Common English Phrases Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What does it mean when someone says their 'hands are tied'?

They are unable to take action due to external restrictions. (correct)

They are busy and cannot help others.

They are physically restrained from moving.

They have made a decision that can't be changed.

What does the phrase 'burn the midnight oil' imply?

To take a break during the night.

To work late into the night. (correct)

To celebrate a late-night event.

To waste time instead of working.

What does it mean to 'throw someone under the bus'?

To help someone in a difficult situation.

To support a colleague during criticism.

To blame someone else for personal gain. (correct)

To come up with a collaborative solution.

If someone is 'on thin ice', what does this indicate?

They are in a risky or dangerous position. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'hit a snag' mean?

To face unexpected challenges or problems. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to 'keep one's eyes peeled'?

To stay alert and watchful for something specific. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of 'burning the midnight oil', according to the speaker?

It results in a waste of the next day due to fatigue. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why might an employee feel upset after being 'thrown under the bus'?

Because they've been blamed for a failure they shared responsibility for. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does 'cut a deal' imply?

To reach an agreement. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean when something is 'up in the air'?

It is uncertain or undecided. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'in the works' signify?

It is currently being developed. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In the context given, what does 'get a move on' mean?

To move quickly. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does 'give me a shout' mean?

Call me. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How is the phrase 'our plans are up in the air' best interpreted?

Our plans are not decided. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following could be a situation described as 'in the works'?

A project that is underway. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the instruction 'let's get a move on'?

To encourage faster action. (B) Signup and view all the answers

If someone says 'the conference is up in the air,' what does it suggest?

The details of the conference are not finalized. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes 'cut a new deal'?

To reach a new agreement. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'just give me a shout when you're done' imply?

You should call me when you finish. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean when plans are said to be 'in the works'?

Plans are actively being developed. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by saying 'our plans are up in the air'?

We are still deciding on the plans. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Band-Aid fix' refer to?

A temporary solution (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the proper phrase to use when indicating not to become complacent with past achievements?

You shouldn't rest on your laurels (C) Signup and view all the answers

In the phrase 'I’m going out for a bit,' what does 'for a bit' imply?

For a small amount of time (C) Signup and view all the answers

What should you not say when using 'Band-Aid' as an adjective?

A Band-Aid solution (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of the phrase 'rest on your laurels'?

To become complacent about past success (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a 'Band-Aid fix'?

Filling potholes instead of repaving the road (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which contraction is used in the phrase 'I'm going out for a bit'?

I’m (D) Signup and view all the answers

Native speakers often pronounce 'can't' in a specific way, what is this pronunciation called?

Flap T (B) Signup and view all the answers

How should one approach their achievements according to the content?

Set new goals and push further (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the example of a 'Band-Aid fix' regarding ChatGPT imply?

It will stop improving language skills (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the pronunciation change in 'for a bit' illustrate about native English speakers?

They often link words together in speech (A) Signup and view all the answers

In what context should someone not rest on their laurels?

After completing a difficult task (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct pronunciation of 'laurels' in the expression used?

Lorels (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best captures the essence of continuous improvement?

One should always seek to improve beyond past successes (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'give me a SEC' imply in conversation?

A request for a short period of time (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase is functionally similar to 'a cakewalk'?

An effortless activity (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does 'I still haven't figured it out' indicate about the speaker's situation?

The speaker continues to struggle (C) Signup and view all the answers

How is 'give me a SEC' used in a work environment?

To politely request time (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the phrase 'figured it out'?

To indicate understanding or solving a problem (B) Signup and view all the answers

In what context might you say 'Where are you? The meeting started 5 minutes ago'?

To show impatience (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the contraction 'hasn't' represent in 'He hasn't figured it out yet'?

He has not yet solved it (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which verb tense is correctly reflected in 'He still hasn't figured it out'?

Present perfect (A) Signup and view all the answers

What would be the appropriate response to 'Have you figured it out yet?' if the answer is positive?

I have figured it out (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does 'give me a shout when you figure it out' request?

To notify upon completion (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the use of 'yet' in 'have you figured it out yet?' differ from 'still' in 'I still haven't figured it out'?

Still emphasizes the ongoing process (D) Signup and view all the answers

When someone says, ‘He’s struggling with this,’ what can be inferred?

He finds it difficult (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does 'cakewalk' suggest about a task during a conversation?

It is simple (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'not a big deal' imply?

It suggests that something is not serious or important. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In what context would 'it's a big deal' usually be used?

When describing something that is serious or significant. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does 'no biggie' mean?

A casual way to say something isn't a big deal. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How is the phrase 'play it by ear' best defined?

Making spontaneous decisions as events unfold. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence best illustrates 'it's not a big deal at all'?

Missing the party isn't very serious. (A) Signup and view all the answers

When someone says, 'I can finally buy a house,' which sentiment does this evoke?

The excitement of a significant achievement. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'you're right, let's play it by ear' suggest?

Agreeing to make decisions spontaneously. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase would a native speaker likely reduce to sound more casual?

'What are you into?' (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following options represents a negative consequence mentioned?

Being expelled from school. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the contraction 'what are ya into' represent?

A casual way to ask about someone's preferences. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does a native speaker typically pronounce the T between two vowels?

As a soft D sound. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase does NOT indicate importance?

It's not a big deal. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What response might be appropriate after receiving thanks from a friend?

It's not a big deal at all. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does 'turns out' imply in the context of an unexpected situation?

It suggests something surprising has occurred. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'knockoff' refer to?

An imitation or copy of a product. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which grammatical element is often dropped in spoken English with 'turns out'?

The subject (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested by the phrase 'play it by ear'?

To be spontaneous and flexible. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference when using 'thanks' compared to 'thank you'?

'Thanks' is less formal than 'thank you'. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How is the contraction 'she's' commonly interpreted?

She is (D) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of communication, what does 'rub off' mean?

To spread a quality or habit. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an incorrect way to express gratitude?

Thanks you. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What would you use to describe an unexpected change in plans, according to the context provided?

Turns out we are late. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the phrase 'you rock'?

You are an excellent person. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How should one properly use 'thanks for' in a sentence?

Thanks for helping me. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'Can we play it by ear?' suggest about a decision?

It can be adapted based on circumstances. (D) Signup and view all the answers

'Turns out' is an example of which type of grammatical structure?

A phrasal verb. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean when someone's behavior 'rubs off' on another person?

They share personality traits and influence each other's behavior. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of Janice transfers to Fernando after they work together?

Janice's helpfulness. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'rub me the wrong way' imply?

Someone unknowingly annoys you. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'hunch' according to the content?

An intuitive feeling or prediction. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How is the verb 'to have' typically used with the noun 'hunch'?

To have an intuitive feeling. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'all set' mean?

To be ready. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does it imply if different personalities 'clash'?

They do not harmonize or agree. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean when someone says they had a hunch he would quit?

They predicted his future actions vaguely. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How can the phrase 'rubbed me the wrong way' be used regarding a comment?

The comment caused annoyance without intention. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not an example of a 'hunch'?

I know for a fact he will attend. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What action is linked with Janice's character trait of helpfulness?

Helping people intentionally. (A) Signup and view all the answers

When someone says 'he rubs me the wrong way,' how might they feel about the person?

They dislike them without major reasons. (A) Signup and view all the answers

If a characteristic 'rubs off' on someone, what happens?

It becomes a part of their behavior. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What grammatical aspect is highlighted when using 'hunch' in a sentence?

Using noun and past tense correctly. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Let's get a move on

Meaning: To begin moving faster or quickly, to hurry up.
Example: "The movie starts in less than one hour. Let's get a move on!"

Give me a shout

Meaning: Call me
Example: "Give me a shout when you land."

I'm done

Meaning: Finished, the task is complete.
Example: "I'm done with the report."

Give me a SEC

Meaning: Give me a short period of time, a few seconds or minutes.
Example: "Give me a SEC to find your file."

I haven't figured it out

Meaning: I don't understand, I haven't solved the problem or the question.
Example: "We've been working on this bug for hours, and I still haven't figured it out."

It was a cakewalk

Meaning: Something is effortless, simple.
Example: "Learning English becomes a cakewalk when you have a great teacher."

It's a Band-Aid fix

Meaning: A temporary solution to a problem.
Example: "Filling the potholes is a Band-Aid fix. This entire road needs to be repaved."

You can't rest on your laurels

Meaning: Don't become too comfortable, stagnant, with past achievements; set new goals, push yourself further.
Example: "The author wrote an international bestseller, but then rested on her laurels; she didn't write anything after that".

I'm going out for a bit

Meaning: To temporarily leave your current location, usually for a short period of time.
Example: "Sorry guys, I have to go out for a bit."

Common American Colloquialisms

It was a cakewalk - An easy task, something that can be done effortlessly.
Band-Aid fix - a temporary solution or quick fix to a problem, often with unintended consequences.
You can't rest on your laurels - Do not become complacent or satisfied with past achievements, always strive for more.
It's not a big deal at all - It is not important or significant, often used to dismiss or downplay a situation. The contraction "It's not" is often reduced to "It's nada". "At all" can be reduced to "at all". You can also use the expression "No biggie" colloquially
To be a big deal - describes something that is important, serious, or significant, can be used in both positive and negative ways.

Phrasal Verbs & Idioms

Play it by ear - to improvise or make decisions as you go along, rather than planning beforehand.
Turns out - Used to convey unexpected or surprising news.
Knockoff - A cheap imitation of a luxury item.
Rub off on someone - When someone's behavior or personality influences another person.
Rub someone the wrong way - to annoy or irritate someone, often unintentionally.
Have a hunch - to have a feeling or intuition about something, not necessarily based on facts.

Pronunciation

"It's not a big deal at all." is often pronounced "It's nada, big deal at all".
"So what are you into?" combines to sound like "What are ya inta?".
"Can we play it by ear?" combines to sound approximately like "Can we play it yet?"*.
"Turns out I bought a knockoff" is often pronounced "Turns out I boda knockoff".
"Thanks for your help, you rock" is shortened to "Thanks fer your help, you rock."
"She's starting to rub off on you." is pronounced "She's startin tuh rub off fawn you."
"He rubs me the wrong way." is often pronounced "He rubs me the wrong way"
"I had a hunch he'd quit." is shortened to "I had a hunch he'd quit."
"Are you all set" is pronounced "Are ya all set?"

Grammar

Thanks for your help - can be followed by a noun (your help) or gerund (helping me).
"You rock." - This is used to express appreciation or that someone is awesome.
"I have a hunch" is used to express a prediction based on intuition.

Other

Itinerary - A detailed plan that outlines the schedule and activities for a trip.

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Description

Test your knowledge of common English phrases and their meanings with this fun quiz. Understand the context and examples for each phrase to enhance your conversational skills. Perfect for language learners and those looking to refine their English usage.