsibilities than you can handleExplanation: “Bite off more than you can chew” means to attempt something that is too difficult or beyond your capacity. 11. What does “Bite the bullet” mean? A) To avoid a challengeB) To act carelessly in a dangerous situationC) To back out from a difficult decisionD) To endure a painful experience bravely Show Answer Correct Answer: D) To endure a painful experience bravelyExplanation: “Bite the bullet” means to face a painful or unpleasant situation with courage. 12. What does “Break the ice” mean? A) To confront someone angrilyB) To solve a complex problemC) To start a conversation in a social settingD) To ignore people in a gathering Show Answer Correct Answer: C) To start a conversation in a social settingExplanation: “Break the ice” refers to doing something to initiate a conversation or interaction in an awkward or tense environment. 13. What does “Burn the midnight oil” mean? A) To work late into the nightB) To sleep earlyC) To start working at dawnD) To take frequent breaks during work Show Answer Correct Answer: A) To work late into the nightExplanation: “Burn the midnight oil” means to work or study late into the night. 14. What is meant by “By the skin of your teeth”? A) To achieve something with easeB) To narrowly escape a difficult situationC) To completely fail at a taskD) To win by a large margin Show Answer Correct Answer: B) To narrowly escape a difficult situationExplanation: “By the skin of your teeth” refers to barely succeeding or surviving a difficult situation. 15. What does “Call it a day” mean? A) To stop working for the dayB) To begin an important taskC) To work tirelessly through the nightD) To delay completing tasks Show Answer Correct Answer: A) To stop working for the dayExplanation: “Call it a day” means to decide that one has done enough work for the day and to stop working. 16. What does the idiom “Cut corners” mean? A) To use efficient methods to complete tasksB) To achieve results by working hardC) To do something poorly to save time or moneyD) To perform tasks with precision and care Show Answer Correct Answer: C) To do something poorly to save time or moneyExplanation: “Cut corners” refers to doing something in a way that is easier or cheaper but results in lower quality. 17. What does “Cut to the chase” mean? A)