Form idioms by writing the missing word.
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- Answered
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Question 1 of 318
1. Question
I don’t think he’s ready to be the CFO. He’s only 36 years old and still _____ behind the ears.
Correct
wet behind the ears
Someone wet behind the ears is young and inexperienced.Incorrect
wet behind the ears
Someone wet behind the ears is young and inexperienced. -
Question 2 of 318
2. Question
He asked for a raise but I wouldn’t give it to him. We can easily find someone else to do the job. Guys like him are a _____ a dozen.
Correct
dime a dozen
A dime a dozen means common and almost worthless. This idiom can be used to describe both people and things.Incorrect
dime a dozen
A dime a dozen means common and almost worthless. This idiom can be used to describe both people and things. -
Question 3 of 318
3. Question
Despite all of her success, she remained a humble, _____ -to-earth person.
Correct
down to earth
Someone down to earth is humble and not pretentious.Incorrect
down to earth
Someone down to earth is humble and not pretentious. -
Question 4 of 318
4. Question
I grew up on the wrong side of the _____. Nothing was given to me and I had to work extremely hard for everything I have.
Correct
the wrong side of the tracks
Someone from the wrong side of the tracks is from the bad part of town.Incorrect
the wrong side of the tracks
Someone from the wrong side of the tracks is from the bad part of town. -
Question 5 of 318
5. Question
Kurt worked in sales for several years but he decided he wasn’t cut _____ for it. He went back to school and became a nurse.
Correct
not cut out for something
Someone not cut out for something is not the right person for a certain job, task, or activity.Incorrect
not cut out for something
Someone not cut out for something is not the right person for a certain job, task, or activity. -
Question 6 of 318
6. Question
I didn’t get John’s offer in writing, but he is a man of his _____ and I know I can trust him.
Correct
man of his word
A man of his word is someone who keeps promises.Incorrect
man of his word
A man of his word is someone who keeps promises. -
Question 7 of 318
7. Question
He’s a young, up-and- ______ member of the Democratic party.
Correct
up-and-coming (noun form is up-and-comer)
Someone up-and-coming is steadily becoming more successful.Incorrect
up-and-coming (noun form is up-and-comer)
Someone up-and-coming is steadily becoming more successful. -
Question 8 of 318
8. Question
I’m not much of a morning person. I’m more of a night _____.
Correct
night owl
A night owl is someone who likes to stay up late.Incorrect
night owl
A night owl is someone who likes to stay up late. -
Question 9 of 318
9. Question
No way would I pay $10,000 for this car. You can’t take advantage of me like that. I wasn’t born ______.
Correct
wasn’t/weren’t born yesterday
If someone wasn’t born yesterday, it means that they are not naive and not easily tricked.Incorrect
wasn’t/weren’t born yesterday
If someone wasn’t born yesterday, it means that they are not naive and not easily tricked. -
Question 10 of 318
10. Question
Tom is a bit of a hot-_____. He loses his temper easily and jumps down people’s throats.
Correct
hot head
A hot head is someone who gets angry easily.Incorrect
hot head
A hot head is someone who gets angry easily. -
Question 11 of 318
11. Question
Saying Luke likes soccer is an understatement. He eats, sleeps, and ______ it.
Correct
eat, sleep, and breathe something
If someone eats, sleeps, and breathes something, it means they are obsessed with that thing.Incorrect
eat, sleep, and breathe something
If someone eats, sleeps, and breathes something, it means they are obsessed with that thing. -
Question 12 of 318
12. Question
I hears she’s tough as _____ during negotiations. She always gets her way.
Correct
tough as nails (also hard as nails)
Someone tough as nails is strong and determined.Incorrect
tough as nails (also hard as nails)
Someone tough as nails is strong and determined. -
Question 13 of 318
13. Question
Martin’s brothers and sisters are doctors and lawyers. I guess you could say he’s the black ______ of the family. He’s a drummer in a rock band.
Correct
black sheep
A black sheep is someone who doesn’t fit in with the rest of the family or group.Incorrect
black sheep
A black sheep is someone who doesn’t fit in with the rest of the family or group. -
Question 14 of 318
14. Question
He comes from a _____ collar, working-class background.
Correct
blue collar
A blue collar worker is someone who does manual labor or works with their hands. Blue collar is the opposite of white collar. We can also use blue collar to describe things (jobs, positions, places, etc.).Incorrect
blue collar
A blue collar worker is someone who does manual labor or works with their hands. Blue collar is the opposite of white collar. We can also use blue collar to describe things (jobs, positions, places, etc.). -
Question 15 of 318
15. Question
Jake’s grandfather was a millionaire. Jake was born with a _____ spoon in his mouth.
Correct
born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth
Someone born with a silver spoon in their mouth was born rich with privileges other people don’t have.Incorrect
born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth
Someone born with a silver spoon in their mouth was born rich with privileges other people don’t have. -
Question 16 of 318
16. Question
There’s a rumor that layoffs are coming. Management wants to get rid of all the dead _____.
Correct
dead wood
Dead wood refers to people no longer useful to an organization.Incorrect
dead wood
Dead wood refers to people no longer useful to an organization. -
Question 17 of 318
17. Question
Stan isn’t very social. He tends to _____ to himself instead of talking to other people.
Correct
keep to oneself
Someone who keeps to themselves is quiet and does not interact much with other people.Incorrect
keep to oneself
Someone who keeps to themselves is quiet and does not interact much with other people. -
Question 18 of 318
18. Question
Being a _____ -shot Hollywood producer has really changed him. He’s become a bit full of himself.
Correct
big shot
A big shot is someone very important.Incorrect
big shot
A big shot is someone very important. -
Question 19 of 318
19. Question
I was such a happy-go- _____ kid. There was nothing to worry about.
Correct
happy-go-lucky
Someone happy-go-lucky is carefree and without worry.Incorrect
happy-go-lucky
Someone happy-go-lucky is carefree and without worry. -
Question 20 of 318
20. Question
It’s tough to find someone more kind and generous than Christine. She’d give you the shirt off her_____.
Correct
would give you the shirt off one’s back
Someone who would give you the shirt off their back is extremely generous.Incorrect
would give you the shirt off one’s back
Someone who would give you the shirt off their back is extremely generous. -
Question 21 of 318
21. Question
Mark doesn’t have a lot of experience, but we see the potential in him. He’s a diamond in the _____.
Correct
diamond in the rough
A diamond in the rough is someone with potential but lacking refinement.Incorrect
diamond in the rough
A diamond in the rough is someone with potential but lacking refinement. -
Question 22 of 318
22. Question
Don’t trust anyone in this business. Most of these people are two- _____ liars.
Correct
two-faced
Someone two-faced is deceitful and likely to betray people.Incorrect
two-faced
Someone two-faced is deceitful and likely to betray people. -
Question 23 of 318
23. Question
Five years ago he was a great soccer player. Now he’s past his _____.
Correct
past one’s prime
If someone is past their prime, they are not as good as they once were due to advanced age.Incorrect
past one’s prime
If someone is past their prime, they are not as good as they once were due to advanced age. -
Question 24 of 318
24. Question
Carter acts tough, but on the inside he has a heart of _____.
Correct
heart of gold
Someone with a heart of gold is very kind.Incorrect
heart of gold
Someone with a heart of gold is very kind. -
Question 25 of 318
25. Question
Mike’s a first- _____ architect who has won the respect and admiration of his peers.
Correct
first rate
Someone first-rate is excellent. We can also say second rate and third rate to describe someone of inferior qualityIncorrect
first rate
Someone first-rate is excellent. We can also say second rate and third rate to describe someone of inferior quality -
Question 26 of 318
26. Question
Elizabeth is applying to law schools right now. Her father was a famous defense attorney. It seems like she wants to follow in his _____.
Correct
follow in someone’s footsteps
To follow in someone’s footsteps means to follow someone’s example or path in life.Incorrect
follow in someone’s footsteps
To follow in someone’s footsteps means to follow someone’s example or path in life. -
Question 27 of 318
27. Question
I tried to convince him to use social media, but he’s set in his _____ and doesn’t want to consider it.
Correct
set in one’s ways
Someone set in their ways is not easily persuaded to change or consider other ideas.Incorrect
set in one’s ways
Someone set in their ways is not easily persuaded to change or consider other ideas. -
Question 28 of 318
28. Question
When she made the investment some people thought she was _____ of her mind, but she turned out to be right.
Correct
out of one’s mind
Out of one’s mind means crazy.Incorrect
out of one’s mind
Out of one’s mind means crazy. -
Question 29 of 318
29. Question
You’ll really like the new manager. He’s a real class _____.
Correct
class act
A class act is someone regarded as outstanding and admirable.Incorrect
class act
A class act is someone regarded as outstanding and admirable. -
Question 30 of 318
30. Question
Bart is a chip off the old _____. He has his father’s winning smile and calm voice.
Correct
chip off the old block
A chip off the old block is someone who closely resembles a parentIncorrect
chip off the old block
A chip off the old block is someone who closely resembles a parent -
Question 31 of 318
31. Question
Dan’s starting to be successful as a writer. He’s really _____ places.
Correct
going places
Someone going places is on their way to becoming successful.Incorrect
going places
Someone going places is on their way to becoming successful. -
Question 32 of 318
32. Question
He got to the top by being a yes _____. He just echoes what upper management says.
Correct
yes man
A yes man is someone who always agrees with their superiors.Incorrect
yes man
A yes man is someone who always agrees with their superiors. -
Question 33 of 318
33. Question
Kate’s the spitting _____ of her mother. They almost look like twins.
Correct
spitting image
If someone is a spitting image of someone else, it means the person looks like a close family member.Incorrect
spitting image
If someone is a spitting image of someone else, it means the person looks like a close family member. -
Question 34 of 318
34. Question
There are three candidates running for office. It looks like a close race between two of them. The third candidate is a dark _____. If he wins, everyone will be shocked.
Correct
dark horse
A dark horse is someone unlikely to win an election or contest.Incorrect
dark horse
A dark horse is someone unlikely to win an election or contest. -
Question 35 of 318
35. Question
Mr. Young isn’t a Johnny-come- ______ to the industry. He’s been in the field for three decades.
Correct
Johnny-come-lately
A Johnny-come-lately is a newcomer.Incorrect
Johnny-come-lately
A Johnny-come-lately is a newcomer. -
Question 36 of 318
36. Question
It’s hard to put my finger on what I didn’t like about him, but something about him _____ me the wrong way.
Correct
rub someone the wrong way
To rub someone the wrong way means to bother or offend someone accidentally.Incorrect
rub someone the wrong way
To rub someone the wrong way means to bother or offend someone accidentally. -
Question 37 of 318
37. Question
Some people think it’s unfair that people who commit white- _____ crime tend to serve lighter sentences than other criminals.
Correct
white collar
A white collar worker works in an office. White collar is the opposite of blue collar. We can also use white collar to describe things (jobs, positions, places, etc.).Incorrect
white collar
A white collar worker works in an office. White collar is the opposite of blue collar. We can also use white collar to describe things (jobs, positions, places, etc.). -
Question 38 of 318
38. Question
Andrew is exceptionally ambitious. He’s not content with being second in command. He wants to be top _____.
Correct
top dog
A top dog is someone occupying the top position in an organization or someone who has the highest authority.Incorrect
top dog
A top dog is someone occupying the top position in an organization or someone who has the highest authority. -
Question 39 of 318
39. Question
The scandal made him the laughing _____ of the whole nation. The story was on the news for weeks.
Correct
laughing stock
To be the laughing stock means to be someone many people make fun of. We often say someone is the laughing stock of a place, an organization, a community, etc.Incorrect
laughing stock
To be the laughing stock means to be someone many people make fun of. We often say someone is the laughing stock of a place, an organization, a community, etc. -
Question 40 of 318
40. Question
I know that top movie critics loved the film, but what does the average _____ think of the movie?
Correct
average Joe
An average Joe is a common man.Incorrect
average Joe
An average Joe is a common man. -
Question 41 of 318
41. Question
I tend to be very honest and forthcoming with people. I’m an open _____.
Correct
open book
An open book is someone whose feelings, opinions, motives, etc. are easily understood.Incorrect
open book
An open book is someone whose feelings, opinions, motives, etc. are easily understood. -
Question 42 of 318
42. Question
Replacing Steven will be tough. He was the best personal assistant I’ve ever had. Everyone else I’ve worked with can’t hold a _____ to him.
Correct
can’t hold a candle to someone
If someone can’t hold a candle to someone else, it means that the person is far inferior to the other person.Incorrect
can’t hold a candle to someone
If someone can’t hold a candle to someone else, it means that the person is far inferior to the other person. -
Question 43 of 318
43. Question
Any accountant worth his _____ should be able to file these forms for you.
Correct
worth one’s salt
Someone worth their salt is competent and worthy of their pay.Incorrect
worth one’s salt
Someone worth their salt is competent and worthy of their pay. -
Question 44 of 318
44. Question
He’s old and not as sharp as he used to be. People say he’s washed _____.
Correct
washed up
Washed up is similar to past one’s prime. It means that someone is no longer successful and that their best days are behind them.Incorrect
washed up
Washed up is similar to past one’s prime. It means that someone is no longer successful and that their best days are behind them. -
Question 45 of 318
45. Question
When Molly left Manhattan to practice family law in a rural town, she felt like a big fish in a small _____.
Correct
big fish in a small pond
A big fish in a small pond is someone very important in a small area, group, or community.Incorrect
big fish in a small pond
A big fish in a small pond is someone very important in a small area, group, or community. -
Question 46 of 318
46. Question
Benny always wears his _____ on his sleeve. Some people think he should do a better job at hiding his emotions.
Correct
wear one’s heart on one’s sleeve
If someone wears their heart on their sleeve, it means they openly express their true emotions.Incorrect
wear one’s heart on one’s sleeve
If someone wears their heart on their sleeve, it means they openly express their true emotions. -
Question 47 of 318
47. Question
All of our interns were fairly good, but only one of them stood out in the ______.
Correct
stand out in the crowd
If someone stands out in the crowd, it means they are different in a way that is obvious or easily noticed.Incorrect
stand out in the crowd
If someone stands out in the crowd, it means they are different in a way that is obvious or easily noticed. -
Question 48 of 318
48. Question
48. Just like his father, Greg is a public accountant and spends his free time fishing and watching football. I guess the apple doesn’t _____ far from the tree.
Correct
the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree
We say that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree to communicate that a child is very much like one of their parents.Incorrect
the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree
We say that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree to communicate that a child is very much like one of their parents. -
Question 49 of 318
49. Question
Everyone in my department is from the United States except for me. Sometimes I feel like the _____ man out.
Correct
odd man out
The odd man out is someone who is different in some way from all the other members in a group.Incorrect
odd man out
The odd man out is someone who is different in some way from all the other members in a group. -
Question 50 of 318
50. Question
Ever since Christian wasn’t given the promotion he’s had a chip on his ______.
Correct
have a chip on one’s shoulder
Someone with a chip on their shoulder often acts angry due to a perceived injustice and feels like they have something to prove.Incorrect
have a chip on one’s shoulder
Someone with a chip on their shoulder often acts angry due to a perceived injustice and feels like they have something to prove. -
Question 51 of 318
51. Question
I don’t think now is the right time to talk about this project. Let’s put it on the _____ burner for now and we can revisit it next week.
Correct
put something on the back burner
If something has been put on the back burner, it has been suspended temporarily. This idiom is similar to put something on hold.Incorrect
put something on the back burner
If something has been put on the back burner, it has been suspended temporarily. This idiom is similar to put something on hold. -
Question 52 of 318
52. Question
Hi, Paul. Long time, no _____. How have you been?
Correct
long time, no see
We often say Long time, no see when we greet someone we haven’t seen in a long time.Incorrect
long time, no see
We often say Long time, no see when we greet someone we haven’t seen in a long time. -
Question 53 of 318
53. Question
My French isn’t that great, and our clients were speaking a mile a _____. I only understood about half of the conversation.
Correct
a mile a minute
A mile a minute means very fast.Incorrect
a mile a minute
A mile a minute means very fast. -
Question 54 of 318
54. Question
I was working on the presentation and all of a sudden I realized it was 7:30. I was so involved in what I was doing that I completely lost _____ of time.
Correct
lose track of time
To lose track of time means to not realize how much time is passing.Incorrect
lose track of time
To lose track of time means to not realize how much time is passing. -
Question 55 of 318
55. Question
Susan had a dead-end job for years. She told me she’s been working hard to make up for _____ time.
Correct
make up for lost time
To make up for lost time means to work hard/quickly to compensate for the fact that little progress has been made.Incorrect
make up for lost time
To make up for lost time means to work hard/quickly to compensate for the fact that little progress has been made. -
Question 56 of 318
56. Question
I’ve been jogging before work. It’s hard waking up at the crack of _____, but I feel much healthier and have more energy.
Correct
crack of dawn
The crack of dawn means very early in the morning.Incorrect
crack of dawn
The crack of dawn means very early in the morning. -
Question 57 of 318
57. Question
I’m too tired to be productive. Let’s call it a _____ and go home.
Correct
Let’s call it a day/Why don’t we call it a day?
We can say Let’s call it a day (or Why don’t we call it a day?) to suggest that we stop working for the day.Incorrect
Let’s call it a day/Why don’t we call it a day?
We can say Let’s call it a day (or Why don’t we call it a day?) to suggest that we stop working for the day. -
Question 58 of 318
58. Question
We don’t have to make a decision today, but sooner or _____ we’re going to have do decide.
Correct
sooner or later
If something will happen sooner or later, it means that it will happen at an unspecific time in the future.Incorrect
sooner or later
If something will happen sooner or later, it means that it will happen at an unspecific time in the future. -
Question 59 of 318
59. Question
How do you find the ____ to volunteer when you have such a demanding job and a family?
Correct
find the time
To find the time for something means to make time for a task or activity.Incorrect
find the time
To find the time for something means to make time for a task or activity. -
Question 60 of 318
60. Question
We’re in the desert. It only rains here once in a blue _____.
Correct
once in a blue moon
Once in a blue moon means very infrequently.Incorrect
once in a blue moon
Once in a blue moon means very infrequently. -
Question 61 of 318
61. Question
I can’t believe you still have a newspaper subscription. Why don’t you _____ with the times and get a digital subscription?
Correct
get with the times
To get with the times mean to do/think what other people are doing/thinking in the modern world.Incorrect
get with the times
To get with the times mean to do/think what other people are doing/thinking in the modern world. -
Question 62 of 318
62. Question
In college, I always waited until the last _____ to complete my assignments.
Correct
wait until the last minute
Self-explanatory.Incorrect
wait until the last minute
Self-explanatory. -
Question 63 of 318
63. Question
I’ve always felt comfortable here. From _____ one, I knew this was the right place for me.
Correct
from day one
From day one means from the beginning.Incorrect
from day one
From day one means from the beginning. -
Question 64 of 318
64. Question
It took Immigration ten months to process Kim’s application for a work visa. She was frustrated, but better late than _____, right?
Correct
better late than never
Self explanatory.Incorrect
better late than never
Self explanatory. -
Question 65 of 318
65. Question
Your English is fine. You just need to have some patience and keep working hard. Remember, Rome wasn’t _____ in a day.
Correct
Rome wasn’t built in a day
We say Rome wasn’t built in a day to communicate that great accomplishments take time.Incorrect
Rome wasn’t built in a day
We say Rome wasn’t built in a day to communicate that great accomplishments take time. -
Question 66 of 318
66. Question
Deciding to leave town for the weekend was a spur of the _____ decision. We just got in the car and drove to the beach.
Correct
spur of the moment
Something spur of the moment is spontaneous or unplanned.Incorrect
spur of the moment
Something spur of the moment is spontaneous or unplanned. -
Question 67 of 318
67. Question
The car was expensive but it has great gas mileage. It’s going to save me money in the long _____.
Correct
in the long run
In the long run means over an extended period of time.Incorrect
in the long run
In the long run means over an extended period of time. -
Question 68 of 318
68. Question
We don’t have the funding for this project right now. We’re going to have to put it on _____ for now.
Correct
put something on hold
If something has been put on hold, it has been suspended temporarily. This idiom is similar to put something on the back burner.Incorrect
put something on hold
If something has been put on hold, it has been suspended temporarily. This idiom is similar to put something on the back burner. -
Question 69 of 318
69. Question
My next meeting isn’t for another hour. I have some _____ to kill. Do you want to get a cup of coffee?
Correct
time to kill
Someone with time to kill has nothing urgent to do for a certain period of time.Incorrect
time to kill
Someone with time to kill has nothing urgent to do for a certain period of time. -
Question 70 of 318
70. Question
I’ve been pressed for _____ all week. We have an important deadline this Friday.
Correct
pressed for time
Someone pressed for time doesn’t have much time due to responsibilities, tasks, etc.Incorrect
pressed for time
Someone pressed for time doesn’t have much time due to responsibilities, tasks, etc. -
Question 71 of 318
71. Question
By the time I found out my favorite band was in town, the concert had already sold out. I completely missed the _____.
Correct
miss the boat
To miss the boat means to be too late to take advantage of an opportunity.Incorrect
miss the boat
To miss the boat means to be too late to take advantage of an opportunity. -
Question 72 of 318
72. Question
It was a race against the _____ to finish the construction project before the rainy season.
Correct
race against the clock
A race against the clock is a situation in which something must be done very quickly.Incorrect
race against the clock
A race against the clock is a situation in which something must be done very quickly. -
Question 73 of 318
73. Question
I almost missed my flight to London. I got to the gate in the nick of _____. Had I arrived five minutes later, I would have missed it.
Correct
in the nick of time
In the nick of time communicates that something happened with little time to spare.Incorrect
in the nick of time
In the nick of time communicates that something happened with little time to spare. -
Question 74 of 318
74. Question
I think we need to move on and talk about something else. Otherwise, the two of them will be arguing until the _____ come home.
Correct
until the cows come home
Until the cows come home means for a very long time.Incorrect
until the cows come home
Until the cows come home means for a very long time. -
Question 75 of 318
75. Question
Part of my success is due to hard work and perseverance, but I owe a lot of my success to being in the right _____ at the right time.
Correct
right place at the right time
Self explanatory.Incorrect
right place at the right time
Self explanatory. -
Question 76 of 318
76. Question
Only time will _____ if the policy change was a good idea. It’s impossible to know right now if it was the right decision.
Correct
only time will tell
Only time will tell means that we can’t know now but we will find out in the future.Incorrect
only time will tell
Only time will tell means that we can’t know now but we will find out in the future. -
Question 77 of 318
77. Question
It’s only a matter of time before they fire him. His _____ are numbered.
Correct
days are numbered
If something’s (or someone’s) days are numbered, it means that it will not exist for much longer.Incorrect
days are numbered
If something’s (or someone’s) days are numbered, it means that it will not exist for much longer. -
Question 78 of 318
78. Question
Eventually, we’re going to need to move into a bigger house, but for the time _____ we have enough space.
Correct
for the time being
For the time being means for now.Incorrect
for the time being
For the time being means for now. -
Question 79 of 318
79. Question
We have to make a decision now. The offer will be off the table tomorrow. It’s now or _____.
Correct
now or never
Now or never communicates that something must be done now because there will not be another opportunity in the future.Incorrect
now or never
Now or never communicates that something must be done now because there will not be another opportunity in the future. -
Question 80 of 318
80. Question
_____ clockwork, John wakes up at 6:30 a.m. and reads the newspaper.
Correct
like clockwork
Something that happens like clockwork happens at regular, predictable times.Incorrect
like clockwork
Something that happens like clockwork happens at regular, predictable times. -
Question 81 of 318
81. Question
The semester ended last week and I don’t go back to school until September. I feel like I have all the time in the _____.
Correct
all the time in the world
Someone with all the time in the world has an excessive amount of free time.Incorrect
all the time in the world
Someone with all the time in the world has an excessive amount of free time. -
Question 82 of 318
82. Question
High school was a lot of fun for Becky. She had the time of her _____.
Correct
the time of one’s life
If someone had the time of their life, it means they had a really great time.Incorrect
the time of one’s life
If someone had the time of their life, it means they had a really great time. -
Question 83 of 318
83. Question
The two candidates have been campaigning for months. Now comes the moment of _____. Today everyone in the state will vote for in the gubernatorial election.
Correct
moment of truth
The moment of truth is a critical moment when something is put to the test.Incorrect
moment of truth
The moment of truth is a critical moment when something is put to the test. -
Question 84 of 318
84. Question
Medical professionals say there’s no time to _____ and that we must act now to stop this epidemic.
Correct
there’s no time to lose
There’s no time to lose means that something must be started right away.Incorrect
there’s no time to lose
There’s no time to lose means that something must be started right away. -
Question 85 of 318
85. Question
I often wait until the last minute to finish my assignments. I feel like I often do my best work at the eleventh _____.
Correct
the eleventh hour
At the eleventh hour means at the last minute.Incorrect
the eleventh hour
At the eleventh hour means at the last minute. -
Question 86 of 318
86. Question
I’m feeling a bit under the _____ today. I think I’m getting a cold.
Correct
under the weather
Someone under the weather feels a little bit sick.Incorrect
under the weather
Someone under the weather feels a little bit sick. -
Question 87 of 318
87. Question
It was a bad car accident, and Martin was really shaken _____ for a few days afterwards.
Correct
shaken up
Someone shaken up is troubled or distressed.Incorrect
shaken up
Someone shaken up is troubled or distressed. -
Question 88 of 318
88. Question
Our supplier sent us the wrong laptops and we’re going to have to wait another two weeks to get the ones we ordered. Our supervisor is not a _____ camper right now.
Correct
happy camper
If someone is a happy camper, they are content and satisfied. We often use this idiom in the negative form. (Ex. He’s not a happy camper right now.)Incorrect
happy camper
If someone is a happy camper, they are content and satisfied. We often use this idiom in the negative form. (Ex. He’s not a happy camper right now.) -
Question 89 of 318
89. Question
He’s always so calm, but one day he completely _____ off the handle and started screaming at people.
Correct
fly off the handle
To fly off the handle means to lose one’s temper very suddenly.Incorrect
fly off the handle
To fly off the handle means to lose one’s temper very suddenly. -
Question 90 of 318
90. Question
It was the first time I had ever been interviewed on TV and I really got a _____ out of it. I can’t wait to do it again.
Correct
get a kick out of something
To get a kick out of something means to really enjoy something.Incorrect
get a kick out of something
To get a kick out of something means to really enjoy something. -
Question 91 of 318
91. Question
Liz said she felt like a _____ out of water in Tokyo. She’s used to living in a rural area.
Correct
fish out of water
If someone is like a fish out of water, it means they are in an unfamiliar or uncomfortable situation.Incorrect
fish out of water
If someone is like a fish out of water, it means they are in an unfamiliar or uncomfortable situation. -
Question 92 of 318
92. Question
I didn’t want to miss work for three days, but what could I do? I was as sick as a _____.
Correct
as sick as a dog
Someone as sick as a dog is very sick.Incorrect
as sick as a dog
Someone as sick as a dog is very sick. -
Question 93 of 318
93. Question
On the weekend we play football in a local league. After a long week of work, it’s important to let off a little _____.
Correct
let/blow off a little steam
To let or blow off a little steam means to do something to release pent up energy or emotions.Incorrect
let/blow off a little steam
To let or blow off a little steam means to do something to release pent up energy or emotions. -
Question 94 of 318
94. Question
After the first round of layoffs, everyone in the building was a little _____ edge.
Correct
on edge
Someone on edge is tense and nervous.Incorrect
on edge
Someone on edge is tense and nervous. -
Question 95 of 318
95. Question
Getting some recognition during the meeting really made my _____.
Correct
make someone’s day
To make someone’s day means to make someone happy by saying or doing something that is the best moment of that person’s day.Incorrect
make someone’s day
To make someone’s day means to make someone happy by saying or doing something that is the best moment of that person’s day. -
Question 96 of 318
96. Question
On Friday, Kate was still a little jet-lagged. She looked completely spaced _____ at breakfast.
Correct
spaced out
Someone spaced out is in a disoriented stupor.Incorrect
spaced out
Someone spaced out is in a disoriented stupor. -
Question 97 of 318
97. Question
It’s just a little setback. Don’t get upset about it. Keep your ____ up and work through it.
Correct
keep one’s chin up
To keep one’s chin up means to stay positive in the face of adversity.Incorrect
keep one’s chin up
To keep one’s chin up means to stay positive in the face of adversity. -
Question 98 of 318
98. Question
Dexter quit smoking and started a new diet. He says he’s turning over a new _____.
Correct
turn over a new leaf
To turn over a new leaf means to make an important change for the better.Incorrect
turn over a new leaf
To turn over a new leaf means to make an important change for the better. -
Question 99 of 318
99. Question
This is totally unacceptable. I’m going to call customer service and give them a _____ of my mind.
Correct
give someone a piece of one’s mind
To give someone a piece of one’s mind means to angrily speak or yell at someone who has done something wrong.Incorrect
give someone a piece of one’s mind
To give someone a piece of one’s mind means to angrily speak or yell at someone who has done something wrong. -
Question 100 of 318
100. Question
When I got my internship, I was disappointed. I’d had my heart _____ on getting an internship at another company, but it didn’t work out.
Correct
have one’s heart set on something
To have one’s heart set on something means to greatly desire something.Incorrect
have one’s heart set on something
To have one’s heart set on something means to greatly desire something. -
Question 101 of 318
101. Question
You have plenty of money saved for retirement. You could lose half your money in the stock market and still be _____ pretty.
Correct
sitting pretty
Someone sitting pretty is in a very good, secure position.Incorrect
sitting pretty
Someone sitting pretty is in a very good, secure position. -
Question 102 of 318
102. Question
When I found out we lost the contract, I had a sinking _____ in the pit of my stomach.
Correct
sinking feeling
A sinking feeling is a feeling that something bad is about to happen.Incorrect
sinking feeling
A sinking feeling is a feeling that something bad is about to happen. -
Question 103 of 318
103. Question
What’s Mary’s problem today? Did something happen, or did she just get up on the wrong _____ of the bed?
Correct
get up on the wrong side of the bed
If someone has gotten up on the wrong side of the bed, it means they are in a bad mood, often for no reason.Incorrect
get up on the wrong side of the bed
If someone has gotten up on the wrong side of the bed, it means they are in a bad mood, often for no reason. -
Question 104 of 318
104. Question
I had some _____ in my stomach before the presentation, but everything went just fine.
Correct
butterflies in one’s stomach
If someone has butterflies in their stomach, it means that they have a funny feeling in their stomach due to nervousness.Incorrect
butterflies in one’s stomach
If someone has butterflies in their stomach, it means that they have a funny feeling in their stomach due to nervousness. -
Question 105 of 318
105. Question
Normally he’s 100% reliable. I don’t know why he’s been so _____ his game lately.
Correct
off one’s game
Someone off their game is performing below their normal level.Incorrect
off one’s game
Someone off their game is performing below their normal level. -
Question 106 of 318
106. Question
Sometimes I have trouble writing but other times I get _____ the zone and effortlessly write for hours.
Correct
in the zone
Someone in the zone is in a focused state that results in good performance.Incorrect
in the zone
Someone in the zone is in a focused state that results in good performance. -
Question 107 of 318
107. Question
The speaker wasn’t very good and everyone looked _____ to tears during his talk.
Correct
bored to tears/death
Someone bored to tears/death is extremely bored.Incorrect
bored to tears/death
Someone bored to tears/death is extremely bored. -
Question 108 of 318
108. Question
It was just a suggestion. You don’t need to bite my ____ off about it.
Correct
bite one’s head off
To bite someone’s head off means to yell at someone for no reason.Incorrect
bite one’s head off
To bite someone’s head off means to yell at someone for no reason. -
Question 109 of 318
109. Question
I don’t think I’m in the _____ for pizza. Let’s order Chinese food instead.
Correct
in the mood for
To be in the mood for something means to want something at the moment (a certain food, an activity, etc.).Incorrect
in the mood for
To be in the mood for something means to want something at the moment (a certain food, an activity, etc.). -
Question 110 of 318
110. Question
I wonder what Kevin did to offend Jeffrey. Jeffrey gave him the cold _____ this morning. He didn’t say a word to him.
Correct
give someone the cold shoulder
To give someone the cold shoulder means to ignore someone.Incorrect
give someone the cold shoulder
To give someone the cold shoulder means to ignore someone. -
Question 111 of 318
111. Question
The Christmas season always puts me in _____ spirits. It’s such a wonderful time of year.
Correct
in high spirits
Someone in high spirits is very happy.Incorrect
in high spirits
Someone in high spirits is very happy. -
Question 112 of 318
112. Question
I waited on hold for almost 20 minutes. It was really trying my ______.
Correct
try one’s patience
To try one’s patience means to make someone annoyed or lose their patience.Incorrect
try one’s patience
To try one’s patience means to make someone annoyed or lose their patience. -
Question 113 of 318
113. Question
I don’t know if I want to attend the event or not. I’m _____ the fence about it.
Correct
on the fence
Someone on the fence about something is unable to make up their mind.Incorrect
on the fence
Someone on the fence about something is unable to make up their mind. -
Question 114 of 318
114. Question
I was really bummed _____ about it raining during my vacation, but it was still relaxing.
Correct
bummed out
Someone bummed out is sad about a specific issue.Incorrect
bummed out
Someone bummed out is sad about a specific issue. -
Question 115 of 318
115. Question
Did you see the news about the government official who embezzled million of dollars? The government corruption in this country really makes my blood _____.
Correct
make one’s blood boil
To make one’s blood boil means to anger someone.Incorrect
make one’s blood boil
To make one’s blood boil means to anger someone. -
Question 116 of 318
116. Question
I was just trying to give some constructive criticism. You didn’t have to jump down my _____ like that.
Correct
jump down one’s throat
To jump down one’s throat means to yell at or strongly criticize someone.Incorrect
jump down one’s throat
To jump down one’s throat means to yell at or strongly criticize someone. -
Question 117 of 318
117. Question
After winning the sales contest, Paula felt on top of the _____.
Correct
on top of the world
Someone feeling on top of the world feels extremely happy, often as a result of a great accomplishment.Incorrect
on top of the world
Someone feeling on top of the world feels extremely happy, often as a result of a great accomplishment. -
Question 118 of 318
118. Question
Most people thought he was guilty. When the not-guilty verdict was announced, many people were up in _____.
Correct
up in arms
Someone up in arms is upset and outraged.Incorrect
up in arms
Someone up in arms is upset and outraged. -
Question 119 of 318
119. Question
It’s important to seem confident and relaxed. Even if you feel awful about what happened, don’t hang your _____ in front of your team.
Correct
hang one’s head
Someone who is hanging their head feels ashamed.Incorrect
hang one’s head
Someone who is hanging their head feels ashamed. -
Question 120 of 318
120. Question
In the waiting room, everyone was on pins and _____ while they waited to hear if Don would be okay.
Correct
on pins and needles
Someone on pins and needles is nervous or anxious, usually due to a suspenseful situation.Incorrect
on pins and needles
Someone on pins and needles is nervous or anxious, usually due to a suspenseful situation. -
Question 121 of 318
121. Question
Burt was on cloud _____ after he won the new car in the raffle.
Correct
on cloud nine
Someone on cloud nine feels euphoric.Incorrect
on cloud nine
Someone on cloud nine feels euphoric. -
Question 122 of 318
122. Question
I could tell by the angry look on her face that she had a _____ to pick with me.
Correct
have a bone to pick with someone
If someone has a bone to pick with someone, it means they need to talk to someone about something the person has done wrong.Incorrect
have a bone to pick with someone
If someone has a bone to pick with someone, it means they need to talk to someone about something the person has done wrong. -
Question 123 of 318
123. Question
I’ve never been so happy. I feel like I’m walking on _____.
Correct
walking on air
Someone walking on air feels extreme pride, happiness, and optimism.Incorrect
walking on air
Someone walking on air feels extreme pride, happiness, and optimism. -
Question 124 of 318
124. Question
I know the place is a mess, but don’t get all _____ out of shape. I’ll straighten things up in a minute.
Correct
get all bent out of shape
To get all bent out of shape means to get angry.Incorrect
get all bent out of shape
To get all bent out of shape means to get angry. -
Question 125 of 318
125. Question
My consulting business didn’t make money the first two years, but fortunately we’re in the _____ this year.
Correct
in the black
In the black means making a profit.Incorrect
in the black
In the black means making a profit. -
Question 126 of 318
126. Question
Our profits weren’t very good this year. We’re not quite in the _____, but our profits are almost negligible.
Correct
in the red
In the red means not making a profit.Incorrect
in the red
In the red means not making a profit. -
Question 127 of 318
127. Question
I just found out we could have gotten the same product for half the price. I can’t believe they ripped us _____ like that.
Correct
rip someone off (noun form is a rip off)
To rip someone off means to take advantage of someone in a financial transaction.Incorrect
rip someone off (noun form is a rip off)
To rip someone off means to take advantage of someone in a financial transaction. -
Question 128 of 318
128. Question
I don’t know if the price he quoted you is fair. I’m not sure what the _____ rate is for private English classes.
Correct
going rate
The going rate is the price that people normally pay for something.Incorrect
going rate
The going rate is the price that people normally pay for something. -
Question 129 of 318
129. Question
The company paid for my airfare and the hotel, but I still had quite a few out of _____ expenses.
Correct
out of pocket expenses
Out of pocket expenses are expenses that will not be reimbursed by one’s employer or organization.Incorrect
out of pocket expenses
Out of pocket expenses are expenses that will not be reimbursed by one’s employer or organization. -
Question 130 of 318
130. Question
I agree that we need to make secondary education more affordable, but I don’t think that the taxpayers should be the ones to pick up the _____.
Correct
pick up the tab
To pick up the tab means to pay for something.Incorrect
pick up the tab
To pick up the tab means to pay for something. -
Question 131 of 318
131. Question
Sam tried to _____ a living as a writer, but he was never successful enough to make it a full-time career.
Correct
make a living
To make a living means to make enough money to support oneself.Incorrect
make a living
To make a living means to make enough money to support oneself. -
Question 132 of 318
132. Question
Some recent college graduates are working two jobs just to make ends _____.
Correct
make ends meet
To make ends meet means to make enough to pay for one’s expenses and not go into debt.Incorrect
make ends meet
To make ends meet means to make enough to pay for one’s expenses and not go into debt. -
Question 133 of 318
133. Question
Many people _____ broke trusting Bernie Madoff with their money.
Correct
go broke
To go broke means to lose all of one’s money.Incorrect
go broke
To go broke means to lose all of one’s money. -
Question 134 of 318
134. Question
It’s a very good insurance policy, but it cost us an _____ and a leg.
Correct
cost an arm and a leg
Something that costs an arm and a leg is very expensive.Incorrect
cost an arm and a leg
Something that costs an arm and a leg is very expensive. -
Question 135 of 318
135. Question
I like the iPhone, but I think you can get more bang for your _____ with other brands of smartphones.
Correct
bang for your buck
Bang for your buck means value for money.Incorrect
bang for your buck
Bang for your buck means value for money. -
Question 136 of 318
136. Question
Yes, saving for retirement is important, but you don’t want to have to _____ pennies and worry about every dollar you spend.
Correct
pinch pennies (noun form is penny pincher)
Someone who pinches pennies is extremely thrifty or frugal.Incorrect
pinch pennies (noun form is penny pincher)
Someone who pinches pennies is extremely thrifty or frugal. -
Question 137 of 318
137. Question
We’re willing to pay top _____ to fill this position with a qualified candidate.
Correct
pay top dollar
To pay top dollar means to pay a lot of money.Incorrect
pay top dollar
To pay top dollar means to pay a lot of money. -
Question 138 of 318
138. Question
Last week a rare stamp sold for $250,000. I guess some people have more _____ than sense.
Correct
more money than sense
We say someone has more money than sense when someone wastes money on something expensive.Incorrect
more money than sense
We say someone has more money than sense when someone wastes money on something expensive. -
Question 139 of 318
139. Question
This change is going to be tough because we’re used to having two incomes. We’re just going to have to tighten our _____ and reduce our standard of living.
Correct
tighten one’s belt
To tighten one’s belt means to spend less and have a lower standard of living.Incorrect
tighten one’s belt
To tighten one’s belt means to spend less and have a lower standard of living. -
Question 140 of 318
140. Question
These are really important clients with deep _____. Let’s make sure we impress them.
Correct
deep pockets
To have deep pockets means to be rich.Incorrect
deep pockets
To have deep pockets means to be rich. -
Question 141 of 318
141. Question
There weren’t many tourists here this year and many of the restaurants and cafes are struggling just to _____ even.
Correct
break even
To break even means to neither operate at a profit or loss — income equals expenses.Incorrect
break even
To break even means to neither operate at a profit or loss — income equals expenses. -
Question 142 of 318
142. Question
I’m looking for a reliable PC that won’t _____ the bank.
Correct
break the bank
To break the bank means to spend too much money on something. We often use this idiom with “not” or “without.” (We’re looking for a solution that won’t break the bank, for example.)Incorrect
break the bank
To break the bank means to spend too much money on something. We often use this idiom with “not” or “without.” (We’re looking for a solution that won’t break the bank, for example.) -
Question 143 of 318
143. Question
I’m not sure what it costs to lease an office in the downtown area. To give you a ballpark _____, I’d say about $15,000 per month. (two possible answers)
Correct
ballpark figure/number
A ballpark figure/number is a very inexact estimate.Incorrect
ballpark figure/number
A ballpark figure/number is a very inexact estimate. -
Question 144 of 318
144. Question
They’re not extremely wealthy, but they are definitely well _____.
Correct
well off
Someone well off is fairly wealthy.Incorrect
well off
Someone well off is fairly wealthy. -
Question 145 of 318
145. Question
Airlines frequently jack up the ______ of tickets during the holiday season.
Correct
jack up the price
To jack up the price means to increase the price of something.Incorrect
jack up the price
To jack up the price means to increase the price of something. -
Question 146 of 318
146. Question
It’s very valuable. It’s worth its weight in _____.
Correct
worth its weight in gold
If something is worth its weight in gold, it is very valuable.Incorrect
worth its weight in gold
If something is worth its weight in gold, it is very valuable. -
Question 147 of 318
147. Question
After losing his job, Stan was down and _____. He lost his house and narrowly avoided living on the street.
Correct
down and out
Someone down and out is extremely impoverished.Incorrect
down and out
Someone down and out is extremely impoverished. -
Question 148 of 318
148. Question
He served some time in jail, but now he’s trying to get a job and make an honest _____.
Correct
make an honest living
To make an honest living means to make money by having a legitimate job and working hard at it.Incorrect
make an honest living
To make an honest living means to make money by having a legitimate job and working hard at it. -
Question 149 of 318
149. Question
I’m trying to teach my 20-year-old son to be responsible with money and to live _____ his means.
Correct
live within one’s means
To live within one’s means means to not spend more money than one has.Incorrect
live within one’s means
To live within one’s means means to not spend more money than one has. -
Question 150 of 318
150. Question
Paying for a gym membership and then not using it is stupid. Don’t you want to get your money’s ______?
Correct
get your money’s worth
To get your money’s worth means to get good value for what you pay.Incorrect
get your money’s worth
To get your money’s worth means to get good value for what you pay. -
Question 151 of 318
151. Question
After years of saving, they finally have a _____ egg for retirement.
Correct
nest egg
A nest egg is money saved up for the future.Incorrect
nest egg
A nest egg is money saved up for the future. -
Question 152 of 318
152. Question
Trying to make a living as an artist didn’t work out for Travis. He’s moving back in with his parents until he gets back on his _____.
Correct
get back on one’s feet
To get back on one’s feet means to recover, usually from a tough financial situation.Incorrect
get back on one’s feet
To get back on one’s feet means to recover, usually from a tough financial situation. -
Question 153 of 318
153. Question
We can’t just throw _____ at this problem and expect to resolve it. We’re going to need a real strategy.
Correct
throw money at something
To throw money at something means to spend a lot of money trying to fix something without having a real plan.Incorrect
throw money at something
To throw money at something means to spend a lot of money trying to fix something without having a real plan. -
Question 154 of 318
154. Question
That’s a really nice tie. How much did it _____ you back?
Correct
set (someone) back
To set someone back means to cost someone. (Ex. How much did your new car set you back?)Incorrect
set (someone) back
To set someone back means to cost someone. (Ex. How much did your new car set you back?) -
Question 155 of 318
155. Question
Right now the family is living from hand to _____ off of what their father makes as a construction worker.
Correct
from hand to mouth
If someone is living from hand to mouth, their salary immediately gets spent on basic necessities with little left over.Incorrect
from hand to mouth
If someone is living from hand to mouth, their salary immediately gets spent on basic necessities with little left over. -
Question 156 of 318
156. Question
I had to pay my car insurance bill this month and the water heater in my house broke. I’m a little strapped for _____ right now.
Correct
strapped for cash
Someone strapped for cash doesn’t have money to spend at the moment.Incorrect
strapped for cash
Someone strapped for cash doesn’t have money to spend at the moment. -
Question 157 of 318
157. Question
Kevin’s totally broke. He doesn’t have two nickels to _____ together.
Correct
don’t/doesn’t have two nickels to rub together
Someone who doesn’t have two nickels to rub together is very poor.Incorrect
don’t/doesn’t have two nickels to rub together
Someone who doesn’t have two nickels to rub together is very poor. -
Question 158 of 318
158. Question
During the Gold Rush, many people moved west hoping to strike it _____.
Correct
strike it rich
To strike it rich means to suddenly become wealthy.Incorrect
strike it rich
To strike it rich means to suddenly become wealthy. -
Question 159 of 318
159. Question
Some companies have a slush _____ for paying off government officials.
Correct
slush fund
A slush fund is money allotted for unofficial, corrupt, or illegal transactions.Incorrect
slush fund
A slush fund is money allotted for unofficial, corrupt, or illegal transactions. -
Question 160 of 318
160. Question
Carrie _____ a killing in the stock market last year. She’s either really good or really lucky.
Correct
make a killing
To make a killing means to make a lot of money on a deal, transaction, business, etc.Incorrect
make a killing
To make a killing means to make a lot of money on a deal, transaction, business, etc. -
Question 161 of 318
161. Question
These tuition prices are outrageous. Students shouldn’t have to pay _____ the nose just to get a decent education.
Correct
pay through the nose
To pay through the nose means to pay an excessive amount for something.Incorrect
pay through the nose
To pay through the nose means to pay an excessive amount for something. -
Question 162 of 318
162. Question
I had to work hard for years to get where I am. I wasn’t born with a silver _____ in my mouth.
Correct
born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth
To be born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth means to be born wealthy and privileged.Incorrect
born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth
To be born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth means to be born wealthy and privileged. -
Question 163 of 318
163. Question
Unfortunately, if you want to do business here, you’re going to have to pay some people _____. Bribes are a part of doing business here.
Correct
pay someone off
To pay someone off means to pay someone a bribe.Incorrect
pay someone off
To pay someone off means to pay someone a bribe. -
Question 164 of 318
164. Question
They paid him with a briefcase full of cold, _____ cash.
Correct
cold, hard cash
Cold, hard cash means money in the form of bills or coins (as opposed to a credit card payment, a check, etc.).Incorrect
cold, hard cash
Cold, hard cash means money in the form of bills or coins (as opposed to a credit card payment, a check, etc.). -
Question 165 of 318
165. Question
Sure, the flight is cheap but they nickel and ____ you to death with small charges for everything. You even have to pay for your drinks and snacks during the flight.
Correct
nickel and dime someone (to death)
To nickel and dime someone means to charge small amounts for various things which add up to a real expense.Incorrect
nickel and dime someone (to death)
To nickel and dime someone means to charge small amounts for various things which add up to a real expense. -
Question 166 of 318
166. Question
There isn’t a lot of regulation in this industry. It’s _____ beware.
Correct
buyer beware
We say buyer beware to communicate that the buyer is responsible for verifying the quality of goods.Incorrect
buyer beware
We say buyer beware to communicate that the buyer is responsible for verifying the quality of goods. -
Question 167 of 318
167. Question
In the past, many men didn’t like it if their wives were the ones bringing home the _____ and providing financially for the family.
Correct
bring home the bacon
To bring home the bacon means to be the primary provider in the family.Incorrect
bring home the bacon
To bring home the bacon means to be the primary provider in the family. -
Question 168 of 318
168. Question
Some corporations only care about the almighty _____, but I get the sense that this place is different.
Correct
the almighty dollar
We use the expression the almighty dollar to communicate that making money is more important than anything else.Incorrect
the almighty dollar
We use the expression the almighty dollar to communicate that making money is more important than anything else. -
Question 169 of 318
169. Question
In your culture, do the bride’s parents typically foot the _____ for the wedding?
Correct
foot the bill
To foot the bill means to pay for something.Incorrect
foot the bill
To foot the bill means to pay for something. -
Question 170 of 318
170. Question
Drug cartels often grease the _____ of government officials to avoid being arrested.
Correct
grease someone’s palm
To grease someone’s palm means to pay someone a bribe.Incorrect
grease someone’s palm
To grease someone’s palm means to pay someone a bribe. -
Question 171 of 318
171. Question
Let’s hope the Olympics is good for the economy. The taxpayers are already a couple of billion dollars ____ the hole.
Correct
in the hole
To be in the hole means to be in debt. We usually use this idiom with an amount of money. (Ex. We’re $5,000 in the hole already.)Incorrect
in the hole
To be in the hole means to be in debt. We usually use this idiom with an amount of money. (Ex. We’re $5,000 in the hole already.) -
Question 172 of 318
172. Question
Allen really needed the money, so he sold his website ____ peanuts.
Correct
for peanuts
If something is sold for peanuts, it is sold at a price much lower than what it is worth.Incorrect
for peanuts
If something is sold for peanuts, it is sold at a price much lower than what it is worth. -
Question 173 of 318
173. Question
I’ve made bad investments before, but I’ve never _____ my shirt like I have on this deal.
Correct
lose one’s shirt
To lose one’s shirt means to lose a lot of money on a deal, transaction, investment, etc.Incorrect
lose one’s shirt
To lose one’s shirt means to lose a lot of money on a deal, transaction, investment, etc. -
Question 174 of 318
174. Question
I thought my insurance policy was going to cover this, but unfortunately it looks like I’m going to have to cough ____ the money.
Correct
cough up the money (cough it up)
To cough up the money means to reluctantly pay for something.Incorrect
cough up the money (cough it up)
To cough up the money means to reluctantly pay for something. -
Question 175 of 318
175. Question
It’s hard to overestimate how much potential he has. The sky’s the _____, really.
Correct
sky’s the limit
If the sky’s the limit, there is almost limitless potential.Incorrect
sky’s the limit
If the sky’s the limit, there is almost limitless potential. -
Question 176 of 318
176. Question
The job interview couldn’t have possibly gone better. It’s _____ the bag.
Correct
in the bag
If something is in the bag, it means that victory or success is almost certain.Incorrect
in the bag
If something is in the bag, it means that victory or success is almost certain. -
Question 177 of 318
177. Question
He started out working in the warehouse and ended up the CEO of the company. It’s a classic rags to _____ story.
Correct
rags to riches story
A rags to riches story refers to a situation in which someone goes from poverty to wealth.Incorrect
rags to riches story
A rags to riches story refers to a situation in which someone goes from poverty to wealth. -
Question 178 of 318
178. Question
Sandra closed all three deals she was working on. She’s batting a _____ this week.
Correct
bat a thousand
If someone is batting a thousand, they are doing something flawlessly.Incorrect
bat a thousand
If someone is batting a thousand, they are doing something flawlessly. -
Question 179 of 318
179. Question
I wanted to make some extra money and get some exercise, so I killed two _____ with one stone and started a dog walking business.
Correct
kill two bids with one stone
To kill two birds with one stone means to do one thing to accomplish two objectives.Incorrect
kill two bids with one stone
To kill two birds with one stone means to do one thing to accomplish two objectives. -
Question 180 of 318
180. Question
Our client interviewed me to test my technical knowledge. It was easy. I passed with flying _____.
Correct
pass with flying colors
To pass with flying colors means to easily pass an evaluation, test, quiz, etc.Incorrect
pass with flying colors
To pass with flying colors means to easily pass an evaluation, test, quiz, etc. -
Question 181 of 318
181. Question
I knew that being bilingual would help put me _____ of the pack.
Correct
ahead of the pack
To be ahead of the pack means to be better than the competition.Incorrect
ahead of the pack
To be ahead of the pack means to be better than the competition. -
Question 182 of 318
182. Question
We had a great meeting with a prospective client today. We really knocked it out of the _____.
Correct
knock it out of the park
If someone executes something extremely well, we can say they knocked it out of the park.Incorrect
knock it out of the park
If someone executes something extremely well, we can say they knocked it out of the park. -
Question 183 of 318
183. Question
I’m not sure Jim is going to get the job, but most people think he’s the clear front _____ and the most qualified candidate.
Correct
front runner
The front runner is the clear favorite to win or be chosen for something.Incorrect
front runner
The front runner is the clear favorite to win or be chosen for something. -
Question 184 of 318
184. Question
It’s a self-help book that has taken the world _____ storm.
Correct
take the world by storm
To take the world by storm means to become popular or successful very quickly.Incorrect
take the world by storm
To take the world by storm means to become popular or successful very quickly. -
Question 185 of 318
185. Question
Our developers say that they have _____ headway on the new software release.
Correct
make headway
To make headway means to make progress.Incorrect
make headway
To make headway means to make progress. -
Question 186 of 318
186. Question
When I finally became a senior analyst, I felt like I was on top of the ______.
Correct
on top of the world
If someone feels on top of the world, they feel extremely happy, often as a result of a great accomplishment.Incorrect
on top of the world
If someone feels on top of the world, they feel extremely happy, often as a result of a great accomplishment. -
Question 187 of 318
187. Question
We need people who can _____ to the occasion and be leaders during these difficult times.
Correct
rise to the occasion
To rise to the occasion means to perform well during a difficult event or challenging situation.Incorrect
rise to the occasion
To rise to the occasion means to perform well during a difficult event or challenging situation. -
Question 188 of 318
188. Question
Police couldn’t find the suspect until an anonymous informant saved the ____ by informing police of the suspect’s whereabouts.
Correct
save the day
To save the day means to prevent something bad from happening.Incorrect
save the day
To save the day means to prevent something bad from happening. -
Question 189 of 318
189. Question
Five years ago people thought he’d never be a serious presidential candidate, but he’s since _____ a comeback.
Correct
make a comeback
To make a comeback means to regain success.Incorrect
make a comeback
To make a comeback means to regain success. -
Question 190 of 318
190. Question
I remember when our operations manager was an intern here. He’s certainly come a long ____.
Correct
come a long way
If someone has come a long way, it means they have made a lot of progress.Incorrect
come a long way
If someone has come a long way, it means they have made a lot of progress. -
Question 191 of 318
191. Question
Five contractors submitted proposals, but only one _____ the cut.
Correct
make the cut
To make the cut means to meet a certain standard.Incorrect
make the cut
To make the cut means to meet a certain standard. -
Question 192 of 318
192. Question
I’ve made a big sale every day this week. I’m really _____ a roll right now.
Correct
on a roll
If someone is on a roll, they are experiencing a lucky or successful streak.Incorrect
on a roll
If someone is on a roll, they are experiencing a lucky or successful streak. -
Question 193 of 318
193. Question
Caroline has shown a lot of promise as a graphic designer. She’s definitely _____ places.
Correct
going places
If someone is going places, it means they are going to become successful.Incorrect
going places
If someone is going places, it means they are going to become successful. -
Question 194 of 318
194. Question
After winning several high-profile cases, John was riding _____ and had established himself as one of the top defense attorneys in the city.
Correct
riding high
Someone riding high feels confident, usually due to recent success.Incorrect
riding high
Someone riding high feels confident, usually due to recent success. -
Question 195 of 318
195. Question
I heard Martin just bought a new beach house in an exclusive community. He’s really moving up in the _____.
Correct
move/come up in the world
To move up in the world means to become more successful.Incorrect
move/come up in the world
To move up in the world means to become more successful. -
Question 196 of 318
196. Question
After years of minimal success, J.K. Rowling hit pay ____ with the Harry Potter series.
Correct
hit pay dirt
To hit pay dirt means to do something which results in acquiring considerable wealth or something of great value.Incorrect
hit pay dirt
To hit pay dirt means to do something which results in acquiring considerable wealth or something of great value. -
Question 197 of 318
197. Question
Mary’s not just a little bit better than her peers. She can _____ circles around them.
Correct
run circles around someone
If someone can run circles around someone else, it means they are much better than the competition.Incorrect
run circles around someone
If someone can run circles around someone else, it means they are much better than the competition. -
Question 198 of 318
198. Question
A relatively unknown soccer player scored five goals yesterday. I guess every ____ has its day.
Correct
every dog has its day
We say every dog has its day to express that everyone, even underdogs, experience success at some point.Incorrect
every dog has its day
We say every dog has its day to express that everyone, even underdogs, experience success at some point. -
Question 199 of 318
199. Question
We only had one day to prepare for our presentation. Somehow, we did really well. I have no idea how we were able to pull it _____.
Correct
pull something off
To pull something off means to successfully achieve something difficult.Incorrect
pull something off
To pull something off means to successfully achieve something difficult. -
Question 200 of 318
200. Question
Amazon stays _____ of the curve by constantly innovating.
Correct
ahead of the curve
To be ahead of the curve means to be better than the average competitor.Incorrect
ahead of the curve
To be ahead of the curve means to be better than the average competitor. -
Question 201 of 318
201. Question
Jim has much less experience than most of his peers, but so far he’s been able to hold his _____. He’s doing about as well as anyone.
Correct
hold one’s own
To hold one’s own means to do just about as well as anyone else.Incorrect
hold one’s own
To hold one’s own means to do just about as well as anyone else. -
Question 202 of 318
202. Question
Do you think he’ll be able to live ____ to the high expectations that management has for him?
Correct
live up to
To live up to something means to do as well as what was expected.Incorrect
live up to
To live up to something means to do as well as what was expected. -
Question 203 of 318
203. Question
He really _____ the jackpot with that investment. It’s tripled in value this year.
Correct
hit the jackpot
To hit the jackpot means to suddenly achieve great wealth or success.Incorrect
hit the jackpot
To hit the jackpot means to suddenly achieve great wealth or success. -
Question 204 of 318
204. Question
It’s going to be an uphill battle, but we’ll figure out a way to do it. When there’s a _____, there’s a way.
Correct
when there’s a will, there’s a way
When there’s a will, there’s a way means that success is possible if someone really wants to achieve something.Incorrect
when there’s a will, there’s a way
When there’s a will, there’s a way means that success is possible if someone really wants to achieve something. -
Question 205 of 318
205. Question
I’m going to practice my speech for a couple of hours tonight. You know what they say, practice makes _____.
Correct
practice makes perfect
Practice makes perfect means that practice leads to perfection or ideal results.Incorrect
practice makes perfect
Practice makes perfect means that practice leads to perfection or ideal results. -
Question 206 of 318
206. Question
The first two candidates we interviewed weren’t right for the job. Let’s hope that the third time’s the _____ and that the next candidate has the right profile.
Correct
third time’s the charm
The third time’s the charm means that the third attempt yields success.Incorrect
third time’s the charm
The third time’s the charm means that the third attempt yields success. -
Question 207 of 318
207. Question
Wilson is going to inherit his father’s company one day. He _____ it made. He’s guaranteed to be wealthy.
Correct
have it made
If someone has it made, it means they are already successful and no longer have to worry about money.Incorrect
have it made
If someone has it made, it means they are already successful and no longer have to worry about money. -
Question 208 of 318
208. Question
I was happy to get my foot in the door with a respected company, and they were happy that I was willing to work long hours. It was a win- _____ situation.
Correct
win-win situation
A win-win situation is a contract, agreement, etc. that benefits both sides.Incorrect
win-win situation
A win-win situation is a contract, agreement, etc. that benefits both sides. -
Question 209 of 318
209. Question
It’s obvious Ken is having trouble planning a party for 50 people. He’s definitely in over his _____.
Correct
in over one’s head
Someone in over their head is in a difficult situation that they are incapable of handling.Incorrect
in over one’s head
Someone in over their head is in a difficult situation that they are incapable of handling. -
Question 210 of 318
210. Question
I’ve never been the type of person who throws in the _____ when things get tough. I’m not a quitter.
Correct
throw in the towel
To throw in the towel means to quit.Incorrect
throw in the towel
To throw in the towel means to quit. -
Question 211 of 318
211. Question
Our fundraising goal was $500,000. Unfortunately, we came up _____ and only raised $410,000.
Correct
come up short
To come up short means to fail to achieve a goal.Incorrect
come up short
To come up short means to fail to achieve a goal. -
Question 212 of 318
212. Question
I don’t know how they didn’t realize that the plan wouldn’t work. It had disaster _____ all over it.
Correct
have disaster written all over it
If something has disaster written all over it, it is obviously headed for complete failure.Incorrect
have disaster written all over it
If something has disaster written all over it, it is obviously headed for complete failure. -
Question 213 of 318
213. Question
In the 2000’s, video rental stores tried to compete against online platforms, but they were fighting a _____ battle.
Correct
fight a losing battle
To fight a losing battle means to fight an unwinnable fight.Incorrect
fight a losing battle
To fight a losing battle means to fight an unwinnable fight. -
Question 214 of 318
214. Question
My wife and I have been married for 25 years. We’ve been together through thick and _____.
Correct
through thick and thin
Through thick and thin means in all circumstances, both good and bad.Incorrect
through thick and thin
Through thick and thin means in all circumstances, both good and bad. -
Question 215 of 318
215. Question
Our Social Security system is unsustainable. The only way to fix it is by taking the bull by the _____ and making some unpopular changes.
Correct
take the bull by the horns
To take the bull by the horns means to directly confront a difficult situation and take action.Incorrect
take the bull by the horns
To take the bull by the horns means to directly confront a difficult situation and take action. -
Question 216 of 318
216. Question
Yesterday’s market activity generated a lot of confidence, but many experts say we’re not out of the _____ yet.
Correct
out of the woods
Out of the woods means no longer in trouble.Incorrect
out of the woods
Out of the woods means no longer in trouble. -
Question 217 of 318
217. Question
I have three reports that I need to submit by tomorrow morning. I really have my _____ cut out for me.
Correct
have one’s work cut out
Someone who has their work cut out for them has a lot of work to do.Incorrect
have one’s work cut out
Someone who has their work cut out for them has a lot of work to do. -
Question 218 of 318
218. Question
His legal fees are high, but he’s one of the few people who can help us. We’re just going to have to bite the _____ and pay him.
Correct
bite the bullet
To bite the bullet means to do something unpleasant that needs to be done.Incorrect
bite the bullet
To bite the bullet means to do something unpleasant that needs to be done. -
Question 219 of 318
219. Question
We need a leader who will be decisive and courageous when the chips are _____.
Correct
when the chips are down
When the chips are down refers to times when difficulty arises.Incorrect
when the chips are down
When the chips are down refers to times when difficulty arises. -
Question 220 of 318
220. Question
It’s a competitive, dog-eat _____ environment in this industry.
Correct
dog eat dog
Something dog eat dog is ultra competitive and ruthless.Incorrect
dog eat dog
Something dog eat dog is ultra competitive and ruthless. -
Question 221 of 318
221. Question
Failing the certification test was a _____ pill to swallow for Lionel.
Correct
bitter pill to swallow
A bitter pill to swallow means something unpleasant that needs to be accepted.Incorrect
bitter pill to swallow
A bitter pill to swallow means something unpleasant that needs to be accepted. -
Question 222 of 318
222. Question
Rejection and criticism are part of the business. You need to roll with the _____ and not let the negativity affect you.
Correct
roll with the punches
To roll with the punches means to handle setbacks, unexpected situations, and adversity without getting frustrated.Incorrect
roll with the punches
To roll with the punches means to handle setbacks, unexpected situations, and adversity without getting frustrated. -
Question 223 of 318
223. Question
Everyone in the room was determined to succeed. Their do-or- ______ attitude was infectious.
Correct
do or die
A do-or-die situation requires a great effort to avoid the negative consequences of failure.Incorrect
do or die
A do-or-die situation requires a great effort to avoid the negative consequences of failure. -
Question 224 of 318
224. Question
It’s too risky of an investment. I think you’re _____ with fire.
Correct
play with fire
To play with fire means to do something risky or dangerous.Incorrect
play with fire
To play with fire means to do something risky or dangerous. -
Question 225 of 318
225. Question
We failed spectacularly. All our plans _____ up in our faces.
Correct
blow up in one’s face
If something blows up in someone’s face, it means that something failed when success was expected.Incorrect
blow up in one’s face
If something blows up in someone’s face, it means that something failed when success was expected. -
Question 226 of 318
226. Question
We’ve worked 60 hours a week for the last seven months. We can see the _____ at the end of the tunnel, though. We should be finished by the end of next month.
Correct
see the light at the end of the tunnel
If someone can see the light at the end of the tunnel, they can see signs of a successful conclusion to a difficult situation.Incorrect
see the light at the end of the tunnel
If someone can see the light at the end of the tunnel, they can see signs of a successful conclusion to a difficult situation. -
Question 227 of 318
227. Question
They didn’t like the proposal we put together. It looks like it’s back to the _____ board.
Correct
back to the drawing board
To go back to the drawing board means to start over and go back to the planning stage.Incorrect
back to the drawing board
To go back to the drawing board means to start over and go back to the planning stage. -
Question 228 of 318
228. Question
Don says he has so many clients that he can’t concentrate on all of them. He feels like he’s spreading himself too _____.
Correct
spread oneself too thin
To spread oneself too thin means to take on so many responsibilities that they can’t be done properly.Incorrect
spread oneself too thin
To spread oneself too thin means to take on so many responsibilities that they can’t be done properly. -
Question 229 of 318
229. Question
The regulations have really shaken up the industry. Only companies that can weather the _____ will survive.
Correct
weather the storm
To weather the storm means to successfully handle difficulties.Incorrect
weather the storm
To weather the storm means to successfully handle difficulties. -
Question 230 of 318
230. Question
Continuing down this path isn’t going to work. We need to _____ our losses and try another approach.
Correct
cut one’s losses
To cut one’s losses means to stop a course of action that is not working.Incorrect
cut one’s losses
To cut one’s losses means to stop a course of action that is not working. -
Question 231 of 318
231. Question
Mike never lets criticism and setbacks affect him. He takes everything _____ stride.
Correct
take (something) in stride
Someone who takes something in stride deals with a setback, criticism, or negative situation without letting it affect or influence them.Incorrect
take (something) in stride
Someone who takes something in stride deals with a setback, criticism, or negative situation without letting it affect or influence them. -
Question 232 of 318
232. Question
It’s not about how you react when things are going well. It’s about how you react when your back’s against the _____.
Correct
back against the wall
Someone with their back against the wall is in a problematic situation with few ways to react.Incorrect
back against the wall
Someone with their back against the wall is in a problematic situation with few ways to react. -
Question 233 of 318
233. Question
I’m finally going to go on vacation to Europe this year. Come hell or high _____, I’m going.
Correct
come hell or high water
Come hell or high water means no matter what.Incorrect
come hell or high water
Come hell or high water means no matter what. -
Question 234 of 318
234. Question
I learned English by spending a year in Australia. Not learning the language wasn’t an option. It was sink or _____.
Correct
sink or swim
Sink or swim refers to a situation in which someone will either fail or succeed without anyone else’s help.Incorrect
sink or swim
Sink or swim refers to a situation in which someone will either fail or succeed without anyone else’s help. -
Question 235 of 318
235. Question
We’re going to have to nip this in the _____ or it’s going to become a much bigger problem.
Correct
nip something in the bud
To nip something in the bud means to stop something at the onset before it develops and becomes a bigger problem.Incorrect
nip something in the bud
To nip something in the bud means to stop something at the onset before it develops and becomes a bigger problem. -
Question 236 of 318
236. Question
I stuck my ____ out when I recommended you for the position. You can’t resign after only two months.
Correct
stick one’s neck out
To stick one’s neck out means to put oneself at risk.Incorrect
stick one’s neck out
To stick one’s neck out means to put oneself at risk. -
Question 237 of 318
237. Question
Neither solution appeals to me. I’m stuck between a rock and a _____ place.
Correct
stuck between a rock and a hard place
Someone stuck between a rock and a hard place is facing a difficult decision in which neither choice is desirable.Incorrect
stuck between a rock and a hard place
Someone stuck between a rock and a hard place is facing a difficult decision in which neither choice is desirable. -
Question 238 of 318
238. Question
Calvin’s resignation put us in a tight _____. It was hard to find a suitable replacement.
Correct
in a tight spot (also, in a bind, in a fix, in a jam)
Someone in a tight spot is in a difficult situation.Incorrect
in a tight spot (also, in a bind, in a fix, in a jam)
Someone in a tight spot is in a difficult situation. -
Question 239 of 318
239. Question
When they investigated the police chief for corruption, it opened a can of _____.
Correct
open a can of worms
To open a can of worms means to create a situation that causes trouble.Incorrect
open a can of worms
To open a can of worms means to create a situation that causes trouble. -
Question 240 of 318
240. Question
I was feeling confident, but John’s criticism really took the wind out of my _____.
Correct
take/knock the wind out of one’s sails
To take/knock the wind out of one’s sails means to make someone lose optimism or confidence.Incorrect
take/knock the wind out of one’s sails
To take/knock the wind out of one’s sails means to make someone lose optimism or confidence. -
Question 241 of 318
241. Question
If we fail to innovate and stay ahead of the curve, we’ll be dead in the _____.
Correct
dead in the water
Someone dead in the water is not able to function or operate.Incorrect
dead in the water
Someone dead in the water is not able to function or operate. -
Question 242 of 318
242. Question
The new product _____ flat. Sales were terrible.
Correct
fall flat
To fall flat means to fail.Incorrect
fall flat
To fall flat means to fail. -
Question 243 of 318
243. Question
Let’s take advantage of this one-of-a-kind opportunity and not let it _____ through our fingers.
Correct
let something slip through one’s fingers
To let something slip through one’s fingers means to fail to take advantage of an opportunity.Incorrect
let something slip through one’s fingers
To let something slip through one’s fingers means to fail to take advantage of an opportunity. -
Question 244 of 318
244. Question
We are very different people, and we almost never see eye to _____.
Correct
see eye to eye
If people see eye to eye, they are in agreement about an issue.Incorrect
see eye to eye
If people see eye to eye, they are in agreement about an issue. -
Question 245 of 318
245. Question
I’m the only one in my department who has to work late today. It looks like I got the short end of the _____.
Correct
short end of the stick
Someone who gets the short end of the stick has been treated unfairly and has gotten the worse part of an agreement, deal, assignment, etc.Incorrect
short end of the stick
Someone who gets the short end of the stick has been treated unfairly and has gotten the worse part of an agreement, deal, assignment, etc. -
Question 246 of 318
246. Question
I don’t think being indirect will work. Let’s lay our _____ on the table and tell them exactly what our demands are.
Correct
lay one’s cards on the table
To lay one’s cards on the table means to be honest about one’s motivations, intentions, etc.Incorrect
lay one’s cards on the table
To lay one’s cards on the table means to be honest about one’s motivations, intentions, etc. -
Question 247 of 318
247. Question
That’s not what I said at all. Don’t go putting words in my _____.
Correct
put words in someone’s mouth
To put words in someone’s mouth means to incorrectly say what someone means.Incorrect
put words in someone’s mouth
To put words in someone’s mouth means to incorrectly say what someone means. -
Question 248 of 318
248. Question
Tyler’s a tough lawyer with a reputation for _____ hardball in the courtroom.
Correct
play hardball
To play hardball means to be ruthless and aggressive.Incorrect
play hardball
To play hardball means to be ruthless and aggressive. -
Question 249 of 318
249. Question
We’ve bent over _____ to ensure we’re offering good customer service.
Correct
bend over backwards
To bend over backwards means to do everything possible to achieve something.Incorrect
bend over backwards
To bend over backwards means to do everything possible to achieve something. -
Question 250 of 318
250. Question
I was _____ the fence about whether to accept the offer. After several days, I finally decided to accept it.
Correct
on the fence
Someone on the fence about something is unable to decide.Incorrect
on the fence
Someone on the fence about something is unable to decide. -
Question 251 of 318
251. Question
We could argue about this until we’re _____ in the face, but I don’t think we’re going to change each other’s minds.
Correct
until someone is blue in the face
Until someone is blue in the face communicates that someone can say something over and over again but won’t change the other person’s mind.Incorrect
until someone is blue in the face
Until someone is blue in the face communicates that someone can say something over and over again but won’t change the other person’s mind. -
Question 252 of 318
252. Question
I know you were angry, but mentioning his recent divorce was hitting below the ____.
Correct
hit below the belt
To hit below the belt means to say something to unfairly hurt someone.Incorrect
hit below the belt
To hit below the belt means to say something to unfairly hurt someone. -
Question 253 of 318
253. Question
Which country do you think has the upper _____ in the peace talks?
Correct
upper hand
The person with the upper hand has a position of control or advantage over someone else.Incorrect
upper hand
The person with the upper hand has a position of control or advantage over someone else. -
Question 254 of 318
254. Question
I think you need to put your _____ down and tell them you’re not willing to take on any new projects right now.
Correct
put one’s foot down
To put one’s foot down means to take a firm stand.Incorrect
put one’s foot down
To put one’s foot down means to take a firm stand. -
Question 255 of 318
255. Question
Public officials stood their _____ and refused to give in to the union’s demands.
Correct
stand one’s ground
To stand one’s ground means to maintain one’s position and not give in.Incorrect
stand one’s ground
To stand one’s ground means to maintain one’s position and not give in. -
Question 256 of 318
256. Question
I have a _____ to pick with Mark. He searched for files on my computer without my permission.
Correct
have a bone to pick with someone
If someone has a bone to pick with someone, it means that they need to talk to someone about something the person has done wrong.Incorrect
have a bone to pick with someone
If someone has a bone to pick with someone, it means that they need to talk to someone about something the person has done wrong. -
Question 257 of 318
257. Question
Kevin has a terrible temper. He has a reputation for flying off the _____ when things don’t go his way.
Correct
fly off the handle
To fly off the handle means to lose one’s temper very suddenly.Incorrect
fly off the handle
To fly off the handle means to lose one’s temper very suddenly. -
Question 258 of 318
258. Question
It’s a big decision. Why don’t you go home and _____ on it. You can tell me your decision in the morning.
Correct
sleep on it
If someone sleeps on it, they wait until the next day to make a decision.Incorrect
sleep on it
If someone sleeps on it, they wait until the next day to make a decision. -
Question 259 of 318
259. Question
I listened to his argument, but I knew there was no way he was going to ____ my mind.
Correct
change one’s mind
To change one’s mind means to change one’s decision.Incorrect
change one’s mind
To change one’s mind means to change one’s decision. -
Question 260 of 318
260. Question
I know we’ve had our share of disagreements, but that’s all water under the _____ now.
Correct
water under the bridge
Water under the bridge refers to problems or disagreements in the past that are no longer relevant now.Incorrect
water under the bridge
Water under the bridge refers to problems or disagreements in the past that are no longer relevant now. -
Question 261 of 318
261. Question
You can file a complaint if you want, but you don’t have a _____ to stand on. It’s your word against his — no one else was there.
Correct
not have a leg to stand on
If someone doesn’t have a leg to stand on, they don’t have a valid argument.Incorrect
not have a leg to stand on
If someone doesn’t have a leg to stand on, they don’t have a valid argument. -
Question 262 of 318
262. Question
We’ve made Conrad an offer. Now all we can do is see if he accepts it. The ball is in his ____ .
Correct
the ball is in one’s court
If the ball is in someone’s court, it means it is their turn to decide or act.Incorrect
the ball is in one’s court
If the ball is in someone’s court, it means it is their turn to decide or act. -
Question 263 of 318
263. Question
I was really angry, but I managed to ____ my tongue and not say anything in front of the rest of the team. (two possible answers)
Correct
hold/bite one’s tongue
to hold/bite one’s tongue means to remain silent.Incorrect
hold/bite one’s tongue
to hold/bite one’s tongue means to remain silent. -
Question 264 of 318
264. Question
I have a tendency to overanalyze things and I often second _____ myself when I make an important decision.
Correct
second guess
To second guess someone means to question or criticize something that has already been done.Incorrect
second guess
To second guess someone means to question or criticize something that has already been done. -
Question 265 of 318
265. Question
I think we can easily resolve this disagreement if you compromise with us and _____ us halfway.
Correct
meet someone halfway
To meet someone halfway means to make a compromise with someone.Incorrect
meet someone halfway
To meet someone halfway means to make a compromise with someone. -
Question 266 of 318
266. Question
Our leaders failed to reach an agreement. It seems they didn’t have any _____ ground to stand on.
Correct
common ground
Common ground refers to mutual understanding between two parties.Incorrect
common ground
Common ground refers to mutual understanding between two parties. -
Question 267 of 318
267. Question
We made small talk about soccer and the weather before getting down to _____ and discussing the deal.
Correct
get down to business
To get down to business means to stop making small talk and talk about the topic at hand.Incorrect
get down to business
To get down to business means to stop making small talk and talk about the topic at hand. -
Question 268 of 318
268. Question
I like the idea, but I’m not the one who calls the _____ around here. You’ll have to ask Stan.
Correct
call the shots
To call the shots means to be in charge and be the one who makes the decisions.Incorrect
call the shots
To call the shots means to be in charge and be the one who makes the decisions. -
Question 269 of 318
269. Question
I’m willing to travel internationally, but relocating is _____ of the question. I don’t want to live in another country.
Correct
out of the question
If something is out of the question, it is not worthy of consideration because of difficulty or an unwillingness to do it.Incorrect
out of the question
If something is out of the question, it is not worthy of consideration because of difficulty or an unwillingness to do it. -
Question 270 of 318
270. Question
If we play our _____ right, this could be a very profitable deal for us.
Correct
play one’s cards right
To play one’s cards right means to make the right moves to get what is desired.Incorrect
play one’s cards right
To play one’s cards right means to make the right moves to get what is desired. -
Question 271 of 318
271. Question
You’re not going to be able to convince her to change. She’s going to stick to her _____ and continue with the plan.
Correct
stick to one’s guns
To stick to one’s guns means to remain firm and not change one’s mind or decision.Incorrect
stick to one’s guns
To stick to one’s guns means to remain firm and not change one’s mind or decision. -
Question 272 of 318
272. Question
I wasn’t going to go to the party, but Mike convinced me to go. I’m glad he talked me _____ it because it was actually a lot of fun.
Correct
talk someone into something
To talk someone into something means to convince someone to do something.Incorrect
talk someone into something
To talk someone into something means to convince someone to do something. -
Question 273 of 318
273. Question
I was going to confront Katherine about it, but my manager talked me ____ of it. He told me it would be better to just let it go.
Correct
talk someone out of something
To talk someone out of something means to convince someone not to do something.Incorrect
talk someone out of something
To talk someone out of something means to convince someone not to do something. -
Question 274 of 318
274. Question
I need to talk to somebody about this. If I don’t get this off my ____, I’m going to go crazy.
Correct
get something off one’s chest
To get something off one’s chest means to talk about something that has been bothering someone for a while.Incorrect
get something off one’s chest
To get something off one’s chest means to talk about something that has been bothering someone for a while. -
Question 275 of 318
275. Question
His departure was supposed to be a secret, but somebody let the ____ out of the bag.
Correct
let the cat out of the bag
To let the cat out of the bag means to reveal a secret by accident.Incorrect
let the cat out of the bag
To let the cat out of the bag means to reveal a secret by accident. -
Question 276 of 318
276. Question
They put me ____ the spot when they asked me if I was interviewing with other firms.
Correct
put someone on the spot
To put someone on the spot means to force someone to answer a difficult question without prior warning.Incorrect
put someone on the spot
To put someone on the spot means to force someone to answer a difficult question without prior warning. -
Question 277 of 318
277. Question
There are many billionaires who started from very humble beginnings, but I can’t think of any off the top of my _____ right now.
Correct
off the top of one’s head
If something is said off the top of one’s head, it means the speaker is speaking without giving something much thought or doing any research on the topic.Incorrect
off the top of one’s head
If something is said off the top of one’s head, it means the speaker is speaking without giving something much thought or doing any research on the topic. -
Question 278 of 318
278. Question
Stop _____ around the bush and tell me what you have to say.
Correct
beat around the bush
To beat around the bush means to avoid talking about what is important or what is on someone’s mind.Incorrect
beat around the bush
To beat around the bush means to avoid talking about what is important or what is on someone’s mind. -
Question 279 of 318
279. Question
Some people are afraid of speaking up, but I’m never afraid to _____ my mind when I have something to say.
Correct
speak one’s mind
To speak one’s mind means to say what one really thinks.Incorrect
speak one’s mind
To speak one’s mind means to say what one really thinks. -
Question 280 of 318
280. Question
Why are you asking me what he said? Why don’t you talk to him about it and get it straight from the _____ mouth.
Correct
straight from the horse’s mouth
Straight from the horse’s mouth means straight from the source.Incorrect
straight from the horse’s mouth
Straight from the horse’s mouth means straight from the source. -
Question 281 of 318
281. Question
I wouldn’t trust everything Kevin says. He has a tendency to exaggerate and stretch the _____.
Correct
stretch the truth
To stretch the truth means to be untruthful by exaggerating.Incorrect
stretch the truth
To stretch the truth means to be untruthful by exaggerating. -
Question 282 of 318
282. Question
To make a long _____ short, I moved to Chicago to be near my wife’s family.
Correct
to make a long story short
To make a long story short communicates that the speaker is only going to give the basic facts.Incorrect
to make a long story short
To make a long story short communicates that the speaker is only going to give the basic facts. -
Question 283 of 318
283. Question
I’d take his real estate advice with a grain of ______ if I were you. He’s never purchased a home.
Correct
take something with a grain of salt
To take something with a grain of salt means to be skeptical about someone’s claims.Incorrect
take something with a grain of salt
To take something with a grain of salt means to be skeptical about someone’s claims. -
Question 284 of 318
284. Question
He’s a man of few words and gets right to the _____ when he has something to say.
Correct
get right to the point
To get right to the point means to immediately start talking about what is important or what is on someone’s mind.Incorrect
get right to the point
To get right to the point means to immediately start talking about what is important or what is on someone’s mind. -
Question 285 of 318
285. Question
Tim said he heard about the new initiative _____ the grapevine.
Correct
through the grapevine
If information is heard through the grapevine, it means the information was obtained through informal gossip or communication.Incorrect
through the grapevine
If information is heard through the grapevine, it means the information was obtained through informal gossip or communication. -
Question 286 of 318
286. Question
We have a monthly newsletter to keep everyone _____ the loop about company initiatives and events.
Correct
in the loop
Someone in the loop is part of a group that is regularly provided information about something.Incorrect
in the loop
Someone in the loop is part of a group that is regularly provided information about something. -
Question 287 of 318
287. Question
I felt _____ of the loop when I returned to the office after my two-week vacation.
Correct
out of the loop
Someone out of the loop is not part of a group that is regularly provided information about something.Incorrect
out of the loop
Someone out of the loop is not part of a group that is regularly provided information about something. -
Question 288 of 318
288. Question
My boss doesn’t micromanage, but he does try to _____ base with me at least once a day.
Correct
touch base
To touch base means to check in with someone.Incorrect
touch base
To touch base means to check in with someone. -
Question 289 of 318
289. Question
I haven’t heard from Karla in a while. I think I’ll drop her a _____ later this week and see how she’s doing.
Correct
drop someone a line
To drop someone a line means to write a short correspondence to someone.Incorrect
drop someone a line
To drop someone a line means to write a short correspondence to someone. -
Question 290 of 318
290. Question
He’s not answering his cell phone or responding to emails. I simply can’t _____ a hold of him.
Correct
get a hold of someone
To get a hold of someone means to get in contact with someone.Incorrect
get a hold of someone
To get a hold of someone means to get in contact with someone. -
Question 291 of 318
291. Question
The two of them were drinking coffee and talking a mile a _____.
Correct
a mile a minute
A mile a minute means extremely fast.Incorrect
a mile a minute
A mile a minute means extremely fast. -
Question 292 of 318
292. Question
This is a big decision. I’m going to have to _____ it over with my family, and then decide.
Correct
talk something over
To talk something over means to discuss something at length with the goal of making a decision.Incorrect
talk something over
To talk something over means to discuss something at length with the goal of making a decision. -
Question 293 of 318
293. Question
Don’t worry, I won’t mention this to anyone. My _____ are sealed.
Correct
lips are sealed
If someone’s lips are sealed, it means they are not going to disclose information.Incorrect
lips are sealed
If someone’s lips are sealed, it means they are not going to disclose information. -
Question 294 of 318
294. Question
Please keep it under your ______. It’s not public information yet.
Correct
keep something under one’s hat
To keep something under one’s hat means to not disclose information to other people.Incorrect
keep something under one’s hat
To keep something under one’s hat means to not disclose information to other people. -
Question 295 of 318
295. Question
I told him a little white _____ so his feelings wouldn’t get hurt.
Correct
(little) white lie
A (little) white lie is a lie told to be polite.Incorrect
(little) white lie
A (little) white lie is a lie told to be polite. -
Question 296 of 318
296. Question
Their engagement was a secret. I can’t believe you spilled the _____ and told everyone in the department.
Correct
spill the beans
To spill the beans means to reveal a secret.Incorrect
spill the beans
To spill the beans means to reveal a secret. -
Question 297 of 318
297. Question
You have my undivided attention. I’m _____ ears.
Correct
I’m all ears
If someone is all ears, it means they are listening attentively and giving their undivided attention.Incorrect
I’m all ears
If someone is all ears, it means they are listening attentively and giving their undivided attention. -
Question 298 of 318
298. Question
You’re not going to convince Mark to change the bonus structure. You’re beating a dead _____.
Correct
beat a dead horse
To beat a dead horse means:
1) to waste one’s time trying to do something that isn’t going to happen.
2) to continue speaking about something that has already been resolved.Incorrect
beat a dead horse
To beat a dead horse means:
1) to waste one’s time trying to do something that isn’t going to happen.
2) to continue speaking about something that has already been resolved. -
Question 299 of 318
299. Question
I know the name of the company but I can’t think of it now. It’s on the tip of my _____.
Correct
on the tip of one’s tongue
If something is on the tip of one’s tongue, it means that the person is almost able to remember the name of something.Incorrect
on the tip of one’s tongue
If something is on the tip of one’s tongue, it means that the person is almost able to remember the name of something. -
Question 300 of 318
300. Question
Colin really put his _____ in his mouth when he told everyone his salary. It’s against company policy.
Correct
put one’s foot in one’s mouth
To put one’s foot in one’s mouth means to say something stupid or hurtful that the speaker regrets saying.Incorrect
put one’s foot in one’s mouth
To put one’s foot in one’s mouth means to say something stupid or hurtful that the speaker regrets saying. -
Question 301 of 318
301. Question
We went out for a few drinks but we didn’t talk about anything serious. We just _____ the breeze.
Correct
shoot the breeze
To shoot the breeze means to casually chat about nothing in particular.Incorrect
shoot the breeze
To shoot the breeze means to casually chat about nothing in particular. -
Question 302 of 318
302. Question
Do you think it was a serious comment or do you think it was meant to be tongue in _____?
Correct
tongue in cheek
Something said tongue in cheek is said sarcastically.Incorrect
tongue in cheek
Something said tongue in cheek is said sarcastically. -
Question 303 of 318
303. Question
I’ve tried to express my concerns to Jack, but it’s no use. It’s like talking to a brick _____.
Correct
like talking to a brick wall
We say that someone is like talking to a brick wall if they aren’t listening to their conversation partner.Incorrect
like talking to a brick wall
We say that someone is like talking to a brick wall if they aren’t listening to their conversation partner. -
Question 304 of 318
304. Question
Since you’ve been out of the office for a week, let me bring you up to _____.
Correct
bring someone up to speed
To bring someone up to speed means to give someone the latest information about something.Incorrect
bring someone up to speed
To bring someone up to speed means to give someone the latest information about something. -
Question 305 of 318
305. Question
When the family dog died, it was hard to break the _____ to the kids.
Correct
break the news
To break the news means to inform someone of something unpleasant.Incorrect
break the news
To break the news means to inform someone of something unpleasant. -
Question 306 of 318
306. Question
Not getting the job was a _____ in disguise. A month later I received a much better offer from another firm.
Correct
blessing in disguise
A blessing in disguise is something that seems negative at first but turns out to be positive.Incorrect
blessing in disguise
A blessing in disguise is something that seems negative at first but turns out to be positive. -
Question 307 of 318
307. Question
I should brush _____ on my Spanish before my trip to Mexico.
Correct
brush up on something
To brush up on something means to improve one’s knowledge about something that has been forgotten.Incorrect
brush up on something
To brush up on something means to improve one’s knowledge about something that has been forgotten. -
Question 308 of 318
308. Question
They’re a good soccer team, but their goalkeeper is their Achilles’ _____.
Correct
Achilles’ heel
An Achilles’ heel is a vulnerable point that could lead to something failing.
Incorrect
Achilles’ heel
An Achilles’ heel is a vulnerable point that could lead to something failing.
-
Question 309 of 318
309. Question
I met a British girl and moved _____ the pond to be with her.
Correct
across the pond
Across the pond refers to the opposite side of the Atlantic Ocean. This expression is usually used in the UK to talk about the US (and vice versa).Incorrect
across the pond
Across the pond refers to the opposite side of the Atlantic Ocean. This expression is usually used in the UK to talk about the US (and vice versa). -
Question 310 of 318
310. Question
I’ve had a couple job offers, but I haven’t decided which one I’ll take. I’m still weighing my _____.
Correct
weigh one’s options
To weigh one’s options means to carefully think about one’s choices.
Incorrect
weigh one’s options
To weigh one’s options means to carefully think about one’s choices.
-
Question 311 of 318
311. Question
Reese has developed an impressive _____ of tricks during his two decades as a negotiator.
Correct
bag of tricks
Someone’s bag of tricks is that person’s set of special techniques, methods, and resources.Incorrect
bag of tricks
Someone’s bag of tricks is that person’s set of special techniques, methods, and resources. -
Question 312 of 318
312. Question
The senator was in hot _____ after his controversial remarks about immigration.
Correct
in hot water
If someone is in hot water, they are in trouble and likely to be punished.Incorrect
in hot water
If someone is in hot water, they are in trouble and likely to be punished. -
Question 313 of 318
313. Question
If you put yourself in my _____, I think you’ll understand why I did what I did.
Correct
put oneself in someone else’s shoes
To put oneself in someone else’s shoes means to try to imagine what something would be like from someone else’s point of view.Incorrect
put oneself in someone else’s shoes
To put oneself in someone else’s shoes means to try to imagine what something would be like from someone else’s point of view. -
Question 314 of 318
314. Question
The base model is inexpensive, but if you want the deluxe model with all the bells and _____, it’s going to cost you.
Correct
bells and whistles
Bells and whistles refers to the extra features that can be added to a product.Incorrect
bells and whistles
Bells and whistles refers to the extra features that can be added to a product. -
Question 315 of 318
315. Question
I don’t want to toot my own _____, but I’m an excellent cook.
Correct
toot one’s own horn
To toot one’s own horn means to talk about one’s own accomplishments or abilities.Incorrect
toot one’s own horn
To toot one’s own horn means to talk about one’s own accomplishments or abilities. -
Question 316 of 318
316. Question
What I bring to the _____ is over 20 years of experience in this industry.
Correct
bring to the table
What someone brings to the table refers to what that person contributes to an organization or group.
Incorrect
bring to the table
What someone brings to the table refers to what that person contributes to an organization or group.
-
Question 317 of 318
317. Question
You need to take it easy. You can’t work late every night and start work early in the morning. It’s not good to burn the _____ at both ends.
Correct
burn the candle at both ends
To burn the candle at both ends means to become exhausted by staying up late and starting work early.Incorrect
burn the candle at both ends
To burn the candle at both ends means to become exhausted by staying up late and starting work early. -
Question 318 of 318
318. Question
Mark never shows his emotions or seems bothered by anything. He’s as _____ as a cucumber.
Correct
as cool as a cucumber
To be as cool as a cucumber means to be extremely calm, especially in the face of adversity.Incorrect
as cool as a cucumber
To be as cool as a cucumber means to be extremely calm, especially in the face of adversity.