Free Idioms and Phrases MCQs with Answers

21. Sell someone down the river means:

• A. Deliberately kill (a person or animal) by drowning
• B. Betray someone for personal profit or advantage
• C. Hate someone to an extreme level
• D. To destroy or get rid of someone

Explanation: To sell someone down the river means to betray or sacrifice that person for one’s own benefit. It does not normally mean physically killing or destroying someone.

22. Burn the midnight oil means:

• A. Turn on light in late night
• B. Work late into the night
• C. Work hard to achieve something
• D. Waste the resources

Explanation: To burn the midnight oil means to work or study late into the night. The idiom focuses on the late hour, not merely on working hard during the day.

23. Penny wise and pound foolish

• A. Wise to spend each penny carefully
• B. Careful about small amounts but careless about large amounts
• C. People who don't understand the importance of each penny
• D. A part of life

Explanation: “Penny wise and pound foolish” describes being careful with small amounts of money while being careless with larger amounts. It warns that saving small sums can be pointless if major costs are ignored.

24. What is the meaning of the phrase 'cry over split milk'?

• A. Brief explanation
• B. When you complain about a loss from the past
• C. Express your feelings
• D. Be sad over little things

Explanation: “Cry over spilt milk” means becoming upset or complaining about a past loss that cannot be undone. The word “split” in the question is a common misspelling of “spilt” or “spilled.”

25. 'Water under the bridge' means:

• A. A stagnant pond
• B. Something that happened in the past and cannot now be changed
• C. Alter facts or figures dishonestly or illegally
• D. Unresolved issue or conflict

Explanation: “Water under the bridge” describes a past event whose consequences or details cannot now be changed. It often advises someone to stop worrying about an old matter.

26. 'Be under the scanner' means: ____________?

• A. Being closely examined
• B. Be under the watchful eye
• C. Be under scrutiny
• D. All of Above

Explanation: To be under the scanner means to be closely examined or subjected to scrutiny. Being under a watchful eye conveys the same idea, so all three descriptions apply.

27. Idiom "hold the ring" means:

• A. Monitor a dispute without becoming involved in it
• B. Become involved in a conflict
• C. Set the alarm
• D. Make new ringtones

Explanation: To hold the ring is to remain neutral while observing or managing a dispute without taking part in it. It is therefore different from becoming involved in the conflict.

28. Idiom "cook the books" means: _____________?

• A. Alter facts or figures dishonestly or illegally
• B. Read or write a lot of books
• C. Give exact information
• D. Come to an agreement

Explanation: To cook the books means to falsify accounts, figures, or records, usually to deceive others or gain an illegal advantage. It has nothing to do with ordinary reading or writing.

29. But with the US and UK 'egging on' the Israelis, instead of reining in their rabid ally, it is difficult to foresee a negotiated denouement of this dangerous conflict. Here phrase 'egging on' means:

• A. Embarrass
• B. Strongly encourage
• C. Feel ashamed
• D. Make fool

Explanation: To egg someone on means to encourage or urge that person to continue an action, often a risky or aggressive one. Here, the US and UK are described as encouraging the Israelis.

30. American 'sabre-rattling' is unlikely to bring calm to a Middle East that is ready to explode. Here 'sabre-rattling' word means:

• A. Threat of military force
• B. Military aid
• C. Unchecked financial support
• D. Coercive measures

Explanation: Sabre-rattling is a show of military power or a threat to use military force, usually intended to intimidate an opponent. It signals aggression rather than actual military aid.