Free Vocabulary MCQs with Answers

1171. Idiom "cook the books" means: _____________?

• A. Alter facts or figures dishonestly or illegally
• B. Read or write a lot of books
• C. Give exact information
• D. Come to an agreement

Explanation: To cook the books means to falsify accounts, figures, or records, usually to deceive others or gain an illegal advantage. It has nothing to do with ordinary reading or writing.

1172. But with the US and UK 'egging on' the Israelis, instead of reining in their rabid ally, it is difficult to foresee a negotiated denouement of this dangerous conflict. Here phrase 'egging on' means:

• A. Embarrass
• B. Strongly encourage
• C. Feel ashamed
• D. Make fool

Explanation: To egg someone on means to encourage or urge that person to continue an action, often a risky or aggressive one. Here, the US and UK are described as encouraging the Israelis.

1173. American 'sabre-rattling' is unlikely to bring calm to a Middle East that is ready to explode. Here 'sabre-rattling' word means:

• A. Threat of military force
• B. Military aid
• C. Unchecked financial support
• D. Coercive measures

Explanation: Sabre-rattling is a show of military power or a threat to use military force, usually intended to intimidate an opponent. It signals aggression rather than actual military aid.

1174. In their first debate, Kamala gets under Trump's skin. Here "get under someone's skin" means:

• A. Irritate or upset someone
• B. Do it with a lot of force and energy
• C. To meet and spend time with someone
• D. Say or do something that someone should not have

Explanation: To get under someone’s skin means to irritate, annoy, or upset that person. It refers to an emotional reaction, not physical force or spending time together.

1175. Take something with a pinch of salt", means:

• A. Without wholly believing
• B. Eat with some extra salt
• C. Eat without salt
• D. Believe something completely

Explanation: To take something with a pinch of salt means to hear it skeptically rather than accept it as completely true. The phrase is figurative and does not refer to seasoning food.

1176. Qureshi accuses prosecution of dilly-dallying. Here the word 'dilly-dallying' means:

• A. Wasting time by being indecisive
• B. Becoming hasty in decision making
• C. Not cooperating with council
• D. Not respecting because of political interference

Explanation: Dilly-dallying means delaying or wasting time, especially because of indecision. It is the opposite of making a quick or hasty decision.

1177. What is the meaning of the idiom "Spill the beans"?

• A. To make a mess
• B. To reveal a secret
• C. To tell a lie
• D. To start a fight

Explanation: To spill the beans means to reveal secret or confidential information, often accidentally or before the proper time. It is unrelated to making a literal mess with beans.

1178. Be quids in, means:

• A. To be making a profit
• B. To suffer loss
• C. To be in a situation
• D. To be a part of a group

Explanation: To be quids in means to be in a financially profitable position. “Quid” is British slang for a pound, linking the idiom to money and profit.

1179. The new TV series from the West Wing team is ready to roll. Here idiom 'ready to roll' means:

• A. Near to be finished
• B. Start to be ruined
• C. Going to start soon
• D. Ready to leave soon

Explanation: “Ready to roll” means ready to begin or proceed, so the series is going to start soon. It can also mean ready to leave, but that meaning does not fit this context.

1180. Be pushing up the daisies, means:

• A. Live for a long time
• B. To be dead
• C. Try hard for success
• D. Trying something irrelevant

Explanation: “Pushing up the daisies” is a humorous euphemism for being dead, suggesting that a buried person is beneath growing flowers.