The Exhaustive List of American Idioms

(Book 12 of 12 Books)

reserved.

These books, and more, can be freely downloaded at:

11,001

What does “The Board of Directors threw the

CEO overboard” mean?

A) The Board removed the CEO from their

position.

B) The Board sent the CEO on a vacation.

C) The Board increased the CEO’s salary.

D) The Board ignored the CEO’s ideas.

Answer: A) The Board removed the CEO from

their position.

Example: After months of financial losses, the

Board of Directors threw the CEO overboard and

brought in someone new.

11,002

What does “He kept running to the tape”

mean?

A) He started the race too late.

B) He kept pushing until the very end, without

giving up.

C) He quit before finishing.

D) He avoided competition.

Answer: B) He kept pushing until the very end,

without giving up.

Example: Even though he was exhausted, he kept

running to the tape and finished the marathon

strong.

11,003

What does “Who will blink first” mean?

A) Who will give in or surrender first in a standoff.

B) Who has dry eyes.

C) Who is the fastest runner.

D) Who will win the argument by shouting.

Answer: A) Who will give in or surrender first

in a standoff.

Example: Both companies are refusing to lower

prices; let’s see who blinks first in this pricing war.

11,004

What does “He’s carefully threading the

needle” mean?

A) He is avoiding all responsibilities.

B) He is learning to sew.

C) He is navigating a difficult or delicate situation

skillfully.

D) He is completely lost.

Answer: C) He is navigating a difficult or

delicate situation skillfully.

Example: As a diplomat, he’s carefully threading

the needle between two opposing countries to

maintain peace.

11,005

What does “There was a lot of pushback on

that” mean?

A) Everyone agreed immediately.

B) There was strong opposition or resistance.

C) It was easy to implement.

D) People were excited about the idea.

Answer: B) There was strong opposition or

resistance.

Example: The new policy required employees to

work weekends, but there was a lot of pushback on

that from the staff.

11,006

What does “Pet peeve” mean?

A) A favorite hobby.

B) A small annoyance that really bothers someone.

C) A lucky charm.

D) A family tradition.

Answer: B) A small annoyance that really

bothers someone.

Example: Loud chewing is my biggest pet peeve; I

can’t stand it!

11,007

What does “They are the tip of the spear”

mean?

A) They are very weak.

B) They are completely unimportant.

C) They are at the front of an important movement

or action.

D) They are always late to the action.

Answer: C) They are at the front of an

important movement or action.

Example: Our special forces team is the tip of the

spear in military operations.

11,008

What does “He needs to be extracted” mean?

A) He needs to study more.

B) He needs to be removed from a dangerous or

difficult situation.

C) He needs to be promoted.

D) He needs to talk to his boss.

Answer: B) He needs to be removed from a

dangerous or difficult situation.

Example: The spy was in danger, so the agency

needed to extract him immediately.

11,009

What does “The company had to rebrand itself”

mean?

A) The company raised its prices.

B) The company shut down.

C) The company fired all its employees.

D) The company changed its image, name, or

identity.

Answer: D) The company changed its image,

name, or identity.

Example: After the scandal, the company had to

rebrand itself to regain customer trust.

11,010

What does “I just couldn’t stomach that”

mean?

A) I ate too much.

B) I really enjoyed it.

C) I couldn’t tolerate or accept it.

D) I found it easy to do.

Answer: C) I couldn’t tolerate or accept it.

Example: I saw the way they treated their

employees, and I just couldn’t stomach that.

11,011

What does “He steamrolled right over her”

mean?

A) He completely dominated or ignored her

objections.

B) He accidentally knocked her over.

C) He gave her a big surprise.

D) He was very kind to her.

Answer: A) He completely dominated or

ignored her objections.

Example: She tried to explain her idea, but he

steamrolled right over her and ignored everything

she said.

11,012

What does “Raised his voice” mean?

A) Sang beautifully.

B) Spoke loudly, often in anger.

C) Whispered very quietly.

D) Spoke in a foreign language.

Answer: B) Spoke loudly, often in anger.

Example: He raised his voice during the argument,

making everyone uncomfortable.

11,013

What does “Wait out the heat” mean?

A) Ignore the situation completely.

B) Go outside in the summer.

C) Stay near a heater.

D) Avoid trouble by waiting for it to pass.

Answer: D) Avoid trouble by waiting for it to

pass.

Example: The police are looking for him, but he’s

hiding to wait out the heat.

11,014

What does “I saved your ass” mean?

A) I helped you avoid a bad situation.

B) I did nothing to help you.

C) I ignored your problem.

D) I caused you more trouble.

Answer: A) I helped you avoid a bad situation.

Example: You forgot to submit the report, so I sent

it for you; I saved your ass!

11,015

What does “He is always trying to jump the

ladder” mean?

A) He enjoys rock climbing.

B) He is constantly looking for shortcuts to

success.

C) He refuses to follow rules.

D) He moves very slowly in his career.

Answer: B) He is constantly looking for

shortcuts to success.

Example: Instead of working hard, he is always

trying to jump the ladder by impressing his boss.

11,016

What does “As quiet as a church mouse” mean?

A) Extremely silent.

B) Very loud.

C) Very sneaky.

D) Ignoring everyone.

Answer: A) Extremely silent.

Example: She sat in the back of the classroom, as

quiet as a church mouse, not saying a word.

11,017

What does “I won’t do it on principle” mean?

A) I won’t do it because I don’t know how.

B) I can’t do it because I’m too busy.

C) I refuse because of my personal values or

morals.

D) I am considering doing it.

Answer: C) I refuse because of my personal

values or morals.

Example: Even though I could take the money, I

won’t do it on principle; it wouldn’t be right.

11,018

What does "March: in like a lion, out like a

lamb" mean?

A) March usually starts with harsh weather and

ends with mild weather.

B) March is always unpredictable.

C) March is a time of celebration.

D) March is the best month of the year.

Answer: A) March usually starts with harsh

weather and ends with mild weather.

Example: We had a snowstorm last week, but now

it’s sunny; March really comes in like a lion and

out like a lamb.

11,019

What does “De-banked” mean?

A) Getting a loan from a bank.

B) Having your bank account closed or losing

access to banking services.

C) Depositing a large amount of money.

D) Opening a new bank account.

Answer: B) Having your bank account closed or

losing access to banking services.

Example: After the scandal, the businessman was

de-banked, and no financial institution would work

with him.

11,020

What does “At first glance” mean?

A) Without actually seeing something.

B) After careful consideration.

C) Only when looking from a distance.

D) Upon initial observation.

Answer: D) Upon initial observation.

Example: At first glance, the painting looks simple,

but when you study it, you notice the details.

11,021

What does “He’s seeing her” mean?

A) He is dating her.

B) He is spying on her.

C) He is looking at her for the first time.

D) He is ignoring her.

Answer: A) He is dating her.

Example: I heard he’s seeing her now; they’ve

been going on dates every weekend.

11,022

What does “It looks swanky” mean?

A) It looks cheap and old.

B) It looks stylish and luxurious.

C) It looks messy and unorganized.

D) It looks confusing.

Answer: B) It looks stylish and luxurious.

Example: Wow, this hotel looks swanky; I feel like

a celebrity staying here!

11,023

What does “Sourpuss” mean?

A) A kind and cheerful person.

B) A person who loves sweets.

C) Someone who is constantly grumpy or negative.

D) A great storyteller.

Answer: C) Someone who is constantly grumpy

or negative.

Example: She complains about everything; she’s

such a sourpuss!

11,024

What does “The experience was electrifying”

mean?

A) It was thrilling and exciting.

B) It was very scary.

C) It was boring.

D) It was painful.

Answer: A) It was thrilling and exciting.

Example: The concert was electrifying; the energy

in the crowd was incredible!

11,025

What does “They had a pissing match” mean?

A) They participated in a race.

B) They had a petty or competitive argument.

C) They tried to drink a lot of water.

D) They worked together peacefully.

Answer: B) They had a petty or competitive

argument.

Example: Those two coworkers are always in a

pissing match over who is better at their job.

11,026

What does “He won a Purple Heart” mean?

A) He found a rare gemstone.

B) He won a sports championship.

C) He received a medical diagnosis.

D) He was awarded for being wounded in military

service.

Answer: D) He was awarded for being wounded

in military service.

Example: After being injured in combat, he won a

Purple Heart for his bravery.

11,027

What does “Family tree” mean?

A) A diagram showing family relationships.

B) A real tree in someone’s backyard.

C) A book about history.

D) A symbol for teamwork.

Answer: A) A diagram showing family

relationships.

Example: I traced my family tree back five

generations to find my ancestors.

11,028

What does “One name popped up” mean?

A) Someone suddenly disappeared.

B) One name appeared or became relevant.

C) A new law was passed.

D) A problem was solved.

Answer: B) One name appeared or became

relevant.

Example: While searching for suspects, one name

popped up that caught our attention.

11,029

What does “I gave him my blessing” mean?

A) I ignored his request.

B) I gave him money.

C) I gave him approval or permission.

D) I asked him for help.

Answer: C) I gave him approval or permission.

Example: He asked if he could marry my daughter,

and I gave him my blessing.

11,030

What does “You are slow-witted” mean?

A) You are extremely intelligent.

B) You run very slowly.

C) You have a great sense of humor.

D) You are not quick to understand things.

Answer: D) You are not quick to understand

things.

Example: He didn’t catch the joke until five

minutes later; he’s a bit slow-witted.

11,031

What does “There are no flies on you” mean?

A) You are clever and not easily fooled.

B) You are very unlucky.

C) You are extremely messy.

D) You always forget important things.

Answer: A) You are clever and not easily fooled.

Example: You figured that out quickly; there are

no flies on you!

11,032

What does “They exchanged a few pleasantries”

mean?

A) They had a serious argument.

B) They made polite small talk.

C) They ignored each other completely.

D) They gave each other gifts.

Answer: B) They made polite small talk.

Example: Before getting to business, they

exchanged a few pleasantries about the weather.

11,033

What does “He sets the tone of the place”

mean?

A) He is the strictest person in the room.

B) He is the loudest person in the room.

C) He decides what music plays.

D) He influences the mood or atmosphere.

Answer: D) He influences the mood or

atmosphere.

Example: As the manager, he sets the tone of the

place by making sure employees feel comfortable.

11,034

What does “She’s acting whimsical” mean?

A) She is being rude to everyone.

B) She is acting very serious.

C) She is behaving in a playful, unpredictable, or

imaginative way.

D) She is extremely tired.

Answer: C) She is behaving in a playful,

unpredictable, or imaginative way.

Example: She decorated her house with colorful

lights and odd trinkets; she’s acting whimsical

again.

11,035

What does “He’s the person in question” mean?

A) He is the person being discussed or

investigated.

B) He is a great leader.

C) He is confused about something.

D) He is answering a test question.

Answer: A) He is the person being discussed or

investigated.

Example: We need to find out if he’s the person in

question before making any accusations.

11,036

What does “I had a devil of a day” mean?

A) I had a lucky and successful day.

B) I had a very difficult or frustrating day.

C) I spent my day relaxing.

D) I had an extremely boring day.

Answer: B) I had a very difficult or frustrating

day.

Example: Between traffic, deadlines, and a broken

laptop, I had a devil of a day.

11,037

What does “Exact his revenge” mean?

A) Forgive and move on.

B) Apologize for a mistake.

C) Get back at someone for a wrongdoing.

D) Forget about an incident.

Answer: C) Get back at someone for a

wrongdoing.

Example: After losing everything, he spent years

planning how to exact his revenge on his enemies.

11,038

What does “Where does that leave us?” mean?

A) What is our situation now?

B) Where should we go next?

C) How long will this take?

D) Why did you say that?

Answer: A) What is our situation now?

Example: Now that the funding is gone, where

does that leave us in terms of completing the

project?

11,039

What does “Bore him a grudge” mean?

A) Forgot about past conflicts.

B) Held resentment or stayed angry at him.

C) Became close friends with him.

D) Was impressed by him.

Answer: B) Held resentment or stayed angry at

him.

Example: Even after all these years, she still bore

him a grudge for what he did.

11,040

What does “It’s all riding on this” mean?

A) Everything depends on this moment or

outcome.

B) It’s just for fun.

C) It’s an easy decision.

D) It’s not important at all.

Answer: A) Everything depends on this moment

or outcome.

Example: We need to win this game; it’s all riding

on this for the championship.

11,041

What does “The unveiling” mean?

A) A personal realization.

B) A magic trick.

C) A secret mission.

D) A formal event revealing something new.

Answer: D) A formal event revealing something

new.

Example: The artist’s new sculpture was revealed

at the unveiling last night.

11,042

What does “She has become unhinged” mean?

A) She has lost emotional control or sanity.

B) She has become more organized.

C) She has changed careers.

D) She has gotten stronger.

Answer: A) She has lost emotional control or

sanity.

Example: Ever since she lost her job, she has

become unhinged, acting irrationally.

11,043

What does “I threw the last punch” mean?

A) I got knocked out in a fight.

B) I had the final action or word in a conflict.

C) I ran away from a fight.

D) I didn’t participate in the argument.

Answer: B) I had the final action or word in a

conflict.

Example: We argued all night, but I threw the last

punch when I pointed out his mistake.

11,044

What does “Biological clock” refer to?

A) A countdown timer.

B) A scientific device to measure time.

C) The natural timing of bodily functions,

especially fertility.

D) A schedule for exercise.

Answer: C) The natural timing of bodily

functions, especially fertility.

Example: She’s thinking about having children

soon because she feels her biological clock ticking.

11,045

What does “Continental breakfast” mean?

A) A light breakfast with pastries, fruit, and coffee.

B) A large breakfast with eggs, bacon, and

pancakes.

C) A breakfast only available in Europe.

D) A traditional American breakfast.

Answer: A) A light breakfast with pastries,

fruit, and coffee.

Example: The hotel offers a continental breakfast

with croissants and orange juice.

11,046

What does “Continental United States” mean?

A) The states connected to Mexico and Canada.

B) Only the states on the east coast.

C) The entire U.S., including all territories.

D) The U.S. mainland, including Alaska but

excluding Hawaii.

Answer: D) The U.S. mainland, including

Alaska but excluding Hawaii.

Example: Shipping costs less within the

Continental United States, but it’s higher for

Hawaii.

11,047

What does “The US mainland” refer to?

A) The entire United States, including Alaska and

Hawaii.

B) The continental United States, excluding

Hawaii and territories.

C) Only the East Coast states.

D) The original 13 colonies.

Answer: B) The continental United States,

excluding Hawaii and territories.

Example: Shipping to the US mainland is free, but

there’s an extra charge for Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

11,048

What does “Lower 48” refer to?

A) The 48 contiguous states of the United States,

excluding Alaska and Hawaii.

B) The southernmost 48 cities in the U.S.

C) The lowest elevations in the U.S.

D) The bottom 48 counties in a state.

Answer: A) The 48 contiguous states of the

United States, excluding Alaska and Hawaii.

Example Sentence: Since moving to Alaska, I

haven’t visited the Lower 48 as often as I used to.

11,049

What does “The 48 states” refer to in the U.S.?

A) All states, including territories.

B) The mainland U.S., excluding Alaska and

Hawaii.

C) The original 48 states before expansion.

D) The states with the largest populations.

Answer: B) The mainland U.S., excluding

Alaska and Hawaii.

Example: Alaska and Hawaii are not part of the 48

states, but they are still part of the U.S.

11,050

What does “She’s a bit fragile” mean?

A) She is extremely intelligent.

B) She is very strong and resilient.

C) She is emotionally or physically delicate.

D) She is quick to anger.

Answer: C) She is emotionally or physically

delicate.

Example: Be gentle with her; she just went through

a breakup, and she’s a bit fragile.

11,051

What does “Zoning law” refer to?

A) A law about hiring employees.

B) A law about time zones.

C) A law about traffic safety.

D) Rules that govern land use and building

regulations.

Answer: D) Rules that govern land use and

building regulations.

Example: The city’s zoning laws prevent building

a factory in a residential area.

11,052

What does “He’s skating the legal edge” mean?

A) He is doing something questionable but not

illegal.

B) He is following all laws strictly.

C) He is studying law.

D) He is working as a professional skater.

Answer: A) He is doing something questionable

but not illegal.

Example: That company isn’t breaking the law, but

with its tax loopholes, it’s skating the legal edge.

11,053

What does “Just give me one second” mean?

A) Count to one and then continue.

B) Wait for a very short moment.

C) Leave immediately.

D) Hurry up.

Answer: B) Wait for a very short moment.

Example: Just give me one second to finish this

email, and then I’ll be ready.

11,054

What does “It was done on a lark” mean?

A) It was done with great hesitation.

B) It was done after careful planning.

C) It was a serious action.

D) It was done spontaneously or for fun.

Answer: D) It was done spontaneously or for

fun.

Example: We took a last-minute trip to the beach

on a lark, and it ended up being amazing.

11,055

What does “Taking your life” mean?

A) Going on an adventure.

B) Starting a new hobby.

C) Committing suicide or putting oneself in serious

danger.

D) Making a major career change.

Answer: C) Committing suicide or putting

oneself in serious danger.

Example: If you drive that fast on an icy road,

you’re taking your life into your own hands.

11,056

What does “Strapped for cash” mean?

A) Low on money or financially struggling.

B) Carrying a lot of money.

C) Preparing to invest.

D) Spending too much money.

Answer: A) Low on money or financially

struggling.

Example: I can’t go out tonight; I’m strapped for

cash until payday.

11,057

What does “I’m frightfully untidy” mean?

A) I am extremely organized.

B) I am very messy.

C) I am nervous.

D) I am afraid of the dark.

Answer: B) I am very messy.

Example: Don’t judge me; I’m frightfully untidy,

but I know where everything is.

11,058

What does “I’ll hold my tongue” mean?

A) I will leave the room.

B) I will speak loudly.

C) I will stay silent instead of speaking my mind.

D) I will tell a joke.

Answer: C) I will stay silent instead of speaking

my mind.

Example: I wanted to argue, but I decided to hold

my tongue instead.

11,059

What does “All or nothing” mean?

A) A situation where complete success or total

failure are the only options.

B) A relaxed approach to problem-solving.

C) A strategy where slow progress is preferred.

D) A decision that has no consequences.

Answer: A) A situation where complete success

or total failure are the only options.

Example: He put all his money into the business;

it’s all or nothing now.

11,060

What does “Taking on water” mean

metaphorically?

A) Going for a swim.

B) Facing serious trouble or difficulties.

C) Drinking too much.

D) Preparing for a journey.

Answer: B) Facing serious trouble or

difficulties.

Example: The company is taking on water; if they

don’t fix their finances, they’ll go bankrupt.

11,061

What does “My head is spinning” mean?

A) I feel confused or overwhelmed.

B) I am extremely happy.

C) I am falling asleep.

D) I am thinking very clearly.

Answer: A) I feel confused or overwhelmed.

Example: There was so much information in the

meeting that my head is spinning.

11,062

What does “Ménage à trois” mean?

A) A luxurious vacation.

B) A fancy French meal.

C) A romantic or sexual relationship involving

three people.

D) A disagreement between friends.

Answer: C) A romantic or sexual relationship

involving three people.

Example: They were in an unconventional

relationship; a ménage à trois with their best friend.

11,063

What does “Hush money” mean?

A) A large lottery prize.

B) Money given as a reward.

C) A donation to charity.

D) A bribe paid to keep someone silent.

Answer: D) A bribe paid to keep someone silent.

Example: The politician paid hush money to keep

the scandal from going public.

11,064

What does “He had something up his sleeve”

mean?

A) He had a secret plan or advantage.

B) He was hiding an injury.

C) He was playing a trick on someone.

D) He was wearing a long-sleeved shirt.

Answer: A) He had a secret plan or advantage.

Example: We thought we had won the game, but

he had something up his sleeve; a final move that

turned the tables.

11,065

What does “He fed her some gruel” mean

metaphorically?

A) He provided her with a feast.

B) He gave her something unpleasant or

unsatisfying.

C) He ignored her completely.

D) He gave her expensive gifts.

Answer: B) He gave her something unpleasant

or unsatisfying.

Example: She expected an amazing explanation,

but instead, he fed her some gruel; a weak excuse.

11,066

What does “Hash it out” mean?

A) Take a nap.

B) Ignore a problem.

C) Cook a meal.

D) Discuss and resolve an issue.

Answer: D) Discuss and resolve an issue.

Example: We had a disagreement, but we need to

hash it out before making a decision.

11,067

What does “Put your mind at rest” mean?

A) Think deeply about something.

B) Take a nap.

C) Stop worrying or feeling anxious.

D) Ignore everything.

Answer: C) Stop worrying or feeling anxious.

Example: Don’t worry, your test results are fine;

put your mind at rest.

11,068

What does “I’ll be running along” mean?

A) I am leaving now.

B) I am going for a jog.

C) I am staying here for a while.

D) I am giving up on something.

Answer: A) I am leaving now.

Example: It was nice seeing you, but I’ll be

running along now; I have a meeting soon.

11,069

What does “He’s been smitten” mean?

A) He has been physically injured.

B) He has fallen deeply in love or developed a

strong crush.

C) He is feeling very sick.

D) He is extremely angry.

Answer: B) He has fallen deeply in love or

developed a strong crush.

Example: Ever since he met her, he’s been smitten;

he can’t stop talking about her!

11,070

What does “Obstinate as a pig” mean?

A) Very stubborn.

B) Very intelligent.

C) Very friendly.

D) Very lazy.

Answer: A) Very stubborn.

Example: She refuses to change her opinion; she’s

as obstinate as a pig.

11,071

What does “Something is nagging at the back of

my mind” mean?

A) I am ignoring an issue.

B) I am completely relaxed.

C) I can’t stop thinking about something.

D) I am feeling very happy.

Answer: C) I can’t stop thinking about

something.

Example: I feel like I forgot something; something

is nagging at the back of my mind.

11,072

What does “Powwow” mean?

A) A meeting or discussion.

B) A dance performance.

C) A magic trick.

D) A joke.

Answer: A) A meeting or discussion.

Example: Let’s have a quick powwow to discuss

our next steps for the project.

11,073

What does “Lowing of cattle” refer to?

A) A machine making noise.

B) A horse running.

C) A bird chirping.

D) The deep sound made by cows.

Answer: D) The deep sound made by cows.

Example: At night, we could hear the lowing of

cattle from the barn.

11,074

What does “Bleating of sheep” refer to?

A) A person shouting angrily.

B) The sound sheep make.

C) A machine breaking down.

D) A celebration.

Answer: B) The sound sheep make.

Example: We heard the bleating of sheep as we

walked through the farm.

11,075

What does “She’s come undone” mean?

A) She is emotionally falling apart.

B) She lost a competition.

C) She forgot something important.

D) She changed her hairstyle.

Answer: A) She is emotionally falling apart.

Example: After her breakup, she’s come undone

and hasn’t left the house in days.

11,076

What does “I will knock the snot out of you”

mean?

A) I will teach you a lesson.

B) I will make you laugh.

C) I will hit you very hard.

D) I will ignore you.

Answer: C) I will hit you very hard.

Example: If you insult my family again, I will

knock the snot out of you.

11,077

What does “Quicker than snot” mean?

A) Very fast.

B) Extremely slow.

C) Disgusting or messy.

D) Impossible to control.

Answer: A) Very fast.

Example: That sports car is quicker than snot; it

goes from 0 to 60 in three seconds!

11,078

What does “Code switcher” mean?

A) A person who writes computer code.

B) Someone who changes their language or

behavior based on their audience.

C) A professional translator.

D) Someone who refuses to speak in public.

Answer: B) Someone who changes their

language or behavior based on their audience.

Example: At work, he speaks formally, but around

friends, he relaxes; he’s a code switcher.

11,079

What does “Wordsmith” mean?

A) A person who avoids reading.

B) A person who collects dictionaries.

C) Someone who talks too much.

D) Someone skilled with language and writing.

Answer: D) Someone skilled with language and

writing.

Example: She’s a talented wordsmith, crafting

beautiful poetry effortlessly.

11,080

What does “I take exception to that” mean?

A) I strongly disagree or am offended.

B) I completely agree.

C) I find that amusing.

D) I don’t care about that.

Answer: A) I strongly disagree or am offended.

Example: When he said I was lazy, I took

exception to that because I work very hard.

11,081

What does “Claiming racism is the Swiss Army

knife of excuses” mean?

A) It is a very valid concern.

B) It is being used as a general excuse for many

things.

C) It is not taken seriously.

D) It is only used in politics.

Answer: B) It is being used as a general excuse

for many things.

Example: Some people use discrimination claims

even when it’s not relevant; claiming racism is the

Swiss Army knife of excuses.

11,082

What does “Sunlight is the best disinfectant”

mean?

A) Staying indoors is unhealthy.

B) Cleaning is very important.

C) The sun is dangerous.

D) Transparency and openness expose

wrongdoing.

Answer: D) Transparency and openness expose

wrongdoing.

Example: Releasing government documents to the

public is necessary; sunlight is the best

disinfectant.

11,083

What does “Swiss Army knife” mean

metaphorically?

A) Something that is outdated.

B) A dangerous weapon.

C) A versatile and useful tool or person.

D) A complicated machine.

Answer: C) A versatile and useful tool or

person.

Example: She’s like a Swiss Army knife; she can

fix problems, organize events, and cook amazing

meals.

11,084

What does “He’s a mayfly” mean?

A) He won’t last long or is temporary.

B) He is very fast.

C) He is stubborn.

D) He enjoys warm weather.

Answer: A) He won’t last long or is temporary.

Example: His fame was short-lived; he’s a mayfly,

here today and gone tomorrow.

11,085

What does “Uncomfortable silence” mean?

A) A loud and noisy situation.

B) A peaceful and relaxing moment.

C) A pause in conversation that feels awkward.

D) A deliberate choice not to speak.

Answer: C) A pause in conversation that feels

awkward.

Example: After I mentioned the mistake he made,

there was an uncomfortable silence in the room.

11,086

What does “Joy riding” mean?

A) Going on a peaceful road trip.

B) Stealing a vehicle and driving it recklessly.

C) Competing in a car race.

D) Enjoying a bike ride.

Answer: B) Stealing a vehicle and driving it

recklessly.

Example: The teenagers were arrested for joy

riding in a stolen car.

11,087

What does “I just got swept along” mean?

A) I went along with something without actively

deciding.

B) I resisted strongly.

C) I made an independent choice.

D) I cleaned up a mess.

Answer: A) I went along with something

without actively deciding.

Example: I didn’t plan to go to the party, but my

friends insisted, and I just got swept along.

11,088

What does “Clear off, everyone” mean?

A) Go away!

B) Come closer!

C) Stay where you are!

D) Start talking!

Answer: A) Go away!

Example: The security guard shouted, “Clear off,

everyone!” when the crowd got too close.

11,089

What does “I haven’t the faintest idea” mean?

A) I know exactly what’s happening.

B) I have no clue.

C) I remember something important.

D) I am very sure about this.

Answer: B) I have no clue.

Example: Where did she go? I haven’t the faintest

idea.

11,090

What does “He is a bit balmy” mean?

A) He is very talkative.

B) He is extremely smart.

C) He is always cold.

D) He is slightly crazy or eccentric.

Answer: D) He is slightly crazy or eccentric.

Example: He wears sunglasses indoors and talks to

himself; he’s a bit balmy.

11,091

What does “Oh, come now” mean?

A) A way of expressing disbelief or urging

someone to be reasonable.

B) A request to leave immediately.

C) A way to call someone over.

D) A statement of victory.

Answer: A) A way of expressing disbelief or

urging someone to be reasonable.

Example: Oh, come now, you don’t really believe

that ridiculous story, do you?

11,092

What does “There’s a certain amount of

decorum expected” mean?

A) People should act however they feel.

B) People should be as loud as they want.

C) Proper behavior and manners are required.

D) No rules apply in this situation.

Answer: C) Proper behavior and manners are

required.

Example: At a formal dinner, there’s a certain

amount of decorum expected; don’t talk with your

mouth full.

11,093

What does “Unbridled pleasure” mean?

A) Extreme joy with no restrictions.

B) A mild sense of happiness.

C) A confusing experience.

D) A terrible experience.

Answer: A) Extreme joy with no restrictions.

Example: Watching my team win the

championship brought me unbridled pleasure.

11,094

What does “Foot soldier” mean in the mafia?

A) The leader of the organization.

B) A low-ranking member who carries out orders.

C) A police officer investigating the mafia.

D) A retired mafia member.

Answer: B) A low-ranking member who carries

out orders.

Example: He’s just a foot soldier; he takes orders

from the bosses.

11,095

What does “I want to see how this plays out”

mean?

A) I want to observe how things develop before

acting.

B) I want to leave right away.

C) I want to play a game.

D) I want to forget about the situation.

Answer: A) I want to observe how things

develop before acting.

Example: I’m not taking sides yet; I want to see

how this plays out first.

11,096

What does “Get you on your feet again” mean?

A) Teach you how to dance.

B) Help you stand up.

C) Help you recover or regain stability.

D) Make you more fashionable.

Answer: C) Help you recover or regain stability.

Example: Losing your job was tough, but this new

opportunity will get you on your feet again.

11,097

What does “That’s a capital idea” mean?

A) That’s an expensive idea.

B) That’s an excellent idea.

C) That’s a very bad idea.

D) That’s a complicated idea.

Answer: B) That’s an excellent idea.

Example: Let’s take a holiday next weekend; that’s

a capital idea!

11,098

What does “This incident defined my whole

life” mean?

A) This event had a major impact on my life.

B) This event was very minor.

C) This event was quickly forgotten.

D) This event ruined my future.

Answer: A) This event had a major impact on

my life.

Example: Winning that championship defined my

whole life; it shaped who I became.

11,099

What does “He was unnerved” mean?

A) He was completely bored.

B) He was very happy.

C) He was extremely confident.

D) He was disturbed or made anxious.

Answer: D) He was disturbed or made anxious.

Example: The eerie silence in the haunted house

unnerved him.

11,100

What does “Seller’s remorse” mean?

A) Regret after selling something.

B) Happiness after making a sale.

C) A successful business deal.

D) Losing money on a bad investment.

Answer: A) Regret after selling something.

Example: I sold my car too cheaply, and now I

have seller’s remorse.

11,101

What does “Buyer’s remorse” mean?

A) Happiness about a good deal.

B) Regret after purchasing something.

C) Excitement about a new item.

D) Losing something you bought.

Answer: B) Regret after purchasing something.

Example: I spent $500 on these shoes, and now I

have buyer’s remorse.

11,102

What does “Time’s a great leveler” mean?

A) Time heals all wounds.

B) Time always moves slowly.

C) Time treats everyone equally, regardless of

status.

D) Time makes people rich.

Answer: C) Time treats everyone equally,

regardless of status.

Example: We were once rivals, but now we’re just

two old men; time’s a great leveler.

11,103

What does “Social steeple climber” mean?

A) Someone who tries to move up in social status.

B) Someone who is afraid of heights.

C) Someone who enjoys extreme sports.

D) Someone who avoids socializing.

Answer: A) Someone who tries to move up in

social status.

Example: She only befriends wealthy people; she’s

a real social steeple climber.

11,104

What does “Wait until it all dies down” mean?

A) Wait until someone leaves.

B) Wait until a situation calms or settles.

C) Wait until it starts raining.

D) Wait until it gets louder.

Answer: B) Wait until a situation calms or

settles.

Example: There’s too much drama right now; let’s

wait until it all dies down before we talk.

11,105

What does “I feel like a heel” mean?

A) I feel guilty or ashamed.

B) My feet hurt.

C) I am very happy.

D) I am feeling confident.

Answer: A) I feel guilty or ashamed.

Example: I forgot her birthday and now I feel like a

heel for not getting her a gift.

11,106

What does “He hasn’t been himself lately”

mean?

A) He got a new job.

B) He changed his name.

C) He has been acting differently than usual.

D) He has become very wealthy.

Answer: C) He has been acting differently than

usual.

Example: Ever since his breakup, he hasn’t been

himself lately.

11,107

What does “It bombed out” mean?

A) It failed badly.

B) It was very successful.

C) It made a lot of money.

D) It exploded.

Answer: A) It failed badly.

Example: The movie bombed out in theaters; no

one went to see it.

11,108

What does “It’s the bomb” mean?

A) It’s very dangerous.

B) It’s amazing or excellent.

C) It’s about to explode.

D) It’s extremely boring.

Answer: B) It’s amazing or excellent.

Example: This new restaurant is the bomb; the

food is incredible!

11,109

What does “My parents want me to marry well”

mean?

A) They want me to marry someone successful or

wealthy.

B) They don’t want me to marry.

C) They want me to marry quickly.

D) They want me to marry someone I don’t love.

Answer: A) They want me to marry someone

successful or wealthy.

Example: I love him, but he’s not rich; my parents

want me to marry well.

11,110

What does “Sharp-looking car” mean?

A) A car that is very fast.

B) A car with sharp edges.

C) A stylish and impressive car.

D) A car that is old and rusty.

Answer: D) A stylish and impressive car.

Example: He pulled up in a sharp-looking car, and

everyone turned their heads.

11,111

What does “He overplayed his hand” mean?

A) He was too confident and lost an advantage.

B) He won a game easily.

C) He refused to participate.

D) He played fairly and won.

Answer: A) He was too confident and lost an

advantage.

Example: He demanded a raise, thinking he was

irreplaceable, but he overplayed his hand and got

fired.

11,112

What does “They played several rubbers” mean

in card games?

A) They played with rubber objects.

B) They played multiple sets of a game.

C) They lost every round.

D) They played a quick game.

Answer: B) They played multiple sets of a game.

Example: The bridge tournament lasted all night

because they played several rubbers.

11,113

What does “Swatting” mean (modern context)?

A) Catching flies with a swatter.

B) Making a fake emergency call to send a SWAT

team to someone’s location.

C) Playing a team sport.

D) Pretending to be a police officer.

Answer: B) Making a fake emergency call to

send a SWAT team to someone’s location.

Example: That gamer got arrested for swatting his

rival during a livestream.

11,114

What does “Take it down a notch or two”

mean?

A) Calm down or lower your intensity.

B) Turn up the volume.

C) Speed things up.

D) Try harder.

Answer: A) Calm down or lower your intensity.

Example: You’re yelling; take it down a notch or

two.

11,115

What does “I am spread thin” mean?

A) I am working out a lot.

B) I am on a diet.

C) I have too many tasks and not enough time or

energy.

D) I am very rich.

Answer: C) I have too many tasks and not

enough time or energy.

Example: Between work, school, and family, I’m

spread thin these days.

11,116

What does “Understudy” mean?

A) A student who fails exams.

B) A backup actor who replaces the main

performer if needed.

C) Someone studying law.

D) A mentor.

Answer: B) A backup actor who replaces the

main performer if needed.

Example: When the lead got sick, the understudy

stepped in and saved the show.

11,117

What does “You need to sit down” mean?

A) You need to listen more carefully.

B) You should start exercising.

C) You are working too hard.

D) Prepare yourself for shocking or intense news.

Answer: D) Prepare yourself for shocking or

intense news.

Example: You need to sit down; I have something

serious to tell you.

11,118

What does “Backhanded threat” mean?

A) A threat disguised as a compliment or subtle

remark.

B) A direct physical attack.

C) A polite request.

D) A joke made among friends.

Answer: A) A threat disguised as a compliment

or subtle remark.

Example: When he said, “It’d be a shame if

anything happened to your car,” that was a

backhanded threat.

11,119

What does “I get the drift” mean?

A) I am lost in the conversation.

B) I understand the general idea.

C) I am confused by what you said.

D) I’m ready to leave now.

Answer: B) I understand the general idea.

Example: You don’t have to explain further; I get

the drift.

11,120

What does “ROAS” stand for in marketing?

A) Real Outcome After Spending.

B) Rate of Annual Sales.

C) Return on Ad Spend.

D) Revenue On A Sheet.

Answer: C) Return on Ad Spend.

Example: Our ROAS improved this quarter,

meaning our ads are performing better.

11,121

What does “He’s a stand-up guy” mean?

A) He is honest, reliable, and trustworthy.

B) He’s a comedian.

C) He stands all the time.

D) He’s an aggressive person.

Answer: A) He is honest, reliable, and

trustworthy.

Example: You can trust him with anything; he’s a

stand-up guy.

11,122

What does “It’s old news” mean?

A) It was never important.

B) It’s no longer interesting or relevant.

C) It’s breaking news.

D) It’s a secret.

Answer: B) It’s no longer interesting or

relevant.

Example: Nobody cares about that scandal

anymore; it’s old news.

11,123

What does “When in doubt, charge ahead”

mean?

A) Wait until you’re certain.

B) Stop everything and ask for help.

C) Take action boldly even if you’re unsure.

D) Always retreat when confused.

Answer: C) Take action boldly even if you’re

unsure.

Example: We didn’t know the outcome, but we

decided when in doubt, charge ahead.

11,124

What does “Dry labbing” mean?

A) Practicing a speech out loud.

B) A chemistry lab without liquids.

C) Studying in a library.

D) Faking experimental results without performing

the experiment.

Answer: D) Faking experimental results without

performing the experiment.

Example: The student was caught dry labbing

instead of running the actual tests.

11,125

What does “We came straight over” mean?

A) We arrived immediately without delay.

B) We came back home.

C) We took a detour first.

D) We ignored the invitation.

Answer: A) We arrived immediately without

delay.

Example: When we heard the news, we came

straight over to help.

11,126

What does “Laughing at us from beyond the

grave” mean?

A) A ghost is haunting the place.

B) Someone who has passed away would find the

current situation amusing.

C) Someone is pretending to be dead.

D) A comedian is buried nearby.

Answer: B) Someone who has passed away

would find the current situation amusing.

Example: If he knew we were arguing over his old

car, he’d be laughing at us from beyond the grave.

11,127

What does “I am the Dutchman” mean?

A) A reference to being rich.

B) A proud way of announcing nationality.

C) A way to express disbelief or doubt about

something happening.

D) A compliment to someone’s intelligence.

Answer: C) A way to express disbelief or doubt

about something happening.

Example: If he really wins that lottery, I’m the

Dutchman.

11,128

What does “Concerted effort” mean?

A) A musical performance.

B) A group effort where everyone works together.

C) A random attempt.

D) A quick solo action.

Answer: B) A group effort where everyone

works together.

Example: It took a concerted effort from the whole

team to finish the project on time.

11,129

What does “Take a walk” mean?

A) Think carefully before acting.

B) Go for exercise.

C) Sit down and relax.

D) Leave, often because you’re not wanted.

Answer: D) Leave, often because you’re not

wanted.

Example: If you don’t like the deal, take a walk;

we’re done negotiating.

11,130

What does “Add a dollop” mean?

A) Add a small amount of something soft like

cream or sauce.

B) Measure everything carefully.

C) Sprinkle some spices.

D) Double the recipe.

Answer: A) Add a small amount of something

soft like cream or sauce.

Example: Just add a dollop of sour cream to finish

the dish.

11,131

What does “The opiates of the masses” refer to?

A) A pharmaceutical company.

B) Illegal drug use by the public.

C) Things that distract people from real problems,

like sports or entertainment.

D) A popular TV show.

Answer: C) Things that distract people from

real problems, like sports or entertainment.

Example: Some argue that sports are the opiates of

the masses, keeping people entertained but

distracted.

11,132

What is “Red Nose Day”?

A) A national holiday.

B) A charity event aimed at raising money for

children in need.

C) A circus performance.

D) A day for clowns to gather.

Answer: B) A charity event aimed at raising

money for children in need.

Example: Every year on Red Nose Day, people

donate to help kids living in poverty.

11,133

What does “We got this” mean?

A) We need help.

B) We’re about to give up.

C) We are confused.

D) We are confident we can handle the situation.

Answer: D) We are confident we can handle the

situation.

Example: Don’t worry about the presentation; we

got this!

11,134

What does “These guys are rock stars” mean?

A) They are exceptionally skilled or impressive.

B) They play in a band.

C) They live in Los Angeles.

D) They are unreliable.

Answer: A) They are exceptionally skilled or

impressive.

Example: They finished the project a week early;

these guys are rock stars.

11,135

What does “He is lucky to have you in his

corner” mean?

A) He is trying to fight you.

B) He owns property next to you.

C) He is lucky to have your support.

D) He is ignoring your advice.

Answer: C) He is lucky to have your support.

Example: No matter what happens, you always

defend him; he’s lucky to have you in his corner.

11,136

What does “Smackdown” mean?

A) A cooking competition.

B) A decisive defeat or confrontation.

C) A dance-off.

D) A group hug.

Answer: B) A decisive defeat or confrontation.

Example: The debate turned into a total

smackdown; the challenger didn’t stand a chance.

11,137

What does “You got ice running through your

veins” mean?

A) You’re a slow thinker.

B) You’re very cold and sick.

C) You’re kind and caring.

D) You stay calm and fearless under pressure.

Answer: D) You stay calm and fearless under

pressure.

Example: He made the final shot without flinching;

he’s got ice running through his veins.

11,138

What does “You’ll pay to find out” mean?

A) You’ll face consequences or costs if you pursue

the answer.

B) The answer is free.

C) It’s not worth finding out.

D) You will be rewarded.

Answer: A) You’ll face consequences or costs if

you pursue the answer.

Example: You really want to know what’s in the

safe? You’ll pay to find out.

11,139

In legal terms, what does “ROR” stand for?

A) Rules of the Road; traffic laws.

B) Rejection of Ruling; when a judge changes their

decision.

C) Released on Recognizance; released without

bail based on trust to appear in court.

D) Right of Return; immigration rights.

Answer: C) Released on Recognizance; released

without bail based on trust to appear in court.

Example: The judge granted him ROR, meaning he

didn’t have to post bail but must return for trial.

11,140

What does “Grudge match” mean?

A) A random friendly game.

B) A competitive fight or game fueled by previous

bad blood.

C) A rematch between two strangers.

D) A practice session.

Answer: B) A competitive fight or game fueled

by previous bad blood.

Example: The boxing rematch is a real grudge

match; those two have hated each other for years.

11,141

What does “He went straight for the juggler”

(intended: jugular) mean?

A) He complimented his opponent.

B) He started telling jokes.

C) He ignored the problem completely.

D) He attacked the most vulnerable point directly.

Answer: D) He attacked the most vulnerable

point directly.

Example: In the debate, he went straight for the

jugular, criticizing his opponent’s biggest

weakness.

11,142

What does “May I steal him away from you?”

mean?

A) Can I borrow him for a moment?

B) I’m planning a kidnapping.

C) I’m breaking up with him.

D) I want to hide from him.

Answer: A) Can I borrow him for a moment?

Example: May I steal him away from you for a

quick chat about work?

11,143

What does “Wartime fling” mean?

A) A military operation.

B) A brief romantic relationship during a time of

war.

C) A type of dance from the 1940s.

D) A quick escape from battle.

Answer: B) A brief romantic relationship during

a time of war.

Example: They met during WWII, but it was just a

wartime fling that ended when the war was over.

11,144

What does “Tontine arrangement” mean?

A) A new type of stock investment.

B) A secret political meeting.

C) A financial plan where the last surviving

member gets the benefits.

D) A complicated love triangle.

Answer: C) A financial plan where the last

surviving member gets the benefits.

Example: The group created a tontine arrangement;

whoever lives the longest gets the money.

11,145

What does “You’re mad” mean (British

English)?

A) You’re extremely happy.

B) You’re very angry.

C) You’re feeling sleepy.

D) You’re crazy or behaving irrationally.

Answer: D) You’re crazy or behaving

irrationally.

Example: You’re mad if you think you can swim

across that river!

11,146

What does “He’s a pig” mean?

A) He is very shy.

B) He is rude, greedy, or messy.

C) He is a great cook.

D) He is extremely smart.

Answer: B) He is rude, greedy, or messy.

Example: He ate all the food without sharing; he’s

such a pig.

11,147

What does “My holidays are sacrosanct” mean?

A) I always work through the holidays.

B) My holidays are boring.

C) My holidays are extremely important and not to

be disturbed.

D) I forget about holidays.

Answer: C) My holidays are extremely

important and not to be disturbed.

Example: Don’t schedule any meetings; my

holidays are sacrosanct.

11,148

What does “valetudinarian” mean?

A) A person overly worried about their health.

B) A skilled doctor.

C) A young student.

D) A very healthy person.

Answer: A) A person overly worried about their

health.

Example: He visits the doctor every week; he’s a

total valetudinarian.

11,149

What does “He’s my bookie” mean?

A) He is my accountant.

B) He takes bets and manages gambling wagers.

C) He is my boss.

D) He owns a library.

Answer: B) He takes bets and manages

gambling wagers.

Example: I placed $500 on the game; he’s my

bookie.

11,150

What does “lighting money on fire” mean?

A) Donating money to charity.

B) Starting a savings account.

C) Wasting a large amount of money.

D) Making a big profit.

Answer: C) Wasting a large amount of money.

Example: Spending that much on ads no one sees

is like lighting money on fire.

11,151

What does “A/B testing” mean?

A) Comparing two versions of something to see

which performs better.

B) Studying the alphabet.

C) A psychological exam.

D) Memorizing test answers.

Answer: A) Comparing two versions of

something to see which performs better.

Example: We’re doing A/B testing on our website

to see which design users like more.

11,152

What does “grease the wheels” mean?

A) Fix a car.

B) Make a process go more smoothly, often by

offering incentives.

C) Apply oil to machinery.

D) Start an argument.

Answer: B) Make a process go more smoothly,

often by offering incentives.

Example: We had to grease the wheels to get the

permit approved faster.

11,153

What does “He was long-winded tonight”

mean?

A) He got tired quickly.

B) He ran a marathon.

C) He sang beautifully.

D) He spoke for too long or used too many words.

Answer: D) He spoke for too long or used too

many words.

Example: The meeting dragged on because he was

long-winded tonight.

11,154

What does “musical chairs” mean

metaphorically?

A) A concert performance.

B) A fun party game.

C) Constant change or shifting of positions or jobs.

D) A slow and boring process.

Answer: C) Constant change or shifting of

positions or jobs.

Example: With all these layoffs, it feels like

musical chairs at the office.

11,155

What does “turn the screws” mean?

A) Apply pressure or force someone to act.

B) Build something with tools.

C) Fix a loose object.

D) Let someone off the hook.

Answer: A) Apply pressure or force someone to

act.

Example: The detective decided to turn the screws

on the suspect until he confessed.

11,156

What does “come to light” mean in this context?

A) It has been proven false.

B) It has been revealed or discovered.

C) It was destroyed.

D) It is kept secret.

Answer: B) It has been revealed or discovered.

Example: A new theory has come to light that

might explain the missing ship.

11,157

What does “A stone’s throw away” mean?

A) Difficult to reach.

B) Very far away.

C) Very close or nearby.

D) Across the country.

Answer: C) Very close or nearby.

Example: The coffee shop is just a stone’s throw

away from my apartment.

11,158

What does “Devil Dogs” refer to?

A) A type of dessert.

B) A nickname for U.S. Marines known for their

toughness.

C) A group of criminals.

D) A professional football team.

Answer: B) A nickname for U.S. Marines known

for their toughness.

Example: The Marines earned the name Devil

Dogs for their bravery in battle.

11,159

What does “Flying Tigers” refer to?

A) A circus act.

B) A professional basketball team.

C) American volunteer fighter pilots in WWII who

helped China.

D) A rare species of animal.

Answer: C) American volunteer fighter pilots in

WWII who helped China.

Example: The Flying Tigers were famous for their

daring missions over China during World War II.

11,160

What does “Horse’s neigh” refer to?

A) The sound a horse makes.

B) A type of saddle.

C) A horse’s tail.

D) A racetrack.

Answer: A) The sound a horse makes.

Example: We heard the horse’s neigh from the

stables as we walked by.

11,161

What does “Don’t soil your pants” mean?

A) Sit down and relax.

B) Wear clean clothes.

C) Go buy new pants.

D) Don’t be so scared or nervous that you lose

control.

Answer: D) Don’t be so scared or nervous that

you lose control.

Example: Relax, it’s just a movie; don’t soil your

pants over it!

11,162

What does “I’m in a slump” mean?

A) I’m stuck in traffic.

B) I’m going through a period of low performance

or lack of success.

C) I’m having a great day.

D) I’m about to win a game.

Answer: B) I’m going through a period of low

performance or lack of success.

Example: I can’t seem to get anything right lately;

I’m in a slump.

11,163

What does “pork barrel” mean in politics?

A) Government spending for local projects to gain

political favor

B) A barbecue bill

C) A food program

D) Emergency relief spending

Answer: A) Government spending for local

projects to gain political favor

Example: The senator was accused of sneaking

pork barrel projects into the budget to please

voters.

11,164

What does “not carrying his weight” mean?

A) He lost weight

B) He’s leading the group

C) He’s weak physically

D) He’s not doing his fair share of the work

Answer: D) He’s not doing his fair share of the

work

Example: The rest of us stayed late, but he’s not

carrying his weight on this team.

11,165

What does “trickle charge” refer to?

A) A way to slowly charge a battery

B) A fee paid in small amounts

C) A credit card scam

D) A subscription payment

Answer: A) A way to slowly charge a battery

Example: I left the car on a trickle charge over the

winter to keep the battery alive.

11,166

What does “It broke the bank” mean?

A) It caused financial ruin or cost a lot

B) It made us rich

C) It fixed the economy

D) It was a cheap option

Answer: A) It caused financial ruin or cost a lot

Example: That vacation was amazing, but it broke

the bank.

11,167

What does “spring for it” mean?

A) He’s going to ignore it

B) He’ll surprise me with it

C) He’ll pay for it

D) He’ll steal it

Answer: C) He’ll pay for it

Example: I really want those sneakers, but my

dad’s gonna spring for it as a birthday gift.

11,168

What does “Holy Toledo” express?

A) Surprise or amazement

B) Confusion

C) Anger

D) Boredom

Answer: A) Surprise or amazement

Example: Holy Toledo! That car nearly hit the

curb!

11,169

What does “hot prowl” refer to in law

enforcement?

A) A fast police chase

B) A sting operation

C) A surveillance mission

D) A break-in or burglary that occurs while the

victim is home

Answer: D) A break-in or burglary that occurs

while the victim is home

Example: The detective said it was a hot prowl; the

homeowner was asleep upstairs during the

burglary.

11,170

What does “Just drop it” mean?

A) Stop talking about or pursuing a subject

B) Drop the item you’re holding

C) Give up forever

D) Hand over your phone

Answer: A) Stop talking about or pursuing a

subject

Example: We’ve argued enough; just drop it

already.

11,171

What does “Do you think you can take me?”

mean?

A) Do you want to hang out?

B) Do you want to go on a date?

C) Can you give me a ride?

D) Do you think you can beat me in a fight or

competition?

Answer: D) Do you think you can beat me in a

fight or competition?

Example: He stepped forward and said, “Do you

think you can take me?” with a smirk.

11,172

What does “I was paid squat” mean?

A) I was paid very well

B) I got nothing or very little compensation

C) I got paid in cash

D) I received a promotion

Answer: B) I got nothing or very little

compensation

Example: After working overtime all week, I was

paid squat.

11,173

What does the term Boston Strangler refer to?

A) A historic storm

B) A legendary boxer

C) A serial killer from the 1960s

D) A protest movement

Answer: C) A serial killer from the 1960s

Example: The Boston Strangler case terrified the

city until he was finally caught.

11,174

What is a niche market?

A) A general, broad market

B) A small, specialized segment of a larger market

C) A foreign investment strategy

D) A seasonal product line

Answer: B) A small, specialized segment of a

larger market

Example: They cater to a niche market of

handmade bicycle enthusiasts.

11,175

What does “Buffalo Soldier” refer to in

historical context?

A) A Native American warrior

B) A Canadian freedom fighter

C) A World War II German unit

D) An African American soldier, particularly

during early U.S. military history

Answer: D) An African American soldier,

particularly during early U.S. military history

Example: Buffalo soldiers served with distinction

even while facing racism at home.

11,176

What does “Don’t yank my chain” mean?

A) Don’t steal my jewelry

B) Don’t pull my keys

C) Don’t tease or deceive me

D) Don’t make me angry

Answer: C) Don’t tease or deceive me

Example: If you’re joking about getting tickets,

don’t yank my chain; I’m serious!

11,177

What does “Now, he’s a wounded animal” mean

metaphorically?

A) He’s physically injured

B) He’s emotionally hurt and potentially dangerous

or unpredictable

C) He’s scared and hiding

D) He’s sick and needs help

Answer: B) He’s emotionally hurt and

potentially dangerous or unpredictable

Example: After losing everything in court, he’s a

wounded animal; angry and ready to lash out.

11,178

What does “Sometimes you must bite an orange

to peel it” mean?

A) Sometimes you must start something in an

unconventional or uncomfortable way

B) You should always eat oranges

C) Patience is key

D) Don’t take shortcuts

Answer: A) Sometimes you must start

something in an unconventional or

uncomfortable way

Example: I didn’t want to confront her, but the

situation demanded action; sometimes you must

bite an orange to peel it.

11,179

What does “What do you make of this?” mean?

A) Can you create this?

B) What’s your opinion or interpretation of this?

C) Do you want to sell this?

D) Will you fix this for me?

Answer: B) What’s your opinion or

interpretation of this?

Example: What do you make of this email? It

sounds like a threat.

11,180

What does “We need a scalpel, not a hammer”

mean?

A) We need a delicate, precise approach rather

than a forceful one

B) We need to do construction

C) We should act quickly

D) We should use physical force

Answer: A) We need a delicate, precise

approach rather than a forceful one

Example: This issue is sensitive; we need a scalpel,

not a hammer.

11,181

What does “I can see her roots” mean in context

of hair?

A) Her ancestry is visible

B) She’s from a small town

C) She’s digging in the garden

D) Her natural hair color is showing beneath dyed

hair

Answer: D) Her natural hair color is showing

beneath dyed hair

Example: She needs a touch-up; you can see her

roots clearly.

11,182

What does “I dozed off” mean?

A) I ran outside

B) I fell asleep briefly

C) I left the house

D) I watched a movie

Answer: B) I fell asleep briefly

Example: I was so tired that I dozed off in the

middle of the meeting.

11,183

What does “He is quite portly” mean?

A) He is very tall

B) He is very thin

C) He is somewhat overweight or stout

D) He is muscular

Answer: C) He is somewhat overweight or stout

Example: The mayor, a portly man in a three-piece

suit, arrived late to the ceremony.

11,184

What does “I caught him snooping” mean?

A) I saw him sleeping

B) I saw him cleaning

C) I saw him shopping

D) I saw him looking through things that weren’t

his

Answer: D) I saw him looking through things

that weren’t his

Example: I caught him snooping through my desk

drawers when he thought I wasn’t home.

11,185

What does “Mind your own beeswax” mean?

A) Stay out of someone else’s business

B) Learn how to make candles

C) Compliment someone politely

D) Avoid sugar

Answer: A) Stay out of someone else’s business

Example: I asked what she was hiding, and she

said, “Mind your own beeswax.”

11,186

What does “He did himself in” mean?

A) He succeeded at a task

B) He got a promotion

C) He caused his own downfall or ended his own

life

D) He took a vacation

Answer: C) He caused his own downfall or

ended his own life

Example: After years of corruption, he finally did

himself in by forging the wrong signature.

11,187

What does “Key takeaways” mean?

A) The main points or lessons learned from

something

B) Items you grab before leaving

C) Favorite meals from a restaurant

D) Things that went wrong

Answer: A) The main points or lessons learned

from something

Example: The key takeaways from the meeting

were clear communication and faster follow-ups.

11,188

What does “I want to put it all behind me”

mean?

A) I want to take a photo

B) I want to keep it close

C) I want to move on and forget about the past

D) I want to write a book about it

Answer: C) I want to move on and forget about

the past

Example: After the trial, she said, “I want to put it

all behind me and start fresh.”

11,189

What does “You’re out of your mind” mean?

A) You’re acting very smart

B) You’re behaving irrationally or are crazy

C) You’re relaxing deeply

D) You’re being creative

Answer: B) You’re behaving irrationally or are

crazy

Example: You’re out of your mind if you think I’m

jumping off that cliff!

11,190

What does “jilted by her lover” mean?

A) She fell in love unexpectedly

B) She got married

C) She started dating someone new

D) She was abandoned or rejected in a romantic

relationship

Answer: D) She was abandoned or rejected in a

romantic relationship

Example: After being jilted by her lover, she

swore off dating for a while.

11,191

What are Interpol Red Notices?

A) Alerts for international vacation destinations

B) Arrest warrants for suspects wanted

internationally

C) Warning signs in hospitals

D) Travel advisories

Answer: B) Arrest warrants for suspects

wanted internationally

Example: The fugitive was finally caught after

Interpol issued a Red Notice.

11,192

What does “transfer of power” mean?

A) Changing light bulbs

B) Moving a device

C) Passing control or authority from one

person/group to another

D) Avoiding responsibility

Answer: C) Passing control or authority from

one person/group to another

Example: The peaceful transfer of power is

essential to a functioning democracy.

11,193

What does “arms race” refer to?

A) A competition to build up military weapons

B) A race involving prosthetic limbs

C) A sporting event

D) A teamwork challenge

Answer: A) A competition to build up military

weapons

Example: The Cold War triggered a massive arms

race between nations.

11,194

What does “hammer out a deal” mean?

A) Ruin a business plan

B) Cancel a meeting

C) Negotiate or reach an agreement

D) Write a long report

Answer: C) Negotiate or reach an agreement

Example: After hours of talks, they finally

hammered out a deal.

11,195

What does “He is grandstanding” mean?

A) He is staying silent

B) He is seeking attention by showing off

C) He is studying hard

D) He is falling behind

Answer: B) He is seeking attention by showing

off

Example: He wasn’t helping; he was just

grandstanding for the cameras.

11,196

What does “You have a lot of moxie” mean?

A) You’re overly cautious

B) You’re very sleepy

C) You’re bold, spirited, or confident

D) You avoid responsibility

Answer: C) You’re bold, spirited, or confident

Example: She stood up to the CEO; she’s got a lot

of moxie.

11,197

What are “organic search results”?

A) Paid advertisements

B) Unpaid, natural search engine results

C) Sponsored blog posts

D) Search results from social media

Answer: B) Unpaid, natural search engine

results

Example: Our SEO is working; traffic from

organic search results is way up.

11,198

What does “up the wazoo” mean?

A) Neatly arranged

B) Lacking completely

C) Hidden away

D) In large or excessive amounts

Answer: D) In large or excessive amounts

Example: I’ve got paperwork up the wazoo after

that meeting.

11,199

What does “coffee clutch” mean?

A) A type of purse

B) A support group

C) A casual gathering over coffee and conversation

D) A late-night diner

Answer: C) A casual gathering over coffee and

conversation

Example: My grandma goes to her weekly coffee

clutch with the neighbors.

11,200

What does “Dial 9 and keep your finger on the

1” suggest?

A) Call customer support

B) Be ready to dial emergency services

C) Start a prank call

D) Enter a secret code

Answer: B) Be ready to dial emergency services

Example: If this deal goes sideways, dial 9 and

keep your finger on the 1.

11,201

What does “klatch time” mean?

A) Time alone

B) Time to sleep

C) Casual socializing or chatting

D) A work break

Answer: C) Casual socializing or chatting

Example: After this week, I need some klatch time

with my friends over coffee.

11,202

What does “rip the Band-Aid off” mean?

A) Do something unpleasant quickly

B) Take medicine

C) Get into a fight

D) Avoid a situation

Answer: A) Do something unpleasant quickly

Example: Just tell her the truth; rip the Band-Aid

off and get it over with.

11,203

What does “I filled in the blanks” mean?

A) I completed a puzzle

B) I took a test

C) I rewrote a story

D) I guessed what was missing or implied

Answer: D) I guessed what was missing or

implied

Example: He didn’t explain everything, but I filled

in the blanks.

11,204

What is an “Amber Alert”?

A) A severe weather warning

B) A school lockdown drill

C) A child abduction emergency alert

D) A military evacuation signal

Answer: C) A child abduction emergency alert

Example: We got an Amber Alert about a missing

child in the area.

11,205

What does “dark passage” refer to?

A) A secret hallway

B) A dangerous or hidden route used for illegal

trafficking

C) A book title

D) A forgotten memory

Answer: B) A dangerous or hidden route used

for illegal trafficking

Example: Authorities uncovered a dark passage

used in human trafficking.

11,206

What does “I’m shaking in my boots” mean?

A) I’m thrilled

B) I’m pretending to be scared

C) I’m terrified or pretending to be

D) I’m dancing

Answer: C) I’m terrified or pretending to be

Example: You think that little threat scares me?

I’m shaking in my boots.

11,207

What does “I’ve been on both sides of the

equation” mean?

A) I’m confused by math

B) I’ve experienced both perspectives

C) I can’t decide

D) I’m neutral

Answer: B) I’ve experienced both perspectives

Example: As both a teacher and a student, I’ve

been on both sides of the equation.

11,208

What does “Is this an intervention?” imply?

A) A friendly greeting

B) A casual hangout

C) A group confrontation about someone’s

behavior

D) A team-building exercise

Answer: C) A group confrontation about

someone’s behavior

Example: Everyone was gathered and staring at

me; is this an intervention?

11,209

What does “He’s a duffer” mean?

A) He’s a lucky person

B) He’s a professional golfer

C) He’s a fast learner

D) He’s not very skilled or competent

Answer: D) He’s not very skilled or competent

Example: He tried fixing the sink, but he’s a duffer

when it comes to tools.

11,210

What does “It’s a put down” mean?

A) A compliment

B) A scheduled event

C) An insult or belittling remark

D) A note written down

Answer: C) An insult or belittling remark

Example: That comment about my job was

unnecessary; it’s a put down.

11,211

What does “He’s a mobster” mean?

A) He works for a music label

B) He’s in a motorcycle club

C) He’s a member of a criminal organization

D) He’s a riot police officer

Answer: C) He’s a member of a criminal

organization

Example: Everyone in the neighborhood knew he

was a mobster, but no one dared say it aloud.

11,212

What does the phrase “when it hits the fan”

mean?

A) When things cool down

B) When chaos or trouble suddenly breaks out

C) When someone gets promoted

D) When the weather changes

Answer: B) When chaos or trouble suddenly

breaks out

Example: You better fix this before it hits the fan

and the boss finds out.

11,213

What does “I’m going broke” mean?

A) I’m getting rich

B) I’m about to leave the house

C) I’m running out of money

D) I’m breaking a promise

Answer: C) I’m running out of money

Example: If I keep spending like this, I’m going

broke.

11,214

What does “I’m at a loss” mean?

A) I don’t know what to do or say

B) I just won something

C) I’ve been found

D) I forgot my wallet

Answer: A) I don’t know what to do or say

Example: After hearing the news, I was at a loss

for words.

11,215

What does “mortgaged to the hilt” mean?

A) Completely debt-free

B) Fully paid off

C) Owing as much as possible on a mortgage

D) Making a small investment

Answer: C) Owing as much as possible on a

mortgage

Example: They bought a big house, but now

they’re mortgaged to the hilt.

11,216

What does “hunt and peck” typing mean?

A) Typing blindfolded

B) Searching for each key one at a time

C) Copying someone else’s typing

D) Using voice dictation

Answer: B) Searching for each key one at a time

Example: I taught myself to type, but I still hunt

and peck like a beginner.

11,217

What does “finger pecking” refer to when

typing?

A) Typing with speed and precision

B) Playing the piano

C) Typing on a touchscreen

D) Using one or two fingers to type slowly

Answer: D) Using one or two fingers to type

slowly

Example: He’s still finger pecking his emails; it

takes him forever to write anything.

11,218

What does “camel braying” describe?

A) A type of desert ritual

B) A loud, harsh sound made by a camel

C) A camel walking slowly

D) A soft musical rhythm

Answer: B) A loud, harsh sound made by a

camel

Example: We were woken up by a camel braying

just outside our tent.

11,219

What does “wealthy dabbler” mean?

A) Someone who donates to the poor

B) A private chef

C) A financial analyst

D) A rich person who casually tries different things

without serious commitment

Answer: D) A rich person who casually tries

different things without serious commitment

Example: She’s a wealthy dabbler; painting today,

skydiving tomorrow.

11,220

What is a ball and chain in idiomatic use?

A) A form of exercise

B) A burden or restriction

C) A type of jewelry

D) A tool for fishing

Answer: B) A burden or restriction

Example: Sometimes this job feels like a ball and

chain I can’t escape.

11,221

What does “My ball and chain” mean in slang?

A) My best friend

B) My child

C) My partner or spouse (often humorously or

negatively)

D) My coworker

Answer: C) My partner or spouse (often

humorously or negatively)

Example: I’d love to join the guys’ trip, but my

ball and chain won’t let me.

11,222

What does “You’re such a jerk” mean?

A) You’re being funny

B) You’re confused

C) You’re very generous

D) You’re being rude or inconsiderate

Answer: D) You’re being rude or inconsiderate

Example: You made her cry; you’re such a jerk!

11,223

What does “She’s looking for the big whale”

mean?

A) She’s planning a trip

B) She’s chasing a massive reward or high-value

target

C) She’s studying marine life

D) She’s wasting time

Answer: B) She’s chasing a massive reward or

high-value target

Example: She’s not interested in small deals; she’s

looking for the big whale.

11,224

What does “chewed up and spit out” mean?

A) Treated very poorly or harshly

B) Given a second chance

C) Praised highly

D) Ignored completely

Answer: A) Treated very poorly or harshly

Example: That company chews people up and spits

them out; no one lasts long there.

11,225

What is an unwritten rule?

A) A rule you must write down

B) A commonly accepted behavior or norm not

officially stated

C) A law passed in secret

D) A personal goal

Answer: B) A commonly accepted behavior or

norm not officially stated

Example: It’s an unwritten rule that you don’t take

the last donut without asking.

11,226

What does “I admire your industry” mean?

A) I like your job

B) I enjoy the economy

C) I want to invest in your company

D) I respect how hardworking and diligent you are

Answer: D) I respect how hardworking and

diligent you are

Example: You’ve been working nonstop; I admire

your industry.

11,227

What does “Soft porn” refer to?

A) A cooking show

B) A mildly sexual media without explicit content

C) A romantic comedy

D) A family movie

Answer: B) A mildly sexual media without

explicit content

Example: The movie was more soft porn than

serious drama.

11,228

What does “Business upfront, party in the

back” usually describe?

A) A double-decker office

B) A business meeting with a dance after

C) A mullet hairstyle

D) A corporate lounge

Answer: C) A mullet hairstyle

Example: He still rocks that business upfront, party

in the back look from the ‘80s.

11,229

What does “They were spawned in” mean in

gaming or slang?

A) They died

B) They entered the game or environment

C) They changed their name

D) They logged out

Answer: B) They entered the game or

environment

Example: They were spawned in right next to the

enemy base.

11,230

What does “Some semblance of order” mean?

A) Complete chaos

B) A formal structure

C) A rough or partial sense of organization

D) A silent agreement

Answer: C) A rough or partial sense of

organization

Example: The kids were running wild until the

teacher restored some semblance of order.

11,231

What does “The upshot is” mean?

A) The main consequence or final result

B) The beginning of a story

C) A summary of past events

D) A new opportunity

Answer: A) The main consequence or final

result

Example: The upshot is, we’re moving forward

with the plan.

11,232

What does “That’s putting it mildly” mean?

A) That’s overstating things

B) That’s a good exaggeration

C) That’s an understatement

D) That’s incorrect

Answer: C) That’s an understatement

Example: Saying she was “a bit upset” is putting it

mildly; she was furious.

11,233

What does “He melted back into the crowd”

mean?

A) He danced with the group

B) He disappeared quietly or blended in

C) He started shouting

D) He got lost

Answer: B) He disappeared quietly or blended

Example: After the speech, he melted back into the

crowd without a word.

11,234

What does “They had a big row” mean (British

English)?

A) They planted a garden

B) They went for a boat ride

C) They had a loud argument

D) They moved into a new house

Answer: C) They had a loud argument

Example: The couple had a big row over money

last night.

11,235

What does “He’s a nut too hard to crack”

mean?

A) He’s very loud

B) He eats a lot of nuts

C) He’s always angry

D) He’s very difficult to understand or figure out

Answer: D) He’s very difficult to understand or

figure out

Example: I’ve tried getting through to him, but

he’s a nut too hard to crack.

11,236

What does “My tank is empty” mean?

A) I need to refuel my car

B) I am out of energy or exhausted

C) I’m ready to run

D) I skipped lunch

Answer: B) I am out of energy or exhausted

Example: After that double shift, my tank is empty;

I need sleep.

11,237

What does “He’s going to chair the meeting”

mean?

A) He will bring the chairs

B) He will miss the meeting

C) He will take notes

D) He will lead or preside over the meeting

Answer: D) He will lead or preside over the

meeting

Example: Since the manager is out, he’s going to

chair the meeting today.

11,238

What does “Good for you” mean?

A) I’m disappointed

B) I’m sarcastically upset

C) I’m happy for your success or choice

D) I’m confused

Answer: C) I’m happy for your success or

choice

Example: You got the job? Good for you!

11,239

What does “I’ll sniff around” mean?

A) I’ll go smell things

B) I’ll investigate or ask questions discreetly

C) I’ll take a break

D) I’ll gossip

Answer: B) I’ll investigate or ask questions

discreetly

Example: I don’t know yet, but I’ll sniff around

and see what I can find out.

11,240

What does “I have it all sorted out” mean?

A) I’m confused

B) Everything is a mess

C) I’ve figured everything out or organized it

D) I need help

Answer: C) I’ve figured everything out or

organized it

Example: Don’t worry about the schedule; I have it

all sorted out.

11,241

What does the phrase “The reporters are

camped outside my front door” imply?

A) Journalists are relaxing nearby

B) The press has been banned

C) Someone is moving in

D) Reporters are waiting persistently for a story

Answer: D) Reporters are waiting persistently

for a story

Example: Since the scandal broke, the reporters

have been camped outside my front door.

11,242

What does “The police grilled him” mean?

A) They had a barbecue

B) They ignored him

C) They interrogated him intensely

D) They watched him closely

Answer: C) They interrogated him intensely

Example: After finding new evidence, the police

grilled him for hours.

11,243

What does “in loco parentis” mean?

A) A lost parent

B) Acting in place of a parent (Latin)

C) A school trip

D) A legal guardian filing a lawsuit

Answer: B) Acting in place of a parent (Latin)

Example: While students are on campus, teachers

act in loco parentis.

11,244

What does a “pithy reply” mean?

A) A long explanation

B) A confusing answer

C) A short and clever response

D) An emotional plea

Answer: C) A short and clever response

Example: When asked why he was late, his pithy

reply was “Time is a concept.”

11,245

What does “Don’t butt in” mean?

A) Don’t sit down

B) Don’t interrupt

C) Don’t leave

D) Don’t offer help

Answer: B) Don’t interrupt

Example: Don’t butt in; we’re trying to have a

private conversation.

11,246

What does “It’s a small spread” mean?

A) It’s a newspaper

B) It’s a small meal

C) It’s a modest piece of land or farm

D) It’s a short break

Answer: C) It’s a modest piece of land or farm

Example: They raise chickens on a small spread

just outside of town.

11,247

What does “Size him up” mean?

A) Measure his clothes

B) Make fun of him

C) Give him directions

D) Estimate someone’s ability, character, or threat

level

Answer: D) Estimate someone’s ability,

character, or threat level

Example: He sized him up before the boxing match

began.

11,248

What does “Man alive” express?

A) Joy or surprise

B) Sadness

C) Tiredness

D) Confusion

Answer: A) Joy or surprise

Example: Man alive! That rollercoaster was

incredible!

11,249

What is a “gate crasher”?

A) Someone who delivers invitations

B) Someone who attends an event uninvited

C) A security guard

D) A famous guest

Answer: B) Someone who attends an event

uninvited

Example: We didn’t recognize him at the wedding;

he turned out to be a gate crasher.

11,250

What does “I’m in the dark” mean?

A) I’m outside

B) I’m hiding

C) I’m wearing sunglasses

D) I’m uninformed or unaware

Answer: D) I’m uninformed or unaware

Example: They made all the decisions without me;

I’m totally in the dark.

11,251

What does “We have to have it out” mean?

A) We need to hide it

B) We need to settle a dispute directly

C) We should go for a walk

D) We should plan a trip

Answer: B) We need to settle a dispute directly

Example: This tension can’t go on; we have to

have it out and talk.

11,252

What does “Tread carefully” mean?

A) Walk quietly

B) Move quickly

C) Act with caution

D) Step in mud

Answer: C) Act with caution

Example: That topic is sensitive; tread carefully if

you bring it up.

11,253

What does “I’ll bear it in mind” mean?

A) I’ll ignore it

B) I’ll remember or consider it

C) I’ll tell someone else

D) I’ll write it down

Answer: B) I’ll remember or consider it

Example: Thanks for the tip; I’ll bear it in mind

next time.

11,254

What does “Need I say more?” imply?

A) I’m not sure what to say

B) I’ve said too much

C) The point is already clear

D) I’ll explain in detail

Answer: C) The point is already clear

Example: He lied to his boss again; need I say

more?

11,255

What does “Vanished without a trace” mean?

A) Left a map behind

B) Left a strong clue

C) Ran away with someone

D) Disappeared completely with no evidence

remaining

Answer: D) Disappeared completely with no

evidence remaining

Example: The suspect vanished without a trace

before the police arrived.

11,256

What does the phrase “See something, say

something” encourage?

A) Speak only when spoken to

B) Report suspicious or dangerous activity

C) Keep secrets

D) Call a friend

Answer: B) Report suspicious or dangerous

activity

Example: The sign on the subway read: “See

something, say something.”

11,257

What does “in so many words” mean?

A) Using fancy language

B) Describing something in detail

C) Saying something directly or indirectly

D) Telling a story

Answer: C) Saying something directly or

indirectly

Example: He didn’t apologize in so many words,

but I got the message.

11,258

What does “You have been played” mean?

A) You acted in a movie

B) You were fooled or manipulated

C) You were part of a sports game

D) You listened to music

Answer: B) You were fooled or manipulated

Example: I can’t believe he lied to you about

everything; you’ve been played.

11,259

What does “We’ve hit a wall” mean?

A) We crashed into a car

B) We got lost

C) We have reached a point where no progress can

be made

D) We succeeded

Answer: C) We have reached a point where no

progress can be made

Example: We were making great progress, but now

we’ve hit a wall in the project.

11,260

What does “You were out really quick” mean in

reference to sleep?

A) You left the house quickly

B) You forgot to lock the door

C) You turned off the lights

D) You fell asleep very fast

Answer: D) You fell asleep very fast

Example: I looked over to check on you, and you

were out really quick; snoring in minutes.

11,261

What does “He is such a dinosaur” mean?

A) He likes fossils

B) He’s very old-fashioned or outdated

C) He’s big and strong

D) He is extinct

Answer: B) He’s very old-fashioned or outdated

Example: He still uses a flip phone; he’s such a

dinosaur when it comes to tech.

11,262

What does “level playing field” mean?

A) A flat soccer field

B) A minor disagreement

C) A game with no rules

D) Equal conditions or fair competition

Answer: D) Equal conditions or fair

competition

Example: We need regulations to ensure a level

playing field for all businesses.

11,263

What does “This fits the bill” mean?

A) This is too expensive

B) This is exactly what is needed

C) This is unnecessary

D) This is not acceptable

Answer: B) This is exactly what is needed

Example: We needed someone with experience

and energy; she fits the bill perfectly.

11,264

What does “went belly up” mean in business?

A) The company is growing fast

B) The company changed names

C) The company failed financially

D) The company merged

Answer: C) The company failed financially

Example: After the lawsuit, the company went

belly up in just a few months.

11,265

What does “I never pegged you as” mean?

A) I never met you

B) I never knew you liked something or had a

certain quality

C) I never played with you

D) I always trusted you

Answer: B) I never knew you liked something

or had a certain quality

Example: I never pegged you as a horror movie

fan!

11,266

What does “put on the chopping block” mean?

A) It was cleaned up

B) It was promoted

C) It was improved

D) It was chosen to be eliminated or cut

Answer: D) It was chosen to be eliminated or

cut

Example: Due to budget cuts, several programs

were put on the chopping block.

11,267

What does “He does not like making waves”

mean?

A) He dislikes water

B) He avoids causing trouble or attention

C) He’s always late

D) He hates swimming

Answer: B) He avoids causing trouble or

attention

Example: He kept quiet in the meeting; he doesn’t

like making waves.

11,268

What does “He’s an unassuming fellow” mean?

A) He’s arrogant

B) He’s shy

C) He’s unpredictable

D) He’s humble and modest

Answer: D) He’s humble and modest

Example: Though he’s a millionaire, he’s an

unassuming fellow who wears jeans to meetings.

11,269

What does “All the same” mean?

A) It doesn’t matter; still or nevertheless

B) Everything is identical

C) You’re wrong

D) I agree completely

Answer: A) It doesn’t matter; still or

nevertheless

Example: I’m tired, but all the same, I’ll come help

you move.

11,270

What does “grasping at straws” mean?

A) He’s doing something helpful

B) He’s trying to find solutions desperately with

little hope

C) He’s holding onto his job

D) He’s building a house

Answer: B) He’s trying to find solutions

desperately with little hope

Example: Blaming the weather for the failed

event? He’s grasping at straws now.

11,271

What does “double bluff” mean?

A) A card game

B) Hiding the truth twice

C) Repeating a lie

D) An attempt to deceive someone by telling them

exactly what you intend to do when you know that

they will assume you are lying.

Answer: D) An attempt to deceive someone by

telling them exactly what you intend to do when

you know that they will assume you are lying.

Example: He told them exactly what he planned to

do; it was a double bluff, and it worked.

11,272

What does “put this to bed” mean?

A) Take a nap

B) Finish or resolve something

C) Delay something

D) Forget about a task

Answer: B) Finish or resolve something

Example: We’ve debated enough; it’s time to put

this to bed and move forward.

11,273

What does “a victim of its own success” mean?

A) It failed due to bad luck

B) It was misunderstood

C) It was unpopular from the start

D) It became overwhelmed because it succeeded

too much

Answer: D) It became overwhelmed because it

succeeded too much

Example: The app crashed from too many

downloads; it became a victim of its own success.

11,274

What does “Purple Shield” refer to in law

enforcement?

A) A rank promotion

B) A secret task force

C) A retirement benefit

D) A decoration for being wounded or killed in the

line of duty

Answer: D) A decoration for being wounded or

killed in the line of duty

Example: After being injured during a robbery, the

officer received the Purple Shield.

11,275

What does “I gave him a long leash” mean?

A) I let him walk my dog

B) I gave him a lot of freedom or autonomy

C) I restricted him

D) I told him to be quiet

Answer: B) I gave him a lot of freedom or

autonomy

Example: I trusted him to manage the team; I gave

him a long leash.

11,276

What does “beat the bushes” mean?

A) Clean up the yard

B) Hide from someone

C) Look thoroughly or actively search

D) Avoid confrontation

Answer: C) Look thoroughly or actively search

Example: We need a new assistant; go beat the

bushes and find us someone fast.

11,277

What does “We weathered these storms before”

mean?

A) We’ve been through difficult times before and

survived

B) We watched the news

C) We prepared for a hurricane

D) We traveled in bad weather

Answer: A) We’ve been through difficult times

before and survived

Example: Business is down again, but we’ve

weathered these storms before.

11,278

What does “It’s acting a little funny” mean?

A) It’s being humorous

B) It’s turned off

C) It’s brand new

D) It’s not working normally; it’s behaving

strangely

Answer: D) It’s not working normally; it’s

behaving strangely

Example: My laptop is acting a little funny; it

keeps freezing up.

11,279

What does “Are they hot?” mean in street

slang?

A) Are they fashionable?

B) Are they high-quality?

C) Are they stolen?

D) Are they for sale?

Answer: C) Are they stolen?

Example: He offered me watches for cheap, but I

asked, “Are they hot?”

11,280

What does “uplifting” mean in reference to

music?

A) It was very quiet

B) It made people feel inspired or happy

C) It was traditional

D) It was hard to hear

Answer: B) It made people feel inspired or

happy

Example: After a rough day, the music was so

uplifting, it changed my whole mood.

11,281

What does “His hand was caught in the till”

mean?

A) He was seen stealing money

B) He got hurt at work

C) He was helping a customer

D) He closed the register

Answer: A) He was seen stealing money

Example: The cashier was fired after his hand was

caught in the till.

11,282

What does “Scout’s honor” mean?

A) I was in the Boy Scouts

B) I promise sincerely or truthfully

C) I’m not sure

D) I won a badge

Answer: B) I promise sincerely or truthfully

Example: I didn’t touch your phone; Scout’s

honor!

11,283

What does “She smashed it” mean (informal

British English)?

A) She ruined something

B) She was violent

C) She succeeded brilliantly

D) She fell

Answer: C) She succeeded brilliantly

Example: Her presentation was flawless; she

absolutely smashed it!

11,284

What does “calling in life” mean?

A) A prank phone call

B) A job you hate

C) A temporary hobby

D) A deep sense of purpose or vocation

Answer: D) A deep sense of purpose or vocation

Example: She always knew that teaching was her

calling in life.

11,285

What does “I misread the situation” mean?

A) I didn’t hear anything

B) I interpreted events or behavior incorrectly

C) I followed directions

D) I ignored a warning

Answer: B) I interpreted events or behavior

incorrectly

Example: I thought they were joking, but they were

serious; I misread the situation.

11,286

What does the idiom “I served my bid” mean?

A) I placed a bet at an auction

B) I completed a prison sentence

C) I finished a job interview

D) I did military service

Answer: B) I completed a prison sentence

Example: After five years behind bars, he told the

press, “I served my bid and I’m starting over.”

11,287

What does “I did my bit” mean?

A) I gave up

B) I caused the problem

C) I fulfilled my responsibility or contributed

D) I refused to help

Answer: C) I fulfilled my responsibility or

contributed

Example: I helped clean up after the event; I did

my bit.

11,288

What does “ran into a brick wall” mean?

A) Literally hit a wall

B) Faced a sudden, difficult obstacle or resistance

C) Got lost

D) Found a new opportunity

Answer: B) Faced a sudden, difficult obstacle or

resistance

Example: We tried to negotiate, but we ran into a

brick wall with their legal team.

11,289

What does “They can’t see past their nose”

mean?

A) They have bad eyesight

B) They’re arrogant

C) They can’t understand long-term consequences

D) They are very observant

Answer: C) They can’t understand long-term

consequences

Example: They want to cut corners now, but they

can’t see past their nose to realize it’ll backfire

later.

11,290

What does “I’m in” mean?

A) I’m inside the house

B) I don’t agree

C) I’ve logged into my account

D) I’m participating or committed

Answer: D) I’m participating or committed

Example: You want to plan the trip this weekend?

I’m in!

11,291

What does “I think I’m going to lose it” mean?

A) I’m about to fall asleep

B) I’m going to lose weight

C) I’m about to become very emotional or angry

D) I forgot my phone

Answer: C) I’m about to become very emotional

or angry

Example: If they cancel my flight again, I think

I’m going to lose it.

11,292

What does “tech savvy” mean?

A) Someone afraid of technology

B) Skilled or knowledgeable with technology

C) Someone who builds furniture

D) Someone who hates computers

Answer: B) Skilled or knowledgeable with

technology

Example: He’s tech savvy, so he fixed my laptop

in five minutes.

11,293

What does “there are no firm numbers” mean?

A) We have exact data

B) The numbers are flexible or uncertain

C) We have no budget

D) The numbers are rounded up

Answer: B) The numbers are flexible or

uncertain

Example: There are no firm numbers on attendance

yet, just estimates.

11,294

What does “not everything it cracks up to be”

mean?

A) It’s very loud

B) It’s exactly as good as expected

C) It’s disappointing or overrated

D) It’s broken

Answer: C) It’s disappointing or overrated

Example: That movie was not everything it’s

cracked up to be; kind of boring, honestly.

11,295

What does “soft sell bad news” mean?

A) Make bad news sound less harsh

B) Sell gently used items

C) Write a letter

D) Tell good news

Answer: A) Make bad news sound less harsh

Example: We’ll need to soft sell the bad news, so

the board doesn’t panic.

11,296

What does “Lake Superior does not give up its

dead” refer to?

A) It’s a very deep and cold lake where bodies

rarely surface

B) It’s haunted

C) It’s a myth

D) It’s safe for swimming

Answer: A) It’s a very deep and cold lake where

bodies rarely surface

Example: Due to its depth and cold, Lake Superior

does not give up its dead; that’s why so many

disappearances remain unsolved.

11,297

What does “wings of love” suggest?

A) Chicken wings at a wedding

B) A romantic gesture or expression

C) A musical genre

D) A wedding location

Answer: B) A romantic gesture or expression

Example: He sent her roses and a poem, carried on

the wings of love.

11,298

What does “NMP” stand for and imply?

A) No More Pressure

B) Not My Property

C) Not My Problem – I’m not responsible for this

D) New Management Policy

Answer: C) Not My Problem; I’m not

responsible for this

Example: The printer’s broken again? NMP; I’m

not tech support.

11,299

What does “You’re coming in with two strikes”

mean?

A) You have a major disadvantage already

B) You’re halfway to winning

C) You’re being cautious

D) You have extra chances

Answer: A) You have a major disadvantage

already

Example: With your past record, you’re coming in

with two strikes; don’t mess this up.

11,300

What does “Search me” mean?

A) Look through my pockets

B) I have no idea

C) Don’t touch me

D) Ask someone else

Answer: B) I have no idea

Example: Search me; I have no clue where your

keys are.

11,301

What does “She went all the way” often suggest

in slang?

A) She finished the marathon

B) She traveled far

C) She went shopping

D) She completed a sexual encounter

Answer: D) She completed a sexual encounter

Example: There were rumors going around that she

went all the way with her boyfriend.

11,302

What does “hunky dory” mean?

A) Suspicious

B) Just okay

C) Perfectly fine or satisfactory

D) Very strange

Answer: C) Perfectly fine or satisfactory

Example: Everything’s hunky dory since the

repairs were finished.

11,303

What does “He has enough on his plate” mean?

A) He is eating a lot

B) He’s already busy or overwhelmed

C) He is being offered more food

D) He’s not hungry

Answer: B) He’s already busy or overwhelmed

Example: Don’t ask him for help; he has enough

on his plate right now.

11,304

What does “grease the skid with blood” imply?

A) Start a car

B) Avoid a crime

C) Make a path slippery

D) Prepare something with violence or sacrifice

Answer: D) Prepare something with violence or

sacrifice

Example: The power shift didn’t come easy; they

had to grease the skid with blood.

11,305

What does “watching time disappear” mean?

A) Time is moving slowly

B) You are wasting time or losing track of it

C) You have plenty of time

D) Time has stopped

Answer: B) You are wasting time or losing

track of it

Example: I sat on my phone all afternoon, just

watching time disappear.

11,306

What does “The cop is sniffing around” mean?

A) The cop is investigating or getting suspicious

B) The cop is walking his dog

C) The cop is giving directions

D) The cop is asking for help

Answer: A) The cop is investigating or getting

suspicious

Example: We need to lay low; the cop is sniffing

around again.

11,307

What does “He’s a bowerbird” mean

metaphorically?

A) He’s always on the move

B) He collects attractive or shiny things

obsessively

C) He talks too much

D) He builds things

Answer: B) He collects attractive or shiny things

obsessively

Example: You should see his apartment; he’s a

total bowerbird, collecting gadgets and décor.

11,308

What does “eSport” refer to?

A) Sports drinks

B) Fitness equipment

C) Virtual yoga classes

D) Competitive video gaming

Answer: D) Competitive video gaming

Example: He’s training to go pro in eSports; he

plays for hours every day.

11,309

What does “flush them out of the woodwork”

mean?

A) Clean the walls

B) Expose people hiding or avoiding visibility

C) Paint the furniture

D) Hide in a crowd

Answer: B) Expose people hiding or avoiding

visibility

Example: The new policy will flush the fraudsters

out of the woodwork.

11,310

What does “browned off” mean (British slang)?

A) She’s angry or annoyed

B) She’s enjoying a tan

C) She’s been working out

D) She’s sick

Answer: A) She’s angry or annoyed

Example: After being left out again, she looked

pretty browned off.

11,311

What does “It’s not a matter of money” mean?

A) It’s not affordable

B) The issue is not financial but about something

else (e.g., principle)

C) Money is the only problem

D) It’s too expensive

Answer: B) The issue is not financial but about

something else (e.g., principle)

Example: I could pay the fine, but it’s not a matter

of money; it’s about justice.

11,312

What does “smoke screen” mean?

A) A fire safety measure

B) A visual distraction

C) A tactic to hide the real intention

D) A misty morning

Answer: C) A tactic to hide the real intention

Example: The press release was a smoke screen to

distract from the scandal.

11,313

What does “He is a hothead” mean?

A) He is very calm

B) He is easily angered or reactive

C) He likes spicy food

D) He works out a lot

Answer: B) He is easily angered or reactive

Example: Don’t argue with him; he’s a hothead

and might blow up.

11,314

What does “It is a pick-me-up” mean?

A) Something that lifts your spirits or energy

B) A new vehicle

C) An alarm clock

D) A joke

Answer: A) Something that lifts your spirits or

energy

Example: That coffee was just the pick-me-up I

needed this morning.

11,315

What does “I’m dying to speak to her” mean?

A) I don’t want to talk to her

B) I’m nervous to speak to her

C) I’m very eager to speak to her

D) I plan to avoid her

Answer: C) I’m very eager to speak to her

Example: I saw her at the party and thought, I’m

dying to speak to her.

11,316

What does “It’s curtains for you” mean?

A) You’re in big trouble or finished

B) Time to go shopping

C) You’re getting a gift

D) Time to sleep

Answer: A) You’re in big trouble or finished

Example: If the boss finds out what you did, it’s

curtains for you.

11,317

What does “It will follow me to the grave”

mean?

A) It’s a favorite memory

B) It’s something I’ll never forget or will keep

secret forever

C) It’s a family tradition

D) It’s a physical injury

Answer: B) It’s something I’ll never forget or

will keep secret forever

Example: That mistake was so big, it will follow

me to the grave.

11,318

What does “There are designs upon his life”

mean?

A) People are planning to harm or kill him

B) He has a new tattoo

C) He’s getting married

D) He’s hiring a decorator

Answer: A) People are planning to harm or kill

him

Example: After what he said in court, there are

designs upon his life.

11,319

What does “Goodness me” express?

A) Boredom

B) Surprise or shock

C) Agreement

D) Anger

Answer: B) Surprise or shock

Example: Goodness me, I didn’t expect you to

show up so early!

11,320

What does “The argument was heated” mean?

A) It was a friendly debate

B) It was calm and reasonable

C) It was intense and emotional

D) It happened in summer

Answer: C) It was intense and emotional

Example: Things got personal fast; the argument

was heated.

11,321

What does “sewing circle” often metaphorically

refer to?

A) A professional organization

B) A group of people who gossip

C) A fashion design club

D) A quilting contest

Answer: B) A group of people who gossip

Example: Those coworkers act like a sewing circle,

always chatting about everyone else.

11,322

What does “See it firsthand” mean?

A) Read about it in a book

B) Watch a video

C) Hear about it from a friend

D) Experience or witness something in person

Answer: D) Experience or witness something in

person

Example: I didn’t believe it until I saw it firsthand;

the storm was terrifying.

11,323

What does “I don’t like surprises” imply?

A) I like being scared

B) I enjoy being spontaneous

C) I prefer predictability and being informed

D) I enjoy parties

Answer: C) I prefer predictability and being

informed

Example: Next time, tell me what’s going on first;

I don’t like surprises.

11,324

What does “The lights went dead” mean?

A) The electricity failed

B) Someone fell asleep

C) The sun set

D) It got too bright

Answer: A) The electricity failed

Example: Just as the movie got good, the lights

went dead and everything went black.

11,325

What does “That’s pretty thin” mean?

A) It’s a physical object

B) It’s insubstantial or not convincing

C) It’s a good excuse

D) It’s very sharp

Answer: B) It’s insubstantial or not convincing

Example: That alibi? That’s pretty thin; nobody’s

going to buy it.

11,326

What does “I have a ton of work” mean?

A) I have no tasks

B) I need help

C) I finished early

D) I have a lot of work to do

Answer: D) I have a lot of work to do

Example: I can’t go out tonight; I have a ton of

work to get through.

11,327

What does “life imitating art” mean?

A) People act like fictional characters

B) Real-life events resemble things from art,

books, or film

C) Paintings look lifelike

D) Artists copy real life

Answer: B) Real-life events resemble things

from art, books, or film

Example: A masked thief stealing artwork? That’s

life imitating art.

11,328

What does “It has his smell all over it” mean?

A) It’s literally scented like him

B) It reminds you of him

C) He’s clearly responsible

D) He washed it

Answer: C) He’s clearly responsible

Example: This plan? It has his smell all over it;

sneaky and overcomplicated.

11,329

What does “It stinks of him” mean?

A) He smells bad

B) It clearly seems like something he did

C) He has allergies

D) He talked about it

Answer: B) It clearly seems like something he

did

Example: That prank? It stinks of him; totally his

style.

11,330

What does “feed the pig” mean (financial

slang)?

A) Invest or save money

B) Buy junk food

C) Spend all your cash

D) Borrow from someone

Answer: A) Invest or save money

Example: Every payday, I feed the pig by putting

$50 into savings.

11,331

What does “regurgitate what you were taught

yesterday” mean?

A) Re-eat lunch

B) Reproduce information without understanding

C) Complain about yesterday’s events

D) Forget what was taught

Answer: B) Reproduce information without

understanding

Example: The exam was easy; just regurgitate what

you were taught yesterday.

11,332

What does “get your ears cleaned” imply in

casual speech?

A) You aren’t listening or you misunderstood

something

B) You need a doctor

C) You have hearing problems

D) You talk too much

Answer: A) You aren’t listening or you

misunderstood something

Example: That’s not what I said; you need to get

your ears cleaned.

11,333

What does “Get the wax out of your ears”

mean?

A) Clean your ears

B) You didn’t hear me

C) Start listening carefully

D) You’re speaking too loudly

Answer: C) Start listening carefully

Example: I already told you twice; get the wax out

of your ears!

11,334

What does “Their cornbread is not done in the

middle” mean (Southern idiom)?

A) They’re undercooked

B) They’re mentally slow or not very bright

C) They’re sick

D) They didn’t finish their work

Answer: B) They’re mentally slow or not very

bright

Example: I wouldn’t trust him with that; his

cornbread’s not done in the middle.

11,335

What does “You have to get down before you

can get up” mean?

A) Sleep before working

B) Eat before exercise

C) Struggle or fall before rising to success

D) Dance before dinner

Answer: C) Struggle or fall before rising to

success

Example: I know it’s hard, but you have to get

down before you can get up.

11,336

What does “Born on the wrong side of the

blanket” mean (archaic)?

A) Born during winter

B) Born wealthy

C) Born into royalty

D) Born outside of marriage

Answer: D) Born outside of marriage

Example: He was born on the wrong side of the

blanket, but still inherited the estate.

11,337

What does “It’s a constant shell game with

them” mean?

A) They play games all day

B) They’re fun and spontaneous

C) They’re always hiding the truth or being

deceptive

D) They are collectors

Answer: C) They’re always hiding the truth or

being deceptive

Example: Dealing with that agency is a nightmare;

it’s a constant shell game with them.

11,338

What does “What makes him tick?” mean?

A) What motivates or drives him

B) What makes him angry

C) What time he wakes up

D) What his favorite food is

Answer: A) What motivates or drives him

Example: I’ve worked with him for years, but I

still don’t know what makes him tick.

11,339

What does “She has a rack” mean (slang)?

A) She owns a bookshelf

B) She has broad shoulders

C) She has large breasts

D) She’s wearing a nice outfit

Answer: C) She has large breasts

Example: He made an inappropriate comment,

saying she has a rack.

11,340

What does “You’re a droll” mean?

A) You’re very boring

B) You’re oddly humorous or dryly funny

C) You’re acting serious

D) You’re being rude

Answer: B) You’re oddly humorous or dryly

funny

Example: You always have the weirdest jokes;

you’re a droll.

11,341

What does “get it ironed out” mean?

A) Throw it away

B) Finish writing it

C) Resolve the issue

D) Fold clothes

Answer: C) Resolve the issue

Example: Let’s sit down and get this ironed out

before the meeting.

11,342

What does “He is upbeat” mean?

A) He’s very angry

B) He is optimistic and cheerful

C) He’s under pressure

D) He’s tired

Answer: B) He is optimistic and cheerful

Example: Despite the setback, he remained upbeat

about the future.

11,343

What does “She won’t budge” mean?

A) She refuses to change her position or opinion

B) She’s moving quickly

C) She lost something

D) She’s in a rush

Answer: A) She refuses to change her position

or opinion

Example: I offered her a raise, but she won’t budge

on her conditions.

11,344

What does “I got the Feds breathing down my

neck” mean?

A) The FBI is ignoring me

B) I’m under close surveillance or pressure from

federal authorities

C) I’ve been hired by the government

D) The police have left me alone

Answer: B) I’m under close surveillance or

pressure from federal authorities

Example: I can’t make a move; I got the Feds

breathing down my neck.

11,345

What does “Let’s see what you got” mean?

A) Let’s exchange gifts

B) Show me what you can do

C) Tell me a secret

D) Take a break

Answer: B) Show me what you can do

Example: You said you’re ready; let’s see what

you got.

11,346

What is a pill mill?

A) A place where illegal or unnecessary

prescriptions are handed out

B) A legitimate pharmacy

C) A pharmaceutical factory

D) A medical lab

Answer: A) A place where illegal or

unnecessary prescriptions are handed out

Example: The clinic was shut down after

investigators discovered she was running a pill

mill.

11,347

What does “doctor shopping” mean in the

context of drug abuse?

A) Comparing doctors for prices

B) Seeking multiple doctors to get more

prescriptions

C) Finding a new family physician

D) Buying drugs from pharmacists

Answer: B) Seeking multiple doctors to get

more prescriptions

Example: Authorities arrested her for doctor

shopping after she obtained opioids from five

clinics.

11,348

What did the Berlin Wall symbolize?

A) A border between two German states

B) A tourist site

C) Economic development

D) Friendship between nations

Answer: A) A border between two German

states

Example: The fall of the Berlin Wall marked the

end of Cold War divisions in Germany.

11,349

What was the Berlin Airlift?

A) A military bombing campaign

B) An operation to drop propaganda leaflets

C) A U.S.-led effort to supply West Berlin by air

during a Soviet blockade

D) A series of hot air balloon tests

Answer: C) A U.S.-led effort to supply West

Berlin by air during a Soviet blockade

Example: The Berlin Airlift kept the city alive

despite the Soviet blockade.

11,350

What does “Iron Curtain” refer to historically?

A) A Cold War barrier between Eastern and

Western Europe

B) A prison wall

C) A political curtain raiser

D) A steel factory

Answer: A) A Cold War barrier between

Eastern and Western Europe

Example: The Iron Curtain divided Europe

ideologically and physically for decades.

11,351

What does the “Bamboo Curtain” symbolize?

A) A type of decoration

B) A divide between communist Asia and the West

during the Cold War

C) A farming technique

D) A boundary between forests

Answer: B) A divide between communist Asia

and the West during the Cold War

Example: The Bamboo Curtain made it hard for

outsiders to know what was happening inside

China.

11,352

What does “Redwood curtain” refer to in

California?

A) A dense forest line that isolates a region

B) A giant wooden fence

C) A political border

D) A movie backdrop

Answer: A) A dense forest line that isolates a

region

Example: The Redwood Curtain keeps many

tourists from venturing farther into Northern

California.

11,353

What does “I drew the curtains” mean?

A) I closed or opened the curtains

B) I painted on the curtains

C) I measured the window

D) I removed the curtains

Answer: A) I closed or opened the curtains

Example: I drew the curtains to block out the

bright morning sun.

11,354

What is “Dutch courage”?

A) Courage gained from a pep talk

B) Bravery fueled by alcohol

C) Courage from training

D) False bravery from lying

Answer: B) Bravery fueled by alcohol

Example: He only asked her out after a few drinks;

Dutch courage helped him through it.

11,355

11,356

What does “owl hooting” typically symbolize in

storytelling?

A) Morning joy

B) Bad weather

C) A warning to leave

D) Wisdom or an ominous presence

Answer: D) Wisdom or an ominous presence

Example: As we approached the woods, we heard

an owl hooting; it gave us chills.

11,357

What does “If you always carry an umbrella,

you’ll never need it” imply?

A) Umbrellas attract rain

B) Being prepared often prevents problems

C) You’ll always be dry

D) It’s bad luck to carry an umbrella

Answer: B) Being prepared often prevents

problems

Example: I take my charger everywhere; if you

always carry an umbrella, you’ll never need it.

11,358

What does “talked around in circles” mean?

A) They stood in a circle while talking

B) They had a productive discussion

C) They changed the topic frequently

D) They discussed the issue without making

progress

Answer: D) They discussed the issue without

making progress

Example: We sat for hours, but we just talked

around in circles and didn’t decide anything.

11,359

What does “in the dead of night” mean?

A) Right before sunset

B) Very early in the morning

C) During the quietest and darkest part of the night

D) At noon

Answer: C) During the quietest and darkest

part of the night

Example: The thieves broke in in the dead of night,

unnoticed by anyone.

11,360

What does “I feel unmoored” mean?

A) I’m physically lost

B) I feel emotionally or mentally unsettled and

directionless

C) I’m ready to travel

D) I’m tied to something

Answer: B) I feel emotionally or mentally

unsettled and directionless

Example: After quitting her job, she felt unmoored,

unsure what to do next.

11,361

What does “I have my lawyer on speed dial”

imply?

A) It is a threat to the police that the person will

challenge anything that the police will do.

B) I work at a law firm

C) I don’t know how to use my phone

D) I need medical advice

Answer: A) It is a threat to the police that the

person will challenge anything that the police

will do.

Example: He told the policeman questioning him

about a crime, “He need to be careful about what

you say and do, I have my lawyer on speed dial.”

11,362

What does “set the stage” mean?

A) Prepare the physical stage for a performance

B) Begin singing

C) Create the conditions for something to happen

D) Build a theater

Answer: C) Create the conditions for something

to happen

Example: The new policy set the stage for massive

economic growth.

11,363

What does “It set him for life” mean?

A) It confused him permanently

B) It gave him a permanent job

C) It ruined his career

D) It provided enough wealth or security for the

rest of his life

Answer: D) It provided enough wealth or

security for the rest of his life

Example: That business deal set him for life; he

never had to work again.

11,364

What does “knotty issue” mean?

A) A problem involving rope

B) A simple task

C) A complex or difficult problem

D) A small misunderstanding

Answer: C) A complex or difficult problem

Example: How to balance free speech and public

safety is a knotty issue.

11,365

What does “fudged the data” mean?

A) He misrepresented or altered the data

dishonestly

B) He added more facts

C) He organized the data clearly

D) He deleted everything

Answer: A) He misrepresented or altered the

data dishonestly

Example: The scientist was discredited when it was

found that he fudged the data.

11,366

What does “went into a torpor” mean?

A) Became highly energetic

B) Entered a state of sluggishness or inactivity

C) Went into shock

D) Started training intensely

Answer: B) Entered a state of sluggishness or

inactivity

Example: After the surgery, she went into a torpor

for days, barely moving.

11,367

What does “derring-do” mean?

A) Cowardly behavior

B) Reckless laziness

C) Military discipline

D) Bold or heroic actions

Answer: D) Bold or heroic actions

Example: His derring-do during the rescue earned

him a medal.

11,368

What does “he stepped up” mean in this

context?

A) He increased his speed

B) He took responsibility or leadership

C) He went upstairs

D) He challenged someone

Answer: B) He took responsibility or leadership

Example: When the manager resigned suddenly, he

stepped up and led the team.

11,369

What does “swallow it” mean in this context?

A) Literally eat something

B) Believe or accept something, especially a lie

C) Agree to pay a fine

D) Lose their appetite

Answer: B) Believe or accept something,

especially a lie

Example: The story is too far-fetched; I don’t think

they’ll swallow it.

11,370

What does “looked down his nose at me” mean?

A) He stared at me intensely

B) He was confused

C) He didn’t recognize me

D) He showed contempt or superiority toward me

Answer: D) He showed contempt or superiority

toward me

Example: He looked down his nose at me just

because I didn’t go to college.

11,371

What does “He landed on his feet” mean?

A) He fell awkwardly

B) He recovered well from a bad situation

C) He gave up

D) He won a race

Answer: B) He recovered well from a bad

situation

Example: Even after the company shut down, he

landed on his feet with a new job.

11,372

What does “That did not sit well with him”

mean?

A) He ignored it

B) He agreed with it

C) He was upset or displeased by it

D) He didn’t hear it

Answer: C) He was upset or displeased by it

Example: The promotion going to someone else

did not sit well with him.

11,373

What does “a slave to insomnia” mean?

A) Someone who sleeps too much

B) Someone who avoids rest deliberately

C) Someone who works night shifts

D) Someone who struggles with severe lack of

sleep

Answer: D) Someone who struggles with severe

lack of sleep

Example: I haven’t slept properly in days; I’m a

slave to insomnia.

11,374

What does “taking stock of my life” mean?

A) I’m counting my possessions

B) I’m evaluating my current situation and

decisions

C) I’m shopping for new clothes

D) I’m writing a will

Answer: B) I’m evaluating my current situation

and decisions

Example: After turning 40, I started taking stock of

my life and where I’m headed.

11,375

What does “It will ruffle some feathers” mean?

A) It will be gentle and unnoticed

B) It will entertain the crowd

C) It will upset or annoy people

D) It will be ignored by most

Answer: C) It will upset or annoy people

Example: Introducing that new rule is bound to

ruffle some feathers in the office.

11,376

What does “Hell jumpers” refer to?

A) Professional stunt performers

B) Military paratroopers known for dangerous

missions

C) Firefighters in Alaska

D) Athletes in extreme sports

Answer: B) Military paratroopers known for

dangerous missions

Example: The Hell Jumpers were among the first

to deploy behind enemy lines.

11,377

What does “He was left with his thoughts”

mean?

A) He had no one to talk to and reflected silently

B) He wrote a speech

C) He lost his memory

D) He spoke aloud to a group

Answer: A) He had no one to talk to and

reflected silently

Example: After the argument, he was left with his

thoughts, replaying every word.

11,378

What does the slang term “Eskimo sisters”

mean?

A) Women who grew up in the same community

B) Women who have shared the same romantic or

sexual partner

C) Women who are close friends from childhood

D) Women who dress in a similar way

Answer: B) Women who have shared the same

romantic or sexual partner

Example: When they found out they had both

dated Josh last year, they joked that they were now

Eskimo sisters.

11,379

What does the slang term “Eskimo brothers”

mean?

A) Men who grew up in the Arctic

B) Men who are part of the same fraternity

C) Men who work in cold climates

D) Men who have slept with the same romantic or

sexual partner

Answer: D) Men who have slept with the same

romantic or sexual partner

Example: They laughed awkwardly when they

realized they were Eskimo brothers—both had

dated the same girl in college.

11,380

What does “I served my bit” usually mean?

A) I did a small favor

B) I served in prison or the military for a specific

time

C) I paid my dues at a restaurant

D) I completed my portion of food

Answer: B) I served in prison or the military for

a specific time

Example: He doesn’t talk about the past much, just

says, “I served my bit and moved on.”

11,381

What does it mean if someone is “throwing his

weight around”?

A) Exercising authority in an aggressive or

arrogant way

B) Trying to lose weight

C) Acting clumsily

D) Lifting heavy objects to impress others

Answer: A) Exercising authority in an

aggressive or arrogant way

Example: Since his promotion, he’s been throwing

his weight around like he owns the place.

11,382

What does “I’m just throwing it out there”

mean?

A) I’m removing something

B) I’m offering an idea casually or without

pressure

C) I’m venting frustration

D) I’m asking for help

Answer: B) I’m offering an idea casually or

without pressure

Example: I’m just throwing it out there, but what if

we move the meeting to Friday?

11,383

What does it mean when someone says “he was

a trooper”?

A) He served in the military

B) He obeys orders without question

C) He stayed strong and kept going through

hardship

D) He complained constantly

Answer: C) He stayed strong and kept going

through hardship

Example: Even with the flu, he came to the

wedding and smiled through it; he was a trooper.

11,384

What does it mean if “they get you coming and

going”?

A) You’re charged or penalized no matter what

B) You are being watched at all times

C) You’re welcomed warmly

D) You’re confused about directions

Answer: A) You’re charged or penalized no

matter what

Example: Airlines charge you to check a bag and to

carry one on; they get you coming and going.

11,385

What does “It’s a school night” usually mean

when said to kids or teens?

A) School is closed the next day

B) Homework must be finished

C) A party is happening at school

D) It’s a weekday evening and they should go to

bed early

Answer: D) It’s a weekday evening and they

should go to bed early

Example: You can’t stay out late; it’s a school

night!

11,386

What does “I’ll put you on a brief hold” mean

in customer service?

A) I’ll hang up now

B) Please stay on the line while I pause the call

C) I’ll call you back later

D) I’ll transfer you to another line

Answer: B) Please stay on the line while I pause

the call

Example: Thank you for calling support; I’ll put

you on a brief hold while I check your file.

11,387

What does it mean if “he lost his voice” in a

social or metaphorical context?

A) His opinions are no longer influential

B) He stopped speaking to his friends

C) He chose to remain silent

D) He switched careers

Answer: A) His opinions are no longer

influential

Example: Since the new manager arrived, James

lost his voice in meetings.

11,388

What does it mean if “he lost his voice”

physically?

A) He changed his opinion

B) He became extremely quiet

C) He is literally unable to speak due to illness or

strain

D) He whispered something important

Answer: C) He is literally unable to speak due

to illness or strain

Example: After shouting at the concert all night, he

lost his voice the next day.

11,389

What does “a tale as old as time” mean?

A) A story told in ancient times

B) A boring or overused story

C) A bedtime story

D) A universal or classic story repeated throughout

history

Answer: D) A universal or classic story repeated

throughout history

Example: It’s the usual romance; opposites fall in

love. A tale as old as time.

11,390

What does “Polly wants a cracker” typically

imply in casual speech?

A) A literal request for food

B) Someone is mocking or repeating something

mindlessly

C) Someone is asking politely

D) A child is being demanding

Answer: B) Someone is mocking or repeating

something mindlessly

Example: He kept repeating the same complaint

like Polly wants a cracker; no new points, just

noise.

11,391

What does “instant justice” refer to?

A) A courtroom TV show

B) A fair trial that ends quickly

C) Justice given by a machine

D) Immediate punishment or consequences, often

outside formal systems

Answer: D) Immediate punishment or

consequences, often outside formal systems

Example: The thief tried to snatch a purse, but got

tackled by bystanders; instant justice.

11,392

What does it suggest if “there was iron behind

that smile”?

A) It describes a person who appears gentle, but is

actually tough, strong-willed, and determined

B) The person had dental work

C) The person had strong moral values

D) The person was very shy

Answer: A) It describes a person who appears

gentle, but is actually tough, strong-willed, and

determined

Example: I could tell that my new boss has iron

behind his smile.

11,393

What does it mean when someone says “You’re

the bigger man”?

A) You are physically stronger

B) You won the argument

C) You acted more maturely or showed restraint

D) You are wealthier

Answer: C) You acted more maturely or showed

restraint

Example: He apologized even though it wasn’t his

fault; he’s the bigger man.

11,394

What is “murderabilia”?

A) Memorabilia related to famous horror movies

B) Items collected from murder scenes or

associated with killers

C) Criminal evidence kept by law enforcement

D) Jewelry owned by crime victims

Answer: B) Items collected from murder scenes

or associated with killers

Example: Collectors online were selling

murderabilia like letters written by serial killers.

11,395

What does “Hold the calls” mean?

A) Cancel all meetings

B) Put someone on hold

C) Don’t transfer any phone calls at the moment

D) Make more calls later

Answer: C) Don’t transfer any phone calls at

the moment

Example: Tell my assistant to hold the calls; I need

30 minutes of uninterrupted focus.

11,396

What does “give it a run for the money” mean?

A) Compete closely with something

B) Waste a lot of money

C) Be very expensive

D) Win easily

Answer: A) Compete closely with something

Example: That indie film could give the big studios

a run for their money; it’s that good.

11,397

What does it likely mean if “someone bent

unexpectedly”?

A) They physically collapsed

B) They acted out of character, often morally or

emotionally

C) They changed their schedule

D) They accepted a bribe

Answer: B) They acted out of character, often

morally or emotionally

Example: We thought he’d never cave, but he bent

unexpectedly and backed out of the deal.

11,398

What does “Drum roll, please” imply?

A) A suspenseful or exciting announcement is

coming

B) Someone is about to play music

C) Someone is angry and trying to calm down

D) The show is about to end

Answer: A) A suspenseful or exciting

announcement is coming

Example: Drum roll, please… We hit our sales

goal a week early!

11,399

What does it mean to “spook the investors”?

A) Surprise them with good news

B) Give them too much information

C) Scare them, causing doubt or withdrawal of

support

D) Invite them without notice

Answer: C) Scare them, causing doubt or

withdrawal of support

Example: I didn’t want to spook the investors by

revealing early financial setbacks.

11,400

What does “too hot to handle” mean?

A) It’s physically dangerous

B) It’s extremely popular

C) It’s emotionally overwhelming

D) It’s too difficult or controversial to deal with

Answer: D) It’s too difficult or controversial to

deal with

Example: The scandal became too hot to handle, so

the CEO resigned.

11,401

What does it mean if someone is “on the tail end

of his cold”?

A) They are just starting to get sick

B) Their illness is getting worse

C) They are almost fully recovered

D) They are spreading it to others

Answer: C) They are almost fully recovered

Example: He’s on the tail end of his cold now; just

a lingering cough left.

11,402

What does “SFSG” stand for and mean?

A) Still fighting, staying great; meaning confident

B) So far, so good; meaning everything is going

well up to this point

C) Started fast, slowed gradually; meaning losing

momentum

D) Safe footing, steady ground; meaning secure

progress

Answer: B) So far, so good; meaning everything

is going well up to this point

Example: We just launched the app this morning.

SFSG; the servers haven’t crashed!

11,403

What is a “groundswell of support”?

A) A sudden drop in public approval

B) A grassroots protest

C) A rapidly growing wave of public support

D) A temporary interest from the media

Answer: C) A rapidly growing wave of public

support

Example: The candidate’s message sparked a

groundswell of support across social media.

11,404

What does it mean if “he always has one leg on

flypaper”?

A) It means that someone is constantly in a

difficult or disadvantageous situation

B) He’s clumsy

C) He attracts a lot of attention

D) He’s overly cautious

Answer: A) It means that someone is constantly

in a difficult or disadvantageous situation

Example: No matter how careful he tries to be, he

always has one leg on flypaper and ends up in

trouble.

11,405

What does it mean if someone “doesn’t have a

head for business”?

A) They lack common sense

B) They are dishonest in business

C) They are too busy to focus on business

D) They are not skilled or suited for business

matters

Answer: D) They are not skilled or suited for

business matters

Example: He’s great with people, but he doesn’t

have a head for business; his café keeps losing

money.

11,406

What does “He’s nobody’s fool” mean?

A) He always plays jokes

B) He is hard to deceive or manipulate

C) He doesn’t trust anyone

D) He is very suspicious

Answer: B) He is hard to deceive or manipulate

Example: Don’t try to trick him; he’s nobody’s

fool.

11,407

What does it mean to “shake off the cold”?

A) Remove snow from your clothes

B) Warm up after being outside

C) Recover from illness or fatigue

D) Move to a warmer place

Answer: C) Recover from illness or fatigue

Example: He’s finally shaking off the cold and

getting back to his usual energy.

11,408

What are “empty promises”?

A) Promises that are never meant to be kept

B) Promises that are vague

C) Promises that are unrealistic

D) Promises made without witnesses

Answer: A) Promises that are never meant to be

kept

Example: He won the election on empty promises

he never intended to fulfill.

11,409

What does “outsourcing” mean?

A) Asking customers to do their own service

B) Hiring people outside the company or country

to do work

C) Selling products internationally

D) Borrowing tools from other departments

Answer: B) Hiring people outside the company

or country to do work

Example: The company saved costs by outsourcing

its customer service department to the Philippines.

11,410

What are “idle threats”?

A) Threats made without intent to act on them

B) Threats made while waiting

C) Passive-aggressive warnings

D) Threats that occur during downtime

Answer: A) Threats made without intent to act

on them

Example: She makes a lot of idle threats, but she

never follows through.

11,411

What does “signature supplier” mean?

A) The newest vendor

B) A supplier known for providing something

unique or high quality

C) A company that only supplies to celebrities

D) An unofficial contractor

Answer: B) A supplier known for providing

something unique or high quality

Example: They’re the signature supplier of

gourmet cheeses to top restaurants.

11,412

What does “sing September songs” typically

mean?

A) Reminisce or reflect on aging or the later part of

life

B) Perform fall-themed music

C) Celebrate new beginnings

D) Attend a school reunion

Answer: A) Reminisce or reflect on aging or the

later part of life

Example: Now in his seventies, he spends his

evenings singing September songs with old friends.

11,413

What does it mean to “give a building a

facelift”?

A) Rebuild it from the ground up

B) Add new furniture

C) Renovate or improve its appearance

D) Change its ownership

Answer: C) Renovate or improve its appearance

Example: The old library got a facelift with fresh

paint and modern lighting.

11,414

What does “Can I give you a lift?” usually

mean?

A) Do you need help carrying something?

B) Do you want a compliment?

C) Do you need emotional support?

D) Can I give you a ride in my vehicle?

Answer: D) Can I give you a ride in my vehicle?

Example: It started to rain, so he offered, “Can I

give you a lift to the station?”

11,415

What does it mean when a plan is “rock solid”?

A) It can’t be changed

B) It is well thought-out and reliable

C) It is set in stone

D) It’s dull and boring

Answer: B) It is well thought-out and reliable

Example: We don’t need to worry; the plan is rock

solid.

11,416

What does “pull on that loose thread” mean

metaphorically?

A) Start unraveling a mystery or problem

B) Fix a small problem before it becomes big

C) Finish sewing your clothes

D) Remove distractions

Answer: A) Start unraveling a mystery or

problem

Example: This inconsistency is suspicious;

someone should pull on that loose thread.

11,417

What does “Don’t talk on an open line” warn

about?

A) You might lose signal

B) It’s impolite to interrupt

C) Others might be listening in

D) It’s unsafe to use the phone while driving

Answer: C) Others might be listening in

Example: He whispered, “Don’t talk on an open

line; we don’t know who’s listening.”

11,418

What does “watching the tube” mean?

A) Watching television

B) Observing a scientific experiment

C) Traveling on the subway

D) Watching fish in an aquarium

Answer: A) Watching television

Example: I spent all Saturday on the couch

watching the tube and eating snacks.

11,419

What does “Can you give me a rundown”

mean?

A) Can you drive me somewhere?

B) Can you give me a summary or explanation?

C) Can you prepare a physical report?

D) Can you critique my work?

Answer: B) Can you give me a summary or

explanation?

Example: Before the meeting, she asked, “Can you

give me a quick rundown on the client’s history?”

11,420

What does “death ground” refer to in a

strategic context?

A) A cemetery

B) A place where many people have died

C) A war memorial site

D) A situation where there’s no retreat and one

must fight to survive

Answer: D) A situation where there’s no retreat

and one must fight to survive

Example: Trapped between the mountains and the

enemy, the troops were fighting on death ground.

11,421

In writing, what does “You have a unique voice”

most likely mean?

A) Your grammar is incorrect

B) You write in a confusing way

C) Your writing style is distinctive and personal

D) You use unusual vocabulary

Answer: C) Your writing style is distinctive and

personal

Example: Your essay really stood out; you have a

unique voice that’s refreshing to read.

11,422

What does “You won’t pin this on me” mean?

A) I won’t be held responsible for this

B) You can’t make me wear a pin

C) You can’t make me participate

D) I’m not interested in the prize

Answer: A) I won’t be held responsible for this

Example: Don’t look at me when the boss finds

out; I told you, you won’t pin this on me.

11,423

What does “His business is on life-support”

imply?

A) The business is expanding quickly

B) The business is in critical condition and barely

surviving

C) The business is being funded by hospitals

D) The business is starting strong

Answer: B) The business is in critical condition

and barely surviving

Example: After losing three major clients, his

business was on life-support.

11,424

What does “I managed to skate by” mean?

A) I succeeded with minimal effort

B) I was athletic

C) I avoided responsibility

D) I impressed everyone

Answer: A) I succeeded with minimal effort

Example: I didn’t study much for the final, but I

managed to skate by with a C.

11,425

What does “Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy”

usually mean?

A) The person is very unlucky

B) The person truly deserved the bad outcome

C) A sarcastic way to suggest that someone

deserves the misfortune they've experienced

D) The person is unreliable

Answer: C) A sarcastic way to suggest that

someone deserves the misfortune they've

experienced

Example: When Mark lost his job, everyone said,

“Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy!”

11,426

What does it mean when someone “cheated the

hangman”?

A) Escaped justice or death

B) Tricked the executioner

C) Was pardoned at the last moment

D) Switched identities

Answer: A) Escaped justice or death

Example: After surviving the crash that should

have killed him, people said he’d cheated the

hangman.

11,427

What is meant by “Sorry, I forgot my

manners”?

A) I lost my way

B) I forgot your name

C) I was rude or impolite

D) I made a mistake

Answer: C) I was rude or impolite

Example: Sorry, I forgot my manners; can I get you

something to drink?

11,428

What does “trade one problem for another”

mean?

A) Replace a bad situation with an equally bad one

B) Solve two problems at once

C) Find a better solution

D) Borrow trouble

Answer: A) Replace a bad situation with an

equally bad one

Example: She switched departments thinking it’d

be better, but she just traded one problem for

another.

11,429

What does “If I get a whiff of it” most likely

mean?

A) If I catch a small scent

B) If I see something or hear of something

C) If I hear it from someone

D) If I become angry

Answer: B) If I see something or hear of

something

Example: If I get a whiff of any dishonesty, the

deal is off.

11,430

What does “mind your side of the street” mean?

A) Don’t interfere with my business and life

B) Keep your property clean

C) Obey traffic laws

D) Avoid strangers

Answer: A) Don’t interfere with my business

and life

Example: I strongly suggest that you mind your

side of the street and don’t ask anymore questions.

11,431

What does “with one accord” mean?

A) In a noisy fashion

B) By coincidence

C) All in agreement or unity

D) Under pressure

Answer: C) All in agreement or unity

Example: The team rose with one accord to

applaud their captain’s speech.

11,432

What is typically meant by the insult “old hag”?

A) A wise older woman

B) A cheerful grandmother

C) A mystical or magical woman

D) An unattractive or unpleasant older woman

Answer: D) An unattractive or unpleasant older

woman

Example: She stormed off, yelling that the cashier

had treated her like some old hag.

11,433

What does “Everything is starting to come

together” mean?

A) Things are beginning to fall apart

B) Progress is being made and plans are working

C) Everyone is arriving at once

D) Chaos is starting

Answer: B) Progress is being made and plans

are working

Example: After months of planning and stress,

everything is finally starting to come together for

the event.

11,434

What does “He’s a lush” mean?

A) He’s very attractive

B) He enjoys nature

C) He drinks alcohol excessively

D) He’s a generous person

Answer: C) He drinks alcohol excessively

Example: He used to be charming, but after losing

his job, he became a bit of a lush.

11,435

What does the phrase “US of A” represent?

A) A nickname for a sports team

B) A sarcastic or patriotic way to refer to the

United States of America

C) A military term

D) An old political slogan

Answer: B) A sarcastic or patriotic way to refer

to the United States of America

Example: He waved his flag proudly, shouting,

“Only in the good ol’ US of A!”

11,436

What does “packs a lot of muscle” mean?

A) He carries heavy objects

B) He is physically strong and muscular

C) He is aggressive in business

D) He is a member of the military

Answer: B) He is physically strong and

muscular

Example: Don’t mess with him; he packs a lot of

muscle.

11,437

What does “the fair hair boy” imply?

A) He is a person with blonde hair

B) He is an innocent or naïve person

C) He is the favored or most praised individual

D) He is the youngest in a group

Answer: C) He is the favored or most praised

individual

Example: Back then, he was the fair hair boy of the

company; everyone expected him to make it big.

11,438

What does the phrase “Would you mind

terribly?” express?

A) Anger or frustration

B) A strong refusal

C) A sarcastic comment

D) A very polite or formal request

Answer: D) A very polite or formal request

Example: Would you mind terribly if I opened the

window? It’s quite stuffy in here.

11,439

In sports or games, what does the phrase “This

is the first rubber” refer to?

A) The first of a series of matches

B) The warm-up game

C) A casual or practice round

D) A sudden-death game

Answer: A) The first of a series of matches

Example: This is the first rubber in a best-of-three

set, so they’ve got a long way to go.

11,440

What does it mean when someone says “I’m

here in my private capacity”?

A) They are attending as a guest speaker

B) They are representing an organization

C) They are attending personally, not officially

D) They are undercover

Answer: C) They are attending personally, not

officially

Example: Even though he’s a judge, he made it

clear he was there in his private capacity, not to

speak on behalf of the court.

11,441

What does “bad blood between them” mean?

A) They are not biologically related

B) They have health issues in common

C) There is lingering hostility or resentment

D) They are rivals in a sports competition

Answer: C) There is lingering hostility or

resentment

Example: Ever since the lawsuit, there’s been bad

blood between the two families.

11,442

What does the phrase “He has a few pages glued

together” most likely mean?

A) He is not very smart or is a little slow

B) He is missing important information

C) He is very private about his reading habits

D) He hides embarrassing secrets

Answer: A) He is not very smart or is a little

slow

Example: He means well, but let’s be honest; he’s

got a few pages glued together.

11,443

What does the term “dead name” refer to?

A) A name used in criminal records

B) A nickname given posthumously

C) A name used for someone who faked their death

D) The birth name that a person no longer uses

after they transitioned to another gender

Answer: D) The birth name that a person no

longer uses after they transitioned to another

gender

Example: Please don’t use her dead name; she goes

by Alyssa now.

11,444

What does the expression “She is hounding

him” mean?

A) She is training him to obey commands

B) She is helping him stay focused

C) She is protecting him from danger

D) She is persistently pursuing or nagging him

Answer: D) She is persistently pursuing or

nagging him

Example: She’s been hounding him for weeks to

fix the leaky sink, but he keeps putting it off.

11,445

What does the slang phrase “Flex on me” most

likely mean?

A) To intimidate someone with physical strength

B) To show off or boast in front of someone

C) To physically threaten someone

D) To challenge someone to a competition

Answer: B) To show off or boast in front of

someone

Example: He pulled up in a brand-new sports car

just to flex on me after my old truck broke down.

11,446

What is the most likely meaning of the phrase

“Eskimo women” when used colloquially or

metaphorically?

A) Women who live in very cold regions

B) Women who are known for wearing thick

clothing

C) Women who are resilient, resourceful, or able to

endure harsh conditions

D) Women who speak an indigenous language

Answer: C) Women who are resilient,

resourceful, or able to endure harsh conditions

Example: The mountain guides were like Eskimo

women; tough, quiet, and perfectly suited for the

brutal winter expedition.

11,447

What does the idiom “The shoemaker’s

children go barefoot” most closely mean?

A) Experts often neglect to apply their skills to

themselves or their own families.

B) People who make things often spoil their own

work.

C) Poor people often have the best taste.

D) Children of professionals often inherit their

talents.

Answer: A) Experts often neglect to apply their

skills to themselves or their own families.

Example: Despite being a top mechanic, John’s

own car was always breaking down; just a classic

case of the shoemaker’s children going barefoot.

11,448

What does “tight with his brass” mean in slang?

A) Has strong muscles

B) Has loyal friends

C) Doesn’t spend money easily

D) Collects coins

Answer: C) Doesn’t spend money easily

Example: He’s tight with his brass; never leaves a

tip!

11,449

What does “It’s nothing personal” mean?

A) I’m complimenting you

B) I’m apologizing for a deep insult

C) I’m giving you advice

D) I’m acting based on professional reasons, not

emotions

Answer: D) I’m acting based on professional

reasons, not emotions

Example: I had to cut your hours; it’s nothing

personal, just budget cuts.

11,450

What does “It’s just a job” typically imply?

A) It’s your passion

B) It’s deeply fulfilling

C) It’s only a source of income, not a calling

D) It’s a life-long commitment

Answer: C) It’s only a source of income, not a

calling

Example: I don’t get emotionally attached; it’s just

a job.

11,451

What does “throw you out on your ear” mean?

A) Give you a raise

B) Evict or fire someone abruptly

C) Offer you a new job

D) Whisper a secret

Answer: B) Evict or fire someone abruptly

Example: One more mistake like that and I’ll

throw you out on your ear!

11,452

What does “sewed some wild oats” mean?

A) Made youthful mistakes or lived recklessly

when younger

B) Started farming

C) Got a tattoo

D) Made a safe investment

Answer: A) Made youthful mistakes or lived

recklessly when younger

Example: In his twenties, he sewed some wild oats

before settling down.

11,453

What does “The more you learn, the less you

know” mean?

A) Learning makes you forget

B) Education is useless

C) You should avoid overthinking

D) Learning reveals how much more there is to

understand

Answer: D) Learning reveals how much more

there is to understand

Example: After diving into philosophy, I finally

understood the phrase: the more you learn, the less

you know.

11,454

What does it mean to put it down to experience?

A) Forget about it

B) Celebrate it

C) Accept a mistake or failure as a learning

experience

D) Retire

Answer: C) Accept a mistake or failure as a

learning experience

Example: The trip was a disaster, but I’ll just put it

down to experience.

11,455

What does “Times stand still for no one” imply?

A) Luck is pure chance

B) Some people are just born lucky

C) Opportunity only comes once

D) Success comes from readiness and seizing

moments

Answer: D) Success comes from readiness and

seizing moments

Example: She practiced for months, and when the

job opened up, she nailed it; luck happens when

preparation meets opportunity.

11,456

What does “he stopped and took a breath”

imply?

A) He started to run

B) He got tired

C) He paused to reflect, calm down, or collect

himself

D) He held his breath

Answer: C) He paused to reflect, calm down, or

collect himself

Example: Before responding, he stopped and took

a breath.

11,457

What does the phrase “Listening is not waiting

for your turn to speak” suggest?

A) True listening requires attention, not

interruption

B) Speaking is more important than listening

C) You should interrupt often

D) Conversations are pointless

Answer: A) True listening requires attention,

not interruption

Example: In debates, remember; listening is not

just waiting for your turn to speak.

11,458

What does “sleeping around” mean?

A) Taking naps frequently

B) Being homeless

C) Having casual sexual relationships with

multiple partners

D) Staying over with friends

Answer: C) Having casual sexual relationships

with multiple partners

Example: The tabloids accused him of sleeping

around during the campaign.

11,459

What does it mean when a reporter is looking

for a scoop?

A) Ice cream

B) A breaking or exclusive story

C) A rumor

D) A notebook

Answer: B) A breaking or exclusive story

Example: The journalist was eager to get the first

scoop on the mayor’s resignation.

11,460

What does “time stands still for no one” mean?

A) Time moves backward

B) Time slows down

C) Everyone can pause life

D) Life keeps moving, regardless of your situation

Answer: D) Life keeps moving, regardless of

your situation

Example: You can’t live in the past; time stands

still for no one.

11,461

What does it mean to whet your appetite?

A) Lose your appetite

B) Sharpen a knife

C) Stimulate desire or interest

D) Go without food

Answer: C) Stimulate desire or interest

Example: That short preview really whet my

appetite for the full movie.

11,462

What does Monday morning sickness refer to

informally?

A) Actual illness

B) Anxiety about returning to work or routine after

the weekend

C) An excuse to skip school

D) Hangover from Sunday

Answer: B) Anxiety about returning to work or

routine after the weekend

Example: He always drags his feet on Mondays;

classic case of Monday morning sickness.

11,463

What does morning sickness typically refer to?

A) A cold

B) A mental fog

C) A fear of mornings

D) Nausea during early pregnancy

Answer: D) Nausea during early pregnancy

Example: She stayed home from work because her

morning sickness was intense today.

11,464

What is a thought experiment?

A) A mental trick

B) A scientific study

C) A hypothetical scenario used to explore ideas

D) A guessing game

Answer: C) A hypothetical scenario used to

explore ideas

Example: Schrödinger’s cat is a famous thought

experiment in quantum physics.

11,465

What does the proverb “He who spares the

wolf, sacrifices the sheep” mean?

A) Mercy leads to peace

B) Being kind can sometimes cause harm to the

innocent

C) Sheep and wolves live in harmony

D) Shepherds should love animals

Answer: B) Being kind can sometimes cause

harm to the innocent

Example: You can’t let the bully off again; he who

spares the wolf, sacrifices the sheep.

11,466

What does the acronym TBDL typically stand

for?

A) To Be Delivered Later

B) Totally Broke, Don’t Laugh

C) To Be Determined Later

D) To Be Done Lightly

Answer: C) To Be Determined Later

Example: The meeting location is TBDL; we’ll

confirm it by Friday.

11,467

What does “not a tool in your wheelhouse”

mean?

A) That skill is not in your area of expertise

B) You’ve lost something

C) You have too many tools

D) It’s too heavy

Answer: A) That skill is not in your area of

expertise

Example: Public speaking? That’s not a tool in his

wheelhouse.

11,468

What does “it’ll pass everything but a gas

station” mean?

A) The car is broken

B) The car is very fast but consumes too much fuel

C) The car is very efficient

D) The car is very old

Answer: B) The car is very fast but consumes

too much fuel

Example: That sports car is so fast; it’ll pass

everything but a gas station.

11,469

What does “he doesn’t have the gas tank for

that” imply?

A) He lacks the stamina or endurance

B) He doesn’t drive

C) He’s not smart enough

D) He doesn’t want to go

Answer: A) He lacks the stamina or endurance

Example: He’s trying to run a marathon, but he

doesn’t have the gas tank for that.

11,470

What does “cheap fake” mean?

A) A great deal

B) An obvious imitation of low quality

C) A lost object

D) A small lie

Answer: B) An obvious imitation of low quality

Example: That watch is a cheap fake; it doesn’t

even tick properly.

11,471

What does “the car is revving” mean?

A) It’s slowing down

B) It’s about to explode

C) The engine is running fast while idle

D) The brakes are failing

Answer: C) The engine is running fast while idle

Example: He sat in the driveway with the car

revving loudly.

11,472

What does it mean to “break it to him gently”?

A) Surprise someone

B) Hit someone

C) Sing a song

D) Deliver bad news kindly

Answer: D) Deliver bad news kindly

Example: He failed the test, so I tried to break it to

him gently.

11,473

What does “been sacked” mean?

A) Got a promotion

B) Took a break

C) Got fired from a job

D) Got robbed

Answer: C) Got fired from a job

Example: He’s been sacked for showing up drunk

at work.

11,474

What does it mean if someone is “a bit batty”?

A) Athletic

B) Confused or slightly crazy

C) Extremely smart

D) Very tired

Answer: B) Confused or slightly crazy

Example: He’s a bit batty, but harmless.

11,475

What does “we’re in the ninth inning” imply

metaphorically?

A) We are in the final stage

B) We just started

C) We are at halftime

D) We are at a turning point

Answer: A) We are in the final stage

Example: Let’s wrap this up; we’re in the ninth

inning now.

11,476

What is a “pen pal”?

A) A person you share pens with

B) A friend you communicate with by writing

letters

C) A pen-shaped toy

D) A social media follower

Answer: B) A friend you communicate with by

writing letters

Example: My pen pal from France and I have been

writing for five years.

11,477

What does “shouted down at him” mean?

A) He was praised loudly

B) He was silenced by others shouting

C) He shouted from above

D) He ran away

Answer: B) He was silenced by others shouting

Example: Every time he tried to explain, the crowd

shouted him down.

11,478

What is a common use of “Beg your pardon”?

A) Express confusion or offense

B) Declare victory

C) Say goodbye

D) Complain

Answer: A) Express confusion or offense

Example: Beg your pardon? Did you just call my

sister ugly?

11,479

What does “Some people need to be saved from

themselves” mean?

A) People are naturally good

B) Some people are self-destructive

C) People need to be alone

D) Everyone can handle themselves

Answer: B) Some people are self-destructive

Example: He keeps gambling even though he’s

broke; some people need to be saved from

themselves.

11,480

What is usually meant by “I need to borrow

you”?

A) I need your money

B) I need to take your stuff

C) I need a moment of your help or time

D) I want to leave with you

Answer: C) I need a moment of your help or

time

Example: Can I borrow you for a second to lift this

box?

11,481

What does the phrase “Cut the grass and the

snakes will run out” mean metaphorically?

A) Lawn care is important

B) Exposing truth will reveal hidden enemies

C) Nature always finds a way

D) Snakes live in short grass

Answer: B) Exposing truth will reveal hidden

enemies

Example: As soon as we audited the finances, we

saw who the real problem was; cut the grass and

the snakes will run out.

11,482

What is a “poison pen story”?

A) A story written with malice or criticism

B) A love letter

C) A crime novel

D) A medical mystery

Answer: A) A story written with malice or

criticism

Example: That article was nothing more than a

poison pen story attacking the mayor.

11,483

What does it mean to be “bamboozled”?

A) Excited

B) Tricked or confused

C) Entertained

D) Relaxed

Answer: B) Tricked or confused

Example: I got totally bamboozled by that fake

investment scheme.

11,484

What does the golf idiom “in the leather” refer

to?

A) A shot hit from the rough

B) A ball that lands in a sand trap

C) A putt so close to the hole that it's considered

good and doesn’t need to be putted

D) A drive that exceeds 300 yards

Answer: C) A putt so close to the hole that it's

considered good and doesn’t need to be putted

Example sentence: His ball stopped just in the

leather, so we gave him the putt and moved on to

the next hole.

11,485

What does it mean when someone “pokes his

nose where it doesn’t belong”?

A) They’re searching for a lost item

B) They’re being nosy or interfering

C) They’re hiding

D) They’re curious in a healthy way

Answer: B) They’re being nosey or interfering

Example: He’s always poking his nose where it

doesn’t belong; just let us handle it!

11,486

What does “nightcap” typically refer to?

A) A sleeping hat

B) A late-night snack

C) A final alcoholic drink before bed

D) A lullaby

Answer: C) A final alcoholic drink before bed

Example: After dinner, they shared a quiet nightcap

by the fireplace.

11,487

What does “Give me a minute, please” usually

mean?

A) You’re asking for a short amount of time

B) You need more money

C) You’re telling someone to go away

D) You want to cancel something

Answer: A) You’re asking for a short amount of

time

Example: Give me a minute, please; I just need to

finish this email.

11,488

What is a threshold event?

A) A minor issue

B) A transition or turning point with significant

consequences

C) A door-related incident

D) A physical obstacle

Answer: B) A transition or turning point with

significant consequences

Example: The collapse of the housing market was

a threshold event for the economy.

11,489

What does “ipso facto” mean?

A) By definition or by that very fact (Laton)

B) Because I said so

C) At random

D) In a fake way

Answer: A) By definition or by that very fact

(Laton)

Example: He is the CEO and, ipso facto,

responsible for the company’s direction.

11,490

What is a “field office”?

A) A farm shed

B) A mobile kitchen

C) A remote office location used for operations

outside headquarters

D) A political rally

Answer: C) A remote office location used for

operations outside headquarters

Example: The FBI opened a field office closer to

the investigation site.

11,491

What does it mean when someone “makes

themselves scarce”?

A) Becomes more available

B) Leaves quietly or quickly to avoid something

C) Joins a crowd

D) Speaks loudly

Answer: B) Leaves quietly or quickly to avoid

something

Example: When things got tense, he made himself

scarce.

11,492

What does “ballsy” mean?

A) Elegant

B) Foolish

C) Very brave or daring

D) Confusing

Answer: C) Very brave or daring

Example: Quitting her job to start a business was

ballsy; but it paid off.

11,493

What does “He made himself scarce” imply?

A) Something is spoiled

B) Actions or ideas have dark or harmful results

C) A plant is diseased

D) A person is angry

Answer: B) Actions or ideas have dark or

harmful results

Example: That ideology may seem noble, but its

fruit is black and bitter.

11,494

What does it mean to “put 2 and 2 together”?

A) Do math homework

B) Make a guess

C) Draw a logical conclusion from the facts

D) Build something

Answer: C) Draw a logical conclusion from the

facts

Example: When I saw her car at his house, I put 2

and 2 together.

11,495

What does “a lot of hooey” mean?

A) Something intelligent

B) Nonsense or lies

C) Breaking news

D) Serious advice

Answer: B) Nonsense or lies

Example: His excuse was a lot of hooey; no one

believed it.

11,496

What does “queer business” mean in old-

fashioned usage?

A) LGBTQ+ rights

B) A fashion trend

C) A type of shop

D) A strange or suspicious situation

Answer: D) A strange or suspicious situation

Example: That was a queer business with the

missing files.

11,497

What does it mean when two people are

described as “very thick”?

A) Not intelligent

B) Inseparable and close friends

C) Always arguing

D) Confusing

Answer: B) Inseparable and close friends

Example: You never see one without the other;

they’re very thick.

11,498

What does “thick as thieves” mean?

A) Extremely close or friendly

B) Always getting into trouble

C) Not very smart

D) Dishonest people

Answer: A) Extremely close or friendly

Example: Those two are thick as thieves; always

together and whispering.

11,499

What does “old sins cast long shadows” mean?

A) Shadows get longer at night

B) Past wrongdoings can have lasting

consequences

C) Bad people never sleep

D) Memories fade quickly

Answer: B) Past wrongdoings can have lasting

consequences

Example: His scandal from years ago resurfaced;

old sins cast long shadows.

11,500

What does “ghastly” mean in this context?

A) Beautiful

B) Delightful

C) Horrible or very unpleasant

D) Funny

Answer: C) Horrible or very unpleasant

Example: She refused to wear that ghastly thing to

the party.

11,501

What is a “snapdragon” in slang or figurative

use?

A) A dragon with quick movements

B) A rare animal

C) A piece of jewelry

D) A quick-tempered or feisty person

Answer: D) A quick-tempered or feisty person

Example: Don’t mess with her; she’s a real

snapdragon when provoked.

11,502

What does “beastly” mean in this context?

A) Kind

B) Wild or cruel

C) Funny

D) Gentle

Answer: B) Wild or cruel

Example: “You’re all so beastly,” she snapped after

being mocked.

11,503

What does “knocked on his noggin” imply?

A) Hit someone’s head

B) Lightly tapped on a door

C) Told a joke

D) Whispered a secret

Answer: A) Hit someone’s head

Example: He tripped and knocked his noggin on

the table.

11,504

What does “created a firestorm” mean?

A) Started a bonfire

B) Triggered intense controversy or outrage

C) Launched a campaign

D) Caused a literal fire

Answer: B) Triggered intense controversy or

outrage

Example: The senator’s comment created a

firestorm on social media.

11,505

What does it mean if someone “doesn’t have a

nickel to their name”?

A) They collect old coins

B) They are wealthy

C) They are completely broke

D) They have only one coin

Answer: C) They are completely broke

Example: After the eviction, they didn’t have a

nickel to their name.

11,506

What does “cold fish” mean?

A) A person who enjoys seafood

B) Someone who is emotionally distant or

unresponsive

C) A shy person

D) Someone who is easily startled

Answer: B) Someone who is emotionally distant

or unresponsive

Example: She barely reacted to the news; she’s

such a cold fish.

11,507

What is binge drinking?

A) Drinking coffee repeatedly

B) Drinking only water

C) Drinking over a long, moderate period

D) Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol in a

short period

Answer: D) Drinking excessive amounts of

alcohol in a short period

Example: College campuses are trying to curb

binge drinking among students.

11,508

What does it mean to “go on a binge”?

A) Go for a walk

B) Indulge excessively in an activity, especially

eating or drinking

C) Fast for several days

D) Start a new habit

Answer: B) Indulge excessively in an activity,

especially eating or drinking

Example: After the breakup, she went on a binge

and ate three tubs of ice cream.

11,509

What does “he’s a washout” mean?

A) He failed or was unsuccessful

B) He loves swimming

C) He’s very clean

D) He changed careers

Answer: A) He failed or was unsuccessful

Example: He tried to make it in pro sports but

turned out to be a washout.

11,510

What does “has-been” mean?

A) Someone about to succeed

B) Someone who was once successful but no

longer is

C) A newcomer

D) A dependable person

Answer: B) Someone who was once successful

but no longer is

Example: Critics say the actor is a has-been living

off past fame.

11,511

What does “roly poly” typically describe?

A) A round or chubby person or child

B) A flexible athlete

C) A toy

D) A dancer

Answer: A) A round or chubby person or child

Example: The toddler waddled across the room, all

roly poly and smiling.

11,512

What does “we are in this thing together”

express?

A) Shared blame

B) Shared responsibility and mutual support

C) A legal contract

D) A competition

Answer: B) Shared responsibility and mutual

support

Example: No matter how tough it gets, we’re in

this thing together.

11,513

What does “a crock of baloney” mean?

A) A tasty meal

B) A confusing idea

C) A broken plan

D) Complete nonsense

Answer: D) Complete nonsense

Example: That excuse is a crock of baloney and

you know it.

11,514

What does “out like a light” mean?

A) Turning off electricity

B) Leaving quickly

C) Falling asleep or unconscious instantly

D) Losing power

Answer: C) Falling asleep or unconscious

instantly

Example: After the long flight, he was out like a

light.

11,515

In a social or flirtatious context, what does “you

were delicious” imply?

A) You cooked well

B) You were attractive or enjoyable to be with

C) You ate too much

D) You smelled good

Answer: B) You were attractive or enjoyable to

be with

Example: She smiled and said, “Dinner was lovely;

you were delicious.”

11,516

What does “he came unglued” mean?

A) He fell apart physically

B) He quit his job

C) He got confused

D) He lost emotional control

Answer: D) He lost emotional control

Example: When the deal fell through, he came

unglued.

11,517

What is gerrymandering?

A) Voter registration

B) Manipulating election district boundaries to

gain advantage

C) Campaign fundraising

D) Polling voters

Answer: B) Manipulating election district

boundaries to gain advantage

Example: The court ruled the map unconstitutional

due to gerrymandering.

11,518

What does “a change of pace” mean?

A) Running faster

B) Doing something different from the usual

routine

C) Switching careers

D) Slowing down permanently

Answer: B) Doing something different from the

usual routine

Example: Working from home was a nice change

of pace.

11,519

What does “sheets of rain” describe?

A) Light drizzle

B) Snowfall

C) Very heavy rain

D) Humidity

Answer: C) Very heavy rain

Example: They drove carefully through sheets of

rain on the highway.

11,520

What does it mean when something becomes a

mouthpiece for a group?

A) It promotes or speaks on behalf of that group

B) It stops publishing

C) It becomes neutral

D) It becomes entertainment

Answer: A) It promotes or speaks on behalf of

that group

Example: The outlet became a mouthpiece for

corporate interests.

11,521

What is a blistering critique?

A) A mild review

B) A confusing analysis

C) A harsh and strongly worded criticism

D) A technical report

Answer: C) A harsh and strongly worded

criticism

Example: The novel received a blistering critique

from major reviewers.

11,522

What is steampunk?

A) A sport

B) A fashion and literary genre blending Victorian

style and futuristic technology

C) A cooking method

D) A musical instrument

Answer: B) A fashion and literary genre

blending Victorian style and futuristic

technology

Example: Her outfit featured goggles and brass

gears in classic steampunk style.

11,523

What is the incel community?

A) A fitness group

B) A political party

C) An online subculture of self-described

involuntary celibates

D) A therapy network

Answer: C) An online subculture of self-

described involuntary celibates

Example: Some online platforms have moderated

content linked to the incel community.

11,524

What does black pill usually imply?

A) Becoming politically active

B) Taking medication

C) Joining a protest

D) Adopting a deeply pessimistic or nihilistic

worldview

Answer: D) Adopting a deeply pessimistic or

nihilistic worldview

Example: After years of rejection, he became black

pill about dating.

11,525

What does BDSM refer to?

A) A music genre

B) A form of martial arts

C) A set of consensual practices involving

dominance, submission, or control

D) A medical therapy

Answer: C) A set of consensual practices

involving dominance, submission, or control

Example: Clear communication and consent are

essential in BDSM relationships.

11,526

In online slang, who are paypigs?

A) Investors

B) Online shoppers

C) Financial advisors

D) People who give money to a dominant person

for gratification

Answer: D) People who give money to a

dominant person for gratification

Example: Some creators rely on paypigs as part of

their income model.

11,527

What does findom stand for?

A) Financial domain

B) Final dominance

C) Financial domination

D) Finder’s economy

Answer: C) Financial domination

Example: Findom involves a consensual power

dynamic centered on money.

11,528

What is a cam girl?

A) A camera technician

B) A woman who performs live online via

webcam, often for adult audiences

C) A fashion model

D) A video editor

Answer: B) A woman who performs live online

via webcam, often for adult audiences

Example: She earns money as a cam girl by

streaming live shows online.

11,529

What does “catfishing” mean in internet slang?

A) Pretending to be someone else online to deceive

B) Fishing for catfish

C) Searching social media

D) Posting photos of pets

Answer: A) Pretending to be someone else

online to deceive

Example: He thought he found true love, but he

was being catfished.

11,530

What are “tan lines”?

A) Fashion designs

B) Marks on the skin from uneven sun exposure

C) Road stripes

D) Age spots

Answer: B) Marks on the skin from uneven sun

exposure

Example: She had clear tan lines from her

sunglasses.

11,531

What does “the great ones play hard” imply?

A) You should always rest

B) Winners fake injuries

C) True professionals keep going even when it’s

hard

D) Only athletes get injured

Answer: C) True professionals keep going even

when it’s hard

Example: He didn’t complain despite the injury;

the great ones play hard.

11,532

What does “keep your head on a swivel” mean?

A) Be very alert and aware of surroundings

B) Look stylish

C) Avoid eye contact

D) Stay relaxed

Answer: A) Be very alert and aware of

surroundings

Example: This neighborhood can be rough; keep

your head on a swivel.

11,533

What is “mission creep”?

A) Someone sneaking into a meeting

B) Gradual expansion of a project beyond original

goals

C) A secret mission

D) A military deserter

Answer: B) Gradual expansion of a project

beyond original goals

Example: What started as a training program

turned into mission creep when they added

marketing, too.

11,534

What does it mean to “croak” in slang?

A) Speak loudly

B) Eat too much

C) Laugh hard

D) Die

Answer: D) Die

Example: After that fall, I thought he was going to

croak.

11,535

What does “not clear cut” mean?

A) Obvious

B) Simple and easy

C) Complicated or ambiguous

D) Already solved

Answer: C) Complicated or ambiguous

Example: The issue of who’s at fault is not clear

cut.

11,536

What does it mean when someone says, “state

your business”?

A) Say your company’s name

B) Explain your reason for being here

C) Register your license

D) Ask for a loan

Answer: B) Explain your reason for being here

Example: The guard stopped me and said, “State

your business.”

11,537

What does “Mr. Mayhem” represent in outlaw

biker culture?

A) A peaceful leader

B) A mascot

C) A person who brings chaos or violence

D) The gang’s treasurer

Answer: C) A person who brings chaos or

violence

Example: You don’t want to mess with Mr.

Mayhem; he’s the guy they send in to make a

point.

11,538

Who does the “intel community” refer to?

A) Academics

B) Intelligence and security agencies

C) IT specialists

D) Social media influencers

Answer: B) Intelligence and security agencies

Example: The intel community raised alarms about

foreign threats.

11,539

What does “testing the waters” mean?

A) Assessing a situation before fully committing

B) Checking for fish

C) Going swimming

D) Water quality testing

Answer: A) Assessing a situation before fully

committing

Example: Before launching the product, they tested

the waters with a small focus group.

11,540

What does it mean when someone is “waved

off”?

A) Welcomed

B) Ignored

C) Sent away with a wave or gesture

D) Blocked physically

Answer: C) Sent away with a wave or gesture

Example: He boarded the train as his parents

waved him off from the platform.

11,541

In slang, what does “what a dish” mean?

A) Someone who is very attractive

B) Someone who cooks well

C) A messy person

D) A food critic

Answer: A) Someone who is very attractive

Example: She walked into the party and everyone

whispered, “What a dish!”

11,542

What does “blow-in” mean in informal

British/Irish English?

A) A police officer

B) An outsider or newcomer

C) A weatherman

D) A troublemaker

Answer: B) An outsider or newcomer

Example: I just moved here last month; still a

blow-in really.

11,543

What does it mean to “pop around”?

A) Visit briefly or informally

B) Move houses

C) Leave a package

D) Send an email

Answer: A) Visit briefly or informally

Example: You should pop around tomorrow for a

cup of tea.

11,544

What does it mean when a claim “doesn’t hold

water”?

A) It is physically leaky

B) It’s outdated

C) It isn’t logically sound or believable

D) It’s very solid

Answer: C) It isn’t logically sound or believable

Example: His excuse doesn’t hold water; we have

video proof.

11,545

What does the exclamation “hells bells” usually

express?

A) Calmness

B) Surprise or frustration

C) Agreement

D) Hunger

Answer: B) Surprise or frustration

Example: Hells bells! I forgot my keys again.

11,546

What does “outfoxed” mean?

A) Got bitten by a fox

B) Became confused

C) Won a debate

D) Outsmarted or tricked

Answer: D) Outsmarted or tricked

Example: She outfoxed him during negotiations

and got the better deal.

11,547

What does “a little this and that” refer to?

A) A cooking recipe

B) A full-time project

C) A legal term

D) A vague mix of tasks or items

Answer: D) A vague mix of tasks or items

Example: I spent my Saturday doing a little this

and that around the house.

11,548

What are “odd jobs”?

A) Legal investigations

B) Random small tasks or short-term work

C) Strange experiments

D) Full-time jobs

Answer: B) Random small tasks or short-term

work

Example: He earns money by doing odd jobs

around the neighborhood.

11,549

What does “run me ragged” mean?

A) Exhaust someone completely

B) Dress poorly

C) Wash clothes quickly

D) Drive someone around

Answer: A) Exhaust someone completely

Example: These deadlines are running me ragged.

11,550

What does it mean to say someone is a “real

drip”?

A) Stylish

B) Boring or dull

C) Energetic

D) Funny

Answer: B) Boring or dull

Example: She broke up with him; he’s a real drip

at parties.

11,551

What can “Let me have it” mean in an

emotional or confrontational context?

A) Hit me with your honest criticism or attack

B) Give something gently

C) Hand me a gift

D) Tell me a joke

Answer: A) Hit me with your honest criticism or

attack

Example: If you think I was wrong, go ahead; let

me have it.

11,552

What does “try the patience of a saint” mean?

A) Someone is very kind

B) Someone is very annoying or difficult

C) Someone is spiritual

D) Someone is testing religious faith

Answer: B) Someone is very annoying or

difficult

Example: His constant complaining would try the

patience of a saint.

11,553

What does “plastered all over” mean?

A) Carefully placed

B) Hidden

C) Spread everywhere or prominently displayed

D) Sent privately

Answer: C) Spread everywhere or prominently

displayed

Example: The scandal was plastered all over the

tabloids.

11,554

What does “I can find my own way out” usually

imply?

A) The person is confident navigating

B) The person needs help

C) The person wants to stay

D) It is a way of emphasizing that you are finished

with your current conversation

Answer: A) It is a way of emphasizing that you

are finished with your current conversation

Example: Thanks for your time; I can find my own

way out.

11,555

If someone says “Oh, you’re a class act”

sarcastically, what do they mean?

A) You’re very classy

B) You behaved badly or rudely

C) You’re famous

D) You’re a teacher

Answer: B) You behaved badly or rudely

Example: After you left the mess behind, oh,

you’re a real class act.

11,556

What does it mean to have “the patience of a

saint”?

A) Impulsive behavior

B) Extremely calm and tolerant behavior

C) Religious beliefs

D) A short temper

Answer: B) Extremely calm and tolerant

behavior

Example: He has the patience of a saint dealing

with those toddlers all day.

11,557

What does someone most likely mean when they

say “Not so fast” in a skeptical tone?

A) Hurry up and explain yourself

B) Stop; something doesn’t add up or needs to be

questioned

C) Let’s move to the next topic

D) I’m ready to agree with you

Answer: B) Stop; something doesn’t add up or

needs to be questioned

Example: When I told my boss the data justified

the unusual course of action, he raised an eyebrow

and said, “Not so fast; show me the data.”

11,558

What does “I know jolly well” imply?

A) Confusion

B) Sarcastic uncertainty

C) Confidence or certainty in what one knows

D) Forgetfulness

Answer: C) Confidence or certainty in what one

knows

Example: I know jolly well he didn’t call the police

like he said.

11,559

What does it mean when someone says “shove

off”?

A) Step aside gently

B) Go away (rude)

C) Push someone

D) Start jogging

Answer: B) Go away (rude)

Example: Shove off; I don’t have time for this right

now.

11,560

What does “gentleman of leisure” suggest?

A) Someone who’s relaxed on weekends

B) Someone with no job who doesn’t need to work

C) A tourist

D) A writer

Answer: B) Someone with no job who doesn’t

need to work

Example: Ever since he inherited that estate, he’s

been a gentleman of leisure.

11,561

What does “lost my rag” mean (UK slang)?

A) Lost my towel

B) Forgot something

C) Got very angry

D) Laughed hard

Answer: C) Got very angry

Example: I lost my rag when he crashed my car.

11,562

What does “peaches and cream” mean in this

context?

A) Smooth and pleasant situation

B) A dessert

C) A confusing situation

D) A hot day

Answer: A) Smooth and pleasant situation

Example: Don’t worry; once we sign the deal, it’ll

be peaches and cream.

11,563

What does “looking a little ragged” mean?

A) Wearing designer clothes

B) Well-groomed

C) Feeling excited

D) Appearing tired or worn-out

Answer: D) Appearing tired or worn-out

Example: After pulling three all-nighters, he’s

looking a little ragged.

11,564

What does it mean to call someone a “nasty

piece of work”?

A) They’re very hardworking

B) They’re mean or unpleasant

C) They’re attractive

D) They’re wealthy

Answer: B) They’re mean or unpleasant

Example: Stay away from him; he’s a nasty piece

of work.

11,565

What does “tension in the air” describe?

A) An atmosphere of conflict or anxiety

B) Heavy humidity

C) An airplane delay

D) A surprise party

Answer: A) An atmosphere of conflict or anxiety

Example: You could feel the tension in the air

before the announcement.

11,566

What does “he got his ass handed to him”

mean?

A) He won easily

B) He was humiliated or badly defeated

C) He received praise

D) He got a promotion

Answer: B) He was humiliated or badly

defeated

Example: He challenged the champion and got his

ass handed to him.

11,567

What does “see where he stands” mean?

A) Assess his opinion or position

B) Check his location

C) Ask him to sit

D) Measure his height

Answer: A) Assess his opinion or position

Example: Before voting, we need to see where he

stands on the issue.

11,568

What does it mean if someone “split”?

A) They paid for something

B) They argued

C) They left quickly

D) They divided something evenly

Answer: C) They left quickly

Example: As soon as the cops showed up, he split.

11,569

What does “unmoor him” mean

metaphorically?

A) Cut him loose emotionally or mentally from an

attachment

B) Send him on a trip

C) Tell him to leave

D) Give him a boat

Answer: A) Cut him loose emotionally or

mentally from an attachment

Example: If he’s going to grow, we need to

unmoor him from that toxic past.

11,570

What does it mean to shoot for next week?

A) Take a vacation next week

B) Set a flexible plan or goal for next week

C) Cancel something

D) Reschedule indefinitely

Answer: B) Set a flexible plan or goal for next

week

Example: Let’s shoot for next week to wrap up the

project.

11,571

What does it mean when a cop is fishing during

an investigation?

A) Looking for someone to arrest randomly

B) On vacation

C) Looking for clues about a fish theft

D) Asking leading Questions hoping for a

confession

Answer: D) Asking leading Questions hoping

for a confession

Example: He’s fishing; don’t say anything without

a lawyer.

11,572

What does “sketchy” mean in this context?

A) Unfinished

B) Suspicious or untrustworthy

C) Colorful

D) Funny

Answer: B) Suspicious or untrustworthy

Example: The guy offering to double your money

sounds sketchy to me.

11,573

What does “took it in the chin” mean?

A) He got surgery

B) He ate fast

C) He was hit by a door

D) He endured hardship bravely

Answer: D) He endured hardship bravely

Example: Despite the layoff, he took it on the chin

and started over.

11,574

In law enforcement slang, what does “a good

shooting” mean?

A) A well-executed film scene

B) A successful hunting trip

C) A justified use of force

D) A target practice

Answer: C) A justified use of force

Example: After review, the department ruled it was

a good shooting.

11,575

What does “eat and run” mean?

A) Dine and dash

B) Leave quickly after a meal, often politely

C) Workout after eating

D) Not pay for food

Answer: B) Leave quickly after a meal, often

politely

Example: I hate to eat and run, but I’ve got a

meeting in 10 minutes.

11,576

What is vishing?

A) A vision board

B) Verbal abuse

C) Voice phishing scam over phone calls

D) A type of video editing

Answer: C) Voice phishing scam over phone

calls

Example: She got a call asking for her bank PIN;

total vishing scam.

11,577

What does “the final piece of the puzzle” mean?

A) A board game

B) A sudden obstacle

C) A confusing problem

D) The last needed element to understand or

complete something

Answer: D) The last needed element to

understand or complete something

Example: That confession was the final piece of

the puzzle in the case.

11,578

What does it mean if someone was coshed?

A) They were praised

B) They were bribed

C) They were hit over the head (usually with a

blunt object)

D) They were arrested

Answer: C) They were hit over the head

(usually with a blunt object)

Example: He was coshed from behind in the alley.

11,579

What does it mean when someone “popped

out”?

A) Died

B) Suddenly appeared

C) Gave birth

D) Left briefly

Answer: D) Left briefly

Example: She just popped out to get some milk.

11,580

What is a numskull?

A) A genius

B) A lazy person

C) A foolish or stupid person

D) A philosopher

Answer: C) A foolish or stupid person

Example: That numskull forgot to save the file

before closing it.

11,581

What does the idiom “he isn’t a full shilling”

mean (British)?

A) He’s poor

B) He’s not very intelligent or is eccentric

C) He’s greedy

D) He’s rich but humble

Answer: B) He’s not very intelligent or is

eccentric

Example: He’s a nice guy, but he isn’t exactly a

full shilling.

11,582

What does it mean when someone “popped by”?

A) Exploded

B) Stayed the night

C) Made a quick visit

D) Sent a message

Answer: C) Made a quick visit

Example: He popped by to drop off the book and

left right away.

11,583

What does the slang “Rolex ugly” refer to?

A) Someone unattractive despite wealth

B) Someone who wears expensive watches

C) A fake Rolex

D) A luxury brand mishap

Answer: A) Someone unattractive despite

wealth

Example: He may be rich, but he’s Rolex ugly.

11,584

What does “trying to drink her pretty” mean

(slang)?

A) Drinking alcohol to enjoy a party

B) Drinking a lot to be able to tolerate someone

who is ugly

C) Drinking to get courage

D) Drinking to forget someone

Answer: B) Drinking a lot to be able to tolerate

someone who is ugly

Example: This date is rough; I’m seriously trying

to drink her pretty.

11,585

What does the phrase “brought to you courtesy

of the red, white, and blue” imply?

A) It’s a patriotic gift or effort from the USA

B) It’s imported from France

C) It’s a private donation

D) It’s a sports reference

Answer: A) It’s a patriotic gift or effort from

the USA

Example: That airstrike was brought to you

courtesy of the red, white, and blue.

11,586

What does it mean to be “yessing someone to

death”?

A) Ignoring them

B) Always agreeing just to avoid conflict

C) Shouting at them

D) Praising them genuinely

Answer: B) Always agreeing just to avoid

conflict

Example: Stop yessing me to death and tell me

what you really think.

11,587

Who are “nay sayers”?

A) People who say no or express doubt

B) People who are supportive

C) People who make decisions

D) People who are indifferent

Answer: A) People who say no or express doubt

Example: Ignore the nay sayers; you’re doing great

work.

11,588

What does it mean when someone “won’t part

with his brass”?

A) They’re generous with money

B) They lost all their money

C) They are very frugal or stingy

D) They collect brass figurines

Answer: C) They are very frugal or stingy

Example: He won’t part with his brass even for a

coffee; real tightwad.

11,589

What does “tight as a drum” typically describe?

A) A loud sound

B) Something physically or financially tight

C) Loose clothing

D) Flexible scheduling

Answer: B) Something physically or financially

tight

Example: His schedule is tight as drum skin; no

room for changes.

11,590

What is meant by “economy of scale”?

A) The price of goods is rising

B) Small businesses are more profitable

C) Cost per unit decreases as production increases

D) Products shrink in size to save money

Answer: C) Cost per unit decreases as

production increases

Example: By mass-producing their product, they

achieved an economy of scale and lowered prices.

11,591

What does it mean to “rescue someone from the

history books”?

A) Erase them from history

B) Prevent them from aging

C) Turn them into a fictional character

D) Reclaim their reputation or give them overdue

credit

Answer: D) Reclaim their reputation or give

them overdue credit

Example: By telling his story in the documentary,

they were rescuing him from the history books.

11,592

What does “The winds determined the course of

history” suggest?

A) Weather controls all events

B) Fate or external forces shaped major outcomes

C) Sailing was historically important

D) People changed history at random

Answer: B) Fate or external forces shaped

major outcomes

Example: The general’s decision, and the weather,

turned the battle; the winds determined the course

of history.

11,593

What does “There’s a chicken in every pot”

imply?

A) Everyone should own a farm

B) There is a shortage

C) The government promises prosperity

D) Chickens are cheap

Answer: C) The government promises

prosperity

Example: His campaign promised a chicken in

every pot; security and jobs for all.

11,594

What is a “tricky situation”?

A) A fun surprise

B) A difficult or delicate problem

C) An easy decision

D) A funny prank

Answer: B) A difficult or delicate problem

Example: Telling him the truth without hurting his

feelings is a tricky situation.

11,595

What does “If you don’t feed the cat, you end

up feeding the mice” mean?

A) Small issues become big problems if not

handled

B) Pets are expensive

C) Cats and mice live together

D) You can’t win every time

Answer: A) Small issues become big problems if

not handled

Example: They ignored maintenance; now they’re

replacing the whole roof. If you don’t feed the cat,

you end up feeding the mice.

11,596

What does “buck him up” mean?

A) Scold him

B) Knock him down

C) Surprise him

D) Encourage or cheer him up

Answer: D) Encourage or cheer him up

Example: He’s been feeling down; we should buck

him up a bit.

11,597

What is usually meant by “the best part of the

week”?

A) Monday morning

B) Payday or time off

C) Most stressful time

D) A slow news day

Answer: B) Payday or time off

Example: Friday night; best part of the week,

hands down.

11,598

What does the phrase “six different ways”

usually express?

A) Confusion

B) Repetition

C) Intensity or completeness

D) Multiple wrong answers

Answer: C) Intensity or completeness

Example: He got beat six different ways in that

debate.

11,599

What does “swimming in debt” mean?

A) Just learning to manage money

B) Owing a large amount of money

C) Avoiding responsibilities

D) Living extravagantly

Answer: B) Owing a large amount of money

Example: After all those loans, he’s swimming in

debt.

11,600

What does “thanks a million” mean?

A) A very enthusiastic thank you

B) You owe me a million

C) A sarcastic insult

D) A formal goodbye

Answer: A) A very enthusiastic thank you

Example: Thanks a million for helping with the

move!

11,601

What does “take the weight off” mean?

A) Lose weight

B) Sit down and rest

C) Remove luggage

D) Stop caring

Answer: B) Sit down and rest

Example: Come in and take the weight off; there’s

coffee ready.

11,602

What does it mean to “bounce ideas off of

someone”?

A) Argue with them

B) Ignore their input

C) Share ideas to get feedback

D) Use their ideas without credit

Answer: C) Share ideas to get feedback

Example: I want to bounce some ideas off of him

before finalizing the pitch.

11,603

What does it mean to “tag along”?

A) Bring something heavy

B) Come along, usually uninvited or informally

C) Take notes

D) Drive separately

Answer: B) Come along, usually uninvited or

informally

Example: Mind if I tag along to the store?

11,604

What does the term “casting couch” refer to?

A) A place where actors rest

B) An informal audition

C) A style of furniture

D) A practice where roles are exchanged for sexual

favors

Answer: D) A practice where roles are

exchanged for sexual favors

Example: The scandal exposed a long-standing

casting couch culture in the industry.

11,605

What does it mean if someone is “a 39,000-foot

guy”?

A) He loves to fly

B) He works in aerospace

C) He sees things from a broad, high-level

perspective

D) He avoids people

Answer: C) He sees things from a broad, high-

level perspective

Example: He doesn’t get into the details; he’s a

39,000-foot guy.

11,606

What does “lard for brain” imply?

A) You’re very smart

B) You think slowly or are foolish

C) You’re an artist

D) You overthink things

Answer: B) You think slowly or are foolish

Example: You really thought that would work? You

got lard for brain!

11,607

What does “a feather for every wind” suggest?

A) She is balanced

B) She is always upset

C) She’s heavy-handed

D) She is adaptable and changes easily with

circumstances

Answer: D) She is adaptable and changes easily

with circumstances

Example: She’s a feather for every wind; going

along with whatever seems popular.

11,608

What does “he doesn’t miss a trick” mean?

A) He loses at cards

B) He’s very observant and aware

C) He’s always distracted

D) He performs magic

Answer: B) He’s very observant and aware

Example: You can’t lie to him; he doesn’t miss a

trick.

11,609

What does it mean when someone has a “poker

face”?

A) They enjoy gambling

B) They look suspicious

C) They show no emotion or reaction

D) They are always angry

Answer: C) They show no emotion or reaction

Example: Even during the negotiation, he kept a

perfect poker face.

11,610

What does “she gave the game away” mean?

A) She accidentally revealed a secret or plan

B) She donated a board game

C) She left in the middle of a competition

D) She forfeited a match

Answer: A) She accidentally revealed a secret or

plan

Example: She gave the game away by mentioning

the surprise party in front of him.

11,611

What does “stone cold sober” mean?

A) Extremely tired

B) Completely sober with no alcohol in their

system

C) Angry and loud

D) Freezing cold

Answer: B) Completely sober with no alcohol in

their system

Example: After a night of partying, he showed up

stone cold sober to drive everyone home.

11,612

What does “walking backwards into the future”

suggest?

A) Being physically clumsy

B) Ignoring the past

C) Facing the past while moving forward

uncertainly

D) Planning carefully

Answer: C) Facing the past while moving

forward uncertainly

Example: With no clear plan, the company felt like

it was walking backwards into the future.

11,613

What does “Good lord, no” express?

A) Confusion

B) Strong agreement

C) Polite refusal

D) Strong disagreement or disbelief

Answer: D) Strong disagreement or disbelief

Example: Do you want to redo all that work? Good

lord, no.

11,614

What does mentioning “more ear hair” imply?

A) He is unhealthy

B) He is wealthy

C) He is getting older

D) He is messy

Answer: C) He is getting older

Example: He jokes that retirement is near; he’s got

more ear hair every year.

11,615

What does “I’m not having this conversation”

usually mean?

A) The speaker is confused

B) The speaker refuses to discuss the topic

C) The speaker wants to argue

D) The speaker didn’t hear

Answer: B) The speaker refuses to discuss the

topic

Example: I’m not having this conversation again;

end of discussion.

11,616

What does “Don’t swing the bad unless you

plan to hit” mean?

A) Don’t take action unless you’re serious

B) Practice makes perfect

C) Always be aggressive

D) Avoid sports

Answer: A) Don’t take action unless you’re

serious

Example: If you’re going to accuse him, don’t

swing the bat unless you plan to hit.

11,617

What does “Do I need to spell it out” imply?

A) Writing a letter

B) Teaching spelling

C) Explaining something very clearly because it’s

not understood

D) Asking a Question politely

Answer: C) Explaining something very clearly

because it’s not understood

Example: She keeps missing the point; do I need to

spell it out for her?

11,618

What does it mean to “rip a song”?

A) Tear sheet music

B) Sing loudly

C) Criticize music

D) Copy or download a song digitally

Answer: D) Copy or download a song digitally

Example: He ripped the song from the CD to his

laptop.

11,619

What does “backfill any belief” suggest?

A) Beliefs are permanent

B) Evidence can be manipulated to support beliefs

C) Beliefs disappear

D) Beliefs come from education

Answer: B) Evidence can be manipulated to

support beliefs

Example: Once people decide what they believe,

they can backfill any belief with selective facts.

11,620

What does it mean when someone is “given last

rites”?

A) They were arrested

B) They were fired

C) They were near death

D) They were married

Answer: C) They were near death

Example: Doctors called the family when he was

given last rites.

11,621

What does “take the wheel” mean figuratively?

A) Drive a car

B) Take control or leadership

C) Give directions

D) Quit a task

Answer: B) Take control or leadership

Example: I was overwhelmed, so she stepped in

and took the wheel.

11,622

What does “living on island time” describe?

A) Being late constantly

B) Living near the ocean

C) A relaxed, unhurried approach to time

D) Working nights

Answer: C) A relaxed, unhurried approach to

time

Example: Since moving to Hawaii, he’s been

living on island time.

11,623

What does “he’ll come around” mean?

A) He will change his mind

B) He will visit

C) He will recover from illness

D) He will leave

Answer: A) He will change his mind

Example: He’s angry now, but he’ll come around

eventually.

11,624

What does “card-carrying member” imply?

A) Someone who owns a credit card

B) An official or fully committed member of a

group

C) A casual supporter

D) Someone with authority

Answer: B) An official or fully committed

member of a group

Example: She’s a card-carrying member of the

union.

11,625

What does “don’t take much stock in” mean?

A) Don’t hear

B) Don’t remember

C) Don’t understand

D) Don’t believe or value highly

Answer: D) Don’t believe or value highly

Example: He exaggerates a lot, so I don’t take

much stock in what he says.

11,626

What does “and what not” mean?

A) Nothing else

B) Very specific items

C) Other similar things

D) Something secret

Answer: C) Other similar things

Example: We talked about work, family, and what

not over dinner.

11,627

What does “A living dog is better than a dead

lion” mean?

A) Dogs are better than lions

B) Survival is better than glory

C) Lions are dangerous

D) Pride leads to failure

Answer: B) Survival is better than glory

Example: He took the demotion to stay employed;

a living dog is better than a dead lion.

11,628

What does calling someone a “winning horse”

imply?

A) They are dependable and likely to succeed

B) They like gambling

C) They work very hard

D) They are stubborn

Answer: A) They are dependable and likely to

succeed

Example: We’re backing her for the promotion;

she’s a winning horse.

11,629

What does “buzz off” mean?

A) Calm down

B) A rude way to tell someone to go away

C) Start talking

D) Hurry up

Answer: B) ) A rude way to tell someone to go

away

Example: The salesman wouldn’t stop knocking,

so I told him to buzz off.

11,630

What does “she snuffed him out” mean?

A) She ignored him

B) She put out a candle

C) She ended his life or influence (literal or

figurative)

D) She embarrassed him

Answer: C) She ended his life or influence

(literal or figurative)

Example: The rival company snuffed him out with

a hostile takeover.

11,631

What does “he’s all lit up” most often mean?

A) He is literally glowing

B) He is very angry

C) He is embarrassed

D) He is excited or intoxicated

Answer: D) He is excited or intoxicated

Example: After winning the contract, he was all lit

up and celebrating.

11,632

What does “as a general rule” mean?

A) Occasionally

B) Under strict conditions

C) Usually or typically

D) Never

Answer: C) Usually or typically

Example: As a general rule, I avoid checking

emails after 6 p.m.

11,633

What does “modest beginnings” mean?

A) Started with little wealth or privilege

B) Lived in a mansion

C) Started strong

D) Took a long break

Answer: A) Started with little wealth or

privilege

Example: She had modest beginnings but went on

to build a global company.

11,634

What is “back rent”?

A) Rent paid in advance

B) Unpaid rent from previous periods

C) Payment for the back room

D) Money owed by a roommate

Answer: B) Unpaid rent from previous periods

Example: He was evicted because he owed six

months of back rent.

11,635

What does it mean if someone’s game is “out of

the top drawer”?

A) Outdated

B) High quality or elite

C) Missing

D) Unimpressive

Answer: B) High quality or elite

Example: His tennis game is out of the top drawer;

he’s world-class.

11,636

What does the phrase “There, there” typically

mean?

A) Look over there

B) Stay in place

C) Comforting someone in distress

D) Stop right there

Answer: C) Comforting someone in distress

Example: There, there, it’s going to be okay.

11,637

What does “Oh, snap!” usually express?

A) Surprise or realization, sometimes sarcastic

B) Hunger

C) Boredom

D) Tiredness

Answer: A) Surprise or realization, sometimes

sarcastic

Example: Oh, snap! Did she really say that to the

boss?

11,638

What does “he folded” mean?

A) He sat down

B) He bent over

C) He won a bet

D) He gave up or surrendered

Answer: D) He gave up or surrendered

Example: Under pressure, he folded and admitted

the truth.

11,639

What does it mean when someone “snapped”?

A) Took a photo

B) Suddenly lost control emotionally

C) Fell asleep

D) Made a joke

Answer: B) Suddenly lost control emotionally

Example: After hours of Questioning, she finally

snapped and shouted at everyone.

11,640

What does “showed his cards” mean?

A) Revealed his true intentions

B) Played poker

C) Made a mistake

D) Got a reward

Answer: A) Revealed his true intentions

Example: During the negotiation, he showed his

cards too early.

11,641

What does “fit as a flea” mean?

A) Sickly

B) In very good health

C) Small

D) Itchy

Answer: B) In very good health

Example: At 80, she’s still fit as a flea.

11,642

What does the idiom “My foot!” mean in this

context: “You’re fired, my foot!”

A) My leg hurts

B) I agree with you

C) I don’t believe that for a second

D) I’m nervous

Answer: C) I don’t believe that for a second

Example: You think he’s innocent? My foot!

11,643

What does “snap out of it” mean?

A) Suddenly recover from a negative emotional

state

B) Take a photo

C) Run away

D) Break a promise

Answer: A) Suddenly recover from a negative

emotional state

Example: You’ve been sulking for hours; snap out

of it!

11,644

What is a “priest’s hole”?

A) A confessional booth

B) A hiding place for priests in old English homes

C) A religious relic

D) A term for a secret letter

Answer: B) A hiding place for priests in old

English homes

Example: During the Reformation, many Catholic

homes had a secret priest’s hole.

11,645

What does “tops” mean in this context?

A) At the peak of a mountain

B) Best friend

C) At most or maximum

D) Most fashionable

Answer: C) At most or maximum

Example: The meeting will take 15 minutes, tops.

11,646

What does the phrase “Go suck an egg” mean?

A) Eat something nutritious

B) Try something new

C) Laugh

D) A rude way of telling someone to be quiet or go

away

Answer: D) A rude way of telling someone to be

quiet or go away

Example: When he started nagging me again, I just

told him to go suck an egg.

11,647

What is a “Terry Stop”?

A) A snack break

B) A legal police stop based on reasonable

suspicion

C) A type of roadblock

D) A football move

Answer: B) A legal police stop based on

reasonable suspicion

Example: The officer conducted a Terry Stop after

seeing the suspect behaving oddly near the store.

11,648

What does “tread the boards” mean?

A) Perform on stage

B) Walk the plank

C) Do carpentry

D) Skateboard professionally

Answer: A) Perform on stage

Example: She first tread the boards as Juliet in a

local theater production.

11,649

What does “brought down the curtain” mean?

A) Closed a window

B) Ended something, often dramatically

C) Hid behind a curtain

D) Opened a theater show

Answer: B) Ended something, often

dramatically

Example: After 40 years in the business, he

brought down the curtain on his career.

11,650

What does “a bad penny” mean?

A) Someone who brings good luck

B) A rare coin

C) A person who is generous

D) Someone who always returns, unwelcome

Answer: D) Someone who always returns,

unwelcome

Example: Just when we thought he was gone for

good, that bad penny showed up again.

11,651

What does “the shadows are lengthening” imply

figuratively?

A) It’s getting colder

B) Someone is dying or time is running out

C) Someone is hiding

D) A mystery is unfolding

Answer: B) Someone is dying or time is running

out

Example: As the general lay wounded on the

battlefield, he knew the shadows were lengthening.

11,652

What does “hell raiser” mean?

A) Someone who brings snacks

B) A quiet person

C) A rowdy, rebellious person who causes trouble

D) A firefighter

Answer: C) A rowdy, rebellious person who

causes trouble

Example: He was a hell raiser in college but

mellowed out after marriage.

11,653

What is a “thorny issue”?

A) A gardening topic

B) A Question about roses

C) A mathematical puzzle

D) A difficult or sensitive problem

Answer: D) A difficult or sensitive problem

Example: Immigration reform is a thorny issue in

this country.

11,654

In political jargon, what is a “battlefield state”?

A) A war zone

B) A U.S. state critical in elections, with no clear

winner

C) A peaceful state

D) A divided country

Answer: B) A U.S. state critical in elections, with

no clear winner

Example: Pennsylvania is considered a battlefield

state in every presidential race.

11,655

What does it mean to “exercise some ghosts”?

A) Deal with past traumas or emotional baggage

B) Go running in a haunted house

C) Perform magic

D) Clean a basement

Answer: A) Deal with past traumas or

emotional baggage

Example: I came back here to exercise some ghosts

from my childhood.

11,656

What does “stark raving mad” mean?

A) Very bored

B) Extremely angry

C) Overjoyed

D) Completely insane

Answer: D) Completely insane

Example: Anyone who’d do that must be stark

raving mad.

11,657

What does “I bid you goodnight” mean?

A) You’re demanding someone leave

B) You’re ending a phone call

C) You’re formally saying goodbye at night

D) You’re asking for help

Answer: C) You’re formally saying goodbye at

night

Example: And with that, he bowed and said, “I bid

you goodnight.”

11,658

What does “She’s a little touched” mean?

A) Affectionate

B) Injured

C) Slightly crazy or eccentric

D) Moved emotionally

Answer: C) Slightly crazy or eccentric

Example: She’s sweet, but definitely a little

touched.

11,659

What does it mean to “buttonhole” someone?

A) Sew a button

B) Interrupt them to talk persistently

C) Offer them clothing

D) Introduce them formally

Answer: B) Interrupt them to talk persistently

Example: She buttonholed me after the meeting to

complain about her schedule.

11,660

What does “I wouldn’t dream of such a thing”

express?

A) A desire to do something

B) An intention to act

C) A denial or polite refusal

D) A plan for the future

Answer: C) A denial or polite refusal

Example: You think I’d lie to you? I wouldn’t

dream of such a thing.

11,661

What does “The owner is not giving the

manager keys to run the business” imply?

A) The manager is locked out

B) The owner doesn’t trust the manager with

responsibility

C) They lost the key

D) The business is closed

Answer: B) The owner doesn’t trust the

manager with responsibility

Example: The manager has the title but no

authority; the owner never gave him the keys to

run the business.

11,662

What does “Yay or nay” mean?

A) Yes or no

B) Good or bad

C) High or low

D) Now or later

Answer: A) Yes or no

Example: Let’s vote on it; yay or nay?

11,663

What does “his drink was spiked” mean?

A) It had a sharp taste

B) It was poured into a strange glass

C) A substance was secretly added to it

D) It spilled on the floor

Answer: C) A substance was secretly added to it

Example: He passed out quickly; we think his

drink was spiked.

11,664

What does “pour on the coal” mean?

A) Start a fire

B) Slow down

C) Complain a lot

D) Accelerate or intensify effort

Answer: D) Accelerate or intensify effort

Example: We’re behind schedule; we need to pour

on the coal.

11,665

What does “following the playbook” mean?

A) Reading a script

B) Improvising

C) Sticking to a well-defined plan or set of

instructions

D) Watching sports

Answer: C) Sticking to a well-defined plan or

set of instructions

Example: In this crisis, the company is following

the playbook to avoid mistakes.

11,666

What does “that didn’t work out” usually

mean?

A) A workout was missed

B) Something failed or didn’t go as planned

C) Something got postponed

D) Someone succeeded

Answer: B) Something failed or didn’t go as

planned

Example: We tried dating, but it didn’t work out.

11,667

What does “tough old bird” describe?

A) A cooked turkey

B) An elderly but resilient or stubborn person

C) A rare animal

D) An outdated idea

Answer: B) An elderly but resilient or stubborn

person

Example: Don’t underestimate her; she’s a tough

old bird.

11,668

What is meant by “Wow,” when said

sarcastically?

A) Excitement

B) Amazement

C) Boredom

D) Mocking surprise or disbelief

Answer: D) Mocking surprise or disbelief

Example: Wow, you’re really great at being late,

aren’t you?

11,669

What is a “loosely knit group”?

A) A group that sews

B) A tight-knit family

C) A formal organization

D) A group with weak connections or little

structure

Answer: D) A group with weak connections or

little structure

Example: The volunteers were a loosely knit group

of neighbors.

11,670

What does the phrase “His pocket goes down to

his ankles” suggest?

A) He’s poor

B) He hides a lot in his pockets

C) He’s very stingy or cheap

D) He has fashionable pants

Answer: C) He’s very stingy or cheap

Example: Don’t expect him to buy lunch; his

pocket goes down to his ankles.

11,671

What does “He was buried along with his

name” imply?

A) He was a public figure

B) He died anonymously or forgotten

C) He changed his name

D) He left a will

Answer: B) He died anonymously or forgotten

Example: The town forgot about him completely;

he was buried along with his name.

11,672

What does “His head is somewhere else” mean?

A) He’s physically absent

B) He’s imaginative

C) He’s distracted or not paying attention

D) He has a headache

Answer: C) He’s distracted or not paying

attention

Example: I tried talking to him about the project,

but his head was somewhere else.

11,673

What does someone usually mean when they ask

“Are we OK?” in a relationship context?

A) Are we healthy?

B) Are we physically safe?

C) Are we going to dinner?

D) Is there tension or a problem between us?

Answer: D) Is there tension or a problem

between us?

Example: After the argument, she pulled him aside

and quietly asked, “Are we OK?”

11,674

What does “not much to play with” mean in a

practical sense?

A) There’s no joy

B) There’s limited resources or options

C) There are no toys

D) You’re lonely

Answer: B) There’s limited resources or options

Example: The budget’s tight this month; we don’t

have much to play with.

11,675

What does “Give me a hand” mean?

A) Clap for me

B) Hand me something

C) Help me

D) Lend me money

Answer: C) Help me

Example: Can you give me a hand moving this

couch?

11,676

What does “died with his boots on” mean?

A) Died while working or fighting

B) Died in bed

C) Died peacefully

D) Died with fashion

Answer: A) Died while working or fighting

Example: He was a soldier through and through;

died with his boots on.

11,677

What does “No, I’m good” mean in casual

speech?

A) I’m very skilled

B) I want more

C) I’m okay, thank you; no need

D) I’m upset

Answer: C) I’m okay, thank you; no need

Example: Want another slice of cake? No, I’m

good.

11,678

What does “Time always wins” imply?

A) Time is a competition

B) You should race against time

C) You can beat time

D) Everything eventually fades or changes with

time

Answer: D) Everything eventually fades or

changes with time

Example: No matter how strong we are, time

always wins.

11,679

What does “I know your number” imply?

A) I memorized your phone number

B) I see through your behavior or tricks

C) I counted you

D) I met you before

Answer: B) I see through your behavior or

tricks

Example: You act innocent, but I know your

number.

11,680

In British English, what does “You look smart”

mean?

A) You’re dressed well or stylishly

B) You look intelligent

C) You’re acting clever

D) You’re thinking deeply

Answer: A) You’re dressed well or stylishly

Example: You look smart today! Is that a new suit?

11,681

What does “chipper mood” mean?

A) Sad and gloomy

B) Energetic and cheerful

C) Quiet and reflective

D) Angry and loud

Answer: B) Energetic and cheerful

Example: You’re in a chipper mood today;

something good happen?

11,682

What does “nitpicking” mean?

A) Lice removal

B) Doing laundry

C) Fixing small errors carefully

D) Criticizing minor or insignificant details

Answer: D) Criticizing minor or insignificant

details

Example: Stop nitpicking; I get the general idea.

11,683

What does “He’s got grit” mean?

A) He’s stubborn and determined

B) He’s dirty

C) He eats sand

D) He’s pessimistic

Answer: A) He’s stubborn and determined

Example: Even after losing, he kept training. That

guy’s got grit.

11,684

What does “It’s not adding up” mean?

A) The math is correct

B) Things seem suspicious or don’t make sense

C) It’s increasing

D) There’s a discount

Answer: B) Things seem suspicious or don’t

make sense

Example: His story about where he was last night

just isn’t adding up.

11,685

What does “all the rage” mean?

A) It’s very unpopular

B) It makes people angry

C) It’s about war

D) It’s extremely fashionable or trendy

Answer: D) It’s extremely fashionable or trendy

Example: Those vintage jackets are all the rage

right now.

11,686

What does it mean when “the past can swallow

you up”?

A) You time travel

B) You get overwhelmed by old memories or

regrets

C) You forget everything

D) You learn from experience

Answer: B) You get overwhelmed by old

memories or regrets

Example: He never really moved on; sometimes

the past can swallow you up.

11,687

What does “You’re not getting any younger”

usually imply?

A) You’re aging and should act soon

B) You look great

C) You’re wise

D) You’re childish

Answer: A) You’re aging and should act soon

Example: Why wait to travel the world? You’re not

getting any younger.

11,688

What does “turns the world on its end” mean?

A) Causes everything to collapse

B) Causes a major change or disruption

C) Starts a new day

D) Invents something cool

Answer: B) Causes a major change or

disruption

Example: That discovery turned the scientific

world on its end.

11,689

What does “waste his brass” imply in informal

slang?

A) Spend his money foolishly

B) Melt down metals

C) Waste time

D) Quit the military

Answer: A) Spend his money foolishly

Example: He wasted his brass on designer shoes he

didn’t need.

11,690

What does “I’ll be jiggered” mean?

A) I’m tired

B) I’m surprised or astonished

C) I’m confused

D) I’m late

Answer: B) I’m surprised or astonished

Example: Well, I’ll be jiggered; he actually

finished the race!

11,691

What does “Smoke ‘em if you got ‘em” imply?

A) Use what you have while you can

B) Go outside

C) Quit smoking

D) Hide your cigarettes

Answer: A) Use what you have while you can

Example: Break time! Smoke ‘em if you got ‘em,

folks.

11,692

What does “I broke my wing” mean?

A) I can’t fly

B) I injured my arm or shoulder

C) I failed a test

D) I quit my job

Answer: B) I injured my arm or shoulder

Example: I broke my wing during that fall at the

skate park; now it’s in a sling.

11,693

What does “He’s going downhill fast” mean?

A) His situation or health is rapidly getting worse

B) He’s riding a bike quickly

C) He’s getting stronger

D) He’s speeding on the highway

Answer: A) His situation or health is rapidly

getting worse

Example: After the diagnosis, he started going

downhill fast.

11,694

What does “I’ll come straight away” mean?

A) I’ll think about it

B) I’ll leave eventually

C) I’ll be there immediately

D) I’ll walk over slowly

Answer: C) I’ll be there immediately

Example: If she’s in trouble, I’ll come straight

away.

11,695

What does “10 exits past normal” suggest?

A) He lives far away

B) He is acting extremely strange or eccentric

C) He’s always late

D) He drives a lot

Answer: B) He is acting extremely strange or

eccentric

Example: He started yelling at his toaster; he’s

about 10 exits past normal.

11,696

What does “it’s not the end of the world” mean?

A) It’s a global issue

B) The situation is catastrophic

C) The apocalypse is near

D) Things aren’t as bad as they seem

Answer: D) Things aren’t as bad as they seem

Example: You missed one deadline; it’s not the end

of the world.

11,697

What does “on the fritz” mean?

A) Functioning perfectly

B) Stylish

C) Broken or malfunctioning

D) Expensive

Answer: C) Broken or malfunctioning

Example: The coffee machine is on the fritz again.

11,698

What does “a straight offer” mean?

A) A generous gift

B) An open-ended deal

C) A deceptive deal

D) A single, non-negotiable offer

Answer: D) A single, non-negotiable offer

Example: It’s a straight offer; take it or leave it.

11,699

What does “I’m not with you” usually imply in

conversation?

A) I’m physically absent

B) I’m against you

C) I don’t understand

D) I’m ignoring you

Answer: C) I don’t understand

Example: Wait; what did you say? I’m not with

you on that point.

11,700

What does “dash off” mean?

A) Write something quickly

B) Get emotional

C) Run out of ink

D) Leave quickly

Answer: D) Leave quickly

Example: I’d love to stay longer, but I must dash

off to catch my train.

11,701

What does “called to his maker” mean?

A) Asked to return to work

B) Told to apologize

C) Passed away or died

D) Got promoted

Answer: C) Passed away or died

Example: He lived a good life, but yesterday he

was called to his maker.

11,702

What does it mean to be “pussyfooting

around”?

A) Walking carefully

B) Being indecisive or avoiding action

C) Tiptoeing at night

D) Being rude

Answer: B) Being indecisive or avoiding action

Example: Stop pussyfooting around and tell me

what you really think.

11,703

What does it mean when “time hangs heavy on

your hands”?

A) Time goes by quickly

B) You enjoy every moment

C) Your hands feel sore

D) Time seems to pass very slowly because you are

bored or have nothing to do

Answer: D) Time seems to pass very slowly

because you are bored or have nothing to do

Example: Time hangs heavy on your hands at my

age when all your friends have passed on.

11,704

What does “he’s tied up right now” mean?

A) He is trapped

B) He is unavailable because he’s busy

C) He’s literally restrained

D) He’s injured

Answer: B) He is unavailable because he’s busy

Example: He’s tied up right now; can he call you

back in an hour?

11,705

When “Forget about it!” is said with

enthusiasm, what does it usually mean?

A) Never mind

B) That’s terrible

C) Don’t remind me

D) That’s amazing or unbeatable

Answer: D) That’s amazing or unbeatable

Example: That pizza? Forget about it; it was the

best I’ve ever had!

11,706

What does “tanked up” mean?

A) Well-fed

B) Highly caffeinated

C) A bit drunk

D) Wearing a tank top

Answer: C) A bit drunk

Example: He was a little tanked up by the time we

got to the party.

11,707

What does the phrase “game recognizes game”

mean?

A) Competitors never get along

B) All games are the same

C) Everyone wants to win

D) Skilled people respect others with skill

Answer: D) Skilled people respect others with

skill

Example: When the two top players nodded at each

other, it was clear; game recognizes game.

11,708

What does “taking a knock now and again”

mean?

A) Being praised regularly

B) Experiencing occasional hardship or criticism

C) Falling over repeatedly

D) Getting rich slowly

Answer: B) Experiencing occasional hardship

or criticism

Example: Running a business means taking a

knock now and again; just stay focused.

11,709

What does “I hope that he’ll come around”

mean (health issues)?

A) Wake up or recover

B) Lose interest

C) Go back to the hospital

D) Get worse

Answer: A) Wake up or recover

Example: He’s still unconscious, but the doctors

say they hope he’ll come around soon.

11,710

What does “He could peg out any minute”

mean?

A) Take a break

B) Die

C) Win a game

D) Fall asleep

Answer: B) Die

Example: He’s so sick, it looks like he could peg

out any minute.

11,711

What does “tie up some loose ends” mean?

A) Finish remaining minor tasks or details

B) Cancel a meeting

C) Start a new project

D) Forget about something

Answer: A) Finish remaining minor tasks or

details

Example: I just need to tie up some loose ends

before the project is complete.

11,712

What does it mean when “his enemies are

circling”?

A) They are ignoring him

B) They are planning a surprise party

C) They are waiting for a chance to attack or bring

him down

D) They are fleeing the scene

Answer: C) They are waiting for a chance to

attack or bring him down

Example: With his popularity falling, his enemies

are circling, waiting for him to make a mistake.

11,713

What does the expression “You need to pound

sand” mean?

A) Go do something useful

B) Get out of here; go away and stop bothering me

C) Help me with the garden

D) Be more aggressive

Answer: B) Get out of here; go away and stop

bothering me

Example: After he refused to help, but kept

complaining, I told him to go pound sand.

11,714

What does “paid his respects” mean?

A) Paid a debt

B) Sent a gift

C) Wrote a letter

D) Honored someone, often by attending a funeral

or memorial

Answer: D) Honored someone, often by

attending a funeral or memorial

Example: He flew in to pay his respects at the

funeral.

11,715

What does “he thinks with his mouth” imply?

A) He’s a good speaker

B) He speaks before thinking

C) He talks quietly

D) He talks through puzzles

Answer: B) He speaks before thinking

Example: He really thinks with his mouth; he

blurted out the plan before we were ready.

11,716

What does “RINO” stand for in American

politics?

A) Republican In New Office

B) Really Intelligent New Official

C) Radical Independent Not Official

D) Republican In Name Only

Answer: D) Republican In Name Only

Example: His moderate stance got him labeled a

RINO by hardliners.

11,717

What does “punch it” mean in driving slang?

A) Brake hard

B) Turn left

C) Accelerate quickly

D) Honk the horn

Answer: C) Accelerate quickly

Example: Traffic cleared ahead and he yelled,

“Now, punch it!”

11,718

What does this phrase imply?

A) Hidden factors or meanings often matter more

B) Vision is everything

C) You shouldn’t trust anyone

D) Darkness is dangerous

Answer: A) Hidden factors or meanings often

matter more

Example: The best horror movies understand; it’s

not what you see, but what you don’t see that’s

important.

11,719

What is “night soil”?

A) Fertilizer made from compost

B) Human waste used as fertilizer

C) Soil from the desert

D) Mud collected at night

Answer: B) Human waste used as fertilizer

Example: In old rural villages, night soil was

commonly used in farming.

11,720

What does “opened his checkbook” imply?

A) He reviewed his expenses

B) He started a budget

C) He willingly began to spend or donate money

D) He got a new job

Answer: C) He willingly began to spend or

donate money

Example: The moment he saw the charity’s work,

he opened his checkbook.

11,721

What does it mean to “square the circle”?

A) Solve an easy problem

B) Fix a square object

C) Draw geometric shapes

D) Attempt to do the impossible

Answer: D) Attempt to do the impossible

Example: Trying to please both sides in that debate

was like squaring the circle.

11,722

What does “a sale of the soul by inches” imply?

A) Slowly sacrificing your values or integrity over

time

B) Selling a physical product

C) Making a large one-time mistake

D) Becoming religious

Answer: A) Slowly sacrificing your values or

integrity over time

Example: He kept cutting ethical corners until it

became a sale of the soul by inches.

11,723

What does it mean if “a problem is a beast”?

A) It has fur

B) It is annoying

C) It is extremely difficult or challenging

D) It’s easy to tame

Answer: C) It is extremely difficult or

challenging

Example: That math problem is a beast; I’ve been

working on it for an hour.

11,724

What does “good looking out” mean in slang?

A) Keep watch

B) Thank you for having my back or protecting me

C) Stare into the distance

D) Follow someone

Answer: B) Thank you for having my back or

protecting me

Example: You caught that scam email before I

clicked it; good looking out.

11,725

What is an “age gap couple”?

A) A couple with a significant difference in age

B) A couple with children

C) A couple who met in high school

D) A celebrity pairing

Answer: A) A couple with a significant

difference in age

Example: They’re an age gap couple; he’s 50 and

she’s in her early 30s.

11,726

What does “owning the spotlight” mean?

A) Being shy on stage

B) Trying to avoid attention

C) Confidently commanding attention or

admiration

D) Literally owning a spotlight

Answer: C) Confidently commanding attention

or admiration

Example: She walked into the room and owned the

spotlight with her speech.

11,727

What does the phrase “not a good look for you”

imply?

A) You need new clothes

B) You seem tired

C) You’ve aged

D) Your behavior or appearance is embarrassing or

unflattering

Answer: D) Your behavior or appearance is

embarrassing or unflattering

Example: After his brother got caught cheating, his

sister said, “ Not a good look for you.”

11,728

What is a “side hustle”?

A) A scam

B) An unpaid internship

C) A small job or business done in addition to

one’s main job

D) A dance move

Answer: C) A small job or business done in

addition to one’s main job

Example: She runs a small Etsy shop as a side

hustle.

11,729

What does “frumpy” describe?

A) Trendy and bold

B) Unfashionable or dowdy in appearance

C) Athletic and sporty

D) High maintenance

Answer: B) Unfashionable or dowdy in

appearance

Example: The makeover helped her feel more

confident and less frumpy.

11,730

What does “lose the restraints” imply?

A) Let go of limitations or rules

B) Put on seatbelts

C) Get arrested

D) Quit working

Answer: A) Let go of limitations or rules

Example: Let’s lose the restraints and see what we

can really create.

11,731

In British English, what does “jolly well”

usually emphasize?

A) Sadness

B) Urgency

C) Laziness

D) Strong determination or insistence

Answer: D) Strong determination or insistence

Example: You jolly well better be on time this

evening.

11,732

What does the idiom “losing ground” mean?

A) Becoming taller

B) Losing traction physically

C) Losing progress or advantage

D) Gaining new territory

Answer: C) Losing progress or advantage

Example: The candidate started strong but is now

losing ground in the polls.

11,733

What does “port call” mean in a naval or

shipping context?

A) A ship radio check-in

B) A scheduled stop at a harbor during a voyage

C) A weather alert

D) A cargo drop-off

Answer: B) A scheduled stop at a harbor during

a voyage

Example: The crew was excited for their first port

call in Sydney after weeks at sea.

11,734

What does “sun worshiper” refer to in casual

usage?

A) A beach lover or person who enjoys tanning

B) Someone who follows an ancient religion

C) A morning person

D) Someone who fears rain

Answer: A) A beach lover or person who enjoys

tanning

Example: She’s a total sun worshiper; always

outside with a towel and sunglasses.

11,735

What does “cover all the bases” mean?

A) Walk in a circle

B) Secure a baseball field

C) Prepare for all possibilities

D) Work overtime

Answer: C) Prepare for all possibilities

Example: We need to cover all the bases before

launching the product.

11,736

In figurative use, what does “mustard station”

imply?

A) A fast-food restaurant

B) A critical or central location in a plan or

operation

C) A place to store weapons

D) An outdated system

Answer: B) A critical or central location in a

plan or operation

Example: Operations slowed down when the

mustard station failed.

11,737

What does “the deal walks when I walk” mean?

A) The deal is already done

B) The deal depends entirely on my involvement

C) The deal is irrelevant

D) The contract is about transportation

Answer: B) The deal depends entirely on my

involvement

Example: He reminded the board: the deal walks

when I walk.

11,738

What does the phrase “as God is my witness”

express?

A) A legal promise

B) A polite apology

C) A scientific explanation

D) A deep conviction or vow

Answer: D) A deep conviction or vow

Example: As God is my witness, I’ll never go

hungry again.

11,739

What does “the whole world was at his feet”

mean?

A) He owned property on every continent

B) He had global fame and admiration

C) He was very short

D) He traveled a lot

Answer: B) He had global fame and admiration

Example: After the concert, it felt like the whole

world was at his feet.

11,740

What does “put on all fours” mean in combat

sports?

A) Sent crawling due to injury or exhaustion

B) Begged for forgiveness

C) Performed a yoga pose

D) Tied up

Answer: A) Sent crawling due to injury or

exhaustion

Example: After a vicious uppercut, he was put on

all fours before the ref stepped in.

11,741

What does “take a knee” mean in boxing?

A) Kneel to tie a shoe

B) Bow to the referee

C) Drop to one knee to avoid a knockout or rest

D) Win a round

Answer: C) Drop to one knee to avoid a

knockout or rest

Example: He took a knee in the sixth round after a

brutal right hook.

11,742

What does “kick things off” mean?

A) Complain loudly

B) End the event

C) Leave the room

D) Start something energetically

Answer: D) Start something energetically

Example: He kicked things off well with a strong

opening argument.

11,743

In boxing, what are “punishing body shots”?

A) Poses for a magazine

B) Blows to the stomach or torso that wear down

the opponent

C) Heavyweights hitting each other in the head

D) Low-quality punches

Answer: B) Blows to the stomach or torso that

wear down the opponent

Example: His punishing body shots wore down his

opponent by the fifth round.

11,744

What does “great white hope” historically refer

to in boxing?

A) A white boxer expected to defeat a Black

champion

B) An underdog fighter

C) A champion who defends the title

D) A young new recruit

Answer: A) A white boxer expected to defeat a

Black champion

Example: In the early 20th century, promoters

called him the great white hope.

11,745

What does it mean when a doctor is “in

network”?

A) They are unavailable

B) They are part of your insurance provider’s

approved list

C) They use new technology

D) They only accept walk-ins

Answer: B) They are part of your insurance

provider’s approved list

Example: Be sure to choose an in-network provider

or you’ll pay out-of-pocket.

11,746

What does “fall into a bad lot” mean?

A) Lost his home

B) Got injured

C) Got involved with the wrong crowd

D) Joined a lottery

Answer: C) Got involved with the wrong crowd

Example: After high school, he fell into a bad lot

and started getting into trouble.

11,747

What does it mean to “stare death into the

eyes”?

A) Consider becoming a doctor

B) Experience a life-threatening situation

C) Feel bored

D) Watch a horror movie

Answer: B) Experience a life-threatening

situation

Example: When the car skidded on the ice, I stared

death into the eyes.

11,748

What does “Well, if that doesn’t take all” mean?

A) Steal everything

B) Win a competition

C) Leave no surprise unshocked

D) Be totally unexpected or frustrating

Answer: D) Be totally unexpected or frustrating

Example: She crashed her car again? Well, if that

doesn’t take all.

11,749

What does it mean when a provider is “out of

network”?

A) They only accept cash

B) They charge flat fees

C) They’re not covered by your insurance plan

D) They are retired

Answer: C) They’re not covered by your

insurance plan

Example: That specialist is out of network, so

you’ll have to cover most of the cost.

11,750

What does the expression “Well, if that doesn’t

beat all” convey?

A) Surprise or disbelief

B) Enthusiasm

C) Agreement

D) Confusion

Answer: A) Surprise or disbelief

Example: He won the lottery twice in one year;

well, if that doesn’t beat all!

11,751

What does “economy of coordination” refer to?

A) Saving money through shared scheduling or

planning

B) Using fewer employees

C) Trading services across borders

D) Avoiding waste through recycling

Answer: A) Saving money through shared

scheduling or planning

Example: The merger created an economy of

coordination by eliminating redundant

management roles.

11,752

What does NGO stand for?

A) Non-Governmental Organization

B) National Government Operation

C) New Government Order

D) Non-Growth Objective

Answer: A) Non-Governmental Organization

Example: She works for an NGO that provides

clean water to rural areas.

11,753

What does “horse trade” mean?

A) Trade livestock

B) Negotiate shrewdly, often involving deals or

compromises

C) Take unfair advantage

D) Bet on horses

Answer: B) Negotiate shrewdly, often involving

deals or compromises

Example: The two senators began to horse trade

over the final terms of the bill.

11,754

What does “we’re inching along” suggest?

A) Making steady but very slow progress

B) Running late

C) Standing still

D) Making giant leaps

Answer: A) Making steady but very slow

progress

Example: Traffic is terrible; we’re just inching

along on the highway.

11,755

What does “keep the car running” imply?

A) The car is broken

B) Waste fuel

C) Stay parked

D) Be ready for a quick exit

Answer: D) Be ready for a quick exit

Example: We won’t be long; just keep the car

running.

11,756

What does “In all my born days” express?

A) Surprise or disbelief

B) Routine

C) Aging

D) Nostalgia

Answer: A) Surprise or disbelief

Example: In all my born days, I’ve never seen

anything like that!

11,757

What does “try the patience of a saint” mean?

A) It requires divine help

B) It tests even the most patient person

C) It’s relaxing

D) It’s easy to manage

Answer: B) It tests even the most patient person

Example: Dealing with those clients would try the

patience of a saint.

11,758

What does “big as life” mean?

A) Very important

B) Extremely loud

C) Overly dramatic

D) Unexpectedly and clearly present

Answer: D) Unexpectedly and clearly present

Example: I turned the corner, and there she was;

big as life.

11,759

What is a “sticky question”?

A) A fun quiz

B) A Question with no right answer

C) A Question that’s difficult or uncomfortable to

ask or answer

D) A legal inquiry

Answer: C) A Question that’s difficult or

uncomfortable to ask or answer

Example: Before we move forward, I have a sticky

question about your budget.

11,760

What does “he pulled the rip cord” mean in the

context of a relationship?

A) Proposed marriage

B) Ended things abruptly

C) Took a romantic risk

D) Ignored red flags

Answer: B) Ended things abruptly

Example: As soon as things got serious, he pulled

the rip cord and ghosted.

11,761

What does “ripping and ready to go” mean?

A) In a hurry

B) Nervous

C) Fully prepared and enthusiastic

D) Slightly angry

Answer: C) Fully prepared and enthusiastic

Example: After a big breakfast, the crew was

ripping and ready to go.

11,762

What does “blew through the stop sign”

typically mean?

A) Drove past without stopping

B) Was running late

C) Took a wrong turn

D) Ignored a clear warning or boundary

Answer: D) Ignored a clear warning or

boundary

Example: She blew through the stop sign and got

into trouble with HR.

11,763

What does the phrase “The trend is your

friend” imply in trading or business?

A) Follow momentum or the general direction of

the market

B) Don’t trust statistics

C) Trends are temporary

D) Always resist trends

Answer: A) Follow momentum or the general

direction of the market

Example: Invest in what’s working; the trend is

your friend.

11,764

What does “a sticky wicket” refer to?

A) A type of game

B) A difficult or tricky situation

C) A sports injury

D) A financial opportunity

Answer: B) A difficult or tricky situation

Example: Negotiating with both sides has become

a bit of a sticky wicket.

11,765

What does “It’s still in play” mean in casual

conversation?

A) It’s been completed

B) It’s been canceled

C) It’s out of bounds

D) It’s still active or relevant

Answer: D) It’s still active or relevant

Example: We haven’t decided on the vendor yet;

your proposal is still in play.

11,766

What does “run it up the flagpole” mean?

A) Ask for approval or test an idea

B) Make an announcement

C) Start a protest

D) Cancel a plan

Answer: A) Ask for approval or test an idea

Example: I’ll run it up the flagpole and see what

the boss thinks.

11,767

What does “this is our bullpen” mean

metaphorically?

A) A place for animals

B) A waiting area for backup staff or resources

C) A meeting room

D) A warehouse

Answer: B) A waiting area for backup staff or

resources

Example: These interns are our bullpen if things

get busy.

11,768

What does “color me impressed” mean?

A) I’m confused

B) I’m skeptical

C) I’m genuinely impressed

D) I’m annoyed

Answer: C) I’m genuinely impressed

Example: You finished early? Color me impressed.

11,769

What does a “plain brown wrapper” imply?

A) Cheap packaging

B) Food delivery

C) Old-fashioned style

D) Something meant to be discreet or hidden

Answer: D) Something meant to be discreet or

hidden

Example: The medication came in a plain brown

wrapper for privacy.

11,770

What does “clear sailing” mean?

A) Stormy weather

B) No obstacles or difficulties ahead

C) A risky plan

D) A slow process

Answer: B) No obstacles or difficulties ahead

Example: Once the permits were approved, it was

clear sailing.

11,771

In figurative or exaggerated speech, what does

“I’m going to blow his brains out” usually

convey?

A) Extreme anger or threat (not usually literal)

B) Literal intent

C) Celebration

D) Confusion

Answer: A) Extreme anger or threat (not

usually literal)

Example: When the computer crashed again, he

shouted he was going to blow its brains out.

11,772

What does “guilt by association” mean?

A) Being guilty of a crime

B) Being blamed because of who you associate

with

C) Confessing publicly

D) Sharing responsibility equally

Answer: B) Being blamed because of who you

associate with

Example: He lost his job through guilt by

association.

11,773

What does “I’m his Tonto” imply?

A) I’m his enemy

B) I’m his boss

C) I’m inexperienced

D) I’m his loyal sidekick

Answer: D) I’m his loyal sidekick

Example: Wherever he goes, I’m his Tonto;

backing him up.

11,774

What does being someone’s “wing man” mean?

A) Flying a plane

B) Supporting a friend socially or romantically

C) Supervising work

D) Competing with them

Answer: B) Supporting a friend socially or

romantically

Example: Relax; I’ll be your wing man tonight.

11,775

What does calling someone “a deep well”

imply?

A) They are emotionally or intellectually rich

B) They are secretive

C) They are lonely

D) They talk too much

Answer: A) They are emotionally or

intellectually rich

Example: You always have insight; you’re a deep

well.

11,776

What does “Well, let’s not go there yet” usually

mean?

A) Let’s leave

B) Let’s postpone a sensitive or difficult topic

C) Let’s change locations

D) Let’s argue

Answer: B) Let’s postpone a sensitive or

difficult topic

Example: That raises some tough questions; but

let’s not go there yet.

11,777

What are “zombie laws”?

A) Emergency laws

B) New legislation

C) Laws that still exist but are no longer enforced

D) Temporary regulations

Answer: C) Laws that still exist but are no

longer enforced

Example: That statute is basically a zombie law;

still on the books, but ignored.

11,778

What does “You don’t know the half of it”

suggest?

A) You understand everything

B) You’re mistaken

C) It’s a small issue

D) The situation is even more extreme than

described

Answer: D) The situation is even more extreme

than described

Example: You think the job is stressful? You don’t

know the half of it.

11,779

What does “cried her eyes out” mean?

A) She pretended to cry

B) She cried intensely

C) She was angry

D) She laughed uncontrollably

Answer: B) She cried intensely

Example: She cried her eyes out after hearing the

news.

11,780

In trading or economics, what does hawkish

mean?

A) Favoring lower interest rates

B) Aggressive about tightening policy or raising

rates

C) Avoiding risk

D) Supporting free trade

Answer: B) Aggressive about tightening policy

or raising rates

Example: The Fed’s hawkish tone rattled the stock

market.

11,781

What is “side chatter”?

A) Private conversations happening alongside a

main discussion

B) Background music

C) Formal debate

D) Public announcements

Answer: A) Private conversations happening

alongside a main discussion

Example: The teacher asked students to stop the

side chatter.

11,782

What does “It was a setup” imply?

A) Something was well organized

B) A deliberate trap or deception

C) A misunderstanding

D) A coincidence

Answer: B) A deliberate trap or deception

Example: He realized too late that the whole

meeting was a setup.

11,783

What does “I’m stoked” mean?

A) I’m angry

B) I’m exhausted

C) I’m very excited or happy

D) I’m nervous

Answer: C) I’m very excited or happy

Example: I’m stoked about the concert this

weekend.

11,784

What does “I could kiss you” usually express?

A) Gratitude or relief

B) Romantic intent

C) Anger

D) Confusion

Answer: A) Gratitude or relief

Example: You fixed the printer? I could kiss you!

11,785

What does “keep your nose clean” mean?

A) Avoid trouble or illegal behavior

B) Practice good hygiene

C) Stay quiet

D) Mind your health

Answer: A) Avoid trouble or illegal behavior

Example: If you want that promotion, you need to

keep your nose clean.

11,786

What does “He got hammered” mean?

A) He was physically hit

B) He was extremely drunk

C) He used a hammer

D) He built furniture

Answer: B) He was extremely drunk

Example: After five shots of tequila, he got

completely hammered.

11,787

What does “crash the party” mean?

A) Get into an accident at a party

B) Fall asleep at a party

C) Organize a surprise party

D) Show up to a party uninvited

Answer: D) Show up to a party uninvited

Example: We didn’t know anyone there, but we

decided to crash the party anyway.

11,788

What does the term “tradwife” refer to?

A) A woman in a political role

B) A traditional wife who embraces conservative,

homemaker values

C) A career-driven woman

D) A military spouse

Answer: B) A traditional wife who embraces

conservative, homemaker values

Example: She proudly called herself a tradwife;

focused on home, cooking, and raising kids.

11,789

What are “courtside seats”?

A) Parking by a courthouse

B) Seats near a soccer field

C) Benches outside the gym

D) Premium seats next to a basketball court

Answer: D) Premium seats next to a basketball

court

Example: They were lucky enough to score

courtside seats for the Lakers game.

11,790

What is meant by “She’s powdering her nose”?

A) She’s applying makeup

B) She’s sneezing

C) She’s using the bathroom (euphemism)

D) She’s cold

Answer: C) She’s using the bathroom

(euphemism)

Example: She excused herself from the table,

saying she was powdering her nose.

11,791

What does “fog of war” refer to?

A) Weather during battle

B) The confusion and chaos during conflict or a

fast-changing situation

C) A game strategy

D) A military report

Answer: B) The confusion and chaos during

conflict or a fast-changing situation

Example: In the fog of war, it was hard to tell who

was making the decisions.

11,792

What does “walking with a purpose” imply?

A) Wandering

B) Walking slowly

C) Lost in thought

D) Moving decisively or determinedly

Answer: D) Moving decisively or determinedly

Example: She walked into the room with a

purpose; you knew she meant business.

11,793

What does “He’s a whack job” mean?

A) He’s a boring person

B) He works too much

C) He’s mentally unstable or behaves erratically

D) He’s a carpenter

Answer: C) He’s mentally unstable or behaves

erratically

Example: After he started yelling at the traffic

lights, I figured he was a real whack job.

11,794

What does “Your first day with a new brain?”

imply sarcastically?

A) You’ve done something extremely smart

B) You’re behaving as if you forgot how to think

C) You got a surgery

D) You’re a genius

Answer: B) You’re behaving as if you forgot

how to think

Example: You spilled coffee on the computer

again? What is this; your first day with a new

brain?

11,795

What does it mean when someone is described

as “a solid guy”?

A) He is reliable and trustworthy

B) He’s physically strong

C) He’s quiet

D) He doesn’t smile much

Answer: A) He is reliable and trustworthy

Example: You can count on him in any situation;

he’s a solid guy.

11,796

What is an “Irish hello”?

A) A cheerful greeting

B) An arrival without formally greeting anyone

C) A handshake

D) A quick exit

Answer: B) An arrival without formally

greeting anyone

Example: He just slipped into the party with an

Irish hello; no hellos, no introductions.

11,797

What does “I must answer up” mean?

A) I need to take responsibility

B) I have to speak loudly

C) I must hang up the phone

D) I have to answer a riddle

Answer: A) I need to take responsibility

Example: When the boss asked about the mistake, I

knew I had to answer up.

11,798

What does “Keep your eyes open” mean?

A) Stay awake

B) Be alert and aware

C) Don’t wear sunglasses

D) Don’t blink

Answer: B) Be alert and aware

Example: This neighborhood can be sketchy at

night; keep your eyes open.

11,799

What does “That’s not really his speed” mean?

A) He drives slowly

B) He’s uninterested or doesn’t enjoy that activity

C) He’s too fast for that

D) He’s bad at sports

Answer: B) He’s uninterested or doesn’t enjoy

that activity

Example: Going to loud clubs every weekend isn’t

really his speed; he’d rather read a book.

11,800

What does “did a deep dive on him” mean?

A) She went swimming

B) She ignored him completely

C) She thoroughly researched or investigated him

D) She asked him out

Answer: C) She thoroughly researched or

investigated him

Example: Before the first date, she did a deep dive

on him; social media, articles, everything.

11,801

What is the meaning of “We grow old too soon

and wise too late”?

A) Age comes slowly

B) We stay young forever

C) Wisdom is inherited

D) We often gain wisdom only after we’ve aged

Answer: D) We often gain wisdom only after

we’ve aged

Example: Looking back on my choices, I realize

we grow old too soon and wise too late.

11,802

What does “brew right past me” imply?

A) Someone served coffee

B) Someone ignored you intentionally

C) It smelled like coffee nearby

D) A situation developed and you didn’t notice

Answer: D) A situation developed and you

didn’t notice

Example: That whole drama brewed right past me;

I had no idea what was going on.

11,803

What does it mean to “shoot for next week”?

A) To cancel all current plans

B) To definitely meet next week

C) To tentatively aim for next week as a possibility

D) To forget about scheduling

Answer: C) To tentatively aim for next week as

a possibility

Example: We’re all busy, but let’s shoot for next

week to catch up.

11,804

What does “maintain course and speed”

suggest?

A) Stop the ship

B) Stay on the current path without changing

direction

C) Increase speed immediately

D) Turn in a new direction

Answer: B) Stay on the current path without

changing direction

Example: We’ve got a solid plan; let’s maintain

course and speed.

11,805

If someone “can throw down,” what does that

mean?

A) They know how to fight or perform very well

B) They often fall over

C) They dance poorly

D) They work slowly

Answer: A) They know how to fight or perform

very well

Example: Don’t underestimate him; he can really

throw down in the ring.

11,806

What does “old stomping grounds” refer to?

A) A place you used to visit often

B) A place you disliked

C) Your first job

D) A new vacation spot

Answer: A) A place you used to visit often

Example: This diner used to be one of my old

stomping grounds back in college.

11,807

What does it mean to “grow up in the wake” of

something?

A) You lived near water

B) You followed someone’s funeral

C) You were homeschooled

D) You were raised in the aftermath of an event

Answer: D) You were raised in the aftermath of

an event

Example: She grew up in the wake of her parents’

divorce and carried that pain for years.

11,808

What is implied by the statement, “You could

have worked out that math”?

A) You were expected to calculate something

obvious

B) You failed a school test

C) You didn’t ask for help

D) You invented a new formula

Answer: A) You were expected to calculate

something obvious

Example: You didn’t realize rent would increase?

Come on, you could have worked out that math.

11,809

What does “AI slop” most likely refer to?

A) Clean and accurate AI-generated content

B) AI-generated content that is low-quality or

messy

C) A type of AI algorithm

D) A cooking term for AI kitchen tools

Answer: B) AI-generated content that is low-

quality or messy

Example: Some of these articles online are just AI

slop with no real research behind them.

11,810

What does the phrase “I know it like the back of

my hand” mean?

A) You’ve forgotten it

B) You’re slightly familiar with it

C) You know it very well

D) You are scared of it

Answer: C) You know it very well

Example: I’ve been coming here for years; I know

this neighborhood like the back of my hand.

11,811

What does it mean if someone “blew the stop

sign”?

A) They physically destroyed it

B) They walked past it

C) They misread the sign

D) They didn’t obey it and drove through

Answer: D) They didn’t obey it and drove

through

Example: She blew the stop sign and almost

caused a crash.

11,812

What does “votes not in yet” imply?

A) There’s still uncertainty about a decision

B) A vote has been cancelled

C) Everyone voted already

D) Someone won the vote

Answer: A) There’s still uncertainty about a

decision

Example: The votes aren’t in yet, but it looks like

the merger will go through.

11,813

What does it mean when someone is “working

the room”?

A) Rearranging furniture

B) Entertaining people at a party

C) Politely engaging many people in a social

setting

D) Managing a business meeting

Answer: C) Politely engaging many people in a

social setting

Example: He walked in and immediately started

working the room, shaking hands with everyone.

11,814

What does “racing to the bottom” mean?

A) Competing by lowering standards or prices

B) Trying to finish a race first

C) Sinking emotionally

D) Going underwater quickly

Answer: A) Competing by lowering standards

or prices

Example: When companies keep cutting wages to

compete, it becomes a race to the bottom.

11,815

If someone is “sporting a beard,” what are they

doing?

A) Making fun of someone

B) Growing a beard for charity

C) Shaving off their beard

D) Wearing a beard confidently or stylishly

Answer: D) Wearing a beard confidently or

stylishly

Example: He showed up to the reunion sporting a

beard no one expected.

11,816

What does it mean if someone was “spirited

out”?

A) They left quietly with good intentions

B) They were escorted with a lot of enthusiasm

C) They were secretly removed from a place

D) They were drunk and left

Answer: C) They were secretly removed from a

place

Example: The witness was spirited out of the

courthouse to avoid the press.

11,817

What does it mean to “meet someone cold”?

A) Meet them without any preparation or

introduction

B) Meet them while feeling unwell

C) Meet them in a cold environment

D) Meet them with hostility

Answer: A) Meet them without any preparation

or introduction

Example: I didn’t know anyone at the event, so I

had to meet everyone cold.

11,818

What does it mean to “make a name for

yourself”?

A) You changed your identity

B) You became famous or respected in a field

C) You started a brand

D) You committed a crime

Answer: B) You became famous or respected in

a field

Example: He made a name for himself as one of

the top lawyers in the city.

11,819

What does “it rubbed me the wrong way”

mean?

A) It made me feel uncomfortable or annoyed

B) It gave a pleasant surprise

C) It physically hurt me

D) It was too difficult to understand

Answer: A) It made me feel uncomfortable or

annoyed

Example: The way he dismissed my question

rubbed me the wrong way.

11,820

What does “he fell among a bad lot” suggest?

A) He joined a construction crew

B) He got lost

C) He ended up associating with bad or criminal

people

D) He failed in school

Answer: C) He ended up associating with bad

or criminal people

Example: After dropping out of school, he fell

among a bad lot and started getting into trouble.

11,821

What does “making faces” mean?

A) Applying makeup

B) Pretending to be someone else

C) Practicing acting

D) Showing exaggerated expressions

Answer: D) Showing exaggerated expressions

Example: The kids were making faces at each other

behind the teacher’s back.

11,822

What does calling someone “an old salt” imply?

A) They are very bitter

B) They are experienced at sea

C) They love cooking

D) They are unreliable

Answer: B) They are experienced at sea

Example: You could tell by the way he spoke about

storms that he was an old salt.

11,823

What does the phrase “paying through the

nose” mean?

A) Paying with cash only

B) Paying too much for something

C) Getting a great discount

D) Borrowing money

Answer: B) Paying too much for something

Example: We paid through the nose for that

concert; those tickets were ridiculous.

11,824

In gambling (especially blackjack), what does

“hit me” mean?

A) Skip my turn

B) I want to leave the game

C) I’m folding

D) Give me another card

Answer: D) Give me another card

Example: “I’ve only got 15,” he said, turning to the

dealer. “Hit me.”

11,825

What does it mean to “steal a glance”?

A) To look at someone without permission

B) To take a quick, secret look

C) To stare rudely

D) To take a picture

Answer: B) To take a quick, secret look

Example: He kept stealing glances at her during

the meeting, thinking no one would notice.

11,826

What does the idiom “never had words” mean?

A) They were always quiet

B) They avoided public speaking

C) They didn’t speak the same language

D) They had a peaceful relationship without

arguments

Answer: D) They had a peaceful relationship

without arguments

Example: Despite working together for ten years,

they never had words.

11,827

What does it mean when someone is called “a

tortured soul”?

A) They have a difficult personality

B) They are an evil person

C) They are emotionally troubled or burdened

D) They are physically injured

Answer: C) They are emotionally troubled or

burdened

Example: He’s a brilliant artist, but he’s also a

tortured soul; always battling inner demons.

11,828

What does the phrase “Watch your head”

mean?

A) Be careful not to hit your head

B) Think deeply about something

C) Don’t overthink it

D) Avoid mental stress

Answer: A) Be careful not to hit your head

Example: As we ducked into the old cellar, the

guide said, “Watch your head!”

11,829

What does it mean to “back the bad move”?

A) To physically move backwards

B) To support a decision that turns out to be a

mistake

C) To criticize a poor decision

D) To change a plan halfway through

Answer: B) To support a decision that turns out

to be a mistake

Example: Everyone warned him, but he still

backed the bad move by investing in the failing

project.

11,830

What does it mean to have “somebody in your

corner”?

A) They are trying to beat you

B) They are your opponent

C) They are secretly working against you

D) They support and defend you

Answer: D) They support and defend you

Example: Don’t worry about the presentation;

you’ve got me in your corner.

11,831

What does the phrase “You backed him in a

corner” mean?

A) You helped him make a decision

B) You gave him too many choices

C) You forced him into a situation with no good

options

D) You ignored his advice

Answer: C) You forced him into a situation with

no good options

Example: By refusing to compromise on the

contract, they backed him in a corner and he had

no choice but to walk away.

11,832

What does “that’s heavy” usually mean?

A) It weighs a lot

B) It’s boring

C) It’s confusing

D) It’s emotionally serious or impactful

Answer: D) It’s emotionally serious or

impactful

Example: Losing a child; that’s heavy, man.

11,833

What does “You’re a real piece of garbage”

express?

A) Compliment

B) Neutral description

C) Strong insult toward someone’s character

D) Humor

Answer: C) Strong insult toward someone’s

character

Example: Cheating people like that makes you a

real piece of garbage.

11,834

What does “Ah, nuts” usually express?

A) Frustration or disappointment

B) Excitement

C) Approval

D) Hunger

Answer: A) Frustration or disappointment

Example: Ah, nuts; I left my keys at home.

11,835

What does “return on the dollar” mean?

A) A tax refund

B) How much value you get back from money

spent

C) Currency exchange

D) Charity donation

Answer: B) How much value you get back from

money spent

Example: That investment gave a strong return on

the dollar.

11,836

In espionage slang, what does “wet work” refer

to?

A) Surveillance

B) Interrogation

C) Cybercrime

D) Assassination or violent covert action

Answer: D) Assassination or violent covert

action

Example: The mission crossed a line; it turned into

wet work.

(Note: this term is grim and specialized to

spy/fiction contexts.)

11,837

What does “I’m being straight up” mean?

A) I’m standing

B) I’m joking

C) I’m being honest and direct

D) I’m confused

Answer: C) I’m being honest and direct

Example: I’ll be straight up; this plan won’t work.

11,838

What does “Ding, ding, ding, give this man a

prize” signal?

A) Sarcasm

B) Failure

C) A literal contest

D) Someone gave the correct or perfect answer

Answer: D) Someone gave the correct or perfect

answer

Example: You spotted the real issue; ding, ding,

ding, give this man a prize.

11,839

What does “crap out of luck” mean?

A) Very fortunate

B) Slightly unlucky

C) Completely unlucky

D) Confused

Answer: C) Completely unlucky

Example: If the store’s closed, we’re crap out of

luck.

11,840

In figurative speech, what does “soiled his

pants” often imply?

A) He was extremely frightened or embarrassed

B) He spilled food

C) He was careless

D) He was injured

Answer: A) He was extremely frightened or

embarrassed

Example: When the alarm went off unexpectedly,

he nearly soiled his pants.

11,841

What is “road rage”?

A) Fear of driving

B) Aggressive or angry behavior while driving

C) Racing

D) Car trouble

Answer: B) Aggressive or angry behavior while

driving

Example: Cutting him off triggered serious road

rage.

11,842

What does “deadly in the octagon” mean?

A) He is extremely skilled in MMA competition

B) He fights illegally

C) He’s reckless

D) He’s violent outside sports

Answer: A) He is extremely skilled in MMA

competition

Example: His striking is precise; he’s deadly in the

octagon.

11,843

What does “I’m dead serious” emphasize?

A) Humor

B) Anger

C) Fear

D) Absolute seriousness

Answer: D) Absolute seriousness

Example: I’m dead serious; don’t touch that

switch.

11,844

What does “he kept everything tight” most

likely mean?

A) He was physically tense

B) He dressed well

C) He maintained strict control or discipline

D) He exercised regularly

Answer: C) He maintained strict control or

discipline

Example: As a manager, he kept everything tight;

no wasted time or money.

11,845

What does “It’s some heavy stuff” usually

mean?

A) It’s physically heavy

B) It’s dangerous

C) It’s complicated machinery

D) It’s serious or emotionally important

Answer: D) It’s serious or emotionally

important

Example: Talking about end‑of‑life care is some

heavy stuff, but it matters.

11,846

What does “take this down the line” imply?

A) Start over

B) Fight someone

C) Commit to taking something to the end

D) Delay a project

Answer: C) Commit to taking something to the

end

Example: This legal battle will be long; are you

prepared to take this down the line?

11,847

What does “he got whacked” mean in mafia

slang?

A) He was fired

B) He was killed

C) He was surprised

D) He was promoted

Answer: B) He was killed

Example: He owed the wrong people money and

then he got whacked.

11,848

What does it mean if “it still stands”?

A) Something remains valid or true

B) A building is still there

C) A law is unchanged

D) All of the above

Answer: D) All of the above (but A is most

common in idiomatic use)

Example: The offer still stands if you change your

mind later.

11,849

What does “take someone under your wing”

mean?

A) Teach or protect them like a mentor

B) Mock someone

C) Fire someone

D) Block someone’s opportunity

Answer: A) Teach or protect them like a mentor

Example: When I started, my supervisor took me

under his wing and showed me the ropes.

11,850

What does it mean to be “on a clock”?

A) You are wearing a watch

B) You are on a timed schedule

C) You are off work

D) You are confused about time

Answer: B) You are on a timed schedule

Example: Let’s wrap this up; I’m on a clock and

I’ve got a meeting in 10 minutes.

11,851

What does “that squares us” mean?

A) We are even or settled

B) We are in a fight

C) We are in a square room

D) We are in trouble

Answer: A) We are even or settled

Example: You covered lunch yesterday, I got it

today; that squares us.

11,852

What does it mean to be “plugged in”?

A) They are good with electronics

B) They’re unaware of current trends

C) They sleep a lot

D) They’re well-informed or deeply involved

Answer: D) They’re well-informed or deeply

involved

Example: She’s totally plugged in with the local

political scene.

11,853

What does it mean if someone is “connected”?

A) They have internet access

B) They are socially awkward

C) They have influential relationships, often in

shady circles

D) They are emotionally in touch

Answer: C) They have influential relationships,

often in shady circles

Example: Don’t cross him; he’s connected, if you

know what I mean.

11,854

What does “butthead” mean?

A) A funny guy

B) A dull person

C) A leader

D) An annoying or obnoxious person

Answer: D) An annoying or obnoxious person

Example: Don’t mind him, he’s just being a

butthead again.

11,855

What does it mean to say, “You got a lot of brass

on you”?

A) You own expensive jewelry

B) You are bold or shameless

C) You work in law enforcement

D) You’re wearing a uniform

Answer: B) You are bold or shameless

Example: You’ve got a lot of brass showing up

here after what you said.

11,856

What is a “rap sheet”?

A) A document of criminal history

B) A list of someone’s favorite songs

C) A record of arguments

D) A playlist for workouts

Answer: A) A document of criminal history

Example: I’ve seen your rap sheet; you’ve got a

long history with the law.

11,857

What does it mean if someone is “under her

spell”?

A) He’s been tricked into something illegal

B) He’s completely captivated or infatuated with

her

C) He is scared of her

D) He owes her money

Answer: B) He’s completely captivated or

infatuated with her

Example: He’s so in love he can’t think straight;

he’s totally under her spell.

11,858

What does it mean when someone is “in

custody”?

A) They are being held by law enforcement

B) They are being taken care of

C) They are in a hospital

D) They are adopted

Answer: A) They are being held by law

enforcement

Example: The suspect is in custody and awaiting

questioning.

11,859

What does it mean when someone asks, “You

got a minute?”

A) They are checking your schedule for a future

meeting

B) They want to borrow something from you

C) They are asking for directions

D) They want a quick moment of your time to talk

Answer: D) They want a quick moment of your

time to talk

Example: “You got a minute? I need your opinion

on this email draft.”

11,860

What does “It stuck to him like glue” mean?

A) Something kept following him

B) He spilled glue

C) He clung to someone else

D) He fixed something

Answer: A) Something kept following him

Example: That rumor stuck to him like glue, even

after it was disproved.

11,861

What does “Sounds like a personal problem to

me” imply?

A) Someone is being helpful

B) The issue doesn’t affect others, and they

shouldn’t have to deal with it

C) The problem needs professional help

D) The person is misunderstood

Answer: B) The issue doesn’t affect others, and

they shouldn’t have to deal with it

Example: You forgot your password again? Sounds

like a personal problem to me.

11,862

What does “He’s a Made Man” mean?

A) He’s been formally inducted into the Mafia

B) He’s wealthy

C) He’s been fired

D) He’s independent

Answer: A) He’s been formally inducted into

the Mafia

Example: You can’t touch him; he’s a Made Man

now.

11,863

What does “Fame is a fickle mistress” mean?

A) Fame is powerful and stable

B) Fame doesn’t affect relationships

C) Fame is unpredictable and fleeting

D) Fame always rewards talent

Answer: C) Fame is unpredictable and fleeting

Example: One day you’re on top of the charts, the

next you’re forgotten; fame is a fickle mistress.

11,864

What does “I’ll file it under ‘your problem’”

mean?

A) It’s not my responsibility

B) I’ll handle it later

C) I’ll write it down

D) I’ll report it to HR

Answer: A) It’s not my responsibility

Example: Don’t drag me into this. I’ll file it under

“your problem.”

11,865

What does “Where the heck are you” imply?

A) You’re being praised

B) You’re being warned

C) You’re being offered help

D) You’re being asked why you’re late or missing

Answer: D) You’re being asked why you’re late

or missing

Example: The meeting started 15 minutes ago.

Where the heck are you?

11,866

What does “Ok, line it up” mean?

A) Get everything ready

B) Create a straight line

C) Form a team

D) Go to sleep

Answer: A) Get everything ready

Example: We’ve got a lot to do today; ok, line it

up.

11,867

What does “He’s breaking my balls” mean?

A) He’s helping me

B) He’s nagging or teasing me relentlessly

C) He’s physically hurting me

D) He’s confusing me

Answer: B) He’s nagging or teasing me

relentlessly

Example: Can you tell him to stop? He’s breaking

my balls over this report.

11,868

What does “Crazy on you” mean (pop

culture/figurative use)?

A) Deeply obsessed or in love

B) Confused about someone

C) Angry with someone

D) Suspicious of someone

Answer: A) Deeply obsessed or in love

Example: Ever since that date, she’s gone crazy on

you.

11,869

What does “He has itchy fingers” suggest?

A) He wants to scratch something

B) He’s a thief or tempted to steal

C) He’s a guitarist

D) He’s nervous

Answer: B) He’s a thief or tempted to steal

Example: Watch your wallet around him; he’s got

itchy fingers.

11,870

What does “Don’t fear the reaper” mean?

A) Don’t be afraid of death

B) Avoid eating fruit

C) Stay away from danger

D) Be cautious of strangers

Answer: A) Don’t be afraid of death

Example: He lived boldly, always saying, “Don’t

fear the reaper.”

11,871

What does “He’s cruising for a bruising” mean?

A) He’s shopping for a car

B) He’s driving recklessly

C) He’s asking for trouble

D) He’s working out too hard

Answer: C) He’s asking for trouble

Example: Keep talking like that, and you’re

cruising for a bruising.

11,872

What does “He is drifting in and out” mean?

A) He is undecided

B) He is barely conscious

C) He is coming and going from the house

D) He is emotional

Answer: B) He is barely conscious

Example: After the accident, he was drifting in and

out of consciousness.

11,873

What does “In due season” mean?

A) During springtime

B) At the wrong time

C) Randomly

D) When the time is right

Answer: D) When the time is right

Example: Your hard work will pay off in due

season.

11,874

What does “Stark raven mad” mean?

A) Wildly excited

B) Completely insane

C) Confused and lost

D) Sad and quiet

Answer: B) Completely insane

Example: He must be stark raving mad to think

that plan will work.

11,875

What does “Stake out” mean?

A) To guard a place secretly

B) To grill meat outdoors

C) To claim ownership

D) To attack someone

Answer: A) To guard a place secretly

Example: The cops did a stakeout at the suspect’s

house for two days.

11,876

What does “He set me up” mean?

A) He bought me dinner

B) He introduced me to someone

C) He tricked or framed me

D) He gave me advice

Answer: C) He tricked or framed me

Example: I thought he was helping, but he set me

up to take the fall.

11,877

What does “Flush him out” mean?

A) To make someone come out of hiding

B) To confuse someone

C) To make someone angry

D) To cover someone in water

Answer: A) To make someone come out of

hiding

Example: The search party used dogs to flush him

out of the forest.

11,878

What does “Flash in a pan” mean?

A) A long-lasting success

B) A sudden burst of fire

C) A dangerous event

D) A short-lived success or effort

Answer: D) A short-lived success or effort

Example: His first novel was a hit, but everything

since has been a flash in the pan.

11,879

What does “Don’t be coy” mean?

A) Don’t be overly shy or deceptive

B) Don’t be too loud

C) Don’t act clumsy

D) Don’t overthink it

Answer: A) Don’t be overly shy or deceptive

Example: Don’t be coy; just tell us what you really

think.

11,880

What does “Flying off the handle” mean?

A) Leaving without notice

B) Getting very angry suddenly

C) Being overly excited

D) Acting calmly under stress

Answer: B) Getting very angry suddenly

Example: He flew off the handle when he heard

they canceled the event.

11,881

What does “he’s walking all over me” mean?

A) He is ignoring boundaries

B) He is physically stepping on someone

C) He is supervising me

D) He is taking advantage of me

Answer: D) He is taking advantage of me

Example: I need to speak up; he’s been walking all

over me for months.

11,882

What does “You’re pushing it” mean?

A) You’re motivating others

B) You’re testing the limits of patience or rules

C) You’re physically exerting effort

D) You’re avoiding responsibility

Answer: B) You’re testing the limits of patience

or rules

Example: I let you stay out past curfew once, but

now you’re pushing it asking to sleep over.

11,883

What does “He walks on her like a welcome

mat” mean?

A) He treats her with no respect

B) He is careful around her

C) He surprises her often

D) He compliments her too much

Answer: A) He treats her with no respect

Example: Everyone could see she deserved better;

he walked on her like a welcome mat.

11,884

What does “the creeping crud” refer to?

A) A serious disease

B) A mild illness or bug

C) Poor hygiene

D) Food poisoning

Answer: B) A mild illness or bug

Example: I won’t be in today; I’ve got the creeping

crud.

11,885

What does calling someone “A black knight”

usually suggest?

A) They are heroic

B) They are mysterious

C) They play an aggressive or obstructive role

D) They are medieval reenactors

Answer: C) They play an aggressive or

obstructive role

Example: Every negotiation has a black knight

trying to sabotage the deal.

11,886

What does “She has ice flowing through her

veins” imply?

A) She is unemotional and calm under pressure

B) She is sick

C) She is unfriendly

D) She is dishonest

Answer: A) She is unemotional and calm under

pressure

Example: During the crisis, she stayed calm; ice

flows through her veins.

11,887

What does it mean if someone is “photogenic”?

A) They enjoy photography

B) They look good in photos

C) They work with cameras

D) They pose professionally

Answer: B) They look good in photos

Example: She doesn’t try at all; she’s just naturally

photogenic.

11,888

What does “he shut me down” mean?

A) He closed a building

B) He ignored me

C) He stopped or dismissed my idea or argument

D) He fired me

Answer: C) He stopped or dismissed my idea or

argument

Example: I barely started explaining when he shut

me down.

11,889

What does “he got the best of me” mean?

A) He defeated or outperformed me

B) He helped me succeed

C) He insulted me

D) He misunderstood me

Answer: A) He defeated or outperformed me

Example: I tried to stay calm, but my temper got

the best of me.

11,890

What does “That’s a bunch of bull crap”

usually express?

A) Agreement

B) Confusion

C) Curiosity

D) Strong disbelief or rejection

Answer: D) Strong disbelief or rejection

Example: You expect me to believe that? That’s a

bunch of bull crap.

11,891

What does it mean if someone has “gone

bonkers”?

A) They are acting crazy or irrational

B) They became very rich

C) They moved away suddenly

D) They are extremely happy

Answer: A) They are acting crazy or irrational

Example: If he thinks that plan will work, he’s

gone bonkers.

11,892

What does “intestinal fortitude” refer to?

A) Physical health

B) Intelligence

C) Courage and determination

D) Stubbornness

Answer: C) Courage and determination

Example: It took real intestinal fortitude to stand

up to the board.

11,893

When said sarcastically, what does “You have

me quivering in my boots” mean?

A) I am genuinely terrified

B) I am impressed

C) I am physically cold

D) I am not scared at all

Answer: D) I am not scared at all

Example: Oh please; you have me quivering in my

boots with that empty threat.

11,894

What is the purpose of a “pep talk”?

A) To give criticism

B) To motivate and encourage

C) To explain a complex idea

D) To complain about work

Answer: B) To motivate and encourage

Example: Before the big game, the coach gave the

team a passionate pep talk.

11,895

What does “torpedoed the project” mean?

A) He improved it quickly

B) He launched it ahead of schedule

C) He added funding

D) He deliberately caused it to fail

Answer: D) He deliberately caused it to fail

Example: When he pulled the funding, he

effectively torpedoed the entire project.

11,896

What does it mean to “shoot down an idea”?

A) To criticize or reject it

B) To misunderstand it

C) To promote it

D) To joke about it

Answer: A) To criticize or reject it

Example: I suggested expanding the team, but the

boss immediately shot down the idea.

11,897

What kind of event is a “meet and greet”?

A) A formal banquet

B) A networking or introductory event

C) A team-building exercise

D) A surprise party

Answer: B) A networking or introductory event

Example: Tomorrow’s event is just a meet and

greet gathering; nothing too formal.

11,898

What does “brown shirts” imply in this idiom?

A) Security or enforcers with authoritarian

tendencies

B) Waiters at a restaurant

C) A football team

D) Firefighters

Answer: A) Security or enforcers with

authoritarian tendencies

Example: The company didn’t like what he was

saying, so they sent out their brown shirts after

him.

11,899

In a business context, what does “foot soldiers”

refer to?

A) Actual soldiers

B) Investors

C) IT support team

D) Entry-level or frontline workers

Answer: D) Entry-level or frontline workers

Example: The foot soldiers of the company are the

ones keeping the day-to-day operations going.

11,900

What does it mean when workers “walked

out”?

A) They went for a break

B) They quit their jobs

C) They went on strike or protest

D) They were late to work

Answer: C) They went on strike or protest

Example: The workers walked out after

negotiations with management failed.

11,901

Who are the “rank-and-file” in a corporation?

A) Upper management

B) Lawyers and consultants

C) Shareholders

D) General workforce or regular employees

Answer: D) General workforce or regular

employees

Example: The rank-and-file of the corporation

were unhappy with the sudden layoffs.

11,902

What does “Detroit, proper” mean?

A) A suburban neighborhood of Detroit

B) The countryside outside Detroit

C) The official city limits of Detroit

D) A wealthy area of Detroit

Answer: C) The official city limits of Detroit

Example: He doesn’t live in the suburbs; he lives

in Detroit, proper.

11,903

What does it mean when someone says, “You’re

a lucky dog”?

A) You’re acting foolish

B) You’re very fortunate

C) You have a nice pet

D) You’re chasing things too much

Answer: B) You’re very fortunate

Example: You got front-row concert tickets for

free? You’re a lucky dog!

11,904

What does it mean if someone says, “you’re

testing my patience”?

A) You’re causing frustration

B) You’re being helpful

C) You’re taking a test

D) You’re giving advice

Answer: A) You’re causing frustration

Example: Stop whining about every little thing;

you’re really testing my patience today.

11,905

What does it mean if “my car became a big

paperweight”?

A) It’s valuable

B) It’s stylish but slow

C) It’s being used as storage

D) It stopped working

Answer: D) It stopped working

Example: After the engine blew out, my car

became a big paperweight in the driveway.

11,906

What does the phrase “spare me the details”

mean?

A) Tell me everything

B) Don’t tell me anything

C) Just give me the summary

D) Skip the emotional parts

Answer: C) Just give me the summary

Example: I get it, you broke up; spare me the

details.

11,907

What does it mean when someone says, “a little

of him goes a long way”?

A) He’s great in large doses

B) He doesn’t travel far

C) He’s physically small

D) He can be annoying quickly

Answer: D) He can be annoying quickly

Example: He’s funny, but honestly, a little of him

goes a long way.

11,908

What does the phrase “wealth is a fickle

mistress” suggest?

A) Wealth often comes and goes unpredictably

B) Wealth is loyal and reliable

C) Wealth makes people unhappy

D) Wealth only comes to the lucky

Answer: A) Wealth often comes and goes

unpredictably

Example: One day you’re rich, the next you’re

broke; wealth is a fickle mistress.

11,909

What is someone being called when they’re

called a “chicken liver”?

A) Brave

B) Smart

C) Sick

D) Coward

Answer: D) Coward

Example: Don’t be such a chicken liver; just go up

and talk to her!

11,910

What does it mean if someone “has bags under

their eyes”?

A) They’re carrying groceries

B) They’re very alert

C) They’re worried

D) They look tired or sleep-deprived

Answer: D) They look tired or sleep-deprived

Example: You can tell he didn’t sleep much; he has

bags under his eyes the size of suitcases.

11,911

What does the phrase “looking a little pasty”

mean?

A) He looks fashionable

B) He looks pale or unwell

C) He’s covered in flour

D) He just got a tan

Answer: B) He looks pale or unwell

Example: After staying up all night studying,

James looked a little pasty this morning.

11,912

Question: What does “I’ll trade all my

tomorrows for one yesterday” express?

A) Regret and longing for the past

B) A wish to forget the past

C) Excitement about the future

D) A need to plan better

Answer: A) Regret and longing for the past

Example: After losing her, I’d trade all my

tomorrows for one yesterday.

11,913

Question: What does “he stepped down” mean?

A) He walked downstairs

B) He increased his workload

C) He moved to a new city

D) He resigned from a position

Answer: D) He resigned from a position

Example: After the scandal, he stepped down as

CEO.

11,914

Question: What does “brought to its knees”

imply?

A) Forced to pray

B) Made stronger

C) Severely weakened or overwhelmed

D) Repaired completely

Answer: C) Severely weakened or overwhelmed

Example: The pandemic brought the global

economy to its knees.

11,915

Question: What does “beat the crap out of her”

mean?

A) He defeated her badly in a competition or fight

B) He argued with her

C) He criticized her gently

D) He confused her

Answer: A) He defeated her badly in a

competition or fight

Example: That boxer beat the crap out of her in the

third round.

11,916

Question: What does “he’s in my head” mean?

A) He’s following me

B) He influences my thoughts or emotions

C) He’s nearby

D) He’s reading my mind

Answer: B) He influences my thoughts or

emotions

Example: After that argument, I can’t stop thinking

about what he said; he’s in my head.

11,917

Question: What does “she bagged a doctor”

imply?

A) She dated or married a doctor

B) She embarrassed a doctor

C) She captured someone’s attention

D) She got into medical school

Answer: A) She dated or married a doctor

(often implying success or luck)

Example: Everyone was shocked when she bagged

a doctor right after college.

11,918

Question: What is the “cold truth”?

A) A comforting lie

B) A warm gesture

C) An uncertain fact

D) The harsh or unpleasant reality

Answer: D) The harsh or unpleasant reality

Example: I don’t want sugarcoating; just tell me

the cold truth.

11,919

Question: What does “all the buzz” mean?

A) It’s annoying

B) It’s loud

C) It’s being widely talked about

D) It’s losing popularity

Answer: C) It’s being widely talked about

Example: That movie is all the buzz right now;

everyone’s watching it.

11,920

Question: What does “the bomb” mean in

slang?

A) A disaster

B) Something extremely good or exciting

C) An explosive device

D) A warning

Answer: B) Something extremely good or

exciting

Example: This party is going to be the bomb; don’t

miss it!

11,921

Question: What does “full tilt” mean?

A) At a slight angle

B) In a controlled manner

C) With caution

D) With maximum speed or intensity

Answer: D) With maximum speed or intensity

Example: When the sale started, we went at it full

tilt to beat the crowds.

11,922

Question: What does “scratch my head” usually

suggest?

A) You have an itch

B) You’re angry

C) You’re confused or puzzled

D) You’re thinking hard

Answer: C) You’re confused or puzzled

Example: These instructions are so vague; they

make me scratch my head.

11,923

Question: What does “he ripped me a new one”

mean?

A) He gave you a new tool

B) He gave you new clothes

C) He surprised you with kindness

D) He severely criticized or yelled at you

Answer: D) He severely criticized or yelled at

you

Example: My boss ripped me a new one for

missing the deadline.

11,924

Question: What does “she got into his head”

imply?

A) She injured him

B) She made him smarter

C) She influenced or unsettled him mentally or

emotionally

D) She took over his responsibilities

Answer: C) She influenced or unsettled him

mentally or emotionally

Example: After their fight, she really got into his

head; he couldn’t focus.

11,925

Question: What does “stay out of my head”

mean?

A) Stop reading my thoughts or influencing me

emotionally

B) Stop talking

C) Don’t remind me of something

D) Stop yelling

Answer: A) Stop reading my thoughts or

influencing me emotionally

Example: Every time you speak, you say what I’m

thinking; stay out of my head!

11,926

Question: What does it mean if someone “drove

you hard”?

A) They drove fast

B) They pushed you to work intensely

C) They ignored you

D) They took you for a long drive

Answer: B) They pushed you to work intensely

Example: My coach drove me hard during practice,

but it paid off.

11,927

Question: What does it mean to “bump start”

something?

A) Start it by accident

B) Begin aggressively

C) Start after crashing

D) Jump-start a car by pushing it

Answer: D) Jump-start a car by pushing it

Example: My battery died, so we had to bump start

the car.

11,928

Question: What does “that is so hot” typically

mean in a sexy context?

A) It’s temperature is high

B) It’s extremely fashionable or sexually appealing

C) It’s not allowed

D) It’s stolen

Answer: B) It’s extremely fashionable or

sexually appealing

Example: That red dress? Wow, that is so hot.

11,929

Question: In slang, what does “I’m going to cap

ya” mean?

A) I’m going to defeat or kill you

B) I’m going to put a hat on you

C) I’m going to trick you

D) I’m going to give you a promotion

Answer: A) I’m going to defeat or kill you

Example: In the movie, the gangster warned,

“Back off or I’ll cap ya.”

11,930

Question: What does it mean when someone

says, “She’s hot”?

A) She is angry

B) She is stylish

C) She is very attractive

D) She has a fever

Answer: C) She is very attractive

Example: Everyone at the party noticed her; she’s

hot.

11,931

Question: What does the idiom “Mr. Fancy

Pants” refer to?

A) Someone who acts overly important or stylish

B) Someone who is very athletic

C) Someone who wears baggy clothing

D) A shy person

Answer: A) Someone who acts overly important

or stylish

Example: Oh look, it’s Mr. Fancy Pants with his

new designer shoes.

11,932

Question: What does the slang term “hanger

queen” refer to (especially in aviation or

military slang)?

A) A fashion model

B) An aircraft that looks impressive but rarely flies

C) A person who shops a lot

D) A runway supervisor

Answer: B) An aircraft that looks impressive

but rarely flies

Example: That jet hasn’t flown in months; total

hanger queen.

11,933

Question: What does “push off” mean in slang

or informal speech?

A) Leave abruptly or rudely

B) Help someone leave

C) Delay a task

D) Support a cause

Answer: A) Leave abruptly or rudely

Example: I told the guy to push off after he kept

bothering us.

11,934

Question: What is a “first impression”?

A) A long-lasting memory

B) The first idea you get about someone or

something

C) A mistake

D) A second chance

Answer: B) The first idea you get about

someone or something

Example: He came in confident and friendly; his

first impression was great.

11,935

Question: What does “What do we owe this

honor?” typically express?

A) Gratitude for a surprise visit or gesture

B) Confusion

C) Annoyance

D) Formal invitation

Answer: A) Gratitude for a surprise visit or

gesture

Example: Look who just showed up; what do we

owe this honor?

11,936

Question: What does “say no more” mean?

A) Please repeat

B) Stop talking because I already understand

C) You’re being too quiet

D) I don’t want to hear it

Answer: B) Stop talking because I already

understand

Example: You want to leave early? Say no more;

I’ll cover for you.

11,937

Question: What does “This is not really the road

that you want to drive on” suggest?

A) It’s a poor or risky choice

B) The path is smooth

C) It’s under construction

D) It’s popular

Answer: A) It’s a poor or risky choice

Example: Trust me, investing in that scheme is not

the road you want to drive on.

11,938

Question: What does it mean when someone is

“in a horrible place”?

A) They are lost

B) They are physically in danger

C) They are traveling abroad

D) They are struggling emotionally or mentally

Answer: D) They are struggling emotionally or

mentally

Example: After the breakup, she was in a horrible

place emotionally.

11,939

Question: What does “my life is in your hands”

mean?

A) You trust someone with your safety or future

B) You are giving someone a gift

C) You owe someone money

D) You are physically close to someone

Answer: A) You trust someone with your safety

or future

Example: I’m counting on you to land this plane;

my life is in your hands.

11,940

Question: What does “alphabet agencies” refer

to?

A) Children’s organizations

B) Fast food chains

C) Government agencies like the FBI, CIA, NSA,

etc.

D) Legal codes

Answer: C) Government agencies like the FBI,

CIA, NSA, etc.

Example: After the data leak, all the alphabet

agencies got involved.

11,941

Question: What does “razor sharp timing”

mean?

A) He was late

B) His timing was perfect and precise

C) He was inconsistent

D) He was indecisive

Answer: B) His timing was perfect and precise

Example: The comedian’s timing was razor sharp;

every punchline hit perfectly.

11,942

Question: What does a “hands-off approach” refer

to?

A) Delegating control and not interfering directly

B) Avoiding contact for safety

C) Working quickly

D) Giving up entirely

Answer: A) Delegating control and not

interfering directly

Example: She manages her team with a hands-off

approach and lets them solve problems on their

own.

11,943

Question: What does “shake the tree and see

what falls out” mean?

A) Harvest fruit

B) Push someone into action

C) Make a scene

D) Apply pressure to reveal hidden information

Answer: D) Apply pressure to reveal hidden

information

Example: We’ll question a few employees and see

what shakes out.

11,944

Question: What does it mean to “punch holes in

his story”?

A) Make physical copies

B) Poke fun at someone

C) Expose flaws or lies in their explanation

D) Memorize what was said

Answer: C) Expose flaws or lies in their

explanation

Example: The detective quickly punched holes in

his story about the timeline.

11,945

Question: What does “draw your bow”

metaphorically imply?

A) Take a rest

B) Make a wild guess

C) Sing loudly

D) Prepare to take action or make an attack

Answer: D) Prepare to take action or make an

attack

Example: She drew her bow in court and fired off

every accusation she had.

11,946

Question: What does “stay on the trail” most

likely mean metaphorically?

A) Keep hiking

B) Don’t get lost

C) Stick to the plan or investigation

D) Avoid conversation

Answer: C) Stick to the plan or investigation

Example: You’re getting distracted. You need to

stay on the trail and follow the clues.

11,947

Question: What does “kill joy” refer to?

A) Someone who ruins other people’s enjoyment

B) Someone who starts a fight

C) A fun-loving person

D) A type of movie villain

Answer: A) Someone who ruins other people’s

enjoyment

Example: Don’t be such a kill joy; let them enjoy

the game.

11,948

Question: What is a “buzz kill”?

A) A caffeine crash

B) Someone or something that ruins the fun

C) A loud noise

D) A type of pest control

Answer: B) Someone or something that ruins

the fun

Example: When she brought up work during the

party, it was a total buzz kill.

11,949

Question: What does it mean if someone is

“involved in shady business”?

A) They work in a dimly lit office

B) They’re gardening in the shade

C) They’re engaged in suspicious or dishonest

activities

D) They prefer to work at night

Answer: C) They’re engaged in suspicious or

dishonest activities

Example: I don’t trust him; he’s clearly involved in

some shady business.

11,950

Question: What does “take a second and

breathe” usually mean?

A) Pause to relax or calm down

B) Start exercising

C) Go outside

D) Hold your breath

Answer: A) Pause to relax or calm down

Example: You’re overthinking everything; take a

second and breathe, it’s going to be okay.

11,951

Question: What does “emotional baggage” refer

to?

A) Luggage filled with gifts

B) Unresolved emotional issues from the past

C) A psychologist’s toolkit

D) Feelings you pack for a vacation

Answer: B) Unresolved emotional issues from

the past

Example: She’s having trouble trusting people

again; she’s still carrying emotional baggage from

her last relationship.

11,952

Question: What does “Don’t shut me out” mean

in a relationship context?

A) Don’t ignore me emotionally or mentally

B) Don’t lock the door

C) Don’t let me move

D) Don’t lend me your jacket

Answer: A) Don’t ignore me emotionally or

mentally

Example: You’ve been quiet all week; don’t shut

me out, I’m here to talk.

11,953

Question: What does “walk softly” suggest?

A) Be gentle when walking

B) Move without making noise

C) Act with caution and avoid aggression

D) Avoid stepping on cracks

Answer: C) Act with caution and avoid

aggression

Example: The CEO prefers to walk softly and let

results speak louder than words.

11,954

Question: What does it mean to “tiptoe around

it”?

A) Avoid dealing with something directly

B) Walk carefully

C) Ignore everything

D) Plan your escape

Answer: A) Avoid dealing with something

directly

Example: Stop tiptoeing around it; just tell her

what you really think.

11,955

Question: What does “smoking hot” describe?

A) A temperature reading

B) Something that is literally on fire

C) A trendy gadget

D) Something extremely attractive

Answer: D) Something extremely attractive

Example: She walked into the room in a smoking

hot red dress and turned every head.

11,956

Question: What does “You saved my skin”

imply?

A) You gave me a skin treatment

B) You physically protected me from injury

C) You helped me avoid serious trouble

D) You taught me a valuable life lesson

Answer: C) You helped me avoid serious trouble

Example: Thanks for stopping the boss before he

saw my report; you really saved my skin.

11,957

Question: What does the idiom “I just saved

your hide” mean?

A) I helped you find a coat

B) I protected you from danger or consequences

C) I gave you a makeover

D) I rescued your pet

Answer: B) I protected you from danger or

consequences

Example: If I hadn’t covered for you during the

audit, you’d be fired; I just saved your hide.

11,958

Question: What does “strapping fellow” mean?

A) A well-built and strong man

B) A lazy man

C) A dishonest person

D) A short-tempered man

Answer: A) A well-built and strong man

Example: He used to be a strapping fellow, always

helping neighbors lift heavy stuff.

11,959

Question: What does “he waltzed into our

house” imply?

A) He danced into the room

B) He ran inside in a hurry

C) He snuck in quietly

D) He entered confidently or carelessly without

permission

Answer: D) He entered confidently or carelessly

without permission

Example: He didn’t even knock; he just waltzed

into our house like he owned the place.

11,960

Question: What does “strapping young man”

describe?

A) A very wealthy young man

B) A weak and frail man

C) A strong, healthy, and vigorous young man

D) A well-dressed man

Answer: C) A strong, healthy, and vigorous

young man

Example: He’s a strapping young man; perfect for

the football team.

11,961

Question: What does the phrase “You still have

your soul” imply?

A) You haven’t died

B) You’re good at music

C) You’re religious

D) You kept your ethics or integrity

Answer: D) You kept your ethics or integrity

Example: You may have lost the job, but at least

you still have your soul.

11,962

Question: What does “give someone a piece of

your mind” mean?

A) Offer advice

B) Speak angrily or critically to someone

C) Share a good idea

D) Compliment someone

Answer: B) Speak angrily or critically to

someone

Example: When he showed up late again, I gave

him a piece of my mind.

11,963

Question: What does it mean when someone

says, “I left a piece of myself there in the war”?

A) They forgot something important

B) They lost a personal item

C) They were deeply affected by the war

emotionally or mentally

D) They died in the war

Answer: C) They were deeply affected by the

war emotionally or mentally

Example: Every time I think about that time, I

know I left a piece of myself there in the war.

11,964

Question: What does “power through” mean?

A) Use electricity more efficiently

B) Take a long break

C) Turn off the lights

D) Continue working hard despite challenges

Answer: D) Continue working hard despite

challenges

Example: We’re behind on this project, so we need

to power through the weekend.

11,965

Question: What does the idiom “Keep your

head down” mean?

A) Avoid trouble by staying quiet or unnoticed

B) Be proud of your success

C) Take a nap

D) Focus on your height

Answer: A) Avoid trouble by staying quiet or

unnoticed

Example: With all the layoffs happening, I’m just

trying to keep my head down and do my work.

Following are foreign words that have made its

way into the English language.

What does the idiom “He’s doing it ad hoc” mean?

A) He is doing it with careful planning.

B) He is doing it in a way that is spontaneous or

improvised.

C) He is doing it with long-term preparation.

D) He is doing it according to strict rules.

Answer: B) He is doing it in a way that is

spontaneous or improvised. (Latin)

Example: “When the equipment broke, he found an

ad hoc solution to keep the project going.”

What does the idiom “It was ad hominem” mean?

A) It was a logical and reasoned argument.

B) It was a personal attack rather than addressing the

issue.

C) It was a factual and well-supported claim.

D) It was a creative and imaginative statement.

Answer: B) It was a personal attack rather than

addressing the issue. (Latin)

Example: “Instead of focusing on the debate topic, his

response was purely ad hominem.”

What does the idiom “The artist is avant-garde”

mean?

A) The artist follows traditional methods.

B) The artist uses outdated techniques.

C) The artist is innovative and ahead of their time.

D) The artist copies the styles of others.

Answer: C) The artist is innovative and ahead of

their time. (French)

Example: “Her abstract paintings prove she is truly

avant-garde in the world of art.”

What does the idiom “This document is bona fide”

mean?

A) This document is fraudulent.

B) This document is genuine and authentic.

C) This document is incomplete.

D) This document is difficult to read.

Answer: B) This document is genuine and

authentic. (Latin)

Example: “The lawyer confirmed that the agreement

was bona fide and legally binding.”

What does the idiom “I bid you farewell and bon

voyage” mean?

A) I wish you good health and happiness.

B) I have been saying goodbye for a long time.

C) I encourage you to work harder.

D) I hope you have a good journey.

Answer: D) I hope you have a good journey.

(French)

Example: “As they boarded the ship, I said, ‘I bid you

farewell and bon voyage.’”

What does the idiom “He graduated cum laude”

mean?

A) He graduated with average grades.

B) He graduated with honors.

C) He graduated at the top of his class.

D) He graduated after several attempts.

Answer: B) He graduated with honors. (Latin)

Example: “After years of hard work, he graduated

cum laude from university.”

What does the idiom “I should end with this

caveat” mean?

A) I should finish with a strong recommendation.

B) I should end with an unrelated comment.

C) I should conclude with a warning or caution.

D) I should conclude with a promise.

Answer: C) I should conclude with a warning or

caution. (Latin)

Example: “Before you start investing, I should end

with this caveat: the market is unpredictable.”

What does the idiom “You need to understand, it

is caveat emptor” mean?

A) Buyers are responsible for understanding the risks.

B) Sellers are required to provide all information.

C) Buyers and sellers should negotiate fairly.

D) The transaction is legally protected.

Answer: A) Buyers are responsible for

understanding the risks. (Latin)

Example: “When buying items online, remember

caveat emptor; it’s your job to check the quality.”

What does the idiom “They went en masse” mean?

A) They went in small groups.

B) They went as a large group.

C) They went quietly and unnoticed.

D) They went reluctantly.

Answer: B) They went as a large group.

Example: “The fans went en masse to the stadium to

support their team.”

What does the idiom “She didn’t run, per se”

mean?

A) She didn’t run, but she moved quickly.

B) She ran very slowly.

C) She didn’t run, and she stayed still.

D) She didn’t run in a competitive way.

Answer: A) She didn’t run, but she moved quickly.

(French)

Example: “She didn’t run, per se, but she walked

briskly to catch the bus.”

What does the idiom “She did it pro bono” mean?

A) She did it without much effort.

B) She did it for a small fee.

C) She did it reluctantly.

D) She did it without charge as a service to the public.

Answer: D) She did it without charge as a service

to the public. (Latin)

Example: “The lawyer took on the case pro bono to

help the struggling family.”

What does the idiom “He did it quid pro quo”

mean?

A) He did it out of kindness.

B) He did it in exchange for something else.

C) He did it as a favor.

D) He did it with hesitation.

Answer: B) He did it in exchange for something

else. (Latin)

Example: “The politician was accused of offering a

quid pro quo deal for campaign donations.”

What does the idiom “It was mea culpa” mean?

A) It was my fault or mistake.

B) It was a group error.

C) It was a misunderstanding.

D) It was beyond anyone’s control.

Answer: A) It was my fault or mistake. (Latin)

Example: “I forgot to submit the report on time, mea

culpa for the delay.”

What does the idiom “The photograph captured a

tête-à-tête” mean?

A) A heated argument.

B) A group discussion.

C) A public speech.

D) A private conversation between two people.

Answer: D) A private conversation between two

people. (French)

Example: “The photograph showed the president and

his advisor in a quiet tête-à-tête during the event.”

What does the idiom “It was verbatim” mean?

A) It was altered slightly.

B) It was word-for-word accurate.

C) It was written in code.

D) It was summarized briefly.

Answer: B) It was word-for-word accurate.

(Medieval Latin)

Example: “The witness recited the conversation

verbatim in court.”

What does the idiom “And vice versa” mean?

A) The reverse or opposite is also true.

B) It applies only to one case.

C) It applies to a specific exception.

D) It is uncertain whether it’s true.

Answer: A) The reverse or opposite is also true.

(Latin)

Example: “She loves hiking, and vice versa; he enjoys

it just as much as she does.”

What does the idiom “Ad nauseam” mean?

A) For a brief moment.

B) With great enthusiasm.

C) To the point of exhaustion or annoyance.

D) With hesitation and doubt.

Answer: C) To the point of exhaustion or

annoyance. (Latin)

Example: “He talked about his vacation ad nauseam,

and everyone was tired of hearing it.”

What does the idiom “alma mater” mean?

A) A university professor.

B) A person's former school, college, or university.

C) A scholarship for higher education.

D) A place of worship.

Answer: B) A person's former school, college, or

university. (Latin)

Example: “She returned to her alma mater to give a

speech at the graduation ceremony.”

What does the idiom “He was given carte blanche”

mean?

A) He was given complete freedom or authority.

B) He was given detailed instructions.

C) He was given limited access.

D) He was given nothing at all.

Answer: A) He was given complete freedom or

authority. (French)

Example: “The director was given carte blanche to

design the project as he saw fit.”

What does the idiom “ergo” mean?

A) For example.

B) In addition to.

C) Despite this.

D) As a result; therefore.

Answer: D) As a result; therefore. (Latin)

Example: “I didn’t study for the test; ergo, I didn’t do

well on it.”

What does the idiom “I bought milk, bread,

potatoes, et al” mean?

A) I bought only these items.

B) I bought milk, bread, potatoes, and other similar

items.

C) I bought these items in large quantities.

D) I decided not to buy these items.

Answer: B) I bought milk, bread, potatoes, and

other similar items. (Latin)

Example: “For the party, I bought milk, bread,

potatoes, et al to ensure we had everything we

needed.”

What does the idiom “He made a faux pas” mean?

A) He made a social or embarrassing mistake.

B) He made a brave decision.

C) He made a surprising revelation.

D) He made an unforgettable statement.

Answer: A) He made a social or embarrassing

mistake. (French)

Example: “He made a faux pas by mispronouncing

her name during the introduction.”

What does the idiom “Her attitude was gravitas”

mean?

A) She was lighthearted and carefree.

B) She was overly emotional.

C) She was serious and dignified.

D) She was playful and humorous.

Answer: C) She was serious and dignified. (Latin)

Example: “Her attitude during the presentation

exuded gravitas, earning the respect of her peers.”

What does the idiom “The judge ordered a habeas

corpus” mean?

A) The judge ordered a case to be dismissed.

B) The judge ordered the person to be brought to

court to determine if their detention was lawful.

C) The judge ordered a new trial.

D) The judge issued a punishment without trial.

Answer: B) The judge ordered the person to be

brought to court to determine if their detention

was lawful. (Latin)

Example: “The defense lawyer filed a habeas corpus

to challenge the legality of his client’s detention.”

What does the idiom “Most of the people there

were hoi polloi” mean?

A) Most of the people were wealthy and elite.

B) Most of the people were close friends.

C) Most of the people were from the general

population or common folk.

D) Most of the people were strangers.

Answer: C) Most of the people were from the

general population or common folk. (Ancient

Greek)

Example: “The event was designed to appeal to the

hoi polloi rather than the elite.”

What does the idiom “This was his magnum opus”

mean?

A) This was his most significant or greatest work.

B) This was his first attempt at something.

C) This was his smallest accomplishment.

D) This was his least successful work.

Answer: A) This was his most significant or

greatest work. (Latin)

Example: “The novel he spent ten years writing

became his magnum opus.”

What does the idiom “This was the criminal’s

modus operandi” mean?

A) This was the criminal’s signature move or usual

method.

B) This was the criminal’s biggest mistake.

C) This was the criminal’s first attempt at a crime.

D) This was the criminal’s way of avoiding suspicion.

Answer: A) This was the criminal’s signature

move or usual method. (Latin)

Example: “Breaking into homes through the basement

window was the criminal’s modus operandi.”

What does the idiom “There was an unmistakable

joie de vivre” mean?

A) There was a sense of fear and anxiety.

B) There was an unmistakable joy for life.

C) There was an atmosphere of tension.

D) There was a feeling of sorrow.

Answer: B) There was an unmistakable joy for

life. (French)

Example: “Her laughter and energy filled the room

with an unmistakable joie de vivre.”

What does the idiom “For the sake of privacy, he

adopted a nom de plume” mean?

A) He adopted a pen name or alias.

B) He refused to share any personal information.

C) He changed his identity permanently.

D) He used his real name in secret.

Answer: A) He adopted a pen name or alias.

(French)

Example: “The author published her controversial

book under a nom de plume to protect her identity.”

What does the idiom “It is just pro forma” mean?

A) It is unnecessary and avoidable.

B) It is highly irregular and unique.

C) It is just a formality or standard procedure.

D) It is extremely important and critical.

Answer: C) It is just a formality or standard

procedure. (Latin)

Example: “The meeting was pro forma, simply to

fulfill the company’s annual requirements.”

What does the idiom “He has the savoir-faire”

mean?

A) He has the confidence and skill to handle social

situations.

B) He has a tendency to make mistakes in public.

C) He has the ability to solve complex problems.

D) He has a shy and reserved personality.

Answer: A) He has the confidence and skill to

handle social situations. (French)

Example: “At the gala, he impressed everyone with

his savoir-faire and charm.”

What does the idiom “The baby is just a tabula

rasa” mean?

A) The baby is intelligent beyond its age.

B) The baby is a blank slate, ready to be shaped by

experiences.

C) The baby is naturally talented.

D) The baby is unpredictable.

Answer: B) The baby is a blank slate, ready to be

shaped by experiences.

Example: “The teacher believed every child started as

a tabula rasa, ready to learn and grow.”

What does the idiom “The astronaut was happy to

be back to terra firma” mean?

A) The astronaut was glad to return to the mission.

B) The astronaut was excited to leave the Earth.

C) The astronaut was nervous about the landing.

D) The astronaut was happy to return to solid ground.

Answer: D) The astronaut was happy to return to

solid ground. (Latin)

Example: “After months in space, the astronaut

expressed relief at being back on terra firma.”

What does the idiom “This issue was a vox populi”

mean?

A) This issue was widely discussed or a public

opinion.

B) This issue was ignored by the public.

C) This issue was too complicated to understand.

D) This issue was personal and private.

Answer: A) This issue was widely discussed or a

public opinion. (Latin)

Example: “The politician promised to address the vox

populi regarding healthcare reform.”

What does the idiom “Make sure it is al dente”

mean?

A) Cook it until it is soft.

B) Cook it until it is firm to the bite.

C) Cook it until it is slightly underdone.

D) Cook it until it is mushy.

Answer: B) Cook it until it is firm to the bite.

(Italian)

Example: “When making pasta, make sure it is al

dente for the best texture.”

What does the idiom “It was sung a cappella”

mean?

A) It was sung without instrumental accompaniment.

B) It was sung with great difficulty.

C) It was sung as part of a group performance.

D) It was sung with an orchestra.

Answer: A) It was sung without instrumental

accompaniment. (Italian)

Example: “The choir performed the hymn a cappella,

showcasing their incredible harmonies.”

What does the idiom “If possible, let’s eat

alfresco” mean?

A) Let’s eat quickly.

B) Let’s eat outdoors.

C) Let’s eat in a formal setting.

D) Let’s eat without utensils.

Answer: B) Let’s eat outdoors. (Italian)

Example: “The weather is lovely today; if possible,

let’s eat alfresco on the patio.”

What does the idiom “That was a bon mot” mean?

A) That was a harsh criticism.

B) That was an unintentional mistake.

C) That was a long and boring speech.

D) That was a clever or witty remark.

Answer: D) That was a clever or witty remark.

(French)

Example: “Her quick reply during the debate was a

bon mot that made everyone laugh.”

What does the idiom “He is a bon vivant” mean?

A) He enjoys a simple and frugal life.

B) He is an expert in fine dining.

C) He enjoys a luxurious and social lifestyle.

D) He prefers solitude and quiet.

Answer: C) He enjoys a luxurious and social

lifestyle. (French)

Example: “As a bon vivant, he spends his weekends

attending fancy parties and enjoying fine cuisine.”

What does the idiom “I live on a cul de sac” mean?

A) I live on a busy main road.

B) I live on a dead-end street.

C) I live in a large and open area.

D) I live near a market.

Answer: B) I live on a dead-end street. (French)

Example: “My house is at the end of a quiet cul de

sac, away from the main road.”

What does the idiom “At this restaurant, the

jacket is de rigueur” mean?

A) A jacket is optional here.

B) A jacket is inappropriate here.

C) A jacket is required as part of the dress code.

D) A jacket is provided by the restaurant.

Answer: C) A jacket is required as part of the

dress code. (French)

Example: “At this exclusive restaurant, the jacket is

de rigueur for all male diners.”

What does the idiom “That remark was double

entendre” mean?

A) That remark was simple and straightforward.

B) That remark had two meanings, often one risqué

(sexually suggestive).

C) That remark was confusing and unclear.

D) That remark was harsh and offensive.

Answer: B) That remark had two meanings, often

one risqué (sexually suggestive). (French)

Example: “Her joke was a double entendre that made

the audience laugh and blush at the same time.”

What does the idiom “The vote was done in

absentia” mean?

A) The vote was done in secret.

B) The vote was conducted electronically.

C) The vote was done without the person being

present.

D) The vote was delayed.

Answer: C) The vote was done without the person

being present. (Latin)

Example: “Since he was traveling, his approval for

the project was given in absentia.”

What does the idiom “The free market of this

country should be laissez-faire” mean?

A) The government should regulate the market

heavily.

B) The market should operate with minimal

government interference.

C) The market should favor only local businesses.

D) The market should encourage international trade.

Answer: B) The market should operate with

minimal government interference. (French)

Example: “Many economists argue that a laissez-faire

approach leads to economic growth.”

What does the idiom “Should I remind you of

noblesse oblige” mean?

A) Wealth and privilege come with social

responsibilities.

B) Privileged individuals are exempt from social

rules.

C) Nobility should always be respected.

D) Wealth should be displayed publicly.

Answer: A) Wealth and privilege come with social

responsibilities. (French)

Example: “He donated generously to the charity,

living by the principle of noblesse oblige.”

What does the idiom “He was momentarily

confused by the non sequitur” mean?

A) He was confused by a logical and relevant

statement.

B) He was confused by a statement that didn’t

logically follow the conversation.

C) He was confused by a technical explanation.

D) He was confused by an emotional outburst.

Answer: B) He was confused by a statement that

didn’t logically follow the conversation. (Latin)

Example: “The speaker’s sudden non sequitur about

cats left the audience scratching their heads.”

What does the idiom “He has sang-froid” mean?

A) He is calm and composed under pressure.

B) He is nervous and easily rattled.

C) He is aggressive and impulsive.

D) He is uninterested and detached.

Answer: A) He is calm and composed under

pressure. (French)

Example: “Even during the crisis, he displayed

remarkable sang-froid and handled the situation

effectively.”

What does the idiom “He is sui generis” mean?

A) He is constantly changing his personality.

B) He is difficult to understand.

C) He is ordinary and blends in easily.

D) He is completely unique and unlike anyone else.

Answer: D) He is completely unique and unlike

anyone else. (Latin)

Example: “His style of music is sui generis, blending

genres in a way no one else does.”

What does the idiom “This is verboten” mean?

A) This is strongly discouraged.

B) This is forbidden or prohibited.

C) This is unusual but acceptable.

D) This is encouraged and praised.

Answer: B) This is forbidden or prohibited.

(German)

Example: “Bringing outside food into the theater is

strictly verboten.”

What does the idiom “His book attempts to reflect

Zeitgeist” mean?

A) His book focuses on historical events.

B) His book explores fictional concepts.

C) His book captures the spirit or mood of a particular

time.

D) His book emphasizes future trends.

Answer: C) His book captures the spirit or mood

of a particular time. (German)

Example: “The novel reflects the Zeitgeist of the

1960s, capturing the cultural and social movements of

the era.”

What does the idiom “You have a lot of chutzpah”

mean?

A) You are very daring or confident.

B) You are shy and reserved.

C) You are careful and cautious.

D) You are overly emotional.

Answer: A) You are very daring or confident.

(Jewish Yiddish)

Example: “It takes a lot of chutzpah to stand up to the

boss in a meeting.”

What does the idiom “There was a kerfuffle”

mean?

A) There was a minor disagreement or commotion.

B) There was a major conflict or fight.

C) There was complete silence.

D) There was a successful collaboration.

Answer: D) There was a minor disagreement or

commotion. (Scottish)

Example: “There was a kerfuffle in the office over

who should take credit for the project.”

What does the idiom “He kowtows to his boss”

mean?

A) He shows excessive subservience (to obey

unquestionably).

B) He frequently argues with his boss.

C) He ignores his boss’s instructions.

D) He maintains a professional distance from his

boss.

Answer: A) He shows excessive subservience (to

obey unquestionably). (Chinese)

Example: “He’s always agreeing with every decision;

he completely kowtows to his boss.”

Following are foreign words that are often

heard on American TV and movies

What does “Mañana” mean in Spanish?

A) Today

B) Night

C) Morning

D) Tomorrow

Answer: D) Tomorrow

Example: “We can finish the project mañana if we

don’t have enough time today.”

What does “Qué pasa” mean in Spanish?

A) What happened?

B) What’s up?

C) Where are you?

D) How are you?

Answer: B) What’s up?

Example: “When he walked into the room, I smiled

and asked, ‘¡Qué pasa!’”

What does “Qué” mean in Spanish?

A) How

B) Why

C) What

D) Where

Answer: C) What

Example: “When I didn’t hear him, I asked, ‘Qué did

you say?’”

What does “Muchas gracias” mean in Spanish?

A) Thank you very much

B) Good morning

C) See you soon

D) You’re welcome

Answer: A) Thank you very much

Example: “After the generous gift, I said, ‘Muchas

gracias for your kindness.’”

What does “Gracias” mean in Spanish?

A) Goodbye

B) Please

C) Hello

D) Thank you

Answer: D) Thank you

Example: “When she held the door open for me, I

said, ‘Gracias.’”

What does “Más o menos” mean in Spanish?

A) A lot

B) A little

C) More or less

D) About the same

Answer: C) More or less

Example: “When asked how the meeting went, he

said, ‘Más o menos; it could’ve been better.’”

What does “Problema” mean in Spanish?

A) Problem

B) Issue

C) Solution

D) Opportunity

Answer: A) Problem

Example: “We need to find a way to fix this problema

quickly.”

What does “Señorita” mean in Spanish?

A) Little girl

B) Sister

C) Teacher

D) Miss

Answer: D) Miss

Example: “The teacher called the student, ‘Señorita

Maria, please answer the question.’”

What does “Señora” mean in Spanish?

A) Miss

B) Mrs. or Ma’am

C) Friend

D) Teacher

Answer: B) Mrs. or Ma’am

Example: “The receptionist greeted her with a smile

and said, ‘Señora, how can I help you?’”

What does “Señor” mean in Spanish?

A) Mrs.

B) Miss

C) Mr. or Sir

D) Friend

Answer: C) Mr. or Sir

Example: “The waiter addressed him politely as

‘Señor.’”

What does “Muy bien” mean in Spanish?

A) Very good

B) Not bad

C) Excellent

D) Perfect

Answer: A) Very good

Example: “When asked how I was doing, I replied,

‘Muy bien, gracias.’”

What does “Agua” mean in Spanish?

A) Juice

B) Milk

C) Water

D) Coffee

Answer: C) Water

Example: “After the hike, I asked for some agua to

quench my thirst.”

What does “Siesta” mean in Spanish?

A) Nap

B) Lunch

C) Evening

D) Snack

Answer: A) Nap

Example: “After a big meal, I always enjoy taking a

short siesta.”

What does “Arrivederci” mean in Spanish?

A) Hello

B) Goodbye

C) See you soon

D) Welcome

Answer: B) Goodbye

Example: “As she boarded the plane, she said,

‘Arrivederci!’ to her friends.”

What does “Por favor” mean in Spanish?

A) Thank you

B) Excuse me

C) Please

D) Goodbye

Answer: C) Please

Example: “Can you pass me the salt, por favor?”

What does “Hasta la vista” mean in Spanish?

A) See you later

B) Goodbye forever

C) Until tomorrow

D) Take care

Answer: A) See you later

Example: “He waved as he left and said, ‘Hasta la

vista, amigo.’”

What does “Mi casa es tu casa” mean in Spanish?

A) My house is not for sale.

B) My house is better than yours.

C) My house is your house.

D) My house is very big.

Answer: C) My house is your house.

Example: “When my friend came to visit, I welcomed

him warmly and said, ‘Mi casa es tu casa.’”

What does “Yo comprendo” mean in Spanish?

A) I don’t know.

B) I am ready.

C) I need help.

D) I understand.

Answer: D) I understand.

Example: “When the guide explained the directions, I

nodded and said, ‘Yo comprendo.’”

What does “¿Comprende?” mean in Spanish?

A) Do you agree?

B) Are you listening?

C) Do you understand?

D) Can you help me?

Answer: C) Do you understand?

Example: “After explaining the instructions, the

teacher asked, ‘¿Comprende?’”

What does “Adiós” mean in Spanish?

A) Hello

B) Goodbye

C) See you later

D) Thank you

Answer: B) Goodbye

Example: “After the meeting, I said, ‘Adiós,’ and left

the room.”

What does “Estoy bien” mean in Spanish?

A) I am tired.

B) I am happy.

C) I am fine.

D) I don’t understand.

Answer: C) I am fine.

Example: “When she asked how I was feeling, I

replied, ‘Estoy bien, gracias.’”

What does “Buenos días” mean in Spanish?

A) Good morning

B) Good afternoon

C) Good night

D) Have a nice day

Answer: A) Good morning

Example: “When I entered the office, I said, ‘Buenos

días’ to my coworkers.”

What does “Cómo estás” mean in Spanish?

A) What’s your name?

B) How are you?

C) Where are you?

D) What are you doing?

Answer: B) How are you?

Example: “After not seeing him for a long time, I

asked, ‘¡Hola! ¿Cómo estás?’”

What does “Hola” mean in Spanish?

A) Hello

B) Goodbye

C) How are you?

D) Please

Answer: A) Hello

Example: “When I saw my friend, I greeted her with a

cheerful, ‘Hola!’”

What does “No” mean in Spanish?

A) Yes

B) No

C) Maybe

D) Thank you

Answer: B) No

Example: “I asked if he needed help, but he simply

said, ‘No.’”

What does “Sí” mean in Spanish?

A) No

B) Maybe

C) Yes

D) Goodbye

Answer: C) Yes

Example: “When I asked if she wanted coffee, she

replied, ‘Sí.’”

What does “Oui” mean in French?

A) No

B) Maybe

C) Yes

D) Please

Answer: C) Yes

Example: “When asked if she wanted dessert, she

replied, ‘Oui, merci.’”

What does “Non” mean in French?

A) No

B) Not

C) Never

D) Yes

Answer: A) No

Example: “He declined the offer by simply saying,

‘Non.’”

What does “Bon appétit” mean in French?

A) Good morning

B) Enjoy your meal

C) Thank you

D) Goodbye

Answer: B) Enjoy your meal

Example: “The waiter brought our food and said,

‘Bon appétit!’ before leaving the table.”

What does “Merci” mean in French?

A) Yes

B) Thank you

C) Please

D) Goodbye

Answer: D) Thank you

Example: “When she handed me the change, I said,

‘Merci.’”

What does “C’est la vie” mean in French?

A) That’s life

B) What a beautiful day

C) Life is amazing

D) How are you?

Answer: A) That’s life

Example: “After missing the train, he shrugged and

said, ‘C’est la vie.’”

What does “Bonjour” mean in French?

A) Good afternoon

B) Good morning or Hello

C) How are you?

D) Goodbye

Answer: B) Good morning or Hello

Example: “When I entered the bakery, the clerk

greeted me with a cheerful, ‘Bonjour!’”

What does “Ce qui sera sera” mean in French?

A) What do you want?

B) Everything happens for a reason

C) Life is full of surprises

D) Whatever will be, will be

Answer: D) Whatever will be, will be

Example: “She stopped worrying about the results

and said, ‘Ce qui sera sera.’”

What does “Merci beaucoup” mean in French?

A) Thank you very much

B) Good luck

C) See you soon

D) Welcome

Answer: A) Thank you very much

Example: “After receiving the gift, I said, ‘Merci

beaucoup!’”

What does “A la carte” mean in French?

A) A set menu

B) Ordered individually from the menu

C) Free with the meal

D) All you can eat

Answer: B) Ordered individually from the menu

Example: “Instead of a full meal, I chose an appetizer

a la carte.”

What does “Danke” mean in German?

A) Please

B) Yes

C) Thank you

D) Goodbye

Answer: C) Thank you

Example: “When he handed me the brochure, I said,

‘Danke.’”

What does “Ja” mean in German?

A) No

B) Yes

C) Maybe

D) Thank you

Answer: B) Yes

Example: “When asked if he wanted to join, he

smiled and replied, ‘Ja.’”

What does “Nein” mean in German?

A) Yes

B) Not sure

C) No

D) Please

Answer: C) No

Example: “She asked if I needed help, and I said,

‘Nein.’”

What does “Wunderbar” mean in German?

A) Wonderful

B) Beautiful

C) Delicious

D) Strange

Answer: A) Wonderful

Example: “The view from the top of the mountain

was wunderbar.”

What does “Sehr gut” mean in German?

A) Very bad

B) Very good

C) Quite okay

D) Not sure

Answer: B) Very good

Example: “After trying the soup, I said, ‘Sehr gut; it

tastes amazing.’”

What does “Da” mean in Russian?

A) Maybe

B) Yes

C) Hello

D) No

Answer: D) Yes

Example: “When he asked if I understood, I nodded

and said, ‘Da.’”

What does “Net” mean in Russian?

A) Yes

B) No

C) Thank you

D) Please

Answer: B) No

Example: “I asked if he needed more time, and he

shook his head and said, ‘Net.’”

What does “Russkiy” mean in Russian?

A) Russian

B) Friend

C) Stranger

D) Language

Answer: A) Russian (it can be viewed as

derogatory)

Example: “When I asked what language he spoke, he

said, ‘Russkiy.’”

What does “Capiche?” mean in Italian?

A) How are you?

B) Are you ready?

C) Where are you?

D) Do you understand?

Answer: D) Do you understand?

Example: “After explaining the rules, he looked at me

and asked, ‘Capiche?’”

What does “Si” mean in Italian?

A) Yes

B) No

C) Maybe

D) Please

Answer: A) Yes

Example: “When I offered him some coffee, he said,

‘Si, grazie.’”

What does “No” mean in Italian?

A) Yes

B) No

C) Please

D) Never

Answer: B) No

Example: “I asked if she needed help, and she replied,

‘No, I’m fine.’”

What does “Ciao” mean in Italian?

A) How are you?

C) Nice to meet you

D) Thank you

D) Hello or Goodbye

Answer: D) Hello or Goodbye

Example: “When leaving the restaurant, I waved and

said, ‘Ciao!’”

What does “Grazie” mean in Italian?

A) Thank you

B) Goodbye

C) Please

D) You’re welcome

Answer: A) Thank you

Example: “When she complimented me, I smiled and

said, ‘Grazie.’”