Free Idioms and Phrases MCQs with Answers

242 Idioms and Phrases MCQs from English, each with the correct answer and a written explanation of why it is correct. Free and unlimited, with no account needed.

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242 questions · page 20 of 25

191. "Bird Brain" means _____?

  • A. A person that is not too smart; a person that acts stupid
  • B. A person that is too smart; a person that acts Sharp
  • C. A person that is too lazy; a person that acts dull
  • D. A person that too angry; a person that acts hastly

Explanation: A bird brain is a person regarded as foolish or lacking intelligence. The expression is insulting and does not mean a sharp or highly intelligent person.

Correct answer: A person that is not too smart; a person that acts stupid

192. "Best of both worlds" means ________?

  • A. A phrase implying that a person is never satisfied with their current situation; they think others have it better
  • B. People's intentions can be judged better by what they do than by what they say
  • C. A situation wherein someone has the privilege of enjoying two different opportunities
  • D. Just the information I have on the subject

Explanation: Having the best of both worlds means enjoying the advantages of two different situations or opportunities. It combines benefits that are normally separate.

Correct answer: A situation wherein someone has the privilege of enjoying two different opportunities

193. "Beating a dead horse" means ________?

  • A. To uselessly dwell on a subject far beyond its point of resolution
  • B. An obvious, pressing issue left unaddressed due to its sensitive nature.
  • C. To speak the truth, even to the point of being blunt and rude
  • D. To work late into the night, alluding to the time before electric lighting

Explanation: Beating a dead horse means continuing to discuss or pursue an issue after further effort can achieve nothing. The subject has already reached its practical point of resolution.

Correct answer: To uselessly dwell on a subject far beyond its point of resolution

194. "Basket case" _______?

  • A. An area of vulnerability
  • B. Narrowly; barely. Usually used in regard to a narrow escape from a disaster
  • C. To treat a topic, but omit its main points, often intentionally or to delay or avoid talking about something difficult or unpleasant
  • D. One made powerless or ineffective, as by nerves, panic, or stress

Explanation: A basket case is a person or situation rendered helpless or ineffective, often by panic, stress, or emotional strain. The other options describe different expressions.

Correct answer: One made powerless or ineffective, as by nerves, panic, or stress

195. "Apple of discord" means ______?

  • A. Anything causing trouble, discord, or jealousy
  • B. A person that is not too smart; a person that acts stupid
  • C. To further a loss with sarcasm or indignity; to worsen an unfavorable situation
  • D. To speak the truth, even to the point of being blunt and rude

Explanation: An apple of discord is a person or thing that causes disagreement, trouble, or jealousy. The expression comes from the Greek myth in which an apple caused a dispute among goddesses.

Correct answer: Anything causing trouble, discord, or jealousy

196. "An arm and a leg" means _________?

  • A. Full throttle; at maximum speed
  • B. Very cheap or inexpensive. A little amount of money
  • C. Very expensive or costly. A large amount of money
  • D. One made powerless or ineffective, as by nerves, panic, or stress

Explanation: “An arm and a leg” means an extremely large amount of money or a very high cost. It is therefore the opposite of cheap or inexpensive.

Correct answer: Very expensive or costly. A large amount of money

197. "Elephant in the room" means _________?

  • A. An obvious, pressing issue left unaddressed due to its sensitive nature
  • B. In good physical health
  • C. Someone can perceive things and events that are outside of their field of vision
  • D. You learned something through means of a rumor

Explanation: The elephant in the room is an obvious and important problem that people avoid discussing because it is uncomfortable or sensitive. Its very obviousness makes the avoidance notable.

Correct answer: An obvious, pressing issue left unaddressed due to its sensitive nature

198. "Achilles' heel" means ________?

  • A. To action a task; to initiate work
  • B. A metaphor for a fatal weakness in spite of overall strength
  • C. A hidden or secret strength, or unrevealed advantage
  • D. To endure a painful or unpleasant situation that is unavoidable

Explanation: Achilles’ heel is a weak point in someone or something that is otherwise strong, like Achilles’ vulnerable heel in Greek mythology. It can lead to serious or fatal failure despite overall strength.

Correct answer: A metaphor for a fatal weakness in spite of overall strength

199. "Ace in the hole" means __________?

  • A. A hidden or secret strength, or unrevealed advantage
  • B. A metaphor for a fatal weakness in spite of overall strength
  • C. Anything causing trouble, discord, or jealousy
  • D. Without any hesitation; instantly

Explanation: An ace in the hole is a hidden resource or advantage kept in reserve for use when needed. It is a secret strength, not a weakness.

Correct answer: A hidden or secret strength, or unrevealed advantage

200. "A hot potato" means _________?

  • A. The one tiny drawback that ruins it
  • B. To go to bed to sleep
  • C. To find fault with something that has been received as a gift or favor
  • D. A controversial issue or situation that is awkward or unpleasant to deal with

Explanation: A hot potato is a controversial or difficult matter that people want to avoid handling. The image suggests something too hot to hold comfortably.

Correct answer: A controversial issue or situation that is awkward or unpleasant to deal with