Free Idioms and Phrases MCQs with Answers
242 Idioms and Phrases MCQs from English, each with the correct answer and a written explanation of why it is correct. Free and unlimited, with no account needed.
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242 questions · page 20 of 25
191. "Bird Brain" means _____?
- A. A person that is not too smart; a person that acts stupid
- B. A person that is too smart; a person that acts Sharp
- C. A person that is too lazy; a person that acts dull
- D. A person that too angry; a person that acts hastly
Explanation: A bird brain is a person regarded as foolish or lacking intelligence. The expression is insulting and does not mean a sharp or highly intelligent person.
Correct answer: A person that is not too smart; a person that acts stupid192. "Best of both worlds" means ________?
- A. A phrase implying that a person is never satisfied with their current situation; they think others have it better
- B. People's intentions can be judged better by what they do than by what they say
- C. A situation wherein someone has the privilege of enjoying two different opportunities
- D. Just the information I have on the subject
Explanation: Having the best of both worlds means enjoying the advantages of two different situations or opportunities. It combines benefits that are normally separate.
Correct answer: A situation wherein someone has the privilege of enjoying two different opportunities193. "Beating a dead horse" means ________?
- A. To uselessly dwell on a subject far beyond its point of resolution
- B. An obvious, pressing issue left unaddressed due to its sensitive nature.
- C. To speak the truth, even to the point of being blunt and rude
- D. To work late into the night, alluding to the time before electric lighting
Explanation: Beating a dead horse means continuing to discuss or pursue an issue after further effort can achieve nothing. The subject has already reached its practical point of resolution.
Correct answer: To uselessly dwell on a subject far beyond its point of resolution194. "Basket case" _______?
- A. An area of vulnerability
- B. Narrowly; barely. Usually used in regard to a narrow escape from a disaster
- C. To treat a topic, but omit its main points, often intentionally or to delay or avoid talking about something difficult or unpleasant
- D. One made powerless or ineffective, as by nerves, panic, or stress
Explanation: A basket case is a person or situation rendered helpless or ineffective, often by panic, stress, or emotional strain. The other options describe different expressions.
Correct answer: One made powerless or ineffective, as by nerves, panic, or stress195. "Apple of discord" means ______?
- A. Anything causing trouble, discord, or jealousy
- B. A person that is not too smart; a person that acts stupid
- C. To further a loss with sarcasm or indignity; to worsen an unfavorable situation
- D. To speak the truth, even to the point of being blunt and rude
Explanation: An apple of discord is a person or thing that causes disagreement, trouble, or jealousy. The expression comes from the Greek myth in which an apple caused a dispute among goddesses.
Correct answer: Anything causing trouble, discord, or jealousy196. "An arm and a leg" means _________?
- A. Full throttle; at maximum speed
- B. Very cheap or inexpensive. A little amount of money
- C. Very expensive or costly. A large amount of money
- D. One made powerless or ineffective, as by nerves, panic, or stress
Explanation: “An arm and a leg” means an extremely large amount of money or a very high cost. It is therefore the opposite of cheap or inexpensive.
Correct answer: Very expensive or costly. A large amount of money197. "Elephant in the room" means _________?
- A. An obvious, pressing issue left unaddressed due to its sensitive nature
- B. In good physical health
- C. Someone can perceive things and events that are outside of their field of vision
- D. You learned something through means of a rumor
Explanation: The elephant in the room is an obvious and important problem that people avoid discussing because it is uncomfortable or sensitive. Its very obviousness makes the avoidance notable.
Correct answer: An obvious, pressing issue left unaddressed due to its sensitive nature198. "Achilles' heel" means ________?
- A. To action a task; to initiate work
- B. A metaphor for a fatal weakness in spite of overall strength
- C. A hidden or secret strength, or unrevealed advantage
- D. To endure a painful or unpleasant situation that is unavoidable
Explanation: Achilles’ heel is a weak point in someone or something that is otherwise strong, like Achilles’ vulnerable heel in Greek mythology. It can lead to serious or fatal failure despite overall strength.
Correct answer: A metaphor for a fatal weakness in spite of overall strength199. "Ace in the hole" means __________?
- A. A hidden or secret strength, or unrevealed advantage
- B. A metaphor for a fatal weakness in spite of overall strength
- C. Anything causing trouble, discord, or jealousy
- D. Without any hesitation; instantly
Explanation: An ace in the hole is a hidden resource or advantage kept in reserve for use when needed. It is a secret strength, not a weakness.
Correct answer: A hidden or secret strength, or unrevealed advantage200. "A hot potato" means _________?
- A. The one tiny drawback that ruins it
- B. To go to bed to sleep
- C. To find fault with something that has been received as a gift or favor
- D. A controversial issue or situation that is awkward or unpleasant to deal with
Explanation: A hot potato is a controversial or difficult matter that people want to avoid handling. The image suggests something too hot to hold comfortably.
Correct answer: A controversial issue or situation that is awkward or unpleasant to deal with