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Questions and Answers
What does the term 'absent-minded' refer to?
What does the term 'absent-minded' refer to?
Why might the phrase 'absolute power corrupts absolutely' be relevant in discussions of leadership?
Why might the phrase 'absolute power corrupts absolutely' be relevant in discussions of leadership?
What does 'absent oneself from' imply?
What does 'absent oneself from' imply?
What does 'absolve from guilt' mean?
What does 'absolve from guilt' mean?
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Which scenario best illustrates the term 'absent without leave'?
Which scenario best illustrates the term 'absent without leave'?
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What does the term '0-day' refer to in software security?
What does the term '0-day' refer to in software security?
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Which phrase refers to a brief period of celebrity as coined by Andy Warhol?
Which phrase refers to a brief period of celebrity as coined by Andy Warhol?
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What does '110 proof' originally refer to?
What does '110 proof' originally refer to?
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What is 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue commonly associated with?
What is 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue commonly associated with?
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What does '23 skidoo' mean?
What does '23 skidoo' mean?
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What are '12-ounce curls' used to refer to humorously?
What are '12-ounce curls' used to refer to humorously?
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Which phrase is mistakenly used to refer to a significant strong liquor?
Which phrase is mistakenly used to refer to a significant strong liquor?
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What does '3-on-the-tree' refer to?
What does '3-on-the-tree' refer to?
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What does the phrase 'able to cut it' imply?
What does the phrase 'able to cut it' imply?
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If someone can do something blindfolded, what does this indicate?
If someone can do something blindfolded, what does this indicate?
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What does it mean to say someone is 'able to take a joke'?
What does it mean to say someone is 'able to take a joke'?
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What does the phrase 'abortive action' refer to?
What does the phrase 'abortive action' refer to?
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What does it mean if someone's life is 'about their ears'?
What does it mean if someone's life is 'about their ears'?
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The term 'about-turn' signifies what kind of action?
The term 'about-turn' signifies what kind of action?
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What does 'abound with' suggest about a location?
What does 'abound with' suggest about a location?
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Using 'about last night...' usually suggests what?
Using 'about last night...' usually suggests what?
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If someone is 'able to get a word in edgewise', what are they doing?
If someone is 'able to get a word in edgewise', what are they doing?
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The phrase 'about time too' conveys what sentiment?
The phrase 'about time too' conveys what sentiment?
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What does it mean when a person is described as 'able to take only so much'?
What does it mean when a person is described as 'able to take only so much'?
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If someone states they are 'about to do something', what does this signify?
If someone states they are 'about to do something', what does this signify?
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What does the phrase 'able to do something standing on one’s head' imply?
What does the phrase 'able to do something standing on one’s head' imply?
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The term 'able to make something' often refers to what?
The term 'able to make something' often refers to what?
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What does the phrase 'above average' imply?
What does the phrase 'above average' imply?
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What does it mean to go 'above and beyond'?
What does it mean to go 'above and beyond'?
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Which phrase indicates that someone is not involved in disputes?
Which phrase indicates that someone is not involved in disputes?
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If a task is described as 'above one's pay grade', what does this mean?
If a task is described as 'above one's pay grade', what does this mean?
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What does 'above board' refer to in terms of conduct?
What does 'above board' refer to in terms of conduct?
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What does the term 'above suspicion' indicate about a person?
What does the term 'above suspicion' indicate about a person?
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Which phrase means to leave with something unauthorized?
Which phrase means to leave with something unauthorized?
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If someone's skills are described as 'above par', what does that entail?
If someone's skills are described as 'above par', what does that entail?
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What does 'above the curve' imply in research or innovation?
What does 'above the curve' imply in research or innovation?
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What does 'absence makes the heart grow fonder' suggest?
What does 'absence makes the heart grow fonder' suggest?
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Which phrase signifies being too advanced for someone to understand?
Which phrase signifies being too advanced for someone to understand?
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What does it mean if someone is considered 'above reproach'?
What does it mean if someone is considered 'above reproach'?
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What does the phrase 'keeping abreast of' involve?
What does the phrase 'keeping abreast of' involve?
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Which phrase describes someone who exceeds typical boundaries of authority?
Which phrase describes someone who exceeds typical boundaries of authority?
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What does the term '4-on-the-floor' refer to in the context of automobiles?
What does the term '4-on-the-floor' refer to in the context of automobiles?
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What does 'abandon hope, all ye who enter here' imply?
What does 'abandon hope, all ye who enter here' imply?
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In the context of music, what does '4-on-the-floor' refer to?
In the context of music, what does '4-on-the-floor' refer to?
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What does it mean to 'abide by' something?
What does it mean to 'abide by' something?
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What is the meaning of 'A-OK'?
What is the meaning of 'A-OK'?
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What action does 'abduct (someone) from' describe?
What action does 'abduct (someone) from' describe?
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How is the phrase 'à la carte' best defined?
How is the phrase 'à la carte' best defined?
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What does 'able to breathe again' imply in a figurative context?
What does 'able to breathe again' imply in a figurative context?
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What does 'abbreviate (something) to' typically mean?
What does 'abbreviate (something) to' typically mean?
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What connotation does the term '800-pound gorilla' carry?
What connotation does the term '800-pound gorilla' carry?
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What does it mean to 'abandon ship' in a metaphorical sense?
What does it mean to 'abandon ship' in a metaphorical sense?
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What does 'à la mode' mean related to food?
What does 'à la mode' mean related to food?
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What does 'abandon (oneself) to' generally mean?
What does 'abandon (oneself) to' generally mean?
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Study Notes
Idioms and Phrases
- 0-day: A software vulnerability newly exploited before a fix.
- 1 day wonder: A short-lived period of fame or notoriety.
- 10 Downing Street: The residence of the UK Prime Minister. Referred to as the Prime Minister's office or current UK government.
- 110 percent: Extreme or powerful. Used in describing potency, especially in alcohol.
- 12-ounce curls: Drinking beer, often jokingly related to weightlifting.
- 15 minutes of fame: A short period of public attention.
- 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue: Address of the White House, the President's residence.
- 19 to the dozen: (likely a colloquialism, clarification needed).
- 2 way street: A situation where actions affect both parties equally.
- 20 to the dozen: Discussion of a subject at length
- 20 winks: A short nap.
- 23 skidoo: To leave quickly or hastily Usually in a US context. Could refer to the Flatirons building in NYC.
- 23 Skidoo Street: Fictitious place for moving away from trouble.
- 3-on-the-tree: A 3-speed manual transmission on older US cars.
- 3 ring circus: A chaotic or very busy scene.
- 3 sheets to the wind: Extremely drunk.
- 3rd wheel: An unwanted third party in social events.
- 4-letter word: A harsh or offensive word.
- 4-on-the-floor: A 4-speed manual transmission on a floor-mounted shifter; also a 4/4 musical rhythm.
- 40 minutes of hell: (likely a colloquialism).
- 40 ways from Sunday: Many different ways (to do something).
- 40 winks: A short nap.
- the 400: Wealthiest social elite (likely in New York).
- 4th wall joke: A joke that breaks the fourth wall (actors referencing audience).
- 50-50 chance: A fifty percent possibility.
- 5th wheel: An unwanted person in a social group.
- 6 ways to Sunday: Many possibilities (to do something).
- a 7 day wonder: (likely a colloquialism) a short-lived phenomenon.
- 8 ways from Sunday: Many ways (to do something).
- 800-pound gorilla: A very powerful person, group or organization (strong influence).
- 8th wonder of the world: Something remarkable or of high status.
- 9-day wonder: A brief popular trend.
- A into G: Get going fast—colloquialism often in New Zealand.
- à la: In the manner of.
- à la carte: Individually purchased items on a menu.
- à la mode: Served with ice cream. Also very fashionable.
- A-OK: Perfect condition or great functioning status.
- A1: Of the highest quality.
- Aaron's beard: A type of flowering plant with a long, bushy appearance.
- abandon hope, all ye who enter here: Indicates a hopeless situation.
- abandon (oneself) to: Fully enjoying something.
- abandon ship: Leaving something that is failing.
- abbreviate (something) to: Shortening a word or phrase.
- abduct (someone) from: To kidnap.
- abet (someone) in: To assist in an illegal activity.
- abide by: To obey something.
- abide by a decision: Accepting and acting on a ruling.
- abide with: To stay with someone.
- able to breathe again: Recovering from hardship or stress.
- able to cut it: Capable of performing a task successfully.
- able to do it: Capable of doing a specific task.
- able to (do something) blindfolded: Very skilled to do something.
- able to do (something) standing on (one's) head: Very skilled to do something.
- able to (do something) with (one's) eyes closed: Very skilled to do something.
- able to fog a mirror: Being alive.
- able to get a word in edgewise: Opportunity to speak among others in a conversation.
- able to make (something): Able to attend a social event.
- able to take a joke: Ability to respond calmly to teasing.
- able to take just so much: Incapable of enduring stress.
- abortive action: An unsuccessful or abrupt action.
- abound in/with: Abundant or plentiful in something.
- about as much as a fish needs a bicycle: Doesn't need that thing at all.
- about as much as a hole in the head: Doesn't need that thing at all.
- an about-face: A sudden change in direction.
- about last night...: Starting a conversation related to events the previous night.
- about (one's) business: Focused on individual tasks.
- about (one's) ears: Surround/affecting someone.
- about (one's) person: In possession or on someone.
- about time: Something that should have happened sooner.
- about time too: Something should have happened earlier than it did.
- about to (do something): Intending to do something soon.
- about-turn: A rapid reversal in direction.
- above all (else): More than anything else.
- above and beyond: Exceeding expectations.
- above and beyond the call of duty: More than one's job demands.
- above average: Better than most others.
- above board: Legitimate and honest.
- above (one's) bend: Beyond one's knowledge or ability.
- above (one's) head: Too difficult to comprehend.
- above (one's) huckleberry: Beyond one's knowledge or ability.
- above (one's) pay grade: Beyond one's authority or responsibility level.
- above (one's) paycheck: Beyond one's authorized responsibilities.
- above par: Better than average.
- above reproach: Faultless.
- above suspicion: Not suspected of wrongdoing.
- above the curve: More advanced than others.
- above the fray: Uninvolved in disagreement.
- above the law: Not subject to legal restrictions.
- above the salt: Of high standing. Social position (typically of nobility).
- Abraham's bosom: Where righteous souls go after death (biblical).
- abrasive tone: A harsh or unpleasant sound.
- abreast of: Keeping up with or knowing the current status of.
- abscond with: To steal or leave with something unauthorized.
- absence makes the heart grow fonder: Missing something / someone makes it seem more appealing.
- absent-minded: Forgetful or inattentive.
- absent-minded professor: An intelligent person prone to forgetfulness.
- absent (oneself) from: Leaving a location.
- absent without leave: Not present without permission (usually military).
- absolute power corrupts absolutely: Unchecked power leads to corruption.
- absolutely not: A strong refusal.
- absolve from guilt: Declared innocent.
Note: Many additional idioms and phrases were listed on the initial page, and some were likely colloquialisms that are hard to categorize clearly without further context.
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Description
Test your knowledge of various idiomatic expressions and phrases with this quiz. Each question dives into the meanings and implications of language we often take for granted. Perfect for language enthusiasts and anyone looking to sharpen their understanding of English idioms.
