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.

242 questions · page 5 of 25

41. "In for a penny, in for a pound", means:

  • A. Used to say: very expensive to purchase
  • B. Used to say: finish a project once started at any cost
  • C. Used to say: leave as soon as possible
  • D. Used to say: having an intense and selfish desire for wealth or power.

Explanation: This idiom means that once an undertaking has begun, one should continue and complete it despite additional cost or difficulty. The penny and pound refer to increasing commitment, not simply expense.

Correct answer: Used to say: finish a project once started at any cost

42. 'To put your foot in your mouth', means:

  • A. To behave immaturely
  • B. Compulsively bite or chew your skin
  • C. Say something unnecessary and embarrassing
  • D. To remain silent until you are asked to speak

Explanation: To put one’s foot in one’s mouth means to say something tactless, inappropriate, or embarrassing. It describes a verbal blunder, not a physical habit.

Correct answer: Say something unnecessary and embarrassing

43. "To keep your nose clean", means:

  • A. Drink extra fluids during flu to keep from getting dehydrated
  • B. Always remain clean and healthy
  • C. Avoid getting into trouble
  • D. Be quite and careful

Explanation: To keep your nose clean means to stay out of trouble and avoid wrongdoing. It is figurative, so it does not primarily concern physical cleanliness or health.

Correct answer: Avoid getting into trouble

44. 'Paint the town red', means:

  • A. Make town colorful
  • B. Keep something secret
  • C. Go out and enjoy oneself
  • D. Show the sign of danger

Explanation: To paint the town red means to go out and enjoy oneself, usually by celebrating or having an energetic night out. The town is not literally painted.

Correct answer: Go out and enjoy oneself

45. 'Take a dim view of', means:

  • A. Blur something
  • B. Take it easy
  • C. Pay no heed
  • D. Disapprove and criticize

Explanation: To take a dim view of something means to regard it negatively and disapprove of it. “Dim” conveys a lack of approval or optimism, not a literal lack of light.

Correct answer: Disapprove and criticize

46. 'Wake up and smell the coffee', means:

  • A. Rouse and enjoy morning coffee
  • B. Ignore every thing and enjoy
  • C. Realize the truth and facts
  • D. Be confident about yourself

Explanation: “Wake up and smell the coffee” urges someone to face reality and recognize the facts. The coffee is symbolic of becoming alert rather than an instruction to enjoy a drink.

Correct answer: Realize the truth and facts

47. 'All hat and no cattle', means:

  • A. Very impressive
  • B. All talk but no action
  • C. Much powerful and strong
  • D. Place without animals

Explanation: “All hat and no cattle” describes someone who makes impressive claims or boasts but has no practical achievement or substance. The image contrasts a showy cowboy hat with the absence of cattle.

Correct answer: All talk but no action

48. 'Without further ado' means: ___________?

  • A. With no more trouble
  • B. With no more delay
  • C. With no more respect
  • D. With no more silence

Explanation: “Without further ado” means without any more delay or unnecessary introduction. It is commonly used when moving directly to the main event or subject.

Correct answer: With no more delay

49. Idiom, "Meat and potatoes", means: ____________?

  • A. Important and necessary food
  • B. Important and basic parts of something
  • C. Unnecessary parts of something
  • D. Unpredictable things

Explanation: The meat and potatoes are the basic, essential parts of a meal, so the idiom refers to the important and basic parts of something. It is used for substance rather than decoration or minor details.

Correct answer: Important and basic parts of something

50. "Make sheep's eyes at" means: _________?

  • A. look at (someone) in a foolishly amorous way
  • B. Leer at
  • C. Gaze at
  • D. None of These

Explanation: To make sheep's eyes at someone means to look at that person in a foolishly amorous or flirtatious way. It is more specific than simply gazing or looking.

Correct answer: look at (someone) in a foolishly amorous way