Questions and Answers
What does the phrase 'after one's own heart' imply?
What does being 'at a loss' mean?
What is meant by the phrase 'bear the brunt of'?
What does the expression 'at large' signify in a given context?
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What does it mean to 'assume airs'?
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What does the phrase 'hit below the belt' mean?
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Which phrase describes a very difficult task?
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What does it mean to 'have feet of clay'?
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What does 'high and dry' imply?
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What situation does 'Hobson's choice' refer to?
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Study Notes
Idiomatic Expressions and Their Meanings
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After one's own heart: Refers to someone aligned with another's interests or opinions.
- Examples: "She's a woman after my own heart."
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At the bottom of: Indicates the primary cause of an unpleasant situation.
- Example: "Jealousy is at the bottom of her dislike."
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At loss: Describes being unsure how to respond.
- Example: "I was at a loss for words."
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At dagger's drawn: Suggests a state of bitter enmity.
- Example: "The two countries are at daggers drawn over Kashmir."
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At large: Refers to someone who is unrestrained or not captured.
- Example: "Twelve prisoners are at large."
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Assume airs: To act as if one is superior.
- Example: "She is just putting on airs."
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Argus eyed: Describes someone who is extremely watchful or observant.
- Example: "As a politician, he is Argus eyed."
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Bear the brunt of: Means to endure the main impact of a hardship.
- Example: "The poor bear the brunt of rising prices."
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Hit below the belt: Refers to unfair actions against someone.
- Example: "Never hit below the belt in a fight."
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Herculean task: Signifies a very challenging or difficult task.
- Example: "Rooting out corruption is a herculean task."
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Halcyon days: Refers to a past period of happiness and success.
- Example: "She recalls the halcyon days of her youth."
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Have feet of clay: Indicates someone has hidden flaws.
- Example: "Even geniuses can have feet of clay."
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Hang/hold fire: Means to delay an action or decision.
- Example: "Let's hold fire until we receive more information."
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High and dry: Describes being left in a difficult situation without help.
- Example: "We were left high and dry after the crash."
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Hit the nail on the head: To do the correct thing at the right moment.
- Example: "You hit the nail on the head."
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Hold in abeyance: Means to temporarily suspend something.
- Example: "Let's hold it in abeyance for now."
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Hobson's choice: Refers to a situation with no real alternative.
- Example: "It was a Hobson's choice, take it or leave it."
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High and mighty: Pertains to someone acting superior or arrogant.
- Example: "He acts all high and mighty."
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Head and shoulders: Indicates clear superiority over others.
- Example: "This wine is head and shoulders above the rest."
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Hold a brief: To support or defend someone or their case.
- Example: "Parents should not hold a brief for their misbehaving children."
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Hush money: A bribe to silence someone.
- Example: "He escaped punishment by paying hush money."
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Hold/keep at bay: To keep something harmful from affecting you.
- Example: "He held the attacker at bay."
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Helter-skelter: Describes chaotic or disorganized behavior.
- Example: "The crowd ran helter-skelter after the loud noise."
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Have a brush with: Encounter or come into contact with something.
- Example: "He had a brush with the law."
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Hornet's nest: Refers to a difficult situation generating controversy or anger.
- Example: "His remarks stirred up a hornet's nest."
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Pull strings: Utilize influence and connections to gain advantages.
- Example: "I can pull a few strings to help you."
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Quixotic project: An impractical or idealistic endeavor.
- Example: "His quixotic project lacked feasibility."
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Red-tapism: Bureaucratic delays or excessive regulations.
- Example: "Red-tapism hinders progress."
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See eye to eye: To fully agree.
- Example: "We see eye to eye on many issues."
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Steer clear of: To avoid something potentially dangerous or harmful.
- Example: "Steer clear of troublemakers."
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Spick and span: Describes neatness or cleanliness.
- Example: "Her house is always spick and span."
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Spill the beans: To reveal secret information accidentally.
- Example: "Don't spill the beans about the surprise."
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Take somebody for a ride: To deceive or trick someone.
- Example: "I feel we have been taken for a ride."
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Throw cold water: To discourage or criticize.
- Example: "He threw cold water on my plans."
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Throw down the glove/gauntlet: To challenge someone.
- Example: "He threw down the gauntlet to his rivals."
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Take the floor: To speak publicly.
- Example: "The prime minister took the floor during the debate."
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Turncoat: A person who switches allegiance or loyalty.
- Example: "He was branded a turncoat."
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Up and doing: Indicates being active or engaged.
- Example: "A laborer must be up and doing daily."
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White elephant: An object that incurs more costs than worth.
- Example: "The old car turned out to be a white elephant."
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Will o' the wisp: Something elusive or unattainable.
- Example: "Full employment is a will o' the wisp for politicians."
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Description
This quiz explores the meaning and usage of idiomatic expressions, focusing on phrases like 'after one's own heart'. Participants will examine examples to better understand how these expressions apply in different contexts, helping to deepen their grasp of the language and its nuances.
