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Questions and Answers
What does the expression 'an arm and a leg' refer to?
What does 'come clean' mean?
When someone is described as 'a cold fish', what does it imply?
If someone is 'full of beans', what are they likely to be?
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What does 'come down on somebody like a ton of bricks' mean?
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What does 'gum up the works' mean?
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Which idiom means to describe a situation that is common knowledge?
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What does 'for love nor money' imply?
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What does 'have big ears' refer to?
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Which idiom suggests a moment that is very advantageous when doing something?
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Study Notes
Idiomatic Expressions and Meanings
- Always chasing rainbows: Describes futile dreams or unattainable goals, e.g., a 48-year-old still hoping for fame.
- An arm and a leg: Indicates something is very expensive, e.g., high cost of glasses.
- Are your ears burning?: Refers to someone not present who is mentioned in conversation, signaling gossip.
- As gentle as a lamb: Characterizes someone kind and innocent, often well-liked by others.
- Be a barrel of laughs: Describes something or someone that is exceptionally enjoyable or entertaining.
- Be a chicken: Relates to cowardice; encourages someone to confront their fears.
- Be a cold fish: Pertains to individuals who are emotionally distant and unresponsive.
- Be full of beans: Refers to someone lively and bursting with energy, particularly at work.
- Come clean: The act of being honest and revealing the truth about one’s actions.
- Come down on somebody like a ton of bricks: Indicates severe punishment or reprimand following rule-breaking.
- Come from behind: Describes winning after initially losing, common in competitive contexts like sports.
- Come into bloom: Refers to plants starting to flower, symbolizing growth and beauty.
- Do the trick: Suggests that something will work effectively; often used in everyday problem-solving.
- Dog-eat-dog: Describes a ruthless environment where people prioritize their success over others.
Additional Idioms
- Don't get me wrong: Used when clarifying one's statement to avoid misunderstanding.
- Doormat: Describes a submissive person who allows others to take advantage of them.
- Eye candy: Refers to visually appealing objects or people, often lacking deeper value.
- Every Tom, Dick and Harry: Indicates something common knowledge or familiar to everyone.
- Every minute: Describes the entire duration of an event, emphasizing continuity.
- For a song: Means something is available very cheaply or at a low cost.
- For all I care: Expresses indifference towards a situation or outcome.
- For love nor money: Refers to something extremely difficult or impossible to obtain.
- For my money: Used to express personal opinion or belief.
- Gum up the works: Means to obstruct a process, causing delays or dysfunction.
- Grouse about someone or something: Describes the act of complaining or expressing dissatisfaction.
- Golden opportunity: Refers to a perfect moment to take action or seize an advantage.
- Go through the roof: Indicates becoming extremely angry or upset.
- Have big ears: Describes someone who is nosy or intrusive in others' private matters.
- Have bigger fish to fry: Refers to having more important matters or priorities to address.
- Have egg on one's face: Describes a situation of embarrassment or awkwardness due to one’s actions.
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Description
Test your knowledge of idiomatic expressions with this quiz! Each question will ask you to identify meanings and examples of commonly used idioms. Perfect for English language learners and those looking to enhance their idiomatic skills.