Quiz on Idiomatic Expressions

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Questions and Answers

What does 'act of God' refer to?

Natural forces that are uncontrollable (correct)
A theatrical performance
A legal contract between two individuals
A man-made disaster

What does 'the old Adam' represent in Christian symbolism?

A model citizen
Fallen human nature (correct)
A literary character
A historical figure

What does the phrase 'clean up your act' imply?

To end a partnership
To improve personal behavior (correct)
To organize a performance
To tidy your surroundings

What characterizes a 'hard act to follow'?

An achievement that sets a high standard (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'get your act together'?

To improve organizational abilities (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to 'read someone the riot act'?

To give someone a stern warning (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does being 'in on the act' imply?

To be involved in a particular activity for profit (A) Signup and view all the answers

Who is James Crichton, related to the term 'admirable Crichton'?

A Scottish nobleman noted for competence (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of the phrase 'arrow of time'?

The direction of travel from past to future (A) Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes an 'armchair critic'?

A person knowledgeable only by reading (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to be 'up in arms about' something?

To protest angrily (B) Signup and view all the answers

The phrase 'would give your right arm for' implies what sentiment?

A willingness to sacrifice greatly (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does 'art for art's sake' mean?

Art exists solely for self-expression (C) Signup and view all the answers

An 'armchair traveler' is best described as someone who:

Imagines traveling without going anywhere (B) Signup and view all the answers

The phrase 'a pain in the arse' typically refers to:

An inconvenient or annoying situation (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'be art and part of' originally refer to?

To be deeply involved and participate (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary theme expressed by the character Jimmy Porter in John Osborne's play Look Back in Anger?

Anger and disillusionment (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'ante' generally signify in the context of poker?

A stake put up by a player before drawing cards (A) Signup and view all the answers

Who is referenced in the phrase 'with apologies to' in the context of adaptations?

Robert Frost (B) Signup and view all the answers

What anecdote is associated with the term 'ante' as mentioned in the content?

A story of King Philip of Macedon and a woman condemned (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does 'upping the ante' typically refer to in discussions or disputes?

Increasing the level of challenge or stakes (D) Signup and view all the answers

What connection does the phrase 'good fences make good neighbours' have in the content?

It's a popular saying that emphasizes the importance of boundaries (C) Signup and view all the answers

In what context was John Osborne's work particularly significant during the 1950s?

He expressed the sentiments of the angry young men. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is implied about the decision-making process involving 'appeal' in the context described?

It reflects a change in judgment based on new evidence. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'throw the baby out with the bathwater' mean?

To discard something valuable along with the undesirable. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following phrases suggests making an inappropriate choice?

Back the wrong horse (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of 'get someone's back up'?

To annoy or anger someone. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'back in the day' refer to?

Some time ago in the past. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which expression means to approach a task with vigor?

Put your back into it (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'not in my back yard' imply?

A rejection of unwanted developments nearby. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of a 'back number'?

An issue of a periodical prior to the current one. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does 'bring home the bacon' mean?

To provide for one's family financially. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the expression 'the ball is in someone's court' mean?

It is that particular person's turn to act next. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'go ballistic' imply?

To fly into a rage. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the phrase 'a ball and chain', what does it refer to?

A severe hindrance. (A), A prisoner's restraint. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does 'behind the eight ball' suggest?

To be in a difficult position. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'have a ball' mean?

To enjoy oneself greatly. (C) Signup and view all the answers

The term 'ballpark' typically refers to what?

A rough estimate or range. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does 'bald as a coot' mean?

Completely bald. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'go down like a lead balloon' suggest?

A dramatic failure or flop. (C) Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Act

Act the goat: Behave foolishly or playfully
Act of God: A natural disaster, uncontrollable event. Often used in insurance contracts for events like floods and lightning strikes.
Clean up your act: Improve your behavior or performance.
Do a disappearing act: Leave suddenly and without explanation.
Get your act together: Organize yourself and start performing effectively, often used to tell someone to improve their behaviour.
A hard (or tough) act to follow: An achievement that sets a standard difficult for others to match.

Add

Add fuel to the fire: Make a situation worse.

Admirable

An admirable Crichton: A person who excels in everything they do.

Answer

The answer's a lemon: A bad or useless answer.
A dusty answer: An unhelpful or inadequate answer.

Ante

Up (or raise) the ante: Increase the stakes in a conflict or dispute.

Arrow of Time

Arrow of time: The concept of time's passage from the past to the future.

Armchair

An armchair critic: A person who criticizes without practical experience or expertise.

Art

Art for art's sake: The idea that art has no purpose besides its own aesthetic value.
Be art and part of: Be involved in something deeply.

Back

At the back of your mind: Existing in your subconscious awareness.
Back in the day: In the past; some time ago.
A back number: Outdated or obsolete.
Put your back into: Work hard at a task.
See the back of: Be rid of something unwanted.

Bald

As bald as a coot: Completely bald.

Ball

A ball and chain: A hindrance or burden.
The ball is in someone's court: It is someone's responsibility to act next.
Have a ball: Enjoy yourself greatly; have fun. The phrase was also used to mean "a glass of brandy."
The whole ball of wax: Everything.
A whole new ball game: A completely new situation.

Ballistic

Go ballistic: React with extreme anger and fury.

Balloon

Go down like a lead balloon: Be met with a negative reception.
When (or before) the balloon goes up: When (or before) things start to go wrong.

Behind the Eight Ball

Behind the eight ball: In a difficult or disadvantaged position.

Back the Wrong Horse

Back the wrong horse: Make a wrong or inappropriate choice.

Be on (or get off) Someone's Back

Be on (or get off) someone's back: Nag (or stop nagging) someone.

By the Back Door

By the back door: Using indirect or dishonest means.

Get Someone's Back Up

Get someone's back up: Make someone annoyed or angry.

Know Something Like the Back of Your Hand

Know something like the back of your Hand: Be entirely familiar with something.

Balance

Brought home the bacon: Earned enough to support oneself and one's family.

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