Free Vocabulary MCQs with Answers

2139 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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2139 questions · page 133 of 214

1321. "A litmus test" means __________ ?

  • A. A decisively indicative test
  • B. False sense of happiness or success
  • C. Something that is not understandable
  • D. To show dislike or disappointment through facial expressions

Explanation: A “litmus test” is a test that gives a decisive indication of the nature or suitability of something. The expression comes from litmus paper, which indicates acidity or alkalinity by changing colour.

Correct answer: A decisively indicative test

1322. "Icing (also frosting) on the cake" means ________?

  • A. An ugly but essential addition or enhancement
  • B. An ugly & inessential removal or diminution
  • C. Be very expensive
  • D. An attractive but inessential addition or enhancement

Explanation: The “icing on the cake” is an attractive extra that improves something already satisfactory but is not essential. Therefore, “attractive but inessential addition or enhancement” fits exactly.

Correct answer: An attractive but inessential addition or enhancement

1323. "when pigs fly" means ______?

  • A. something that is easy to do
  • B. raining very heavily
  • C. something that will never happen or is impossible
  • D. miss the chance

Explanation: “When pigs fly” refers to an event that is impossible or extremely unlikely to happen. It is used sarcastically to show that something will probably never occur.

Correct answer: something that will never happen or is impossible

1324. "Raining cats and dogs" means _________?

  • A. Raining very heavily
  • B. Easy option
  • C. Very rarely
  • D. one who presents a counter argument

Explanation: “Raining cats and dogs” is an idiom for rain falling very heavily. It does not refer to animals or to rare rainfall.

Correct answer: Raining very heavily

1325. "Keep at bay" means ______________.

  • A. Keep in mind
  • B. Keep at a distance
  • C. Keep thinking about something
  • D. Keep at the sea-shore

Explanation: To keep someone or something at bay means to keep it away or at a safe distance. The expression suggests preventing an approaching threat or influence.

Correct answer: Keep at a distance

1326. "At the drop of the hat" means____________?

  • A. As soon as it was spoken
  • B. Done easily, without any preparation
  • C. Done in an instant
  • D. After something is done

Explanation: “At the drop of a hat” means immediately and without needing preparation or planning. The idea is of acting as soon as a simple signal is given.

Correct answer: Done easily, without any preparation

1327. "Your guess is as good as mine" means __________?

  • A. Join a popular trend or activity
  • B. To hear something from the authoritative source
  • C. To know the answer
  • D. To have no idea

Explanation: “Your guess is as good as mine” means that the speaker does not know the answer either. It expresses uncertainty rather than agreement that the listener knows the answer.

Correct answer: To have no idea

1328. "Far cry from" means __________?

  • A. To present a counter argument
  • B. To take on a task that is way to big
  • C. The show has come to an end. It's all over
  • D. Very different from

Explanation: “Far cry from” means very different from or greatly unlike something. It is used when there is a wide contrast between two people, things, or situations.

Correct answer: Very different from

1329. "Wild goose chase" _________?

  • A. A foolish and hopeless search for or pursuit of something unattainable
  • B. To take credit for something someone else did
  • C. To not take what someone says too seriously; to treat someone's words with a degree of skepticism
  • D. A phrase implying that one is not proficient at performing a particular task and that they should not try to perform the task professionally

Explanation: A wild goose chase is a foolish or hopeless search for something difficult or impossible to obtain. The expression often suggests that the searcher has been deliberately misled.

Correct answer: A foolish and hopeless search for or pursuit of something unattainable

1330. "Spill the beans" ________ ?

  • A. Frivolously performing a simple task
  • B. Reveal someone's secret
  • C. To stop something at an early stage
  • D. Frivolously performing a simple task

Explanation: To spill the beans means to reveal secret or confidential information. It is commonly used when someone discloses a secret accidentally or prematurely.

Correct answer: Reveal someone's secret