Idioms and Phrases Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What does the phrase 'the game is not worth the candle' imply?

  • There is a potential for significant rewards.
  • The game is exciting and enjoyable.
  • The game must be played in a well-lit area.
  • The effort required is not justified by the outcome. (correct)

In the context of 'gain ground', which scenario illustrates this concept?

  • A business expanding its customer base. (correct)
  • A team losing a championship game.
  • A soldier retreating from a battle.
  • A child learning to ride a bicycle.

What does it mean to 'give the game away'?

  • To win a game unexpectedly.
  • To abandon a project completely.
  • To successfully hide a secret plan.
  • To reveal a secret or plan accidentally. (correct)

What does the saying 'everything in the garden is lovely' typically suggest?

<p>There are significant hidden problems despite appearances. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'mug's game' refer to?

<p>A task that is futile or pointless. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase means to compete in a manner that favors the opponent?

<p>Beat sb at their own game. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which action describes 'to gain ground' in a conflict?

<p>Increasing in strength or advantage. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The idiom 'two can play at that game' implies what?

<p>Both parties can participate in similar actions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'take up the gauntlet' mean?

<p>To accept a challenge (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'gild the lily' imply?

<p>To ruin something perfect (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the expression 'gather dust'?

<p>To be neglected or ignored (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'get it in the neck' mean?

<p>To face criticism or punishment (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'there's no getting away from it' mean?

<p>To confront an unpleasant truth (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to 'get your act together'?

<p>To organize yourself and your plans (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'give as good as you get' imply?

<p>To retaliate equally in a conflict (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'step on the gas' mean?

<p>To speed up or accelerate (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to 'give up the ghost'?

<p>To stop functioning or die (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'get away from it all' suggest?

<p>To escape a difficult situation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is implied by 'a gentleman's agreement'?

<p>An agreement based on trust (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to 'look a gift horse in the mouth'?

<p>To examine a gift too critically (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'getting on for...' indicate?

<p>Approaching a certain age or time (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'give sb the creeps' mean?

<p>To make someone feel uneasy or frightened (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it imply if someone is described as a 'glutton for punishment'?

<p>They enjoy difficult tasks. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'the gloves are off' indicate in a dispute?

<p>There will be serious confrontation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When is someone said to be 'on the go'?

<p>They are busy and active. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'to go it alone' mean?

<p>To undertake a task without help. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'having a go' at something refer to?

<p>Attempting to do something. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to 'get someone's goat'?

<p>To annoy someone greatly. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'all that glitters is not gold'?

<p>Appearance can be deceptive. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to 'work all the hours God sends'?

<p>To work excessively long hours. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it imply if someone is 'suffering fools gladly'?

<p>They tolerate foolishness. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Using 'go all out' in a sentence suggests what?

<p>To try very hard to achieve something. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'be good going' typically refer to?

<p>To achieve something quickly. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When someone is 'working on a programme', they are doing what?

<p>Dealing with a specific task or topic. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'as things go' imply?

<p>In comparison with average things. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to 'get out while the going is good'?

<p>To leave a beneficial situation before it worsens. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the expression 'gum up the works' imply?

<p>To create a delay in progress (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When someone is said to be 'up a gum tree,' what situation are they likely in?

<p>They are in financial difficulties. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of 'he hasn't got the guts'?

<p>He lacks courage. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'having a gun to your head' signify in a conversation?

<p>Being forced to make a decision (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'slog your guts out' mean?

<p>To work very hard (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'stick to your guns' encourage someone to do?

<p>Stand firm in their beliefs (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase indicates someone is not easily visited or accessible?

<p>Up a gum tree (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'gutter press' refer to?

<p>Sensationalist newspapers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the saying 'all that glitters is not gold' imply?

<p>Appearances can be misleading. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'gold mine' refer to in a business context?

<p>A very profitable business or source. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is the phrase 'as good as gold' used to describe children?

<p>They are very well behaved. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

'Like gold dust' suggests that something is:

<p>Highly sought after and rare. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the expression 'strike gold' mean?

<p>To discover something valuable. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'the golden rule'?

<p>A principle to remember when playing sports. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The phrase 'kill the goose that lays the golden eggs' warns against:

<p>Sabotaging a reliable source of income. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the phrase 'do good', what does it suggest?

<p>To act kindly towards others. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the expression 'make good' refer to?

<p>Repairing or compensating for a loss. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is 'gone dead and buried' generally interpreted?

<p>Something that has ended completely. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to 'kiss goodbye' to something?

<p>To end all hopes of obtaining it. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the phrase 'come up with the goods', what is being referred to?

<p>Meeting expectations or commitments. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'be good for something' indicate?

<p>The likelihood of providing something valuable. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'up to no good' suggest about someone's intentions?

<p>They are engaged in dishonest or mischievous behavior. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'grin and bear it' mean in an informal context?

<p>Accept something unpleasant without complaining (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to 'come to grief'?

<p>Experience destruction or ruin (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the figurative meaning of the phrase 'men in grey suits'?

<p>Managers and political leaders who hold power but are not widely recognized (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to 'get to grips with' something?

<p>To begin to understand or address a challenge (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of 'grinding to a halt'?

<p>To slow down and eventually stop something (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean if someone has 'an axe to grind'?

<p>They have a selfish motive or grievance (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When someone is said to 'lose their grip', what does this imply?

<p>They are losing their understanding or control of something (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what context would someone be advised to 'get a grip'?

<p>In a time of emotional or situational distress (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the saying 'there but for the grace of God go I' imply?

<p>Circumstances can change anyone's fortune. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'keeping your feet on the ground' imply?

<p>Having realistic thoughts and behaviors (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to accept defeat with good grace?

<p>To accept defeat cheerfully and without complaint. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'run something into the ground' mean?

<p>To utilize something extensively until it is worn out (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If someone is described as being 'on firm ground', what does this indicate?

<p>They have a secure and stable situation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'go against the grain' mean?

<p>To act contrary to one's beliefs or customs. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the phrase 'take something for granted'?

<p>To assume something will not change. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to have 'growing pains'?

<p>Facing difficulties during development or growth (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'grasp the nettle' signify?

<p>To confront a difficult issue with courage. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to 'catch someone off guard'?

<p>To surprise someone unexpectedly (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When someone is told to 'hold your ground', what is being suggested?

<p>To defend and maintain your stance in a disagreement (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the saying 'the grass is greener on the other side' suggest?

<p>People often perceive others' situations as better than their own. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'put out to grass' mean in an informal context?

<p>To retire someone due to age or inability. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean if someone is described as 'green about the gills'?

<p>They are feeling nauseous or seasick. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'delusions of grandeur' refer to?

<p>Believing one is more important than they really are. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'grey area'?

<p>An area of law or policy that lacks clarity. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to 'give the green light'?

<p>To allow someone to start something. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to 'have green fingers'?

<p>To excel in gardening. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'go great guns' mean?

<p>To proceed with energy and vigor. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it suggest if someone is described as 'no great shakes'?

<p>They have average or inferior abilities. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Gain Ground

To become more widespread or popular; or for soldiers to move forward in battle, forcing the enemy back.

Game is Up

A secret plan, activity or crime has been discovered and must stop.

Give the Game Away

Accidentally revealing a secret plan, trick, or activity to spoil it.

Mug's Game

An easy or foolish tactic that will be exploited by more skilled opponents.

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Playing Someone's Game

To cooperate or act in response as if being tricked or trapped.

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Two Can Play at That Game

This means that both parties involved are capable of retaliating in the same way as the initial action or trickery.

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Run the Gamut

To experience, describe, or cover a whole range of something.

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Everything in the Garden is Lovely

An expression (often ironic) indicating a deceptive appearance of satisfaction.

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Lead sb up the garden path

To deceive or mislead someone into believing something that is untrue.

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Have sb's guts for garters

To be extremely brave or fearless.

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Step on the gas

To accelerate or increase speed quickly.

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Gather your wits

To collect your thoughts and regain composure after being startled or confused.

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Run the gauntlet

To face a series of difficult or unpleasant experiences.

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In general

Generally speaking, or usually.

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Gentleman's Agreement

An informal agreement based on trust and honor, not legally binding.

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Get away from it all

To escape from daily stresses and responsibilities.

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Get it in the neck

To be criticized or punished.

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Get your act together

To improve your behavior or performance.

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Be getting on

To be getting older or becoming late in time.

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Give up the ghost

To die or stop functioning.

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The gift of the gab

The ability to talk fluently and persuasively.

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Gild the lily

To try to improve something that is already perfect and thus spoil it.

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Give and take

The willingness to compromise or accept other viewpoints.

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Give a damn

To care about something or someone, often used in negative contexts.

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Glad Rags

Smart clothes worn for a special occasion.

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First Glance

A quick look, usually the first time you see something.

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People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones

A proverb that advises people not to criticize others if they have similar flaws.

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All that glitters is not gold

A proverb meaning that something that appears valuable or attractive may not actually be so.

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Reflected Glory

To benefit from the fame or success of someone else.

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Fit like a glove

To fit perfectly, without any flaws.

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Iron fist in a velvet glove

A harsh, controlling approach disguised in a friendly or gentle manner.

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The gloves are off

To stop being gentle and confront someone directly.

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Treat someone with kid gloves

To be very careful and gentle with someone.

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In glowing terms

To describe something in a very positive and complimentary manner.

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Glutton for punishment

Someone who enjoys doing difficult or unpleasant things.

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As things go

Compared to the average or typical case.

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Go all out

To put in a lot of effort, or to try your hardest.

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Go it alone

To do something without help or support from anyone.

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Gold mine

A very profitable business or source of something valuable.

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Good as gold

Used to describe children who are well-behaved and obedient.

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Like gold dust

Something very difficult to obtain because it is in high demand.

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Golden age

A period of time considered to be the best, happiest, or most prosperous.

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Golden boy

A young man who is very successful and popular.

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Golden handshake

A large sum of money given to someone when they retire or leave an important job.

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Golden rule

The most important rule or principle to follow.

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Kill the goose that lays the golden eggs

To destroy something that provides a valuable source of income or benefit.

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Silence is golden

Silence is valuable and can be better than speaking.

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As good as...

So close to happening that you consider it already has.

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Be good for sth

Likely to be able to provide or give something.

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Do good

Be kind and generous to people in need.

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Do sb good

Benefit someone.

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For good

Permanently, forever.

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Grey matter

Informal term referring to intelligence or mental abilities.

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Men in grey suits

People who hold power in organizations, often in politics, but remain anonymous to the public.

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Come to grief

To be destroyed or ruined, or to have an accident.

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Good grief!

An informal expression used to express surprise or disbelief.

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Hang on like grim death

To hold on tightly, usually because of fear or determination.

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Grin and bear it

To accept an unpleasant situation without complaining.

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Grin like a Cheshire cat

To smile foolishly or self-satisfied.

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Grind to a halt

To stop slowly, like a large machine grinding to a stop.

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Keep your nose to the grindstone

To work hard and diligently without rest.

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Get a grip on yourself

To regain control over your emotions, especially in a stressful situation.

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Get to grips with sth

To begin to understand and deal with something effectively.

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Grist for the mill

An experience or information that is useful to someone.

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Grit your teeth

To endure something unpleasant without showing your feelings.

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Be on the ground floor

To be involved in something from its very beginning.

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Get off the ground

To start successfully, like a project or business.

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There but for the grace of God, go I

A statement used to express empathy for someone in a difficult situation, suggesting that if things had been different, the speaker could have been in the same position.

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With good/bad grace

Describes how willingly or unwillingly someone accepts or does something unpleasant, unfair, or boring.

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Make the grade

To reach a sufficiently high standard in a test, job, etc.

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Go against the grain

To act against someone's natural tendencies, instincts, or customs.

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Grand old man

A highly respected and experienced person in a particular profession or field.

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Take something for granted

To assume something is true, will happen, or will continue without checking or appreciating it.

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Sour grapes

A bitter feeling of jealousy towards someone else's success.

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Grasp the nettle

To confront and deal with a difficult matter head-on, with courage and resolve.

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The grass is greener on the other side

Things always seem better in another place, job, etc.

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Grass roots

The ordinary people in an organization, like a political party or trade union.

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Don't let the grass grow under your feet

Be very active and do things quickly and efficiently.

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Put someone out to grass

To make someone retire from their job because they are too old to be useful.

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The gravy train

An easy way of getting a lot of money and benefits.

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Grease someone's palm

To bribe someone to get information or influence them.

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Be no great shakes

To be not very good, efficient, suitable, etc.

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Up a Gum Tree

To be in a very difficult or awkward situation with no obvious solution.

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Gum Up the Works

To make progress or an activity impossible, often due to a problem or obstacle.

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Hold a Gun to Someone's Head

To force someone to do something against their will, often due to threats or pressure.

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Stick to Your Guns

To remain firm in your opinion or decision, even when faced with opposition.

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Go Great Guns

To be very successful or prosperous.

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Have the Guts

To have the courage or bravery to do something difficult or risky.

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Hate Someone's Guts

To dislike someone very strongly and intensely.

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The Gutter Press

Newspapers that focus on sensational stories, scandals, and gossip often with little regard for truth or accuracy.

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Study Notes

Idioms and Phrases

  • Gift of the gab: The ability to talk fluently and persuasively.
  • Look a gift horse in the mouth: Criticize a gift before accepting it.
  • Gild the lily: To try to improve something that is already perfect, thus spoiling it.
  • Take the gilt off the gingerbread: To spoil something so it's less appealing.
  • Gird up your loins: Prepare yourself for action or hard work.
  • Give and take: Being willing to compromise and consider others' wishes.
  • Give it to sb/Give sb what for: To verbally or physically punish or attack someone.
  • Give me that any day/time: Expressing a strong preference for something over another.
  • Give or take: Used for expressing an approximate amount.
  • Give sb the willies/heebie-jeebies/creeps: To scare or make someone nervous.
  • Don't give a damn, fig, monkey's, shit, toss, etc: Expressing complete lack of concern.
  • Glad rags: Smart clothes for a party or special occasion.
  • Gladly: Willingly; happily.
  • At first glance/sight: Immediately; initially.
  • Steal a glance: To secretly look at someone.
  • People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones: Criticize others who have their own flaws.
  • All that glitters/glistens/glisters is not gold: Not everything that seems good is truly good.
  • A gold mine: A very profitable business.
  • As good as gold: (Of children) Very well-behaved.
  • Like gold dust: Very difficult to obtain.
  • Worth your/its weight in gold: Extremely valuable.
  • Have a heart of gold: Kind and generous.
  • Strike gold: Achieve great success or find something valuable.
  • Golden age: A period of prosperity or greatness.
  • Golden boy: A very successful and popular young man.
  • Golden handshake: A large sum of money given upon retirement.
  • Golden rule: An important rule or principle.
  • Kill the goose that lays the golden egg: Destroying a source of profit or success.
  • Silence is golden: Keeping silent is often the best course of action.
  • As good as... (sth done): So close to being finished that it may be considered done.
  • Good for sth: Likely to be able to provide something.
  • Do good: Be kind and generous to those in need.
  • Do sb good: Benefit someone.
  • For good: Permanently; forever.
  • For good or ill: Whether the action will have positive or negative results.
  • For your/etc own good: For your benefit, even if it isn't immediately liked.
  • A good few: A considerable number.
  • Good for you/etc: Approval or congratulations.
  • Make good: Become rich and successful; compensate for a loss or mistake.
  • To the good: In profit; beneficial.
  • Up to no good: Doing something naughty or dishonest.
  • Be good going: Making good progress.
  • Be no good/use to man or beast: Unfit for use.
  • Do sb/sth a power/world of good: Benefit someone/something significantly.

Actions and States

  • Gain ground: Move forward; become more widespread/popular.
  • Blow the gaff: Reveal a secret or plan.
  • Give the game away: Reveal a secret or plan.
  • On the game: Be a prostitute.
  • Be a mug's game: A situation where someone is easily tricked or defeated.
  • Beat sb at their own game: Defeat someone using their own methods.
  • A cat-and-mouse game: A game of deception or suspense.
  • Fair game: Permissible prey or target.
  • Two can play at that game: The same can happen to both parties.
  • Name of the game: The most important characteristic or goal.
  • Play sb at their own game: Defeat someone using their own methods.
  • Play the game: To behave in a certain socially acceptable way, conforming to standards.
  • The game is up: A secret or plan has been discovered.
  • Waiting game: A situation where success depends on patience.
  • Run the gamut of sth: Experience or describe a range of things.
  • Bridge the gap: Resolve a difference or overcome a barrier.
  • Everything in the garden is lovely: Everything is satisfactory (often ironic).
  • Gather dust: Be ignored or forgotten.
  • Gather your wits: Calm down and think clearly.
  • Take up the gauntlet: Accept a challenge.
  • Run the gauntlet: Face criticism or hardship.
  • Get along/a'way/l'on: Expressing surprise or disbelief.
  • Get away from it all: Escape from pressures.
  • Get it (in the neck): Be criticized or punished.
  • Get nowhere/not get sb anywhere: Fail to make progress.
  • Get somewhere/nowhere/anywhere: Make progress or not.
  • Getting on: Approaching or near a certain age/time.
  • There's no getting away from it: An unavoidable fact/truth.
  • Give up the ghost: Die (humorous), stop functioning, give up.
  • Have a ghost of a chance: Have almost no chance.
  • Be on/off your guard: Be prepared/not be prepared for something.
  • Stand guard: Act as a guard.
  • Catch sb off guard: Surprise someone.
  • Get to grips with sb/sth: Engage with a difficult thing/person.
  • Be no great shakes: Not very good.
  • Go great guns: Do something with energy.

People and Character

  • Tough guy: A person who is bold and seemingly unfazed by challenges.
  • Wise guy: Someone who is smart but in a mischievous or rebellious way.
  • Gentleman's agreement: An agreement without a written contract, based on trust.
  • Old boy/girl: A person who is no longer young.
  • One of the lads/boys/girls: Part of a group; belong to a particular social group.
  • Do-gooder: A person who tries to do good, often in a condescending way.
  • Glutton for punishment/work: Someone who enjoys difficult/challenging activities.
  • Be on the go: Be busy and active.
  • Go all out: Make a great effort.
  • Go and do sth: Criticism that someone has done something foolish.
  • Have a go: Attempt to do something.
  • Have sth on the go: Be working on something.
  • There you go (again): Used to express annoyance with repetitive behavior.
  • Give way: Allow something to happen or yield.
  • Hand/give it to sb: Pass something to someone.
  • Be in on the ground floor: Become involved early in something potentially profitable.
  • Get sth off the ground: Start something successfully.
  • Lose/give ground: Allow another to gain power/influence.
  • Go to ground: Hide.
  • Hold your ground: Protect your position.
  • Be on firm ground: Be sure about something, be well-supported.
  • Break fresh/new ground: Create a new approach or area of work.
  • Cut the ground from under sb/sb's feet: Undermine support/destabilize someone.
  • Gain ground: Make progress; become more influential.
  • Happy hunting ground: A favorite place for hunting.

Places and Concepts

  • Rogues' gallery: A collection of records of criminals.
  • Gallery: A place for displaying pictures (or people).
  • Game: A planned, possibly deceitful effort to trick someone.
  • Garden: Represents a place that could be a metaphor that could be a place of peace or conflict.
  • Common/garden variety: Ordinary or usual.
  • Lead sb up the garden path: Mislead or deceive someone.
  • A Waiting game: patience required to achieve success.
  • The gamut: A range of experiences.
  • Ground floor: Early stages of something.
  • The grass is greener on the other side: Things seem better elsewhere.
  • Grass Roots: Ordinary people; people closely involved in something.
  • Grey area: Unspecified or ambiguous situation in law or understanding.
  • Gray suits: Powerful but less noticeable people in politics and business.
  • The gutter press: Sensationalist publications.

Miscellaneous

  • Mug: Beating or tricking someone.
  • Be up for grabs: To be available/open to be taken/chosen.
  • Any body's guess: Unknowable.
  • At a guess: Roughly estimated.
  • Guess what: Surprise.
  • Your guess is as good as mine: Neither of us knows.
  • Stick in your throat/craw/gullet: Difficult to swallow (emotionally/verbally).
  • Gum up the works: Make progress impossible.
  • Up a gum tree: In a difficult or awkward situation.
  • Hold a gun to sb's head: Force someone to do something.
  • Jump the gun: Act prematurely.
  • Spike sb's guns: Prevent someone from doing something.
  • Stick to your guns: Maintain your position
  • Have the guts: Have the courage.
  • Have sb's guts for garters: Punish someone severely.
  • Slog/sweat your guts out: Work very hard
  • Bust a gut: Work extremely hard.
  • Knee-high to a grasshopper: Very young.
  • Pearly gates: A metaphor representing the end or destination.
  • Take sth as/for gospel (truth): Believe without question.
  • A grey area: An area of uncertainty.
  • Grey matter: Intelligence.

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Test your knowledge of common idioms and phrases in English. This quiz will challenge you to understand and interpret various idiomatic expressions that are often used in everyday conversation. See how well you can identify their meanings and usage!

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