Free Idioms and Phrases MCQs with Answers
292 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.
Idioms and phrases are fixed groups of words whose meaning may differ from the literal meanings of their individual words. Questions focus on interpreting expressions such as “spill the beans,” selecting suitable idioms for a situation, and distinguishing idioms from ordinary phrases, proverbs and phrasal verbs.
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292 questions · page 4 of 15
- A. Have a same look
- B. Have a same countenance
- C. Have a same opinion
- D. Have a same eyes colour
Explanation: To “see eye to eye” means to agree with someone or have the same opinion.
Correct answer: Have a same opinion- A. A major issue
- B. A minor problem
- C. An idiot person
- D. A giant man
Explanation: An “elephant in the room” is an obvious and significant problem that people avoid discussing.
Correct answer: A major issue- A. Frustration
- B. Problems
- C. Destruction
- D. Thunder and lightning
Explanation: “Clouds on the horizon” refers to possible trouble or problems that may appear in the future.
Correct answer: Problems- A. Take a bigger risk
- B. Make an effort to improve work
- C. Come to a halt
- D. Stop doing something
Explanation: To pull one's socks up means to make a greater effort and improve one's performance or conduct.
Correct answer: Make an effort to improve work- A. To play with an object
- B. To discuss something casually or exchange ideas informally
- C. To argue intensely
- D. To throw something away
Explanation: To bandy something around or about is to discuss or exchange it informally, often without reaching a firm conclusion.
Correct answer: To discuss something casually or exchange ideas informally- A. A difficult task
- B. A lively party
- C. Severe consequences or trouble
- D. An unexpected reward
Explanation: If there will be hell to pay, serious trouble or unpleasant consequences are expected because of an action.
Correct answer: Severe consequences or trouble- A. Face difficult challenges
- B. Fight with nature
- C. Endure harsh weather conditions
- D. Conquer fears
Explanation: To brave the elements means to face or endure severe weather, such as strong wind, rain, or snow.
Correct answer: Endure harsh weather conditions- A. Dance gracefully
- B. Have control or influence
- C. Manage a situation
- D. Stand firm
Explanation: To hold sway means to exercise power, authority, or influence over people or events.
Correct answer: Have control or influence- A. To make the desert bloom
- B. To work in vain
- C. To do a difficult work
- D. To make the desert fertile
Explanation: To plough the sand means to perform an effort that cannot produce a useful result, hence to work in vain.
Correct answer: To work in vain- A. Express one's joy
- B. Express one's anger
- C. Let something out
- D. None of These
Explanation: To vent one’s spleen means to release or express pent-up anger or resentment. It is associated with anger, not joy.
Correct answer: Express one's anger- A. To enjoy the benefits of something
- B. To take on the main force or impact of something
- C. To avoid responsibility
- D. To lead a group or effort
Explanation: To bear the brunt of something is to suffer or receive its greatest force or impact.
Correct answer: To take on the main force or impact of something- A. To have a tool that needs sharpening
- B. To be skilled at woodworking
- C. To have a personal interest or grievance
- D. To be ready for hard work
Explanation: To have an axe to grind means to possess a personal motive, interest, or grievance, often hidden behind an argument.
Correct answer: To have a personal interest or grievance- A. To hide evidence
- B. To end a conflict and make peace
- C. To postpone a decision
- D. To prepare for battle
Explanation: To bury the hatchet means to stop hostility and make peace. The image comes from putting away a weapon instead of continuing a fight.
Correct answer: To end a conflict and make peace- A. To dig for the truth
- B. To use the correct tool for the job
- C. To speak bluntly and truthfully
- D. To disguise the truth with euphemisms
Explanation: To call a spade a spade means to speak plainly and truthfully, without softening an unpleasant fact.
Correct answer: To speak bluntly and truthfully- A. advantage
- B. edge
- C. eye
- D. vision
Explanation: To have an edge means to possess an advantage over competitors, so the natural phrase is have an edge on the top prize.
Correct answer: edge- A. To support
- B. Cold meat
- C. To ignore
- D. Shiver
Explanation: To give someone the cold shoulder means to deliberately ignore or treat that person in an unfriendly way.
Correct answer: To ignore- A. on
- B. over
- C. down
- D. None of these
Explanation: “Turn down” means reject or refuse something, so the sentence means that he will not reject the speaker’s respect.
Correct answer: down- A. Man of no substance
- B. Honorary and reputable
- C. A person full of laziness
- D. A destructive man never be conqueror
Explanation: A lotus-eater is someone devoted to ease, pleasure and idleness, so “a person full of laziness” is the closest option.
Correct answer: A person full of laziness- A. Destroy one's innocence
- B. To kill one who copies
- C. Hit a man with a pebble
- D. Eradication of moral values
Explanation: The phrase refers to harming an innocent person or destroying innocence, symbolised by killing a harmless mockingbird.
Correct answer: Destroy one's innocence- A. Produce
- B. Show up
- C. Clarify
- D. None of These
Explanation: “Bring forward” can mean to produce or present something for consideration, making “produce” the closest option.
Correct answer: Produce