English idioms Exercise -11

1- “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” means:

a) Always follow the rules.
b) Adapt to the local customs.
c) Don’t take things for granted.

Answer : b) Adapt to the local customs.
This idiom suggests that when you are in a new environment, you should adapt to the local customs and behave as others do.

2- “To kill two birds with one stone” means:

a) To achieve two things at the same time.
b) To harm someone while also helping them.
c) To deceive someone for personal gain.

Answer : a) To achieve two things at the same time.
This idiom means to accomplish two things with a single action or effort.

3- “Bite the bullet” means:

a) To accept a difficult situation or task.
b) To attack someone physically.
c) To hide from danger.

Answer : a) To accept a difficult situation or task.
This idiom means to accept a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage.

4- “To hit the nail on the head” means:

a) To miss an opportunity.
b) To make a correct diagnosis or identification.
c) To cheat or deceive someone.

Answer : b) To make a correct diagnosis or identification.
This idiom means to accurately identify or describe a situation or problem.

5- “To spill the beans” means:

a) To make a mess.
b) To reveal a secret.
c) To waste time.

Answer : b) To reveal a secret.
This idiom means to reveal a secret or confidential information.

6- “To blow your own trumpet” means:

a) To make a loud noise.
b) To promote or boast about oneself.
c) To offer help or assistance.

Answer : b) To promote or boast about oneself.
This idiom means to excessively promote oneself or one’s accomplishments.

7- “To be on cloud nine” means:

a) To feel unhappy or depressed.
b) To feel extremely happy and content.
c) To be confused or uncertain.

Answer : b) To feel extremely happy and content.
This idiom means to be very happy and content.

8- “To be a piece of cake” means:

a) To be very difficult.
b) To be very easy.
c) To be somewhat challenging.

Answer : b) To be very easy.
This idiom means that something is very easy to do.

9- “To let the cat out of the bag” means:

a) To tell a joke.
b) To reveal a secret.
c) To be indecisive.

Answer : b) To reveal a secret.
This idiom means to accidentally or intentionally reveal a secret.

10- “To take something with a grain of salt” means:

a) To accept something as true.
b) To be skeptical of something.
c) To ignore something completely.

Answer : b) To be skeptical of something.
This idiom means to be skeptical or doubtful of something that has been said or claimed.

11- “To have a chip on one’s shoulder” means:

a) To be easily offended.
b) To be very friendly.
c) To be indifferent to others.

Answer : a) To be easily offended.
This idiom means to be easily offended or to hold a grudge.

12- “To be on the ball” means:

a) To be asleep or unresponsive.
b) To be aware and alert.
c) To be unaware of what’s happening.

Answer : b) To be aware and alert.
This idiom means to be aware and alert, especially in a professional or business context.

13- “To turn a blind eye” means:

a) To ignore something intentionally.
b) To focus on something too much.
c) To refuse help or assistance.

Answer : a) To ignore something intentionally.
This idiom means to intentionally ignore or disregard something.

14- “To kick the bucket” means:

a) To die.
b) To retire.
c) To travel far away.

Answer : a) To die.
This idiom is a euphemism for dying.

15- “To burn the midnight oil” means:

a) To stay up late working or studying.
b) To waste time doing unproductive activities.
c) To be very energetic and active.

Answer : a) To stay up late working or studying.
This idiom means to work or study late into the night, often at the expense of sleep.

16- “To pull someone’s leg” means:

a) To criticize someone harshly.
b) To trick or tease someone in a playful way.
c) To help someone in need.

Answer : b) To trick or tease someone in a playful way.
This idiom means to tease or joke with someone in a playful way, often by telling a tall tale or pretending something is true when it’s not.

17- “To have a skeleton in the closet” means:

a) To have a hidden secret or shameful past.
b) To have a strong work ethic.
c) To be very organized and tidy.

Answer : a) To have a hidden secret or shameful past.
This idiom means to have a hidden secret or past mistake that one is ashamed of and doesn’t want others to know about.

18- “To get cold feet” means:

a) To feel cold due to the weather.
b) To lose enthusiasm or courage before doing something.
c) To be physically unable to move.

Answer : b) To lose enthusiasm or courage before doing something.
This idiom means to suddenly become hesitant or lose confidence in doing something that was previously planned or agreed upon.

19- “To let sleeping dogs lie” means:

a) To avoid a confrontation or conflict.
b) To wake up early in the morning.
c) To sleep for a long time.

Answer : a) To avoid a confrontation or conflict.
This idiom means to avoid stirring up trouble or reopening old wounds, often by leaving a situation as it is and not trying to change it.

20- “To cut corners” means:

a) To take shortcuts or do things in an unprofessional or careless way.
b) To work diligently and efficiently.
c) To avoid taking risks or making changes.

Answer : a) To take shortcuts or do things in an unprofessional or careless way.
This idiom means to take shortcuts or do things in a less than thorough or professional way, often in order to save time or money.