Free Vocabulary MCQs with Answers

2811. After losing his job, Ali was at sixes and sevens for several months.What does the underlined idiom mean?

• A. Extremely confused
• B. Very rich
• C. Lucky
• D. Strong

Explanation: The correct answer is Extremely confused. The idiom 'at sixes and sevens' refers to a state of confusion or disarray. In the context of the question, Ali losing his job likely led to feelings of uncertainty and confusion about his future, which aligns perfectly with this idiom. The other options are incorrect as they do not relate to the emotional turmoil one might experience after such a significant life change.

2812. He often makes a mountain out of a molehill.What does the underlined idiom mean?

• A. To work very hard
• B. To exaggerate a small problem
• C. To climb mountains
• D. To find difficulties in nature

Explanation: The idiom 'mountain out of a molehill' means to exaggerate a small problem, making it seem much larger or more significant than it actually is. In this context, the phrase highlights the tendency of some people to blow minor issues out of proportion. The other options do not capture this meaning: Option A suggests hard work, which is unrelated; Option C takes the phrase literally, focusing on climbing; and Option D implies challenges in nature, which also strays from the idiomatic meaning.

2813. She always keeps her cards close to her chest.What does the underlined idiom mean?

• A. To hide her plans
• B. To be physically weak
• C. To play card games
• D. To trust everyone

Explanation: The correct answer is that the idiom 'keeps her cards close to her chest' refers to the practice of keeping one's plans or intentions secret, akin to a poker player who does not reveal their hand to others. This phrase emphasizes caution and discretion.Option B is incorrect because being physically weak does not relate to secrecy. Option C is also incorrect because playing card games does not capture the essence of the idiom. Finally, Option D is incorrect as it suggests openness and trust, which contrasts with the idea of keeping one's plans hidden.

2814. The old man was at the end of his tether after hours of waiting.What does the underlined idiom mean?

• A. Very angry and frustrated
• B. Very tired but happy
• C. Relaxed and calm
• D. Surprised

Explanation: The idiom 'end of his tether' means to reach a point where one can no longer cope or tolerate a situation, often resulting in feelings of frustration or anger. In the context of the sentence, the old man's prolonged waiting has led him to this breaking point. The other options do not accurately reflect this emotional state. 'Very tired but happy' suggests contentment, 'relaxed and calm' implies ease, and 'surprised' indicates an unexpected reaction, none of which align with the frustration indicated by the idiom.

2815. Despite difficulties, the team managed to weather the storm.What does the underlined idiom mean?

• A. To travel in rain
• B. To survive a difficult situation
• C. To get lost at sea
• D. To face natural disaster

Explanation: The idiom 'weather the storm' means to endure or survive a difficult or turbulent situation. In the context of the sentence, it indicates that despite facing challenges, the team was able to come through successfully. Option B is correct because it reflects this meaning of resilience and survival. Options A and C provide literal interpretations or unrelated scenarios that do not fit the idiom's figurative use. Option D, while related to facing challenges, does not imply the successful overcoming that the idiom suggests.

2816. Despite the company's promises of support, when the crisis deepened, the manager completely washed his hands of the matter, leaving the employees to face the consequences alone.What does the underlined idiom mean?

• A. To cleanse oneself physically
• B. To avoid responsibility for something
• C. To apologize for mistakes
• D. To act innocently

Explanation: The idiom 'washed his hands of the matter' means to avoid taking responsibility for something, especially after having previously promised support. In the context of the sentence, the manager's actions demonstrate a complete disregard for the consequences faced by the employees, indicating that he chose not to get involved further. The other options do not capture this meaning: Option A discusses physical cleansing, which is unrelated; Option C suggests taking responsibility and apologizing, which is the opposite of the idiom's meaning; and Option D implies innocence, which does not reflect the abandonment of responsibility.

2817. Although the evidence against the suspect was overwhelming, he continued to argue loudly in court, hoping that by muddying the waters, the judge would become confused and doubt the clear facts.What does the underlined idiom mean?

• A. To clean a dirty situation
• B. To create confusion deliberately
• C. To hide physical evidence
• D. To prove innocence clearly

Explanation: The correct answer is B: 'To create confusion deliberately.' The idiom 'muddying the waters' refers to making a situation more complicated or unclear, often intentionally, in order to confuse others or cloud the truth. In this context, the suspect's loud arguments serve to distract from the overwhelming evidence against him, highlighting his intent to create doubt. The other options misinterpret the idiom: A suggests cleaning up a situation (opposite meaning), C implies hiding evidence without the nuance of confusion, and D implies clarity which contradicts the idiomatic meaning.

2818. After months of heated debate, the committee finally realized that they were beating around the bush instead of addressing the core issue of corruption in the organization.What does the underlined idiom mean?

• A. To delay or avoid coming to the main point
• B. To argue aggressively
• C. To reach a compromise
• D. To make quick decisions

Explanation: The correct answer is that 'beating around the bush' means to delay or avoid coming to the main point. In the context of the question, the committee was engaged in a lot of debate but failed to confront the essential issue of corruption directly. The other options are incorrect because they misunderstand the idiom's implication of avoidance rather than confrontation or decisiveness.

2819. Many thought that the young scientist was jumping the gun by publishing his theory before conducting proper experiments, which later damaged his credibility in the research community.What does the underlined idiom mean?

• A. To start something too soon
• B. To take revenge
• C. To succeed quickly
• D. To avoid danger

Explanation: The idiom 'jumping the gun' means to start something prematurely or before the right time. In the context of the question, the young scientist published his theory before conducting necessary experiments, which illustrates this idiom well. This premature action ultimately harmed his reputation in the research community.The other options are incorrect because they do not convey the same meaning as 'jumping the gun'. Option B ('to take revenge') suggests a retaliatory action, which is unrelated. Option C ('to succeed quickly') implies a positive outcome from acting fast, while Option D ('to avoid danger') suggests caution and restraint, both of which are contrary to the rush implied by 'jumping the gun'.

2820. While the employees expected the new manager to bring innovative changes, his policies turned out to be nothing more than old wine in a new bottle, disappointing everyone who had hoped for progress.What does the underlined idiom mean?

• A. Completely new and unique ideas
• B. Old ideas presented in a new way
• C. A very risky experiment
• D. A useless invention

Explanation: The idiom 'old wine in a new bottle' means that something has been presented in a new way but remains fundamentally unchanged. In this context, it reflects the employees' disappointment that the new manager did not bring innovative ideas, but rather repackaged old policies. Options A, C, and D misinterpret the idiom by suggesting it refers to completely new concepts, risky endeavors, or useless inventions, respectively, which do not capture the essence of superficial change.