Topic 9: Idioms and Phrases

 

Topic – 9

IDIOMS AND PHRASES

 

INTRODUCTION

The English language is rich in idiomatic expressions and phrases that give it color, depth, and creativity. Idioms are groups of words whose meaning is different from the literal meaning of the individual words. They often carry a cultural or historical background, and understanding them helps learners to grasp the nuances of English communication.

Phrases, on the other hand, are groups of words that function as a single unit in a sentence but do not have a complete meaning on their own. When used as idiomatic phrases, they add emphasis, vivid imagery, or figurative meaning to speech and writing.

Using idioms and phrases effectively not only improves language fluency but also helps in expressing thoughts in a natural, native-like manner. They are frequently used in conversations, literature, newspapers, and speeches.

 

Examples of Idioms

 

1. A blessing in disguise → Something that seems bad at first but turns out to be good.

Losing that job was a blessing in disguise; it pushed me to start my own business.

2. Break the ice → To initiate a conversation in a social setting.

The teacher told a funny story to break the ice on the first day of class.

3. Burn the midnight oil → To work late into the night.

He burned the midnight oil to finish his project before the deadline.

4. Hit the nail on the head → To describe a situation accurately.

She hit the nail on the head when she said the team needed better planning.

5. When pigs fly → Something that will never happen.

He will apologize when pigs fly.

6. Piece of cake → Something very easy.

The exam was a piece of cake for her.

7. Let the cat out of the bag → Reveal a secret.

He let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.

8. Cry over spilt milk → Worry about something that cannot be changed.

Don't cry over spilt milk; learn from your mistake.

9. Under the weather → Feeling ill.

She couldn't attend class because she was under the weather.

10. A blessing in disguise → Something that seems bad but turns out good.

Failing that interview was a blessing in disguise.

11. Hit the sack → To go to bed.

I'm really tired, I'll hit the sack early tonight.

12. Burn the midnight oil → Work late at night.

He burned the midnight oil to complete the report.

13. Bite off more than you can chew → Take on a task too big.

He realized he had bitten off more than he could chew by volunteering for three projects.

14. Once in a blue moon → Something that happens rarely.

They meet only once in a blue moon.

15. Cost an arm and a leg → Very expensive.

The new car cost him an arm and a leg.

 

Examples of Phrases

 

1. In spite of→ Expressing contrast.

She succeeded in spite of difficulties.

2. At the eleventh hour → At the last possible moment.

He submitted his assignment at the eleventh hour.

3. By leaps and bounds → Very quickly.

Technology is growing by leaps and bounds.

4. In black and white → In writing, or in clear terms.

The rules are given in black and white.

5. In cold blood → Without emotion, deliberately.

The crime was committed in cold blood.

6. In time → Before the deadline.

She reached the station in time for the train.

7. On time→ At the exact time.

The meeting started on time.

8. By chance → Accidentally.

We met by chance at the market.

9. In need→ Needing help.

Friends in need are friends indeed.

10. At once → Immediately.

Call the doctor at once!

11. In charge of→ Responsible for.

She is in charge of the project.

12. In front of→ Opposite, before.

The car stopped in front of the school.

13. On behalf of → Representing

I speak on behalf of my classmates.

14. At the moment → Right now.

I'm busy at the moment.

15. According to → As stated by.

According to the news, it will rain tomorrow.

 

Idioms and phrases are essential tools for anyone who wishes to master English. They add richness, creativity, and precision to communication. By learning and practicing them, students can not only improve their language skills but also gain insight into cultural references embedded in English.

 

 

Practice Exercises

 

I. Fill in the blanks with the most suitable idiom from the options given in brackets.

 

1. That exam was a _______.  (piece of cake / cry over spilt milk)

2. She visits her hometown only _______. (once in a blue moon / burning the midnight oil)

3. Don't _______; what's done is done. (cry over spilt milk / icing on the cake)

4. He finally decided to _______ and start his own business. (take the plunge / kick the bucket)

5. If you want to succeed, you must _______. (pull up your socks / throw in the towel)

6. The news spread like _______. (wildfire / green signal)

7. He is _______; he doesn't know what to do next. (at his wit's end / silver lining)

8. Losing that job turned out to be a _______. (blessing in disguise / storm in a teacup)

9. Please don't _______ our surprise party. (let the cat out of the bag / plain sailing)

10. That car cost him _______. (an arm and a leg / a piece of cake)

11. After months of hard work, his promotion was the _______ (icing on the cake / back to square one)

12. She will never succeed if she continues to _______. (beat around the bush / hit the nail on the head)

13. They had to _______ to meet the deadline. (burn the midnight oil / hit the sack)

14. When he inherited a fortune, it was like _______. (striking gold / crying wolf)

15. Don't take her words seriously; she's just _______. (blowing hot and cold on cloud nine)

16. After failing twice, he decided to _______(throw in the towel / take the bull by the horns)

17. He is very arrogant, always _______(looking down his nose / pulling his socks up)

18. That rumor was just a _______. (storm in a teacup / blessing in disguise)

19. She was so happy after getting the job, she was _______ (on cloud nine / under the weather)

20. The two friends decided to _______ and forget the past. (bury the hatchet / let the cat out of the bag)

21. Don't take risks until you have the ______. (green signal / red-handed)

22. He pretends to be brave, but he is really a _______. (chicken-hearted / dark horse)

23. They finally decided to _______ with the project. (go ahead / cry over spilt milk)

24. After so many difficulties, success was finally _______. (within reach / over the moon)

25. When she heard the good news, she jumped _______. (for joy / through hoops)

26. The businessman finally had to _______ to the new rules. (toe the line / kick the bucket)

27. When he didn't get the award, he had to _______(eat humble pie / spill the beans)

28. I couldn't understand the joke; it went completely _______(over my head / on my toes)

29. He invested all his money in one company; he put all his _______. (eggs in one basket / cats in a bag)

30. They decided to _______ after the argument. (make up / break the ice)

31. The detective finally managed to _______ the truth. (bring to light / in the dark)

32. It was difficult at first, but now everything is _______. (plain sailing / fish out of water)

33. Don't trust him; he is just _______(crying wolf hitting the jackpot)

34. She is very punctual, always arriving _______.(on the dot in hot water)

35. Without proper planning, the project went _______.(down the drain / up in the air)

36. His sudden resignation took everyone _______.(by surprise / on the rocks)

37. He has been unemployed for months, living from _______. (hand to mouth / head to toe)

38. She likes to _______ about her achievements. (blow her own trumpet / break the ice)

39. When the boss entered, the employees suddenly became _______ (all ears / in the soup)

40. His explanation didn't make sense; it was just __________. (all Greek to me / a bed of roses)

41. He finally managed to _______ the deal. (clinch / bite the dust)

42. Don't worry better days are _______. (around the corner / down the drain)

43. That comedian always makes people _______. (burst into laughter / cry over spilt milk)

44. The corrupt minister was caught _______. (red-handed / green with envy)

45. When he got the scholarship, it was like ____.  (hitting the jackpot / barking up the wrong tree)

46. The two enemies finally shook hands to _______. (bury the hatchet / blow hot and cold)

47. After the scandal, his reputation was _______. (in tatters on cloud nine)

48. They failed, so they had to go _______. (back to square one / icing on the cake)

49. I can't afford this phone; it costs _______. (an arm and a leg / chicken feed)

50. He kept the information secret; he didn't _______. (spill the beans throw in the towel)

 

II. Rewrite the sentence using the idiom given in brackets.

 

1. He revealed the secret to everyone. (spill the beans)

2. She accepted the challenge bravely. (bite the bullet)

3. We are in the same situation. (in the same boat)

4. Don't give up now; try harder. (hang in there)

5. He finally admitted his mistake. (come clean)

6. The test was very easy for her. (a piece of cake)

7. Don't waste time; start working. (get the ball rolling)

8. He was very happy about the news. (on cloud nine)

9. You should stop dreaming and be practical. (get your head out of the clouds)

10. I'm waiting anxiously for the result. (on pins and needles)

11. He suddenly started crying. (burst into tears)

12. She is very healthy and active. (fit as a fiddle)

13. Don't reveal this secret to anyone. (keep it under wraps)

14. They were treated very nicely. (with kid gloves)

15. He was very nervous before the interview. (butterflies in the stomach)

16. The thief was caught in the act. (caught red-handed)

17. You are trying to do something impossible. (beat a dead horse)

18. She is very rich. (rolling in money)

19. Don't delay the matter any longer. (drag your feet)

20. I agree with you completely. (see eye to eye)

21. He worked very hard all night. (burn the midnight oil)

22. I cannot understand his strange behavior. (beyond my comprehension)

23. She suddenly changed her decision. (changed her tune)

24. They are always in disagreement. (at loggerheads)

25. It was a very close escape. (by the skin of his teeth)

26. He refused to speak about the issue. (clammed up)

27. I will support you in this situation. (back you up)

28. He makes problems worse with his actions. (add fuel to the fire)

29. She speaks directly and honestly. (straight from the horse's mouth)

30. The matter is not yet decided. (up in the air)

31. He spent all his money recklessly. (threw money down the drain)

32. The businessman became rich quickly. (made a fortune overnight)

33. Stop wasting time and hurry up. (shake a leg)

34. She was very silent during the meeting. (kept a low profile)

35. He always looks at the negative side. (sees the glass half empty)

36. I cannot manage two things at once. (can't juggle too many balls)

37. The plan failed completely. (went down the drain)

38. He told the joke at the wrong time. (bad timing)

39. She tolerated the insult silently. (bit her tongue)

40. The workers protested strongly. (raised their voices)

41. He was very busy with work. (swamped with work)

42. She made a big mistake. (dropped the ball)

43. Don't avoid the main issue. (beat around the bush)

44. His rude remark hurt my feelings. (hit below the belt)

45. The friends forgot their quarrel. (bury the hatchet)

46. He was very upset after the loss. (down in the dumps)

47. The decision surprised everyone. (out of the blue)

48. She made the situation worse. (opened a can of worms)

49. He suddenly became angry. (lost his temper)

50. Don't disclose this to others. (mum's the word)

 

III. Add a suitable phrase (Noun/Verb/Adjective/Adverb/Prepositional) to complete the sentence.

 

1. The boy found ________.

2. The train arrived ________.

3. The house ________ was sold yesterday.

4. The teacher spoke ________.

5. The old man walked ________.

6. She wore ________.

7. They stayed ________.

8. He waited ________.

9. The girl bought ________.

10. We decided ________.

11. The dog barked ________.

12. She slept ________.

13. He answered ________.

14. They danced ________.

15. The car stopped ________.

16. She kept ________.

17. The baby cried ________.

18. The man wrote ________.

19. The player hit ________.

20. They built ________.

21. The farmer worked ________.

22. He hid ________.

23. The students read ________.

24. She smiled ________.

25. The soldier fought ________.

26. He placed ________.

27. The bus halted ________.

28. The singer sang ________.

29. They discussed ________.

30. She carried ________.

31. The boy painted ________.

32. He travelled ________.

33. They lived ________.

34. The judge spoke ________.

35. The woman cooked ________.

36. The shopkeeper sold ________.

37. The workers protested ________.

38. He repaired ________.

39. The postman delivered ________.

40. The tourist visited ________.

41. The team played ________.

42. She entered ________.

43. The driver parked ________.

44. The wind blew ________.

45. The teacher explained ________.

46. They returned ________.

47. The king ruled ________.

48. He completed ________.

49. The scientist discovered ________.

50. The poet wrote ________.

 

IV. Select the most suitable phrase from the options given.

 

1. The players practiced _______.

(a) on the ground

(b) very tall

(c) the red bag

 

2. She bought a pen  _______.

(a) in the morning

(b) with blue ink

(c) to play cricket

 

3. He worked _______.

(a) with great effort

(b) a bunch of keys

(c) very tall

 

4. We decided _______.

(a) to go for a trip

(b) under the bed

(c) the green box

 

5. They met _______.

(a) at the railway station

(b) very bright.

(c) the red box

 

6. The girl wore a dress _______.

(a) with red flowers

(b) to the market

(c) in the garden

 

7. The children played _______.

(a) in the park

(b) a tall boy

(c) a sweet voice

 

8. He spoke _______.

(a) with confidence

(b) the black cat

(c) very rich

 

9. The book was kept _______.

(a) on the table

(b) to run fast

(c) very strong

 

10. The boy ran

(a) with great speed

(b) the blue sky

(c) a kind girls

 

11. The woman cooked food _______.

(a) in the kitchen

(b) the green tree

(c) very tall

 

12. They arrived _______.

(a) at the right time

(b) the black pen

(c) a huge car

 

13. He solved the sum _______.

(a) with ease

(b) the red chair

(c) a young boy

 

14. She sang a song _______.

(a) in a sweet voice

(b) the green bag

(c) very tall

 

15. The man lived _______.

(a) in a small hut

(b) a red dress

(c) very fast

 

16. The teacher explained _______.

(a) in detail

(b) the black cat

(c) very soft

 

17. He completed the work _______.

(a) with care

(b) a big car

(c) very tall

 

18. The soldier fought _______.

(a) with bravery

(b) a green bottle

(c) very light

 

19. The river flows _______.

(a) through the forest

(b) a tall man

(c) very weak

 

20. They travelled _______.

(a) by bus

(b) the white board

(c) very kind

 

21. The child slept _______.

(a) under the bed

(b) a red dress

(c) very strong

 

22. She kept the keys _______.

(a) in the drawer

(b) very fast

(c) a tall man

 

23. The king ruled _______.

(a) with justice

(b) a green bag

(c) very weak

 

24. The boy painted _______.

(a) with bright colours

(b) the black cat

(c) verv tall

 

25. He parked the car _______.

(a) near the shop

(b) a red dress

(c) very kind

 

26. The baby cried _______.

(a) at night

(b) a huge table

(c) very tall

 

27. She stayed _______.

(a) in the hostel

(b) a green bag

(c) very weak

 

28. The wind blew _______.

(a) with great force

(b) the red pen

(c) very tall

 

29. The poet wrote _______.

(a) with deep emotion

(b) a black box

(c) very fast

 

30. He walked _______.

(a) with a stick

(b) a green bottle

(c) very slow

 

31. They waited _______.

(a) at the bus stop

(b) a red ball

(c) very bright

 

32. The shopkeeper sold  _______.

(a) at a high price

(b) a tall man

(c) very soft

 

33. The tourist visited _______.

(a) a famous temple

(b) the green cat

(c) very weak

 

34. The scientist discovered _______.

(a) with great interest

(b) a black bag

(c) very strong

 

35. The girl looked _______.

(a) at the mirror

(b) a red dress

(c) very tall

 

36. The farmer worked _______.

(a) in the field

(b) a green ball

(c) very kind

 

37. The driver stopped the bus _______.

(a) near the school

(b) the white chair

(c) very tall

 

38. The dancer performed _______.

(a) with grace

(b) a red car

(c) very soft

 

39. He spoke ________.

(a) in English

(b) a tall pen

(c) very bright

 

40. She lived _______.

(a) in a small village

(b) the black chair

(c) very slow

 

41. The boy threw the ball _______.

(a) into the basket

(b) the green bottle

(c) very soft

 

42. The children studied

(a) with concentration

(b) a red cat

(c) very weak

 

43. He sang _______.

(a) in a low voice

(b) the black box

(c) very tall

 

44. The old man sat _______.

(a) under the tree

(b) green pen

(c) very fast

 

45. The book was written _______.

(a) by Shakespeare

(b) a red chair

(c) very soft

 

46. The meeting ended _______.

(a) on time

(b) the black table

(c) very tall

 

47. The player hit the ball  _______.

(a) with force

(b) a green bag

(c) very weak

 

48. The lawyer argued _______.

(a) with confidence

(b) a red dress

(c) very bright

 

49. The stars shone _______.

(a) in the sky

(b) the black pen

(c) very slow

 

50. The teacher corrected the paper _______.

(a) with care

(b) a green bottle

(c) very tall

 

V. Choose the correct meaning of the idiom/phrase from the given options.

 

1. A blessing in disguise

(a) A curse

(b) A misfortune

(c) Something good that seems bad at first

(d) A serious problem

 

2. Hit the nail on the head

(a) To make a mistake

(b) To say exactly the right thing

(c) To hurt someone

(d) To lose control

 

3. Cry over spilt milk

(a) Waste time worrying about the past

(b) Drink milk

(c) Cook something quickly

(d) Take unnecessary risks

 

4. Once in a blue moon

(a) Always

(b) Rarely

(c) Frequently

(d) Suddenly

 

5. Let the cat out of the bag

(a) To release an animal

(b) To reveal a secret

(c) To play a game

(d) To create confusion

 

6. Throw in the towel

(a) To continue working hard

(b) To admit defeat

(c) To clean up a mess

(d) To get angry

 

7. Burn the midnight oil

(a) To waste time

(b) To work late into the night

(c) To sleep early

(d) To light a candle

 

8. A piece of cake

(a) Something very easy

(b) Something very difficult

(c) A sweet dish

(d) Something very expensive

 

9. Bite the bullet

(a) To face a difficult situation bravely

(b) To hurt someone

(c) To eat quickly

(d) To act carelessly

 

10. At the drop of a hat

(a) Without delay / immediately

(b) To ignore something

(c) To prepare slowly

(d) To wear a hat

 

11. On cloud nine

(a) Very sad

(b) Very happy

(c) Very tired

(c) Very angry

 

12. A storm in a teacup

(a) A big problem

(b) A small issue made to look big

(c) A heavy rainfall

(d) A dangerous situation

 

13. To beat around the bush

(a) To avoid the main topic

(b) To play outside

(c) To be direct

(d) To win easily

 

14. Pull someone's leg

(a) To tease or joke

(b) To fight with someone

(c) To help someone

(d) To harm someone

 

15. Under the weather

(a) Very busy

(b) Feeling unwell

(c) Very rich

(d) Feeling strong

 

16. Back to square one

(a) Progressing quickly

(b) Starting over again

(c) Winning a game

(d) Ending successfully

 

17. Green with envy

(a) Very angry

(b) Very jealous

(c) Very lazy

(d) Very hopeful

 

18. Bury the hatchet

(a) To fight

(b) To forget old quarrels and become friends.

(c) To hide something

(d) To punish someone

 

19. In hot water

(a) In trouble

(b) In the bathroom

(c) In a swimming pool

(d) In a safe place

 

20. Break the ice

(a) To begin a conversation

(b) To destroy something

(c) To end a relationship

(d) To become angry

 

21. By leaps and bounds

(a) Very slowly

(b) Very quickly

(c) In a straight line

(d) Without effort

 

22. Throw cold water on something

(a) To discourage

(b) To encourage

(c) To ignore

(d) To enjoy

 

23. The ball is in your court

(a) You have the responsibility to decide

(b) The game is over

(c) You won

(d) Someone else has the power

 

24. Read between the lines

(a) To read carefully

(b) To find the hidden meaning

(c) To skip content

(d) To misunderstand

 

25. To cut corners

(a) To do something carelessly to save time or money

(b) To decorate

(c) To improve quality

(d) To take a shortcut physically

 

26. Hit the sack

(a) To fight

(b) To go to bed

(c) To lose control

(d) To eat food

 

27. To blow one's own trumpet

(a) To boast

(b) To sing

(c) To whistle

(d) To complain

 

28. Out of the blue

(a) Suddenly and unexpectedly

(b) Slowly

(c) With planning

(d) Rarely

 

29. Miss the boat

(a) To miss an opportunity

(b) To travel late

(c) To be on time

(d) To be safe

 

30. Keep an eye on

(a) To watch carefully

(b) To ignore

(c) To lose something

(d) To sleep

 

31. Jump the gun

(a) To start too soon

(b) To win a race

(c) To delay

(d) To argue

 

32. Call it a day

(a) To stop working

(b) To start a new job

(c) To play a game

(d) To celebrate

 

33. A dime a dozen

(a) Rare

(b) Very common

(c) Very costly

(d) Very valuable

 

34. Break the bank

(a) To spend too much money

(b) To save money

(c) To open an account

(d) To lose a game

 

35. Go the extra mile

(a) To do more than expected

(b) To travel far

(c) To walk slowly

(d) To rest

 

36. Spill the beans

(a) To reveal a secret

(b) To cook

(c) To waste food

(d) To make a mistake

 

37. Under one's nose

(a) Happening openly and obviously

(b) Very far away

(c) In secret

(d) Unnoticed

 

38. Walk on air

(a) Be extremely happy

(b) Be nervous

(c) Be tired

(d) Be hopeless

 

39. Face the music

(a) Accept punishment or criticism

(b) To enjoy

(c) To dance

(d) To escape

 

40. A hot potato

(a) A controversial issue

(b) A tasty snack

(c) A useful item

(d) A safe subject

 

41. In black and white

(a) In writing

(b) In person

(c) In colour

(d) In anger

 

42. In the nick of time

(a) Just in time

(b) Too late

(c) Very early

(d) Without time

 

43. To make ends meet

(a) To manage expenses within income

(b) To become rich

(c) To overspend

(d) To lose everything

 

44. Keep one's word

(a) To fulfil a promise

(b) To break a promise

(c) To write a letter

(d) To repeat

 

45. In the long run

(a) Eventually

(b) Immediately

(c) Temporarily

(d) Rarely

 

46. To cut the mustard

(a) To succeed / be effective

(b) To fail

(c) To cook

(d) To cut food

 

47. To play it by ear

(a) To improvise without planning

(b) To play an instrument

(c) To listen carefully

(d) To make notes

 

48. To hit the road

(a) To start a journey

(b) To build a road

(c) To stop moving

(d) To travel slowly

 

49. Through thick and thin

(a) In all situations, good or bad

(b) Only in happy times

(c) Only in hard times

(d) Rarely

 

50. To be in seventh heaven

(a) To be extremely happy

(b) To be sad

(c) To be worried

(d) To be angry

 

VI. Choose the correct sentence (with the proper idiom/phrase).

 

1. He was at work under the weather during the lecture.

(a) He was at work under the weather during the lecture.

(b) He was under the weather during the lecture.

(c) He was at work during the lecture.

(d) He was weathering the work in the lecture.

 

2. She decided to fond of cricket the beans

(a) She decided to fond of cricket the beans.

(b) She decided to spill the beans.

(c) She decided to play cricket with beans.

(d) She decided to cook beans.

 

3. They bite the bullet in the park yesterday.

(a) They bite the bullet in the park yesterday.

(b) They bit the bullet yesterday.

(c) They bite bullets in the park.

(d) They are bullets in the park.

 

4. The teacher asked us to spill the beans at midnight oil

(a) The teacher asked us to spill the beans at midnight oil.

(b) The teacher asked us to burn the midnight oil.

(c) The teacher asked us to eat beans at midnight.

(d) The teacher asked us to spill the oil.

 

5. Ramesh is fond of running the hatchet

(a) Ramesh is fond of running the hatchet.

(b) Ramesh is fond of burying the hatchet.

(c) Ramesh is fond of running.

(d) Ramesh is fond of carrying a hatchet.

 

6. He burned the beans during the meeting

(a) He burned the beans during the meeting.

(b) He spilled the beans during the meeting.

(c) He cooked the beans during the meeting.

(d) He was burning oil during the meeting.

 

7. The boys are good at burying the bullet.

(a) The boys are good at burying the bullet.

(b) The boys are good at biting the bullet.

(c) The boys are good at bullets.

(d) The boys are good at burying.

 

8. She is in the same boat with her fond of music.

(a) She is in the same boat with her fond of music.

(b) She is in the same boat with her friends.

(c) She is fond of boats and music.

(d) She is playing music in a boat.

 

9. They jumped the gun at work in the library.

(a) They jumped the gun at work in the library.

(b) They jumped the gun.

(c) They jumped into the library.

(d) They worked with a gun.

 

10. He is under the hatchet in exams

(a) He is under the hatchet in exams.

(b) He is under the weather in exams.

(c) He is burying the hatchet in exams.

(d) He is using a hatchet in exams.

 

11. The workers decided to burn the midnight boat.

(a) The workers decided to burn, the midnight boat.

(b) The workers decided to burn the midnight oil.

(c) The workers decided to sail at midnight.

(d) The workers decided to burn the boat.

 

12. The child is fond of spilling the hatchet.

(a) The child is fond of spilling the hatchet.

(b) The child is fond of spilling the beans.

(c) The child is fond of spilling.

(d) The child is fond of a hatchet.

 

13. My father told me to jump the cricket.

(a) My father told me to jump the cricket.

(b) My father told me to jump the gun.

(c) My father told me to play cricket.

(d) My father told me to jump.

 

14. She is good at in the same boat with singing

(a) She is good at in the same boat with singing.

(b) She is good at singing.

(c) She is in the same boat with her friends.

(d) She is good at boating.

 

15. He decided to spill the hatchet before the match.

(a) He decided to spill the hatchet before the match.

(b) He decided to bury the hatchet before the match.

(c) He decided to spill the beans before the match.

(d) He decided to cut the hatchet.

 

16. We must bite the beans during tough times

(a) We must bite the beans during tough times.

(b) We must bite the bullet during tough times.

(c) We must eat beans during tough times.

(d) We must spill the beans during tough times.

 

17. They are fond of the weather today.

(a) They are fond of the weather today.

(b) He is under the weather today.

(c) They like the weather.

(d) They are fond of rain.

 

18. He always burns the same boat when angry.

(a) He always burns the same boat when angry.

(b) He is in the same boat when angry.

(c) He always sinks boats when angry.

(d) He burns his boat when angry.

 

19. The soldiers had to bury the beans.

(a) The soldiers had to bury the beans.

(b) The soldiers had to bury the hatchet.

(c) The soldiers had to eat beans.

(d) The soldiers had to cook beans.

 

20. She was fond of bite the bullet with poetry.

(a) She was fond of bite the bullet with poetry.

(b) She had to bite the bullet with poetry.

(c) She was fond of poetry.

(d) She bit the beans with poetry.

 

21. He decided to burn the beans in the exam.

(a) He decided to burn the beans in the exam.

(b) He decided to burn the midnight oil in the exam.

(c) He decided to cook beans in the exam.

(d) He decided to burn oil in the exam.

 

22. They are in the same hatchet.

(a) They are in the same hatchet.

(c) They are in the same house.

(b) They are in the same boat.

(d) They are in the same park.

 

23. She is under the bullet because of stress.

(a) She is under the bullet because of stress.

(b) She is under the weather because of stress.

(c) She is biting the bullet because of stress.

(d) She is burying the bullet because of stress.

 

24. He wanted to spill the oil before the party.

(a) He wanted to spill the oil before the party.

(b) He wanted to spill the beans before the party.

(c) He wanted to spill the bottle before the party.

(d) He wanted to burn the oil before the party.

 

25. They decided to bury the beans at last.

(a) They decided to bury the beans at last.

(b) They decided to bury the hatchet at last.

(c) They decided to cook beans at last.

(d) They decided to spill the beans at last.

 

26. He always jumps the boat when impatient.

(a) He always jumps the boat when impatient.

(b) He always jumps the gun when impatient.

(c) He always sails the boat when impatient.

(d) He always jumps with friends when impatient.

 

27. She is fond of burning bullets.

(a) She is fond of burning bullets.

(b) She had to bite the bucket.

(c) She is fond of collecting bullets.

(d) She is fond of guns.

 

28. He asked us to burn the beans during exams.

(a) He asked us to burn the beans during exams.

(b) He asked us to burn the midnight oil during exams.

(c) He asked us to spill the beans during exams.

(d) He asked us to cook beans during exams.

 

29. They are burying the weather now.

(a) They are burying the weather now.

(b) They are under the weather now.

(c) They are burning the weather now.

(d) They are weathering the storm now.

 

30. He burned the bullet yesterday.

(a) He burned the bullet yesterday.

(b) He bit the bullet yesterday.

(c) He burned the beans yesterday.

(d) He cooked bullets yesterday.

 

31. The boys decided to spill the hatchet in class.

(a) The boys decided to spill the hatchet in class.

(b) The boys decided to bury the hatchet in class.

(c) The boys decided to spill the beans in class.

(d) The boys decided to carry a hatchet in class.

 

32. She was under the beans last week.

(a) She was under the beans last week.

(b) She was under the weather last week.

(c) She was under the table last week.

(d) She was cooking beans last week.

 

33. The workers decided to jump the beans.

(a) The workers decided to jump the beans.

(b) The workers decided to jump the gun.

(c) The workers decided to jump into beans.

(d) The workers decided to cook beans.

 

34. He always burns the hatchet in anger.

(a) He always burns the hatchet in anger.

(b) He always buries the hatchet in anger

(c) He always bites the hatchet in anger.

(d) He always spills the hatchet in anger.

 

35. She is lineup fond of biting the beans.

(a) She is fond of biting the beans.

(b) She is fond of biting the bullet.

(c) She is fond of eating beans.

(d) She is fond of spilling beans.

 

36. They are under the gun in this project.

(a) They are under the gun in this project.

(b) They are under the weather in this project.

(c) They are jumping the gun in this project.

(d) They are biting the gun in this project.

 

37. He wanted to bury the bullet.

(a) He wanted to bury the bullet.

(b) He wanted to bury the hatchet.

(c) He wanted to bite the bullet.

(d) He wanted to burn the bullet.

 

38. She spilled the midnight oil last night.

(a) She spilled the midnight oil last night.

(b) She burned the midnight oil last night.

(c) She spilled the beans last night.

(d) She spilled oil last night.

 

39. They are fond of jumping the hatchet

(a) They are fond of jumping the hatchet.

(b) They are fond of jumping the gun.

(c) They are fond of burying the hatchet.

(d) They are fond of playing with a hatchet.

 

40. He decided to bite the beans in trouble

(a) He decided to bite the beans in trouble.

(b) He decided to bite the bullet in trouble.

(c) He decided to spill the beans in trouble.

(d) He decided to cook beans in trouble.

 

41. The friends agreed to spill the bullet.

(a) The friends agreed to spill the bullet.

(b) The friends agreed to spill the beans.

(c) The friends agreed to bite the bullet.

(d) The friends agreed to carry bullets.

 

42. She was under the boat all day.

(a) She was under the boat all day.

(b) She was in the same boat all day.

(c) She was under the weather all day.

(d) She was boating all day.

 

43. He always burns the beans at midnight

(a) He always burns the beans at midnight.

(b) He always burns the midnight oil.

(c) He always spills the beans at midnight.

(d) He always eats beans at midnight.

 

44. They are fond of burying the beans

(a) They are fond of burying the beans.

(b) They are fond of burying the hatchet.

(c) They are fond of cooking beans.

(d) They are fond of spilling beans.

 

45. He decided to spill the boat

(a) He decided to spill the boat.

(b) He decided to rock the boat.

(c) He decided to sink the boat.

(d) He decided to build a boat.

 

46. She is under the hatchet today.

(a) She is under the hatchet today.

(b) She is under the weather today.

(c) She is burying the hatchet today.

(d) She is using a hatchet today.

 

47. He asked us to jump the beans in class.

(a) He asked us to jump the beans in class.

(b) He asked us to jump the gun in class.

(c) He asked us to spill the beans in class.

(d) He asked us to cook beans in class.

 

48. They are fond of burning boats

(a) They are fond of burning boats.

(b) They are in the same boat.

(c) They are fond of boating.

(d) They are fond of sinking boats.

 

49. She always bites the beans in stress

(a) She always bites the beans in stress.

(b) She always bites the bullet in stress.

(c) She always spills the beans in stress.

(d) She always eats beans in stress.

 

50. He decided to bury the oil yesterday.

(a) He decided to bury the oil yesterday.

(b) He decided to burn the midnight oil yesterday.

(c) He decided to bury the hatchet yesterday.

(d) He decided to spill the beans yesterday.