Idioms and Phrases Solved Questions and Answers (original) (raw)

Last Updated : 2 Sep, 2025

Idioms are figurative expressions with hidden meanings, while phrases are word groups that function as grammatical units

**Idioms and Phrases questions and answers are provided below for you to learn and practice.

**Directions (Q.1-10): In each of the following questions, fill in the blanks with the correct idioms or phrases given in the options.

**Question 1: We thought the new product launch would be a huge success, but it turned out to be __________.
A. Damp squib
B. The apple of my eye
C. The ball is in your court
D. A shot in the dark

**Answer: A. A damp squib

**Explanation: A "damp squib" refers to something that fails to live up to expectations, just like the product launch here.

**Question 2: After months of training, she finally ran her first marathon and felt like she had __________.
A. Let the cat out of the bag
B. Hit the nail on the head
C. Bitten off more than she could chew
D. Crossed the finish line

**Answer: D. Crossed the finish line

**Explanation: "Crossed the finish line" is a fitting expression after completing a marathon, implying success.

**Question 3: I had to take the day off work because I was _________.
A. Barking up the wrong tree
B. In hot water
C. Burning the midnight oil
D. Feeling blue

**Answer: D. Feeling blue

**Explanation: "Feeling blue" means feeling sad or depressed, which is a reason to take time off work.

**Question 4: **I'm not sure if I should take this job offer. I'm afraid I might be __________.
A. Burning the candle at both ends
B. Breaking a leg
C. Cutting corners
D. Biting the hand that feeds me

**Answer: C. Cutting corners

**Explanation: "Cutting corners" means to take shortcuts, possibly compromising quality. It fits with the idea of making a risky decision.

**Question 5: I don't want to jump to conclusions, but I think my roommate might be __________.
A. Pulling my leg
B. Two-faced
C. Barking up the wrong tree
D. A bull in a china shop

**Answer: B. Two-faced

**Explanation: "Two-faced" refers to someone who is deceitful or hypocritical, which fits the suspicion of jumping to conclusions.

**Question 6: I don't know how I'm going to finish this project on time. I feel like I'm __________.
A. Between a rock and a hard place
B. On cloud nine
C. A fish out of water
D. A diamond in the rough

**Answer: A. Between a rock and a hard place

**Explanation: "Between a rock and a hard place" means facing a difficult decision with no easy solution, which fits the situation of struggling to complete a project.

**Question 7: I've been studying for this exam for months, so I'm hoping to __________.
A. Hit the ground running
B. Have a field day
C. Be a dark horse
D. Have a lot on my plate

**Answer: A. Hit the ground running

**Explanation: "Hit the ground running" means to start something with great energy and speed, which fits after months of preparation.

**Question 8: I don't think we should hire him. He seems like __________.
A. A fish out of water
B. The black sheep of the family
C. A wolf in sheep's clothing
D. The apple of my eye

**Answer: C. A wolf in sheep's clothing

**Explanation: "A wolf in sheep's clothing" describes someone who pretends to be harmless or good, but is actually dangerous or deceptive.

**Question 9: The company's new CEO has really turned things around. It's like a __________.
A. Bolt from the blue
B. A mare’s nest
C. A shot in the arm
D. A storm in a teacup

**Answer: C. A shot in the arm

**Explanation: "A shot in the arm" means something that has a positive, revitalizing effect, which fits the situation of the CEO turning things around.

**Question 10: I'm sorry, but I can't help you with your project. I'm already __________.
A. Burning the candle at both ends
B. A diamond in the rough
C. Cutting corners
D. Spreading myself too thin

**Answer: D. Spreading myself too thin

**Explanation: "Spreading myself too thin" means taking on too many tasks or responsibilities, which is why the person can't help with the project.

**Question 11: The new employee was a real __________, fitting in perfectly with the team.
A. Fish out of water
B. Square peg in a round hole
C. Breath of fresh air
D. Jack of all trades

**Answer: C. Breath of fresh air

**Explanation: "A breath of fresh air" means someone or something new and refreshing, which fits the new employee fitting in well.

**Question 12: After working for hours without a break, John was really __________.
A. On cloud nine
B. Running on empty
C. In hot water
D. Under the weather

**Answer: B. Running on empty

**Explanation: "Running on empty" means being exhausted, which fits after working for hours without rest.

**Question 13: When the CEO announced the merger, it was __________ for the company's future.
A. The last straw
B. A game changer
C. A wild goose chase
D. A shot in the dark

**Answer: B. A game changer

**Explanation: "A game changer" refers to something that significantly alters the course of events, which fits the CEO's announcement.

**Question 14: When the manager heard the news, it __________ to her entire strategy.
A. Went over like a lead balloon
B. Fell through the cracks
C. Put the cat among the pigeons
D. Hit the nail on the head

**Answer: C. Put the cat among the pigeons

**Explanation: "Put the cat among the pigeons" means causing confusion or disruption, which fits with the news disrupting the manager's strategy.

**Question 15: She really has __________ when it comes to organizing events, everything runs so smoothly.
A. A green thumb
B. An eye for detail
C. A way with words
D. A silver tongue

**Answer: B. An eye for detail

**Explanation: "An eye for detail" means being attentive and precise, which fits someone who is good at organizing events.

**Question 16: He’s always in the office working late. He’s really __________.
A. Burning the midnight oil
B. A wet blanket
C. A wolf in sheep’s clothing
D. A piece of cake

**Answer: A. Burning the midnight oil

**Explanation: "Burning the midnight oil" means working late into the night, which fits the person working in the office late.

**Question 17: When they were told they had to rework the project, they felt like they had __________.
A. Been given a free rein
B. Hit a brick wall
C. Made a mountain out of a molehill
D. Walked on air

**Answer: B. Hit a brick wall

**Explanation: "Hit a brick wall" means facing an obstacle or challenge that is difficult to overcome, which fits the situation of having to rework the project.

**Question 18: I was surprised when Jane showed up at the party; she’s usually very __________.
A. The life of the party
B. A wallflower
C. A sitting duck
D. A bird in the hand

**Answer: B. A wallflower

**Explanation: "A wallflower" refers to someone who is shy and doesn't participate much, fitting Jane's usual behavior.

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