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.

242 questions · page 8 of 25

71. What does the idiom "to bear the brunt of" mean?

  • A. To enjoy the benefits of something
  • B. To take on the main force or impact of something
  • C. To avoid responsibility
  • D. To lead a group or effort

Explanation: To bear the brunt of something is to suffer or receive its greatest force or impact. The expression is often used for the person or group facing the worst effects of an event.

Correct answer: To take on the main force or impact of something

72. What does the idiom "have an axe to grind" mean?

  • A. To have a tool that needs sharpening
  • B. To be skilled at woodworking
  • C. To have a personal interest or grievance
  • D. To be ready for hard work

Explanation: To have an axe to grind means to possess a personal motive, interest, or grievance, often hidden behind an argument. It is not about literally sharpening a tool.

Correct answer: To have a personal interest or grievance

73. What does the idiom "to bury the hatchet" mean?

  • A. To hide evidence
  • B. To end a conflict and make peace
  • C. To postpone a decision
  • D. To prepare for battle

Explanation: To bury the hatchet means to stop hostility and make peace. The image comes from putting away a weapon instead of continuing a fight.

Correct answer: To end a conflict and make peace

74. What does the idiom 'to call a spade a spade' mean?

  • A. To dig for the truth
  • B. To use the correct tool for the job
  • C. To speak bluntly and truthfully
  • D. To disguise the truth with euphemisms

Explanation: To call a spade a spade means to speak plainly and truthfully, without softening an unpleasant fact. It does not refer merely to using a digging tool.

Correct answer: To speak bluntly and truthfully

75. They have a(n) ___________ on the top prize in the competition.

  • A. advantage
  • B. edge
  • C. eye
  • D. vision

Explanation: To have an edge means to possess an advantage over competitors, so the natural phrase is have an edge on the top prize. Advantage is close in meaning but does not complete the tested expression as naturally.

Correct answer: edge

76. "Give cold shoulder" means__________?

  • A. To support
  • B. Cold meat
  • C. To ignore
  • D. Shiver

Explanation: To give someone the cold shoulder means to deliberately ignore or treat that person in an unfriendly way. It does not refer to cold meat or physical shivering.

Correct answer: To ignore

77. He will not turn ______________ my respect

  • A. on
  • B. over
  • C. down
  • D. None of these

Explanation: “Turn down” means reject or refuse something, so the sentence means that he will not reject the speaker’s respect. The wording is unusual, but “down” is the only suitable particle among the options.

Correct answer: down

78. What does mean of 'Lotus-eater'?

  • A. Man of no substance
  • B. Honorary and reputable
  • C. A person full of laziness
  • D. A destructive man never be conqueror

Explanation: A lotus-eater is someone devoted to ease, pleasure and idleness, so “a person full of laziness” is the closest option. The expression comes from the lotus-eaters in Homer’s Odyssey, whose food made people forget their duties.

Correct answer: A person full of laziness

79. What does mean by idiom 'To kill a mockingbird'?

  • A. Destroy one's innocence
  • B. To kill one who copies
  • C. Hit a man with a pebble
  • D. Eradication of moral values

Explanation: The phrase refers to harming an innocent person or destroying innocence, symbolised by killing a harmless mockingbird. It is chiefly known from Harper Lee’s novel and is not a literal instruction.

Correct answer: Destroy one's innocence

80. Bring forward means?

  • A. Produce
  • B. Show up
  • C. Clarify
  • D. None of These

Explanation: “Bring forward” can mean to produce or present something for consideration, making “produce” the closest option. “Show up” means arrive or appear, which is a different phrasal meaning.

Correct answer: Produce