Common Idioms in American English
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Questions and Answers

What does the idiom 'a pain in the neck' refer to?

  • An annoying person or situation (correct)
  • A pleasurable experience
  • A difficult task
  • A misunderstanding

    • The idiom 'actions speak louder than words' means that what we do is less important than what we say.

    False

    What does the idiom 'back to the drawing board' imply?

    Return to the planning stage of a project

    The idiom '________ speaks louder than words' emphasizes the importance of actions over verbal statements.

    <p>actions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following idioms with their meanings:

    <p>A big shot = An important person All ears = Eager to listen As easy as pie = Very simple Across the board = Relating to every situation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the phrase 'making a mountain out of a molehill' mean?

    <p>To exaggerate a minor issue</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The phrase 'once in a blue moon' indicates something that happens very frequently.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does it mean to 'count your chickens before they hatch'?

    <p>To celebrate success too early</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does it mean if someone is 'on edge'?

    <p>nervous or tense</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Anakin's car is not worth a ______ of beans.

    <p>hill</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A 'fair-weather friend' is someone who supports you regardless of the circumstances.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following phrases with their meanings:

    <p>Off the top of my head = To think and do something spontaneously Rain check = A promise to make an offer available at another time Pretty penny = A lot of money Running into the ground = To make yourself very tired by working too much</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the phrase 'drive one crazy' mean?

    <p>to annoy someone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When someone is 'dragging their feet', they are being __________ about completing something.

    <p>slow and unmotivated</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the expression with its meaning:

    <p>Every cloud has a silver lining = There's usually something positive in a negative situation False alarm = To panic over a non-existent problem Easy does it! = To proceed carefully Eating at someone = Something is bothering or disturbing someone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'easier said than done' imply?

    <p>Talking about a task is always simpler than doing it</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The saying 'face-to-face' means to communicate indirectly.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does it mean to 'fall for it'?

    <p>To be tricked</p> Signup and view all the answers

    To 'go against the grain' means to follow the crowd.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does it mean to 'get a kick out of something'?

    <p>To find enjoyment or pleasure out of something.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When someone says they would 'give their right arm', they are indicating they would give __________.

    <p>everything or a great deal</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the idioms with their meanings:

    <p>Go bananas = To be busy with responsibilities Have one's hands full = To get upset Fly off the handle = To become extremely excited Get with the program = To be aware and actively engaged</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'from scratch' refer to?

    <p>Starting at the beginning</p> Signup and view all the answers

    To 'grab a bite to eat' means to go for a long feast.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does it mean to 'follow in the footsteps of' someone?

    <p>To do the same things as someone you admire.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When someone is 'green with envy', it means they are very __________ of someone.

    <p>envious</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does it mean to 'give someone a hand'?

    <p>Both A and B</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which idiom describes someone who is eager to listen carefully?

    <p>All ears</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The idiom 'across the board' refers to a situation that applies only to some people.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the idiom 'back to the drawing board' imply?

    <p>Return to the planning stage of a project</p> Signup and view all the answers

    If someone is described as a 'big shot', they are considered to be an important ______.

    <p>person</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following idioms with their meanings:

    <p>A bone to pick = A complaint or issue to resolve A snap = Very easy All in the same boat = Experiencing similar struggles As easy as pie = Very simple or easy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the phrase 'going ninety (90) to nothing' imply?

    <p>Working very hard on something</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The phrase 'off the top of my head' means to remember something clearly.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does it mean if someone is described as being 'on edge'?

    <p>Nervous or tense</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Julie’s new car must have cost her a ______ penny.

    <p>pretty</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following idioms with their meanings:

    <p>Rain check = A promise to make an offer available at another time Rain or shine = No matter what Once in a blue moon = Very rarely Running into the ground = To make yourself very tired by working too hard</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the idiom 'burn the midnight oil' mean?

    <p>To stay up very late working or studying</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The phrase 'call it a day' means to continue working until late at night.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does it mean to have 'cold feet'?

    <p>Nervousness or anxiety concerning major events</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When someone is feeling 'down in the dumps', they are feeling ________.

    <p>sad or depressed</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the idioms with their meanings:

    <p>Caught red-handed = Caught in the middle of doing something wrong Clean slate = Fresh start Cost an arm and a leg = Very expensive Curiosity killed the cat = Being too curious can lead to danger</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the idiom 'catch some Z’s' mean?

    <p>To go to sleep</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'Days are numbered' refers to the notion that time is ________.

    <p>limited</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the idiom 'drive one crazy' mean?

    <p>To annoy someone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The phrase 'every cloud has a silver lining' indicates that there is usually something negative in every situation.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can you infer when someone is 'dragging their feet'?

    <p>They are being slow and unmotivated.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    If Sam didn't get the job he applied for, he realized that _____ has a silver lining.

    <p>every cloud</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the idioms with their meanings:

    <p>Drive one crazy = To annoy someone Easy does it = To be careful Fair-weather friend = A friend only in convenient times False alarm = A situation that causes unnecessary panic</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which idiom means not to make a decision until you have all the information?

    <p>Don’t count your chickens before they hatch</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The saying 'face-to-face' refers to communication through technology.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does it mean if something is 'easier said than done'?

    <p>It is easier to talk about something than to actually do it.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    People who are only friends when it is convenient are known as _____ friends.

    <p>fair-weather</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the phrase 'eating at someone' imply?

    <p>Bothering or disturbing someone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Idioms and Their Significance

    • Idioms are expressions with meanings that differ from their literal interpretations.
    • Learning idioms in American English enriches communication by adding depth and nuance.
    • Understanding idiomatic expressions enhances fluency and cultural comprehension in conversations, literature, and media.

    Common Idioms (A-B)

    • A big shot: An important person; e.g., "She had lunch with a big shot executive."
    • A bone to pick: A complaint or dispute; e.g., "They have a bone to pick with Jennifer."
    • A pain in the neck/rear: An annoying person or situation; e.g., "Thomas is a pain in the neck."
    • A snap: Very easy task; e.g., "Making cookies from a mix is a snap."
    • Across the board: Applicable to all; e.g., "Attendance policy is applied across the board."
    • Actions speak louder than words: Actions are more significant than verbal promises; e.g., "His volunteering exemplifies his beliefs."
    • All ears: Eager to listen; e.g., "Debra was all ears when Bill was talking."
    • All in the same boat: In a similar situation; e.g., "They are all in the same boat with their unfinished papers."
    • As easy as pie: Very simple; e.g., "Susan said the class is as easy as pie."
    • Back to the drawing board: Returning to the planning stage; e.g., "Joe has to go back to the drawing board."
    • Don’t count your chickens before they hatch: Don’t assume outcomes prematurely; e.g., "Wait until you've signed the contract."
    • Drag one’s feet: To delay or be unmotivated; e.g., "Mario is dragging his feet on completing his paper."
    • Drive one crazy/up the wall: To annoy someone; e.g., "It drives Tina crazy when her neighbor mows at dawn."

    Common Idioms (E-F)

    • Easier said than done: Talking about something is simpler than doing it; e.g., "Losing weight is easier said than done."
    • Easy does it!: Proceed carefully; e.g., "Bill, that lamp is fragile."
    • Eating at someone: Something is disturbing someone; e.g., "What is eating at her?"
    • Every cloud has a silver lining: There's usually something positive in negative situations; e.g., "She found a better job after being rejected."
    • Face-to-face: In person; e.g., "She wants to see her dad face-to-face before her trip."
    • Fair-weather friend: Friend only when convenient; e.g., "Jessica is a true friend, unlike fair-weather friends."
    • False alarm: A situation that is not an emergency; e.g., "He panicked, but it was a false alarm."
    • Fall for it: To be tricked; e.g., "Javier fell for Rosa's joke."
    • Fly off the handle: To become very upset; e.g., "The professor flew off the handle in class."
    • Follow in the footsteps of: To mimic someone admirable; e.g., "Phil is following in his father's footsteps."
    • From scratch: Starting anew; e.g., "Bob makes muffins from scratch."

    Common Idioms (G-M)

    • Get a kick out of something: Find enjoyment; e.g., "Maggie gets a kick out of her friends' fun."
    • Get with the program: Be aware and engaged; e.g., "Peggy needs to get with the program."
    • Give one’s right arm: To give a lot for something; e.g., "Tarzan would give his right arm to help others."
    • Go against the grain: To be unconventional; e.g., "Fran went against the grain when she protested."
    • Go bananas/go crazy: Extremely excited; e.g., "Ellen went bananas over her good grade."
    • Grab a bite to eat: Get food; e.g., "Joseph grabbed a bite to eat."
    • Green with envy: Very envious; e.g., "Allison is green with envy over Sarah's promotion."
    • Have one’s hands full: To be very busy; e.g., "Calvin is busy caring for his sister's children."
    • Making a mountain out of a molehill: Overreacting; e.g., "George is making a mountain out of a molehill."
    • Ninety (90) to nothing: Working very hard; e.g., "Tim feels he’s been going ninety to nothing."
    • Not worth a hill of beans: Worth very little; e.g., "Anakin’s car is not worth a hill of beans."

    Common Idioms (N-Z)

    • Off the top of my head: Spontaneous thought; e.g., "Storm does things off the top of her head."
    • On edge: Nervous or tense; e.g., "Black Widow has been on edge."
    • On the ball: Motivated and efficient; e.g., "Kevin finished his assignments early."
    • On the road: Traveling; e.g., "Prince Charming hates being on the road."
    • On the tip of my tongue: Almost remembering; e.g., "The name is on the tip of her tongue."
    • Once in a blue moon: Very rarely; e.g., "The washer makes a funny noise once in a blue moon."
    • Pretty penny: A lot of money; e.g., "Julie's new car cost a pretty penny."
    • Rain check: To postpone; e.g., "Could she take a rain check?"
    • Rain or shine: Regardless of circumstances; e.g., "She'll be at graduation, rain or shine."
    • Scare the living daylights out of: To frighten someone; e.g., "He scared Megatron."
    • Sick as a dog: Very ill; e.g., "I felt sick as a dog after the seafood."
    • Skeleton in the closet: A personal secret; e.g., "Every family has a skeleton in the closet."
    • Sleeping like a baby/log: Sleeping soundly; e.g., "He’s sleeping like a log."
    • Smell a rat: To suspect deceit; e.g., "I smelled a rat from my coworker."
    • Spick and span: Very clean; e.g., "Simba's room is spick and span."
    • Stab in the back: To betray; e.g., "Jan stabbed her friend in the back."
    • Stick one’s neck out: To take a risk; e.g., "Alan stuck his neck out for the proposal."
    • Sweet tooth: Desire for sweets; e.g., "James has a huge sweet tooth."
    • Talking in circles: Speaking unclearly; e.g., "Mrs. Black talks in circles."
    • That does not hold water: A flawed argument; e.g., "Their theory just does not hold water."
    • That's a bunch of baloney: Nonsense; e.g., "Did you hear Velma is getting kicked out?"

    Understanding Idioms

    • An idiom is a phrase whose meaning is not deducible from the literal definitions of its words.
    • Learning idioms enhances communication by adding depth and nuance.
    • Idiomatic expressions help with fluency and understanding of colloquial language in daily life.

    Benefits of Learning Idioms

    • Facilitates smoother interactions in conversation and writing.
    • Fosters cultural understanding through contextually rich language.

    Idioms with Definitions and Examples

    • A big shot: Someone important (e.g., She had lunch with a big shot executive.)
    • A bone to pick: A disagreement to settle (e.g., They have a bone to pick with Jennifer.)
    • A pain in the neck/rear: An annoyance (e.g., Thomas is a pain in the neck.)
    • A snap: Very easy (e.g., Making cookies from a mix is a snap.)
    • Actions speak louder than words: Actions are more telling than words (e.g., His volunteering exemplifies this idiom.)
    • All ears: Eager to listen (e.g., Debra was all ears while Bill was talking.)
    • Burn the midnight oil: To work late (e.g., They will burn the midnight oil tonight.)
    • Catch some Z’s: To sleep (e.g., Dan wants to catch some Z’s.)
    • Caught red-handed: Caught while doing something wrong (e.g., Jack was caught red-handed cheating.)
    • Cold feet: Nervousness about a significant event (e.g., Chris got cold feet before his wedding.)

    Additional Idiomatic Expressions

    • Every cloud has a silver lining: There is a positive side to negative situations (e.g., Sam found a better job after not getting the first.)
    • Easier said than done: Talking about something is easier than actually doing it (e.g., Losing weight is easier said than done.)
    • Making a mountain out of a molehill: Exaggerating a minor issue (e.g., He is making a mountain out of a molehill.)
    • Not worth a hill of beans: Invaluable or worthless (e.g., Anakin’s car is not worth a hill of beans.)
    • Skeleton in the closet: A hidden secret within a family (e.g., Every family has a skeleton in the closet.)

    Engaging With Idioms

    • Idioms add richness to language, making it essential for deeper comprehension and interaction.
    • Familiarity with idioms can improve one’s ability to navigate informal conversations and media.

    Conclusion

    • This idiom list is a starting point, with many more expressions available to learn.
    • Mastery of idioms will enhance your learning journey and appreciation of the English language.

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    Description

    This quiz covers essential idiomatic expressions in American English that add depth to communication. Learn to recognize and understand idioms to enhance your fluency and comprehension in everyday conversations, literature, and media. Mastering these phrases is crucial for smoother interactions and cultural understanding.

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