Understanding American Idioms

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Questions and Answers

Match the idioms with their definitions:

A big shot = An important person A bone to pick = An annoying person A pain in the neck = A complaint to be settled All ears = Eager to listen

Match the idioms with their examples:

Actions speak louder than words = His constant volunteering exemplifies... Back to the drawing board = Joe’s plans do not work... As easy as pie = Susan told Tom this class would be... Across the board = The attendance policy is applied...

Match the idioms with their meanings:

All in the same boat = Experiencing the same situation A snap = Very easy A bone to pick = A dispute or complaint A pain in the neck = An annoying situation

Match the idioms with the context:

A big shot = Had lunch with an executive All ears = When Bill was talking, Debra was... Back to the drawing board = Plans did not work... As easy as pie = Tom thinks the class is hard... Signup and view all the answers

Match the idioms with their implications:

Actions speak louder than words = What you do means more than what you say A pain in the neck = Something annoying or bothersome All in the same boat = Sharing a similar experience A bone to pick = Need to settle a complaint Signup and view all the answers

Match the idioms with an appropriate response or action:

Back to the drawing board = Return to planning stage A big shot = Important executive A snap = Making cookies from a mix Across the board = Relating to everyone involved Signup and view all the answers

Match the idioms with their everyday use cases:

A bone to pick = Complaining to a friend All ears = Listening to a story As easy as pie = Describing a simple task A pain in the neck = Talking about an annoying neighbor Signup and view all the answers

Match the idioms with their corresponding phrases:

Actions speak louder than words = Dedication to service A big shot = Lunch with an important figure A snap = Making something very easily All in the same boat = None of them finished... Signup and view all the answers

Match the phrases with their meanings:

Bad-mouth = to say mean and embarrassing things about someone Barking up the wrong tree = mistakenly pursuing the wrong course Beat around the bush = speaking indirectly or avoiding the subject Beats me = not to know (usually the answer to a question) Signup and view all the answers

Match the phrases with their examples:

Best of both worlds = By working part-time, Sarah enjoys the best of both worlds - earning money while still having time to pursue her passion for painting. Bite the bullet = Mark will bite the bullet and talk to Dad about his bad grade. Break a leg = Does the play start tonight? Well, break a leg! Bug = Her little brother really bugs her sometimes! Signup and view all the answers

Match the phrases with their context:

Bent out of shape = Mark really got bent out of shape about the D on his history report. Brush up on something = The students need to brush up on their geography skills before the next exam. Bottom line = The bottom line is that Cathy just does not want to do it. Break someone's heart = Cindy’s dad broke her heart when he did not attend her graduation. Signup and view all the answers

Match the phrases with their definitions:

Break the ice = to do something, usually humorous, that helps stop the nervousness people feel when they meet for the first time Beat = extremely tired Bug = to annoy or pester Break around the bush = speaking indirectly or avoiding the subject Signup and view all the answers

Match the phrases with the appropriate reactions:

Beat around the bush = Politicians are known for beating around the bush! Barking up the wrong tree = When she told him she was from Texas, he realized he had barked up the wrong tree. Break the ice = Jim broke the ice at the party by starting a really stupid but funny game. Beats me = A: When did Mom leave? B: Beats me! Signup and view all the answers

Match the phrases with their implications:

Best of both worlds = having the advantages or benefits of two different things at the same time Bite the bullet = accepting punishment or blame for something Break a leg = wish good luck Bottom line = the real issue or the most important facts Signup and view all the answers

Match the phrases with situations they describe:

Beat = The kids are beat! Let them go to sleep! Bent out of shape = Mark really got bent out of shape about something. Brush up on something = The students need to brush up on their skills. Break someone's heart = to emotionally hurt someone Signup and view all the answers

Match the phrases with their common usage:

Break the ice = starting a conversation at a social event Bad-mouth = speaking ill of someone Beat around the bush = avoiding directly addressing an issue Barking up the wrong tree = making an incorrect assumption Signup and view all the answers

Match the following idioms with their meanings:

Burn the midnight oil = stay up very late or all night working or studying Call it a day = stop working and go home Catch some Z’s = go to sleep Caught red-handed = caught in the middle of doing something wrong Signup and view all the answers

Match the following idioms with their contexts:

Clean as a whistle = very clean Clean slate = fresh start Cold feet = nervousness or anxiousness concerning major events Cold turkey = to immediately give up a bad habit Signup and view all the answers

Match the following idioms with examples of usage:

Cost an arm and a leg = Ginger’s fancy new car must have cost her an arm and a leg Crunch time = a time when many deadlines are approaching Curiosity killed the cat = being too curious can lead to trouble Days are numbered = time is limited for Hank if he does not pass his test Signup and view all the answers

Match the following idioms with their descriptions:

Down in the dumps = sad or depressed Burn the midnight oil = to work late into the night Call it a day = to conclude work for the day Caught red-handed = to be discovered doing something wrong Signup and view all the answers

Match the idioms with their correct explanations:

Catch some Z’s = to get some sleep Cold feet = to feel nervous before a big event Cost an arm and a leg = to be very expensive Clean slate = to start over without any prior burdens Signup and view all the answers

Match the idioms to their consequences or outcomes:

Curiosity killed the cat = can lead to trouble Crunch time = pressure due to deadlines Days are numbered = limited time to achieve something Cold turkey = to stop a habit abruptly Signup and view all the answers

Match the idioms with their scenarios:

Clean as a whistle = keeping everything tidy Burn the midnight oil = studying for finals late at night Down in the dumps = feeling sad after a loss Caught red-handed = being discovered cheating Signup and view all the answers

Match the idioms with the relevant situation:

Call it a day = after finishing all tasks Catch some Z’s = after a long tiring day Cost an arm and a leg = buying a luxury item Cold feet = about to get married Signup and view all the answers

Match the idioms with their corresponding meanings:

Scare the living daylights out of = to frighten someone Sick as a dog = to be seriously ill Skeleton in the closet = a personal or family secret Sleeping like a baby = sleeping peacefully and soundly Signup and view all the answers

Match the idioms with their associated scenarios:

Smell a rat = suspecting someone is not trustworthy Spick and span = very clean Stab in the back = to deceive or hurt someone Stick one’s neck out = to do something risky for someone else Signup and view all the answers

Match the idioms with their contexts:

Sweet tooth = desire to eat something sweet Talking in circles = to speak in an unclear, illogical manner That does not hold water = the reasoning does not make sense That is a bunch of baloney = a lie or fake; nonsense Signup and view all the answers

Match the idioms with their proper usage:

Sick as a dog = felt as sick as a dog for the rest of the day Sleeping like a log = once he goes to sleep, there is no waking him Scare the living daylights out of = jumped into the hallway and scared her Stick one’s neck out = supported the mayor’s proposal Signup and view all the answers

Match the idioms with their descriptive phrases:

Skeleton in the closet = something a family wants to keep secret Smell a rat = predicted something was not trustworthy Stab in the back = deceiving a close friend Spick and span = to make something very clean Signup and view all the answers

Match the idioms with examples of use:

Sweet tooth = always eats candy Talking in circles = never really makes a clear point That does not hold water = does not have enough supporting evidence That is a bunch of baloney = nonsense comment made about school Signup and view all the answers

Match the idioms with their literal meanings:

Sleeping like a baby = sleeping without disturbance Sick as a dog = feeling very ill Spick and span = extremely tidy and organized Stick one’s neck out = to take a risk for someone else’s benefit Signup and view all the answers

Match the idioms with a related statement:

Smell a rat = suspect ulterior motives Scare the living daylights out of = unexpected fright that shocks someone Skeleton in the closet = holds a shameful secret That does not hold water = argument lacking evidence Signup and view all the answers

Match the idioms with their meanings:

Don't count your chickens before they hatch = Don't make a decision with limited information Drag one's feet = To be slow and unmotivated about completing something Drive one crazy = To annoy someone significantly Fair-weather friend = Only a friend when it is convenient Signup and view all the answers

Match the phrases with their examples:

Every cloud has a silver lining = She realized that every cloud has a silver lining when she was offered a better position. Easier said than done = Losing weight by starting an exercise program is easier said than done. Easy does it! = Bill, that lamp is fragile. Face-to-face = She really wants to see her dad face-to-face before she goes on her business trip. Signup and view all the answers

Match the idioms with the situations they represent:

Drive one up the wall = His mom really drives him up the wall when she plays classical music. Eating at someone = She is mad at her brother right now. False alarm = He thought his paper was due today, but it was only a false alarm! Drive one crazy = It drives Tina crazy when her neighbor mows his lawn at 7:00 AM. Signup and view all the answers

Match the idioms to their correct meanings:

Drag one's feet = To procrastinate or delay Easy does it! = To proceed with caution Don't count your chickens before they hatch = Don't assume something will happen until it does Every cloud has a silver lining = There is a positive side to every negative situation Signup and view all the answers

Match the phrases with their appropriate contexts:

Easier said than done = It's hard to lose weight. Face-to-face = She wants to talk to her dad in person. Fair-weather friend = Jessica has been a consistent friend even during tough times. False alarm = He was relieved to find out his paper was not due. Signup and view all the answers

Match the idioms with their descriptions:

Drive one crazy = To irritate or annoy someone Every cloud has a silver lining = Hope exists in even bad situations Don't count your chickens before they hatch = Avoid making plans based on uncertain outcomes Eating at someone = Something is bothering or disturbing someone Signup and view all the answers

Match the idiom to the situation it is used in:

Easier said than done = Starting a new exercise program can be challenging. Drag one's feet = Mario will not finish his English paper on time. Easy does it! = Be careful not to break that fragile lamp. Drive one up the wall = He gets irritated when his mom plays music while studying. Signup and view all the answers

Match the sayings with their implications:

Fair-weather friend = Some people only stay friends during good times. Drive one crazy = Annoyance can intensify due to external factors. Face-to-face = In-person interactions are preferred. False alarm = Not everything causes panic; sometimes it’s a misunderstanding. Signup and view all the answers

Match the idiom with its appropriate context:

Break a leg = Wishing someone good luck before a performance Bug = Annoying someone persistently Beat around the bush = Speaking indirectly to avoid a subject Brush up on something = Relearning skills before a test Signup and view all the answers

Match the idiom with its correct meaning:

Beats me = Not knowing the answer to a question Bottom line = The most important facts of a situation Barking up the wrong tree = Mistakenly pursuing the wrong course Break someone's heart = Emotionally hurting or disappointing someone Signup and view all the answers

Match the idiom to its definition:

Beat = Extremely tired Bite the bullet = Accepting an unpleasant circumstance Bent out of shape = Being very upset about something Best of both worlds = Enjoying advantages from two different things Signup and view all the answers

Match the idiom with its typical usage:

Break the ice = Doing something to reduce nervousness at a meeting Bad-mouth = Saying mean things about someone Bite the bullet = Discussing a tough situation with someone Break a leg = Encouraging someone before a big event Signup and view all the answers

Match the idiom with an appropriate scenario:

Bug = A sibling bothering you while you study Beat around the bush = Politician avoiding direct questions Barking up the wrong tree = Making jokes about a sensitive topic Brush up on something = Studying before an important exam Signup and view all the answers

Match the idioms with their corresponding explanations:

Caught red-handed = Caught in the middle of doing something wrong Clean slate = Fresh start Cold feet = Nervousness concerning major events Days are numbered = Time is limited Signup and view all the answers

Match the idioms with their examples:

Burn the midnight oil = They have a paper due tomorrow, so they will burn the midnight oil tonight. Call it a day = She thinks she will call it a day. Catch some Z’s = Dan wants to catch some Z’s now. Down in the dumps = Sarah has really been down in the dumps since her dog died. Signup and view all the answers

Match the idiomatic expressions with their meanings:

Fall for it = to get upset or angry Go bananas = extremely excited Get with the program = to be aware of something important Green with envy = very envious of someone Signup and view all the answers

Match the idioms with their meanings:

Crunch time = A time when deadlines are approaching Cost an arm and a leg = Very expensive Curiosity killed the cat = Being too curious can lead to trouble Cold turkey = To immediately give up a bad habit Signup and view all the answers

Match the idioms with the related situations:

Catch some Z’s = After a tiring day Clean as a whistle = Having everything very clean Caught red-handed = While cheating on an exam Cold feet = The night before a wedding Signup and view all the answers

Match the idioms with their contexts:

Give one’s right arm = help people in trouble From scratch = make food without using a mix Have one’s hands full = to be very busy with many responsibilities Grab a bite to eat = get something to eat Signup and view all the answers

Match the idioms with relevant examples:

Fly off the handle = the professor was angry with the students Follow in the footsteps of = taking a job like one’s father Get a kick out of something = find pleasure in seeing friends have fun Go against the grain = protesting against normal standards Signup and view all the answers

Match the idioms with their appropriate context:

Crunch time = Right before midterms Call it a day = After filing all the calls Cold turkey = Giving up on junk food Clean slate = After an apology at work Signup and view all the answers

Match the idiomatic expressions to their actions:

Give someone a hand = help someone with a task Go against the grain = act differently than what is accepted Get a kick out of something = enjoy an activity Have one’s hands full = manage multiple responsibilities Signup and view all the answers

Match the idioms with their implications:

Down in the dumps = Feeling sad about a loss Goes to rain = Time is about to finish Days are numbered = Limiting time on an activity Curiosity killed the cat = Exploring could be dangerous Signup and view all the answers

Match the idioms with their consequences:

Cost an arm and a leg = High financial expenditure Burn the midnight oil = Exhausting oneself by studying late Cold feet = Backing out of a big decision Caught red-handed = Facing punishment for wrongdoing Signup and view all the answers

Match the idioms with their descriptions:

Get up on the wrong side of the bed = to start the day in a bad mood Fall for it = to be tricked or deceived Fly off the handle = to lose one's temper suddenly Get with the program = to catch up with relevant information Signup and view all the answers

Match the idioms with their explanations:

Don't count your chickens before they hatch = Don't make a decision with limited information Drag one's feet = To be slow and unmotivated about completing something Drive one crazy = To annoy someone Every cloud has a silver lining = There's usually something positive in difficult situations Signup and view all the answers

Match the idioms with their examples:

Easier said than done = Losing weight is harder than talking about it Drive one up the wall = To be annoyed by someone's actions Face-to-face = To see someone in person False alarm = To panic over a situation that isn't real Signup and view all the answers

Match the idioms with their common usage:

Eat at someone = To disturb or bother someone Fair-weather friend = A friend only available during good times Easy does it! = To be careful and take it slow Drive one crazy = To irritate someone persistently Signup and view all the answers

Match the idioms with their associated scenarios:

Don't count your chickens before they hatch = Waiting to sign a job offer Drag one's feet = Procrastinating on school assignments Every cloud has a silver lining = Finding a better job after rejection Easier said than done = Starting an exercise program Signup and view all the answers

Match the idioms with their meanings:

False alarm = To panic over something that is not a problem Drive one up the wall = To cause significant annoyance Face-to-face = Directly in person Easy does it! = To proceed with caution Signup and view all the answers

Match the idioms with their implications:

Eat at someone = Something troubling someone's mind Don't count your chickens before they hatch = Be cautious before making plans Fair-weather friend = A friend who is only around during good times Drag one's feet = Delaying action due to lack of motivation Signup and view all the answers

Match the idioms with their descriptions:

Drive one crazy = To have someone feeling extremely annoyed Easier said than done = Talking about an action is simpler than actually doing it Every cloud has a silver lining = A positive aspect in a negative situation Easy does it! = Take care or be gentle when doing something Signup and view all the answers

Match the idioms with their relevant situations:

Face-to-face = Meeting someone before a business trip Fair-weather friend = Someone who disappears during tough times False alarm = Worrying over a due date that isn't true Drive one up the wall = Annoyance from someone’s habits Signup and view all the answers

Match the idioms with their contexts:

Don't count your chickens before they hatch = Waiting for a job confirmation Drag one's feet = Being late on assignments Drive one crazy = Feeling irritated by routine noise Easier said than done = Starting a challenging task like exercise Signup and view all the answers

Match the idioms with their everyday use cases:

Eat at someone = When something continuously bothers another person Every cloud has a silver lining = Finding the good in a tough situation Drive one up the wall = Daily habits that irritate you False alarm = Mistaking the importance of a situation Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Understanding Idioms

Idioms are phrases with meanings that differ from their literal interpretations.
Mastery of idiomatic expressions enhances fluency and comprehension in American English.
Idioms are essential for understanding colloquial language in conversations, literature, and media.

Importance of Learning Idioms

They provide depth and nuance to communication.
Promote smoother interactions and foster cultural understanding.
The list provided is an introductory resource among hundreds of idioms.

Sample Idioms and Their Meanings

A big shot: An important person
Example*: She had lunch with a big shot executive.
A bone to pick: A complaint or misunderstanding
Example*: They have a bone to pick with Jennifer.
A pain in the neck/rear: An annoying person or situation
Example*: Thomas is a pain in the neck.
A snap: Very easy
Example*: Making cookies from a mix is a snap.
Across the board: Relating to all persons or situations
Example*: The attendance policy is applied across the board.
Actions speak louder than words: Deeds are more significant than claims
Example*: His dedication to community service exemplifies this saying.
All ears: Eagerly listening
Example*: Debra was all ears while Bill was talking.
All in the same boat: Experiencing similar situations
Example*: They are all in the same boat regarding their papers.
As easy as pie: Very simple
Example*: Susan said the class would be as easy as pie.
Back to the drawing board: Returning to planning after failure
Example*: Joe has to go back to the drawing board after his plans didn't work.
Bad-mouth: To speak negatively about someone
Example*: Kelly is often accused of bad-mouthing others.
Barking up the wrong tree: Pursuing the wrong course of action
Example*: He realized he was barking up the wrong tree with his jokes.
Beat around the bush: Avoiding the main topic
Example*: Politicians often beat around the bush.

Additional Idioms and Their Usage

Beat: Extremely tired
Example*: The kids are beat after a long day.
Best of both worlds: Advantages from two different scenarios
Example*: Sarah enjoys the best of both worlds by working part-time.
Bent out of shape: Very upset
Example*: Mark got bent out of shape over his history report grade.
Bite the bullet: Accepting an unpleasant situation
Example*: Mark will bite the bullet and talk to his dad.
Bottom line: Most important facts
Example*: The bottom line is Cathy doesn’t want to do it.
Break a leg: Wishing good luck
Example*: Before the play, friends say, "Break a leg!"
Brush up on something: Relearn or improve a skill
Example*: Students need to brush up on geography.
Catch some Z’s: Go to sleep
Example*: After a tiring day, he wants to catch some Z’s.
Caught red-handed: Caught doing something wrong
Example*: He was caught red-handed cheating on his exam.
Clean slate: A fresh start
Example*: Laura got a clean slate after her apology.
Cold turkey: To give up a habit abruptly
Example*: Jessica plans to give up junk food cold turkey.
Cost an arm and a leg: Very expensive
Example*: Her new car must have cost an arm and a leg.

Final Notes

Idioms enrich language and convey complex ideas succinctly.
Understanding idioms can greatly improve interaction in both formal and informal settings.
This preliminary list serves as a foundation for further idiomatic exploration in English.

Idioms and Their Meanings

Bad-mouth: Speaking negatively about someone; creates social isolation.
Barking up the wrong tree: Pursuing the wrong course of action or making incorrect assumptions.
Beat around the bush: Avoiding the main topic or speaking in an indirect manner, often associated with politicians.
Beat: Referring to extreme tiredness.
Beats me: Expression indicating lack of knowledge about a specific issue.
Best of both worlds: Achieving advantages from two different situations simultaneously.
Bent out of shape: Being very upset about an issue.
Bite the bullet: Accepting unpleasant situations or consequences courageously.
Bottom line: Focusing on the most important facts or issues.
Break a leg: A phrase used to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance.
Break someone's heart: To cause emotional pain or disappointment.
Break the ice: Doing something to relieve tension when meeting someone new.
Brush up on: Refreshing one's knowledge or skills in a particular area.
Bug: To annoy or pester someone persistently.
Burn the midnight oil: Staying up late to work or study.

Actions and Emotions

Call it a day: Deciding to stop working for the day.
Catch some Z’s: Going to sleep or getting rest.
Caught red-handed: Being caught in the act of doing something wrong.
Clean as a whistle: Describing something as very clean.
Clean slate: Starting anew, often after resolving past issues.
Cold feet: Experiencing nervousness before significant events.
Cold turkey: To quit a bad habit abruptly.
Cost an arm and a leg: Describing something as very expensive.
Crunch time: A critical period when deadlines are approaching.
Curiosity killed the cat: A warning about the dangers of being overly inquisitive.
Days are numbered: Indicating that time or opportunities are limited.
Down in the dumps: Feeling sad or depressed.
Don’t count your chickens before they hatch: Advising against making assumptions based on uncertain outcomes.
Drag one’s feet: To procrastinate or be reluctant to act.

Interpersonal and Daily Life Contexts

Drive one crazy: To annoy someone excessively.
Drive one up the wall: Another phrase for being very annoyed or irritated.
Easier said than done: Recognizing that some tasks are simpler to discuss than to accomplish.
Easy does it!: A caution to act carefully or gently.
Eating at someone: Referring to something that is troubling or bothering an individual.
Every cloud has a silver lining: Finding positive aspects in difficult situations.
Face-to-face: Meeting or communicating in person.
Fair-weather friend: A person who is only supportive during good times, not bad.
False alarm: Misinterpreting a situation that causes unnecessary panic.
Fall for it: Getting tricked or deceived.
Fly off the handle: To become suddenly very angry.
Follow in the footsteps of: To imitate or pursue similar paths as someone admired.
From scratch: Starting from the very beginning without any prior foundation.

Enjoyment and Personal States

Get a kick out of something: Finding great enjoyment or pleasure in an activity.
Get with the program: Becoming aware of important tasks or issues.
Give one’s right arm: Indicating a strong willingness to sacrifice for a cause.
Give someone a hand: Offering help or applauding someone for their achievements.
Go against the grain: Acting differently than accepted norms or expectations.
Go bananas/Go crazy: Expressing extreme excitement or joy.
Grab a bite to eat: Getting a quick meal or snack.
Green with envy: Feeling extreme jealousy towards someone else’s success.
Have one’s hands full: Being very busy with multiple responsibilities.
Making a mountain out of a molehill: Exaggerating a minor issue into a major problem.

Hard Work and Financial Matters

Ninety (90) to nothing: Working exceedingly hard or at a fast pace.
Not worth a hill of beans: Indicating something has little value or worth.
Off the top of my head: Providing an immediate answer or opinion without thorough reflection.
On edge: Feeling anxious or tense.
On the ball: Being alert, conscientious, and ready to act.
On the road: Referring to being in transit or traveling.
On the tip of my tongue: Almost remembering something but unable to recall it fully.
Once in a blue moon: Describing an event that happens very infrequently.
Pretty penny: Denoting something that is very costly.
Rain check: A promise to reschedule a missed opportunity.
Rain or shine: A commitment to attend or participate regardless of circumstances.
Running into the ground: Exhausting oneself by overexerting efforts, especially to meet deadlines.

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Description

This quiz explores the meanings and usage of common idioms in American English. Mastering these expressions is crucial for fluency and cultural understanding. Test your knowledge and enhance your communication skills with these idiomatic phrases.