Idiomatic Expressions and Common Phrases

Questions and Answers

What does the phrase 'I've got butterflies in my stomach' mean?

When you feel hungry

When you are feeling sick

When you are very excited

When you are very nervous (correct)

What does it mean when someone says, 'I can't get that song out of my head'?

When you can't stop thinking about something.

What does it mean when someone says, 'You must be pulling my leg'?

When you think a friend is joking about something that isn't true.

What does it mean to 'put your foot in it'?

When you say something you shouldn't have said. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'to be on the tip of someone's tongue' mean?

To be close to recalling something but not quite able to. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'to frown' mean?

To make an unhappy expression by furrowing your brow. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'to stare' mean?

To look at something for a long time with wide-open eyes. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'to yawn' mean?

To open your mouth wide and take a deep breath, often due to tiredness. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'kneel down' mean?

To go down on your knees. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'to shrug your shoulders' mean?

To raise and lower your shoulders to indicate you don't know something. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'to nod' mean?

To move your head up and down to indicate agreement. Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'comb'?

A tool used for untangling and styling hair. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'to blow your nose' mean?

To expel air through your nose to clear it of blockage. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'tasteless' mean?

Lacking flavor or interest. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'wrinkly' mean?

Having folds or wrinkles. Signup and view all the answers

What is an 'ashtray'?

A container for cigarette ashes. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'to betray' mean?

To reveal someone's secrets or trust without their permission. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'to tell someone off' mean?

To reprimand or scold someone. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'smelly' mean?

Having a bad smell. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'rough' mean?

Having an uneven or not smooth texture. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'smooth' mean?

Having a flat and even surface. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'narrow' mean?

Having a small width. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'wide' mean?

Having a large width. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'bitter' mean?

Having a sharp and unpleasant taste. Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'calf'?

The fleshy part of the leg at the back below the knee. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'defensive' mean?

Being protective or sensitive about criticism. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Idiomatic Expressions

"I've got butterflies in my stomach" refers to feeling very nervous.
"I can't get that song out of my head" describes the inability to stop thinking about a specific song.
"You must be pulling my leg" indicates disbelief in a friend's joke or a statement that seems untrue.

Common Phrases

"You put your foot in it" means saying something inappropriate or revealing a secret that shouldn't have been shared.
"To be on the tip of someone's tongue" refers to having a word or thought almost recalled but not quite.

Actions and Emotions

"To frown" means to make a displeased facial expression.
"To stare" involves looking at someone or something intensely.
"To yawn" indicates the action of opening the mouth wide while inhaling deeply, often due to tiredness.
"To kneel down" involves bending one's knees, usually to rest or pray.
"To shrug your shoulders" means to raise and lower the shoulders, often indicating not knowing something or a lack of concern.
"To nod" is the action of moving the head up and down, typically to show agreement or understanding.
"To blow your nose" involves expelling mucus from the nose by forceful exhalation.

Descriptive Terms

"Wrinkly" describes something that has many folds or creases, often associated with skin or fabric.
"Smelly" refers to an unpleasant or bad smell.
"Bitter" describes a sharp, often unpleasant taste.
"Rough" means having an uneven or irregular surface.
"Smooth" indicates a surface that is even and steady without blemishes.
"Narrow" describes something that is thin or cramped in width.
"Wide" refers to a large breadth or spaciousness.

Objects

"A comb" is a tool used to arrange or style hair.
"An ashtray" is a small receptacle for ash and butts from cigarettes.
"Calf" refers to the young of certain mammals, particularly cows.

Behavioral Qualities

"Defensive" describes a protective or cautious approach in interactions or situations.
"To tell someone off" means to scold or reprimand someone harshly.

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Description

Test your knowledge of idiomatic expressions and common phrases in English. This quiz covers various phrases, their meanings, and how they relate to actions and emotions. Challenge yourself to see how well you understand these expressions!