Podcast
Questions and Answers
What does the idiom 'walking on thin ice' imply?
What does the idiom 'walking on thin ice' imply?
- Being faced with a difficult decision.
- Being in deep trouble with no way out.
- Experiencing a minor issue with no consequences.
- Feeling apprehensive about a situation that could lead to trouble. (correct)
When is it appropriate to use the idiom 'in a pickle'?
When is it appropriate to use the idiom 'in a pickle'?
- When facing a significant and severe crisis.
- When feeling overwhelmed by pressure.
- When confronted with two equally difficult choices.
- When you are navigating a minor difficult situation. (correct)
What does being 'in hot water' mean?
What does being 'in hot water' mean?
- Facing serious trouble or consequences. (correct)
- Having to make a tough decision.
- Being in a state of confusion.
- Experiencing minor inconveniences.
The expression 'between a rock and a hard place' refers to what?
The expression 'between a rock and a hard place' refers to what?
What does it mean to be 'against the wall'?
What does it mean to be 'against the wall'?
How is the idiom 'walking on thin ice' used in context?
How is the idiom 'walking on thin ice' used in context?
What scenario exemplifies the expression 'in a pickle'?
What scenario exemplifies the expression 'in a pickle'?
In what context might one be described as 'in hot water'?
In what context might one be described as 'in hot water'?
Which of the following best characterizes 'between a rock and a hard place'?
Which of the following best characterizes 'between a rock and a hard place'?
What does it mean to be 'in over your head'?
What does it mean to be 'in over your head'?
When someone says they feel 'against the wall', what do they mean?
When someone says they feel 'against the wall', what do they mean?
What does the idiom 'out of the frying pan into the fire' suggest?
What does the idiom 'out of the frying pan into the fire' suggest?
What is the primary meaning of the idiom 'in a pickle'?
What is the primary meaning of the idiom 'in a pickle'?
How is the idiom 'down the rabbit hole' typically used?
How is the idiom 'down the rabbit hole' typically used?
Which sentence illustrates the idiom 'walking on thin ice' correctly?
Which sentence illustrates the idiom 'walking on thin ice' correctly?
What does it mean to 'hit rock bottom'?
What does it mean to 'hit rock bottom'?
When someone is said to be 'in hot water', they are likely facing:
When someone is said to be 'in hot water', they are likely facing:
What does the expression 'dead in the water' imply?
What does the expression 'dead in the water' imply?
The scenario of being 'between a rock and a hard place' reflects:
The scenario of being 'between a rock and a hard place' reflects:
What might indicate a person is 'in over their head' at work?
What might indicate a person is 'in over their head' at work?
Which of these scenarios exemplifies 'out of the frying pan into the fire'?
Which of these scenarios exemplifies 'out of the frying pan into the fire'?
When might someone feel they are 'down the rabbit hole' in terms of finances?
When might someone feel they are 'down the rabbit hole' in terms of finances?
In which context does 'hitting rock bottom' apply?
In which context does 'hitting rock bottom' apply?
What type of situation does 'dead in the water' typically refer to?
What type of situation does 'dead in the water' typically refer to?
Which idiom captures the idea of increasing complexity in a situation?
Which idiom captures the idea of increasing complexity in a situation?
Which situation best illustrates someone 'in over their head'?
Which situation best illustrates someone 'in over their head'?
What does the phrase 'out of the frying pan into the fire' suggest about life changes?
What does the phrase 'out of the frying pan into the fire' suggest about life changes?
How does the idiom 'hitting rock bottom' apply in business contexts?
How does the idiom 'hitting rock bottom' apply in business contexts?
Study Notes
Idioms for Trouble
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Walking on thin ice: You are not currently in trouble but are close to it. An example is being late to work multiple times.
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In a pickle: You are experiencing a minor difficult situation, but not a complete disaster. For example, forgetting your wallet before going out.
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In hot water: You are facing punishment after doing something wrong. This is a higher level of trouble than being in a pickle. An example is getting caught skipping class.
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Between a rock and a hard place: You must choose between two difficult options, neither of which is ideal. This can happen when having to choose between a work promotion and family responsibilities.
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Against the wall: You are under extreme pressure with no easy way out. This can happen when a startup company needs to show results to their investors but is struggling.
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In over my head: You are involved in something you cannot handle due to lack of ability or resources. An example is taking on a home renovation project that is too difficult.
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Out of the frying pan into the fire: You have moved from a bad situation into an even worse one. This can happen when you quit a stressful job and have an even worse boss at your new job.
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Down the rabbit hole: You are in a complicated situation that is growing more serious and difficult over time. This can happen when a simple house repair turns into a complex and expensive project.
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Hitting rock bottom: You have reached the lowest point in a situation, meaning you are facing significant trouble and negativity. This can happen when someone loses their house, family and job.
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Dead in the water: You are completely stuck with no hope of progress or success, as you have reached maximum trouble. This can happen when a movie production loses its main star and has no chance of success.
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Description
Test your knowledge on common idioms that describe various levels of trouble. This quiz features phrases like 'walking on thin ice' and 'in hot water' to illustrate different situations. See how well you understand these expressions and their meanings!
