Competitive Exams: English Language - Idioms Quiz (Set 4)

Question 1

1.

A) To run before the wind

B) To sail close to the wind

C) To raise the wind

D) To take the wind out of one's sails

Answer

Correct Answer: B

Correct Answer: To sail close to the wind Grammatical & Idiomatic Analysis: "To sail close to the wind" is a nautical metaphor meaning to operate very close to the boundaries of what is safe, decent, or legally permissible. <ul> <li>"To run before the wind" means to sail rapidly with the wind behind.</li> <li>"To raise the wind" is an archaic idiom meaning to procure money.</li> <li>"To take the wind out of one's sails" means to cause someone to lose their confidence or advantage.</li> </ul>

Question 2

2.

A) To put the cart before the horse

B) To grease someone's palm

C) To put a spoke in someone's wheel

D) To hit the nail on the head

Answer

Correct Answer: C

Correct Answer: To put a spoke in someone's wheel Grammatical & Idiomatic Analysis: "To put a spoke in someone's wheel" means to deliberately hinder or thwart someone's plans or progress, effectively blocking their motion. <ul> <li>"To put the cart before the horse" refers to reversing the logical order of tasks.</li> <li>"To grease someone's palm" is to bribe someone.</li> <li>"To hit the nail on the head" means to find the exact answer or identify the precise truth.</li> </ul>

Question 3

3.

A) To cross the Rubicon

B) To build castles in the air

C) To bark up the wrong tree

Question 4

4.

A) A fair-weather friend

B) A rolling stone

C) A wet blanket

D) A dark horse

Answer

Correct Answer: D

Correct Answer: A dark horse Grammatical & Idiomatic Analysis: "A dark horse" is a candidate or competitor about whom little is known but who unexpectedly wins or succeeds. <ul> <li>"A fair-weather friend" is someone who is helpful only when things are going well.</li> <li>"A rolling stone" is a person who does not settle down in one place or job.</li> <li>"A wet blanket" is a person who dampens enthusiasm or enjoyment.</li> </ul>

Question 5

5.

A) A fly in the ointment

B) A wolf in sheep's clothing

C) A skeleton in the cupboard

D) A bird in the hand

Answer

Correct Answer: B

Correct Answer: A wolf in sheep's clothing Grammatical & Idiomatic Analysis: "A wolf in sheep's clothing" refers to a dangerous person disguised as a harmless one, perfectly matching the deceptive outer/inner contrast depicted in the diagram.

Question 6

6.

A) To burn the midnight oil

B) To play second fiddle

C) To go the whole hog

D) To leave no stone unturned

Answer

Correct Answer: C

Correct Answer: To go the whole hog Grammatical & Idiomatic Analysis: "To go the whole hog" means to do something completely and thoroughly, embracing it entirely rather than settling for minor, incomplete actions.

Question 7

7.

A) To talk through one's hat

B) To beat about the bush

C) To pull the wool over someone's eyes

D) To speak with tongue in cheek

Answer

Correct Answer: B

Correct Answer: To beat about the bush Grammatical & Idiomatic Analysis: "To beat about the bush" means to discuss a matter without coming directly to the point, avoiding the main issue through unnecessary circumlocution.

Question 8

8.

A) To play second fiddle

B) To draw the long bow

C) To wear one's heart on one's sleeve

D) To be under a cloud

Answer

Correct Answer: A

Correct Answer: To play second fiddle Grammatical & Idiomatic Analysis: "To play second fiddle" means to take a subordinate or weaker position relative to someone else (originating from orchestrations where the first violin plays the primary melody and the second plays support). <ul> <li>"To draw the long bow" means to exaggerate stories or statements.</li> <li>"To wear one's heart on one's sleeve" is to display emotions openly.</li> <li>"To be under a cloud" means to be under suspicion or in disfavor.</li> </ul>

Question 9

9.

A) To fish in troubled waters

B) To feather one's nest

C) To blow one's own trumpet

D) Much ado about nothing

Answer

Correct Answer: D

Correct Answer: Much ado about nothing Grammatical & Idiomatic Analysis: "Much ado about nothing" is an expression (made famous by Shakespeare's play) indicating a great deal of fuss, excitement, or activity over something trivial or of no consequence.

Question 10

10.

A) To smell a rat

B) To see through a brick wall

C) To have a card up one's sleeve

D) To keep one's fingers crossed

Answer

Correct Answer: A

Correct Answer: To smell a rat Grammatical & Idiomatic Analysis: "To smell a rat" means to suspect that something is wrong, dishonest, or deceptive in a situation before it is explicitly proven. <ul> <li>"To see through a brick wall" is to have extraordinary insight.</li> <li>"To have a card up one's sleeve" is to have a secret plan or reserve option.</li> <li>"To keep one's fingers crossed" is to hope for good luck.</li> </ul>

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: A

Correct Answer: To cross the Rubicon Grammatical & Idiomatic Analysis: "To cross the Rubicon" refers to taking an irrevocable step that commits one completely to a course of action. It traces back to Julius Caesar crossing the river Rubicon, signaling the start of a civil war from which there was no turning back.

Competitive Exams: English Language - Idioms (Set 4)

Competitive Exams: English Language - Idioms (Set 4)

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Competitive Exams: English Language - Idioms Quiz (Set 4)

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Competitive Exams: English Language - Idioms (Set 4)

Competitive Exams: English Language - Idioms (Set 4)

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