Free Vocabulary MCQs with Answers

2095 Vocabulary 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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2095 questions · page 117 of 210

1161. Idiom "A black sheep" means: ________________?

  • A. an extremely thin person.
  • B. a difficult thing.
  • C. person with bad reputation.
  • D. comfortable.

Explanation: A black sheep is a person who is regarded as different or disreputable within a group or family. The colour is symbolic, not a reference to an actual sheep’s appearance.

Correct answer: person with bad reputation.

1162. Idiom "A blessing in disguise" means: __________?

  • A. A curse like a blessing.
  • B. a misfortune that results in something good.
  • C. A situation where someone is tricked into thinking something good,
  • D. a blessing that is hidden from others.

Explanation: A blessing in disguise is something that first appears to be bad or unfortunate but eventually produces a good result. Thus, the apparent misfortune conceals a benefit.

Correct answer: a misfortune that results in something good.

1163. Idiom of 'A pipe dream' is ____________?

  • A. Unattainable dream
  • B. A day dream
  • C. A night dream
  • D. None

Explanation: A pipe dream is an unrealistic or unattainable hope or plan. It is not simply a dream that occurs during the day or night.

Correct answer: Unattainable dream

1164. 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.

Correct answer: Betray someone for personal profit or advantage

1165. 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.

Correct answer: Work late into the night

1166. 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.

Correct answer: Careful about small amounts but careless about large amounts

1167. 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.”

Correct answer: When you complain about a loss from the past

1168. '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.

Correct answer: Something that happened in the past and cannot now be changed

1169. '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.

Correct answer: All of Above

1170. 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.

Correct answer: Monitor a dispute without becoming involved in it