English Idioms and Expressions / Elementary level #1
Adding Up
Q1 I cannot understand why she did that, it really doesn’t add up.
(a) doesn’t calculate
(c) doesn’t make sense
(b) isn’t mathematics
(d) makes the wrong addition
Q2 All the students got high marks in the test but Mary stood out.
(a) got a lot of marks
(c) got very good marks
(b) got higher marks than someone
(d) got the most marks of all
Q3 He has sold his house and has no job and so now he has next to nothing.
(a) he is unemployed
(c) he has a few things
(b) he has almost no money
(d) he has nothing at all
Q4 As a newspaper reporter she always wanted to get information at first hand.
(a) quickly (b) slowly (c) easily (d) directly
Q5 I think we can safely say now that we have got our money back, we are home and dry.
(a) have not got wet
(c) have been successful
(b) have got no water
(d) have got home dry
Q6 He is the man who owns all the land and is the big fish around here.
(a) the fat man (b) the huge man (c) the important man (d) the enormous man
Q7 She never stops talking about herself and is full of herself.
(a) is very fat (b) is too fat (c) is very full (d) is very conceited
Q8 You will not slip over because the floor is as dry as a bone.
(a) completely hard (b) extremely flat (c) totally dry (d) completely cracked
Q9 He kept saying he didn’t do it but in the end he said he had done it.
(a) at the end (b) finally (c) at last (d) by the end
Q10 I know you are very sorry that you broke the pot but accidents will happen.
(a) things will take place
(c) things take place often
(b) things do occur
(d) things often go wrong
English Idioms and Expressions / Elementary level #3
Take it easy
Q1 I just want to stay at home and watch television and take it easy.
(a) sleep (b) sit down (c) eat (d) relax
Q2 Am I allowed to smoke in here?
(a) May I (b) Must I (c) Can I (d) Will I
Q3 Are you any good at cooking?
(a) Can you cook sometimes
(c) Can you cook well
(b) Do you cook very often
(d) Do you like cooking
Q4 When do you do the washing up?
(a) clean the dishes (b) do the housework (c) wash the floor (d) clean the windows
Q5 She never shouts at her children.
(a) makes conversation with
(c) talks in a loud voice to
(b) calls out to
(d) speaks quickly to
Q6 We’re fed up with the bad weather.
(a) very tired of (b) full of (c) interested in (d) unhappy with
Q7 Don’t forget to drop me a line when you’re away.
(a) telephone me (b) call me (c) write to me (d) send me a telegram
Q8 She had never been to Paris before.
(a) heard of (b) read about (c) tried (d) visited
Q9 I’m afraid he has got it wrong.
(a) said it incorrectly (b) did an error (c) did a mistake (d) made a mistake
Q10 When you come to the crossroads, you turn left.
(a) look left (b) go to the left (c) find the left (d) keep to the left
English Idioms and Expressions / Elementary level # 4
For Good
Q1 You’ll never see your money again because I’m afraid he’s gone for good.
(a) clearly (b) permanently (c) quickly (d) slowly
Q2 You’ve no need to worry I promise you they’ll arrive on Thursday for sure.
(a) absolutely (b) positively (c) definitively (d) definitely
Q3 They’re very generous in that museum — not only is the entrance fee reasonable but they give you a brochure
for free.
(a) at no cost (b) at little cost (c) at some cost (d) at low cost
Q4 Well, for starters I honestly think we should work out what all this work is going to cost.
(a) to work for (b) to look at (c) to begin with (d) to work through
Q5 As you’re a friend of mine, I won’t charge you much in fact I’ll do it for nothing.
(a) at some charge (b) at little charge (c) at low charge (d) at no charge
Q6 I know it didn’t look like that but the truth is they only did it for fun.
(a) as a joke (b) as humour (c) as funny (d) as joking
Q7 I do recommend you take out an insurance policy on the house for your own peace of mind.
(a) to stop you thinking
(c) to stop you believing
(b) to stop you worrying
(d) to stop you sleeping
Q8 No wonder she’s jumping for joy, she’s just been given promotion.
(a) very jumpy (b) very silly (c) very happy (d) very noisy
Q9 They decided to move away from the city to the countryside for the sake of the children.
(a) speaking about (b) talking about (c) dreaming about (d) thinking about
Q10 The battleships were all waiting in the harbour ready for action.
(a) prepared for war
(c) prepared for something
(b) prepared for anything
(d) prepared for take off
English Idioms and Expressions / Elementary level # 5
In Control
Q1 They tried in vain to save enough money to buy a house and so finally they rented one.
(a) without money (b) without trial (c) without success (d) without work
Q2 If you are in any doubt about the offer, please give me a ring.
(a) at all unsure (b) at all happy (c) at all certain (d) at all sure
Q3 The children knew full well they were in danger skating because they had read the notice about the thin ice.
(a) unhappy (b) uncertain (c) unclear (d) unsafe
Q4 Considering they are over 70 years old, you must admit they are in good shape.
(a) fit (b) wealthy (c) clever (d) slow
Q5 Thanks to her regular workouts and sensible diet she certainly strikes me as in the pink.
(a) in extreme health (b) in good health (c) in absolute health (d) in clear health
Q6 I’m sorry to say that he’s in trouble again with the boss over being late for work so many times.
(a) the boss is going to reprimand him
(c) the boss is going to hit him
(b) the boss is going to sack him
(d) the boss is going to trouble him
Q7 What I really have in mind is a garden where there is very little to look after throughout the year.
(a) think (b) believe (c) visualize (d) consider
Q8 Although Romeo and Juliet were deeply in love, they still managed to kill themselves.
(a) loved each other often
(c) loved each other most of the time
(b) loved each other very much
(d) loved each other mostly
Q9 I think you can stop worrying now because it’s quite clear she’s in command of the situation.
(a) in control (b) in sight (c) in place (d) in view
Q10 In time when you’ve got used to the idea, you’ll be pleased you did it.
(a) At last (b) At first (c) At least (d) Eventually
English Idioms and Expressions / Elementary level # 6
Out of Control
Q1 If you don’t tell the children the difference between right and wrong, they will soon be out of control.
(a) well behaved (b) badly behaved (c) suddenly behaved (d) quickly behaved
Q2 If you think I’m going to parachute out of a plane for fun, you must be out of your mind.
(a) mad (b) unsure (c) unusual (d) uncertain
Q3 Wait till they’re out of sight, and then I’ll show you what I’m buying them for Christmas.
(a) unable to show (b) unable to find (c) unable to follow (d) unable to see
Q4 I’m very sorry but you’re out of luck because we sold the last one about twenty minutes ago.
(a) unhappy (b) unlucky (c) unable (d) undecided
Q5 Wait until they’re out of earshot, then I tell you exactly what happened to them when they were on holiday.
(a) unable to tell (b) unable to hear (c) unable to say (d) unable to speak
Q6 You have a limited number of minutes to answer the test and you’ve spent 3 minutes so you’re out of time.
(a) you’ve used up your time
(c) you’ve used for your time
(b) you’ve used in your time
(d) you’ve used out your time
Q7 I’m afraid I’m not feeling too well at the moment because I’ve only walked a little way and I’m out of breath
already.
(a) I can’t breathe slowly
(c) I can’t breathe fast
(b) I can’t breathe quickly
(d) I can’t breathe easily
Q8 There’s a big notice up there which unfortunately we didn’t see because it said ‘out of bounds’.
(a) keep through (b) keep out (c) keep on (d) keep in
Q9 I’m sorry to tell you that I can do nothing more for you because the situation is now out of my hands.
(a) outside my sense (b) outside my feelings (c) outside my control (d) outside my belief
Q10 I’m awfully sorry but I I’ll have to ask you to pay because I’m out of cash.
(a) I have no cheque (b) I have no money (c) I have no card (d) I have no bank
English Idioms and Expressions / Elementary level # 7
All Agog
Q1 Unfortunately the cooker overheated and then exploded and so it really wasn’t long before the whole house
was alight.
(a) in light (b) on fire (c) with fire (d) with light
Q2 After several days underground after the earthquake one child was pulled out alive.
(a) still talking (b) still seeing (c) still trying (d) still living
Q3 They found that there was no possibility of work in their own country so they decided to try their luck abroad.
(a) in another place (b) in another town (c) in another country (d) in another city
Q4 I must congratulate her on the way she has overcome all her problems and gone back to her old job to start
anew.
(a) beginning (b) once more (c) firstly (d) twice more
Q5 I’ve looked everywhere for my passport and can only assume it has gone astray.
(a) got freed (b) got taken (c) got missed (d) got lost
Q6 When she told her parents that she had decided to get married, they were utterly taken aback.
(a) surprised (b) returned (c) overturned (d) determined
Q7 There are no two ways about it because the crime that has been committed is really akin to murder.
(a) keen on (b) good to (c) similar to (d) different to
Q8 So many good ideas abound in his mind, he finds it difficult to know where to start.
(a) exist all over
(c) exist in different parts
(b) exist in large numbers
(d) exist everywhere
Q9 I spent ages fixing the nail in the wall to put the picture up and then I stood back and found it was askew.
(a) not straight (b) not clear (c) not definite (d) not pretty
Q10 We couldn’t wait for them to come home after their holidays as we were all agog to hear what had happened.
(a) very concerned (b) very prepared (c) very interested (d) very worried
English Idioms and Expressions / Elementary level # 8
Preposition Exercises
Q1 I’m sorry but that smells terrible because I’m afraid the meat is off.
(a) has gone (b) is small (c) is bad (d) is dead
Q2 She just left him, said she was through with him and disappeared.
(a) didn’t want to see him again
(c) didn’t want to hear him again
(b) didn’t want to help him
(d) didn’t want to please him
Q3 I’m on for tonight if you want to go to the match.
(a) I’m ready to help (b) I’m ready to cook (c) I’m ready to speak (d) I’m ready to go out
Q4 He’s always interested in elections and is very much into politics.
(a) very concerned about
(c) very interested in
(b) very worried about
(d) very happy about
Q5 I believe that after all those arguments they agreed their marriage was over.
(a) ended (b) finishing (c) ending (d) terminated
Q6 Between you and me, so don’t tell anyone, I’m sure he’ll lose the election.
(a) In truth (b) In confidence (c) In fact (d) In conclusion
Q7 You won’t have to wait too long because another bus will be along soon.
(a) will drive (b) will travel (c) will arrive (d) will turn
Q8 By the way did you manage to see that film last night?
(a) Conveniently (b) Actually (c) Clearly (d) Incidentally
Q9 It’s quite clear to everyone that she’s a socialist through and through.
(a) from start to finish
(c) from this to that
(b) from here till then
(d) from time to time
Q10 I honestly don’t think I can make
it tonight as I’m feeling a little under the weather.
(a) cold (b) wet (c) unwell (d) upset
English Idioms and Expressions / Elementary level # 9
Animal Idioms
Q1 His wife never lets him do what he wants and as a result he leads a dog’s life.
(a) easts what he can
(c) has an unhappy time
(b) never sleeps
(d) goes everywhere on foot
Q2 A word of warning: don’t let him make a monkey of you.
(a) make you jump up and down
(c) make you spend your money
(b) make faces at you
(d) make a fool of you
Q3 I would advise you to wait and see which way the cat jumps.
(a) what develops (b) what goes (c) what comes (d) what falls
Q4 I don’t honestly think he is capable of being polite as the leopard never changes his spots.
(a) people always complain
(c) people never change
(b) people sometimes differ
(d) people often shout
Q5 He’s very greedy when it comes to eating and always takes the lion’s share of the food.
(a) last portion (b) smallest portion (c) first portion (d) largest portion
Q6 I really don’t know how to explain it as I am completely foxed.
(a) absolutely sure
(c) absolutely confused
(b) absolutely convinced
(d) absolutely curious
Q7 Until he is more serious in his job and stops playing the goat, he won’t get any more money.
(a) arriving late all the time
(c) making too much noise all the time
(b) eating too much all the time
(d) making jokes all the time
Q8 He never makes any silly mistakes because he’s got too much horse sense.
(a) common sense (b) nonsense (c) absolute sense (d) full sense
Q9 Charlie doesn’t like getting too tired so he gets his assistant to do all the donkey work.
(a) academic work (b) artwork (c) homework (d) hard work
Q10 He doesn’t really go around with many people because he’s a bit of a lone wolf.
(a) single person (b) lonely person (c) unhappy person (d) simple person
English Idiom
and Expressions / Elementary level # 10
Funny Idioms
Q1 You want to know why I’ve got a bee in my bonnet?
(a) a headache
(c) a problem on my mind
(b) a fly in my head
(d) a difficulty with my hair
Q2 Yes, tell me about it. I’m all ears.
(a) listening carefully
(c) listening quickly
(b) listening quietly
(d) listening completely
Q3 You remember I told you about that car that cost me an arm and a leg?
(a) a fair amount of money
(c) a good amount of money
(b) a small amount of money
(d) a huge amount of money
Q4 The one you bought from the man you called the big cheese?
(a) the man with big ears
(c) the man with the yellow teeth
(b) the man with the important job
(d) the man with the big smile
Q5 Well, he’s not that at all. He’s a bird brain.
(a) a fool (b) a criminal (c) a conman (d) a devil
Q6 You mean he’s a bad egg?
(a) a disgusting person (b) a dirty person (c) a stupid person (d) a dishonest person
Q7 Yes, exactly because the car is rubbish and I went round to his garage like a bull in a china shop in the show
room.
(a) shouting at him
(c) running up to him
(b) knocking everything over
(d) hitting everybody
Q8 And when I reached his office I saw he was not really awake because he’d been having a cat nap.
(a) a deep sleep (b) a long sleep (c) a short sleep (d) a big sleep
Q9 And really the only reason you were there was because you had a bone to pick with him?
(a) you wanted to have a discussion with him
(c) you wanted to have a talk with him
(b) you wanted to have a chat with him
(d) you wanted to have an argument with him
Q10 Yes, that’s right. I got my money back and as a result I opened up a whole new can of worms because other
people got their money back, too.
(a) made a complete mess of his office
(c) discovered some creatures on the carpet
(b) exposed a lot of serious problems
(d) revealed a lot of new paper work
English Idioms and Expressions / Elementary level # 11
Expressing Emotions
Q1 I can’t stand it when you talk to me like that! Stop doing that!
(a) want to fall
(c) want to be disobedient
(b) feel like sitting down
(d) despise
Q2 I can’t wait to hear about your English class.
(a) am eager to (b) am late to (c) am indifferent (d) am happy to
Q3 I am glad I was able to be there for my friend when her mom died.
(a) to cry with
(c) to visit
(b) to offer support in time of need for
(d) to travel with
Q4 You’ve got me head over heels!
(a) angry at you (b) impatient (c) in love with you (d) disappointed
Q5 I love you bunches!
(a) a little (b) a lot (c) too much (d) less than before
Q6 I wish I could trust you again, but all that you ever did to me was to let me down.
(a) to make me cry (b) to make me angry (c) to despise me (d) to disappoint me
Q7 I love you from the bottom of my heart.
(a) deeply (b) truly (c) madly (d) abundantly
Q8 The truth is that you don’t care about me or my feelings.
(a) are careful of (b) are perceptive (c) are inconsiderate (d) are selfish towards
Q9 I would like to apologize for what I said to you the other day. I was very insensitive to you. Will you forgive me?
(a) compassionate (b) sympathetic (c) pathetic (d) harsh
Q10 It’s taking a long time for Jenna to get over the death of her mom.
(a) fall back from (b) recover from (c) regret (d) laugh of
English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 1
Up to his ears
Q1 He’s up to his ears in work and cannot possibly see you now.
(a) fully occupied with (b) very interested in (c) not involved with (d) concerned with
Q2 If you give me a hand, then I shall be able to finish more quickly.
(a) take my hand (b) help me (c) take my fingers (d) pick me up
Q3 I prefer to talk to people face to face rather than to talk on the phone.
(a) in person (b) facing them (c) looking at them (d) seeing them
Q4 The manager dismissed the new proposal out of hand and said that it was not at all practical.
(a) quickly (b) utterly (c) directly (d) simply
Q5 As she is new to the job I would ask you to keep an eye on her for the time being.
(a) look at (b) consider (c) check (d) observe
Q6 The opposition in parliament accused the government of playing games and refusing to accept the
seriousness of the situation.
(a) being light hearted (b) being heavy hearted (c) being down hearted (d) being faint hearted
Q7 He accused her of talking through her hat and refused to accept a word of what she said.
(a) talking sense (b) talking straight (c) talking nonsense (d) talking tough
Q8 The police advised them to go down to the cellar in order to be out of harm’s way.
(a) away from the noise (b) inside the area (c) into safety (d) away from danger
Q9 I’d give my right arm if I could get tickets for that concert.
(a) do absolutely anything
(c) do something stupid
(b) do something dangerous
(d) do what you want
Q10 You can always rely on Fred to put his foot in it and come out with a remark like that.
(a) tread on somebody
(c) say something embarrassing
(b) fall over
(d) put on the wrong shoe
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English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 2
Send the right message
Q1 This sort of behaviour sends the wrong message to young people.
(a) delivers the incorrect letter
(c) does not talk properly
(b) fails to communicate
(d) does not set a good example
Q2 The government are unveiling plans today for a new tax system.
(a) are covering up (b) are revealing (c) are opening (d) are exposing
Q3 I hear what you are saying but I don’t agree with you.
(a) I understand what you mean
(c) I am able to catch your words
(b) I believe your words
(d) I think you are right
Q4 You must admire the way she sticks to her guns.
(a) she holds on to her pistol
(c) she doesn’t let her weapons go
(b) she maintains her opinion
(d) she refuses to shoot
Q5 I’m sorry I can’t follow that, run that past me again.
(a) explain that once more
(c) try and catch me up
(b) hurry up
(d) come across
Q6 Keep your spirits up, it may not be as bad as you think.
(a) Don’t get depressed
(c) Don’t let the levels drop
(b) Carry on drinking
(d) Maintain the heights
Q7 I’m afraid he shot himself in the foot when he took that action.
(a) he hurt himself
(c) he made a bad mistake for himself
(b) he injured himself
(d) he damaged his body
Q8 Some people love scoring points when they are in an argument.
(a) winning the game
(c) taking the initiative
(b) taking advantage
(d) taking the trouble
Q9 There is absolutely no mileage in pursuing that sort of discussion.
(a) no future (b) no interest (c) no distance (d) no time
Q10 He prefers to buy some more time by not deciding yet.
(a) to pay a little longer
(c) to pay a little later
(b) to get a better price
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(d) to delay a little longer
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English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 3
A piece of cake
Q1 You shouldn’t worry about the exam because you have prepared well and you’ll probably find it a piece of
cake.
(a) easy to digest (b) easy to read (c) easy to start (d) very easy
Q2 The trouble with you is that you are a bit selfish and your sole philosophy is to have your cake and eat it.
(a) expect too much of life
(c) spend your life eating
(b) lead a life of pleasure
(d) eat too much
Q3 When he heard that the necklace had been stolen, he dropped it like a hot potato.
(a) he let it fall from his hands
(c) he gave it to somebody else
(b) he suddenly lost interest in it
(d) he hid it in the fridge
Q4 He sits and watches TV all day and has turned into a veritable couch potato.
(a) a good sleeper (b) an enthusiast (c) a very lazy person (d) a deep thinker
Q5 Thanks to you we’re really in the soup now and I don’t honestly know why I ever listen to you.
(a) in an interesting situation
(c) in an unusual situation
(b) in deep trouble
(d) in rough water
Q6 As he had been away from home for some years, they decided on his return to cook the fatted calf.
(a) have a big celebration
(c) employ a top chef
(b) go out for a meal
(d) eat as much as they liked
Q7 There’s something very fishy about that story he told us because I can’t quite get to the bottom of it.
(a) to do with the sea (b) connected with fish (c) suspicious (d) strong smelling
Q8 Their mother always describes her twin sons as like two peas in a pod.
(a) both round in shape
(c) both saying the same thing
(b) both full of fun
(d) both looking exactly alike
Q9 After what he said and after what has happened he certainly seems to have got egg on his face.
(a) have made a fool of himself
(c) have said the wrong thing
(b) have lost a lot of money
(d) have made the wrong decision
Q10 He always took advice from his parents about being careful and never put all his eggs in one basket.
(a) carried too much in one hand
(c) decided to do anything dangerous
(b) relied too much on one plan
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(d) planned anything exciting
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English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 4
Picking you up
Q1 Nobody knows what’s going on?
(a) meaning (b) continuing (c) happening (d) taking
Q2 Don’t worry we’ll see you’re all right.
(a) look at you (b) look on you (c) look for you (d) look after you
Q3 What you need is something that will pick you up.
(a) make you feel better
(c) make you hold on better
(b) make you stand better
(d) make you stay on better
Q4 I simply can’t stand sugar in my tea or coffee.
(a) can’t eat (b) can’t drink (c) can’t tolerate (d) can’t allow
Q5 I have a feeling that she’s taking you for a ride.
(a) taking you in a car (b) pulling you along (c) trying to trick you (d) trying to push you
Q6 He’s always got his nose in a book.
(a) hiding (b) reading (c) studying (d) looking
Q7 I think you’re asking too much of them as they are just children.
(a) trying too much (b) saying too much (c) calling too much (d) expecting too much
Q8 If you want my opinion, I think this needs looking into.
(a) examining (b) finding (c) searching (d) discovering
Q9 One fine day I expect everything will be clear to you.
(a) On a summer’s day (b) When the sun shines (c) In the end (d) Very soon
Q10 I think the time has come when you should put your toe in the water at least.
(a) go for a swim (b) give it a try (c) feel the cold (d) give it a chance
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English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 5
As happy as the day is long
Q1 I’m sure that he could make a better job of being prime minister any day of the week.
(a) whatever the details
(c) whatever the circumstances
(b) whatever the time
(d) whatever the week
Q2 Don’t worry we pride ourselves on being helpful to all our customers and getting that booked for you is all an a
day’s work for us.
(a) perfectly easy (b) perfectly simple (c) perfectly done (d) perfectly normal
Q3 Yes, we went away on holiday last week but it rained day in day out.
(a) every single day (b) every other day (c) every second day (d) every two days
Q4 I think the time has now come when we’ll simply have to call it a day.
(a) stop trying (b) stop thinking (c) stop working (d) stop going
Q5 You know what they said about radio that it had had its day but it’s still going strong.
(a) stopped being clever
(c) stopped being heard
(b) stopped being popular
(d) stopped being good
Q6 That last comment of yours won the day because nobody could possibly argue with you after that.
(a) assured us victory
(c) assured us progress
(b) assured us the answer
(d) assured us agreement
Q7 We left the children playing in the park and they were as happy as the day is long.
(a) reasonably happy (b) quite happy (c) very happy (d) always happy
Q8 They got engaged about two years ago and at long last they have named the day.
(a) said when they are getting married
(c) said why they are getting married
(b) said where they are getting married
(d) said if they are getting married.
Q9 I’ve been doing these exercises for two hours now and I think at long last I’m starting to see daylight.
(a) see the answer to the problem
(c) see the end of the task
(b) see the reason for the work
(d) see the problems in the answers
Q10 I knew once the car didn’t start, saw it had a flat tyre and also that it had started to rain, that this was going to
be one of those days.
(a) a day when nothing goes right
(c) a day when little goes right
(b) a day when something goes wrong
(d) a day when little goes wrong
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English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 6
Privacy
Q1 If I were you, I’d tell her to go jump in the river.
(a) learn to swim (b) get wet (c) go away (d) go fishing
Q2 I can’t understand why he doesn’t take the hint.
(a) understand the point
(c) understand the words
(b) understand the speech
(d) understand the talk
Q3 I should be grateful if you would let me keep myself to myself.
(a) be quiet (b) be private (c) be lonely (d) be special
Q4 I wish they would stop poking their noses into our affairs.
(a) sniffing around (b) discovering (c) interfering in (d) putting into
Q5 I get the impression that they think we’ve outstayed our welcome here.
(a) remained longer (b) tried too long (c) waited too long (d) stayed too long
Q6 We asked him if he wanted to join us on the outing but he refused — I think he’s a bit of a lone wolf.
(a) he prefers to be alone
(c) he prefers certain people
(b) he prefers small crowds
(d) he prefers walking slowly
Q7 She looked straight through him as soon as he entered the room.
(a) turned round
(c) took no notice of him
(b) looked carefully at him
(d) didn’t speak to him
Q8 Since the news broke about the disaster, he’s been keeping a very low profile.
(a) trying to look small
(c) trying to be careful
(b) trying to look casual
(d) trying not to be seen
Q9 After the political scandal in the government no-one in the cabinet is prepared to put their head above the
parapet.
(a) show their head (b) raise their head (c) speak in public (d) speak in the air
Q10 If you really want to come out of this without too much damage, my advice is to play dumb.
(a) speak stupidly (b) say nothing (c) say silly things (d) play the fool
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English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 7
Hold on
Q1 The audience held their breath as the magician started to saw a woman half.
(a) watched anxiously (b) stopped breathing (c) couldn’t breathe (d) couldn’t watch
Q2 The police officer called out to the driver to hold on until he arrived.
(a) continue (b) listen (c) wait (d) attend
Q3 In the end she lost her temper and told her daughter to hold her tongue.
(a) stand still (b) speak up (c) start speaking (d) be quiet
Q4 There’s no need to change any of the regulations this year as the old ones will still hold good this year, too.
(a) be finished (b) be all right (c) be necessary (d) be careful
Q5 I don’t know what it is exactly but she seems to have some kind of hold over him.
(a) control over (b) look over (c) trust over (d) belief over
Q6 He holds it against her that she never let him move house and start a new job.
(a) trusts (b) persuades (c) knows (d) blames
Q7 I think your best plan is to hold off making a decision until you know if you have passed the examination.
(a) delay (b) consider (c) stay (d) think
Q8 It was a very difficult race but the jockey held his own right until the end.
(a) overtook the others
(c) did better than the others
(b) did as well as the others
(d) tried to beat the others
Q9 Once he starts to talk about his favourite subject, he will hold forth until he is stopped.
(a) speak loudly (b) speak quickly (c) speak endlessly (d) speak slowly
Q10 The trouble is that whenever he’s with strangers he always holds in his feelings.
(a) shows (b) restricts (c) tells (d) allows
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English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 8
Money to burn
Q1 Money is the root of all evil, so what’s the point of earning a lot?
(a) bad for your health
(c) the reason for health
(b) the cause of greed
(d) the cause of wickedness
Q2 In my opinion money talks and the little people are totally ignored.
(a) rich people speak a lot
(c) rich people have too much money
(b) rich people have influence
(d) rich people are not silent
Q3 She’s a really happy woman now because for once she’s in the money.
(a) spending a lot of money
(c) got money to spend
(b) spending money quickly
(d) got a little money
Q4 For my money I would sooner go on a cruise than sit all day on the beach.
(a) In my circumstances (b) In my opinion (c) In my situation (d) In my time
Q5 He has very little to do but he gets well paid and agrees it’s money for jam.
(a) difficult money (b) hard money (c) good money (d) easy money
Q6 I think she should stop talking about it and put her money where her mouth is.
(a) give money for talking too much
(c) give money for something she says she believes in
(b) take money out of her mouth and be quiet
(d) give money for talking a lot about nothing
Q7 If you want to find some help with your project ask him because he’s got money to burn.
(a) he spends money slowly
(c) he spends money wisely
(b) he spends money foolishly
(d) he hardly spends money
Q8 As soon as he had won the lottery, he went crazy and started spending money like water.
(a) spending money freely
(c) spending money on swimming
(b) spending money at sea
(d) spending money consistently
Q9 When you consider all the advantages you’ve gained I think you’ll admit you had a good run for your money.
(a) a lot of trouble with your money
(c) a lot of time with your money
(b) to chase after your money
(d) a lot of benefit from your money
Q10 She’s made it clear that we don’t need to worry because money is no object.
(a) money is not important
(c) money is not clear
(b) money is not definite
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(d) money is not available
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English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 9
Go ahead
Q1 I’m sorry that looks awful — those two colours don’t go together.
(a) smash (b) crash (c) clash (d) hash
Q2 After what you’ve gone through, I’m sure you need a holiday.
(a) felt (b) sensed (c) acted (d) experienced
Q3 We won’t go into that now but I don’t think we can avoid the subject much longer.
(a) discuss (b) enter (c) introduce (d) interrupt
Q4 He’s gone right down in my estimation now that I’ve heard what he has done to his family.
(a) I think often of him
(c) I don’t think at all of him
(b) I think a lot of him
(d) I don’t think much of him
Q5 My advice to you is to make your mind up before it’s too late and simply go for it.
(a) take the opportunity soon
(c) take the opportunity now
(b) take the opportunity fairly
(d) take the opportunity slowly
Q6 I’m afraid you’ve left that food too long out of the fridge and now it’s gone off.
(a) become flat (b) become rotten (c) become rich (d) become stale
Q7 There were so many members of the political party who had gone against the leader that he resigned.
(a) insisted (b) invited (c) apposed (d) opposed
Q8 Don’t wait for me because I can’t come yet so you go ahead and I’ll join you later.
(a) go before me (b) go in front of me (c) go forwards me (d) go by me
Q9 If petrol prices go up any more, I shall have to use a bicycle.
(a) ascend (b) raise (c) increase (d) develop
Q10 I’m sorry I interrupted you, please go on from where I so rudely stopped you.
(a) continue (b) stop (c) speak (d) finish
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English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 10
Under my Skin
Q1 It was late at night, the wind was howling and when she heard the knock on the door, she almost jumped out
of her skin.
(a) was pleased (b) was terrified (c) was asleep (d) was delighted
Q2 As they only had a few minutes to get to the station, they ran all the way and finally caught the train by the skin
of their teeth.
(a) just in time (b) just for time (c) just on time (d) just by time
Q3 There’s something about him I just can’t stand and he really gets under my skin.
(a) pushes me (b) presses me (c) treats me (d) annoys me
Q4 I wouldn’t do that but you do whatever you like, as it’s no skin off my nose.
(a) it’s no good to me
(c) it’s not clear to me
(b) it’s not important to me
(d) it’s not bad for me
Q5 It doesn’t matter what you say to her I promise you, she’s got a very thick skin.
(a) she’s not affected by criticism
(c) she’s not devoted to criticism
(b) she’s not interested in criticism
(d) she’s not governed by criticism
Q6 He looked at her and in the words of Frank Sinatra said: ‘I’ve got you under my skin’.
(a) I’m very pleased with you
(c) I’m very attracted to you
(b) I’m very proud of you
(d) I’m very surprised by you
Q7 It was simply a case of running away or being killed and we decided to run to save our skins.
(a) to stay away (b) to stay dry (c) to stay clear (d) to stay alive
Q8 Be very careful what you say to Georgina about her new hairstyle; remember she has a very thin skin.
(a) she is very sensible
(c) she is very feeling
(b) she is very sensitive
(d) she is very sensing
Q9 I think the horse had been neglected for months and not been given enough to eat because it was just skin
and bones.
(a) very thin (b) very old (c) very tired (d) very hungry
Q10 They say there’s a very rare book in that pile of old books for sale so keep your eyes skinned.
(a) look slowly
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(b) look easily (c) look quickly (d) look carefully
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English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 11
Home Sweet Home
Q1 You must have lost your marbles if you’re seriously considering buying that house.
(a) be serious (b) be crazy (c) be adventurous (d) be happy
Q2 If you don’t mind me saying so I think you’re a bit over the top, aren’t you?
(a) you’re exaggerating a bit
(c) you’re laughing a bit
(b) you’re joking a little
(d) you’re describing a little
Q3 All right then if you like I’ll put my cards on the table.
(a) I’ll tell you a story
(c) I’ll tell you something
(b) I’ll tell you what to do
(d) I’ll tell you my honest opinion
Q4 I’d appreciate that. Go on, I’m all ears.
(a) I can hear what you’re saying
(c) I am listening to you
(b) I am listening very carefully
(d) I can’t hear a word
Q5 Well in the first place all the windows are broken, which is a real pain in the neck.
(a) a bad ache (b) a serious ache (c) a serious problem (d) a bad shock
Q6 Yes, I agree but at the same time it’s not the end of the world.
(a) worth worrying about
(c) worth looking at
(b) worth talking about
(d) worth speaking about
Q7 Then of course there is that huge crack in one of the outer walls, that’ll cost you an arm and a leg to repair.
(a) a little money (b) a sum of money (c) some money (d) a lot of money
Q8 You have a point but then I can deal with that in the fullness of time.
(a) in a little while (b) eventually (c) quite soon (d) sometimes
Q9 Finally there’s one thing you can’t just sweep under the carpet and that is the missing roof!
(a) forget (b) remember (c) ignore (d) interpret
Q10 I can see there are no flies on you but you must admit it is very cheap.
(a) you’re not clear (b) you’re not easy (c) you’re not clever (d) you’re not stupid
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English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 12
No good
Q1 They’re not getting away with it! They must pay for what they have done.
(a) They won’t come back
(c) They won’t do it again
(b) They won’t succeed
(d) They won’t go again
Q2 I’m not putting up with that! She must do as I say.
(a) I disagree (b) I confirm (c) I object (d) I resist
Q3 I made it absolutely clear that he could on no account expect a pay rise this year.
(a) in this way (b) in some way (c) in that way (d) in no way
Q4 They asked me whether I would accept a discount instead of a new machine. No chance, I said.
(a) Unlikely (b) Improbable (c) Impossible (d) Untrue
Q5 We invited her to come to our party in the hope of putting things right but she wouldn’t wear it.
(a) rejected (b) refused (c) repeated (d) reclined
Q6 I honestly don’t know how you do it because personally I couldn’t cope.
(a) would be unable to manage
(c) would be unable to hold
(b) would be unable to stay
(d) would be unable to handle
Q7 This happens every time I start the engine up. I tell you I can’t be doing with it.
(a) I find it difficult
(c) I find it stupid
(b) I find it irritating
(d) I find it hard
Q8 This is now the third time I’ve had to phone up and complain and I’ve reached the stage where I can see no
end to it.
(a) I don’t know where I’m going
(c) I don’t know why it’s happening
(b) I don’t know what I’m doing
(d) I don’t know when it will finish
Q9 It’s no good shouting at me like that — I’m doing the best I can.
(a) It’s a waste of time
(c) It’s a waste of money
(b) It’s a waste of space
(d) It’s a waste of doing
Q10 You’ll get yourself in no end of trouble if you persist in refusing to pay those taxes.
(a) a certain amount (b) a big amount (c) a huge amount (d) a special amount
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English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 13
On the Water
Q1 As usual he left it to the last moment and as a consequence he missed the boat.
(a) didn’t take advantage of the situation
(c) didn’t take advantage of the fare
(b) didn’t take advantage of the opportunity
(d) didn’t take advantage of the date
Q2 I’m sorry to tell you that you’ve burnt your boats now and so you won’t be able to go back.
(a) your current situation cannot be reversed
(c) your current situation cannot be retaken
(b) your current situation cannot be repeated
(d) your current situation cannot be restyled
Q3 I told her I understood exactly what she was feeling as we were both after all in the same boat.
(a) in a similar case
(c) in a similar take
(b) in a similar find
(d) in a similar situation
Q4 No matter how smoothly things are running, you can always rely on Charlie to rock the boat.
(a) spoil something (b) spoil anything (c) spoil everything (d) spoil nothing
Q5 We were all a bit worried about the new manager because we heard that she liked to run a tight ship.
(a) be well organized (b) be well disposed (c) be well received (d) be well placed
Q6 Although they were a couple well into their 80’s everything in their house was always shipshape.
(a) very old (b) very neat (c) very fresh (d) very clean
Q7 Everybody imagined that there was a big romance between the two of them but it turned out they were merely
ships that pass in the night.
(a) strangers meeting quietly
(c) strangers meeting once
(b) strangers meeting softly
(d) strangers meeting nightly
Q8 Sadly it never happened but she was absolutely sure her ship would come in one day and she could buy that
house in the country.
(a) she would be famous (b) she would be free (c) she would be happy (d) she would be rich
Q9 In view of his change in fortune he decided to push the boat out and hold a big party.
(a) spend a lot of money
(c) spend a lot of effort
(b) spend a lot of time
(d) spend a lot of energy
Q10 Once you’ve read the instruction book, you’ll probably find it’s plain sailing.
(a) accurate
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(b) active (c) straightforward (d) intelligent
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English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 14
British Idioms
Q1 I had quite a shock last night. I ran into an old flame of mine.
(a) a bright light
(c) a former girlfriend
(b) a brilliant person
(d) sparkling personality
Q2 I suppose she was the apple of your eye at the time.
(a) your favourite fruit
(c) your favourite person
(b) your favourite meal
(d) your favourite book
Q3 Yes, I suppose she was but she’d changed so. She was all skin and bone.
(a) very thin (b) very mean (c) very fat (d) very poor
Q4 And I suppose you didn’t panic and were as cool as a cucumber?
(a) very bored (b) very calm (c) very rude (d) very stupid
Q5 Well I didn’t have an axe to grind as far as she’s concerned.
(a) a straight reason for getting involved
(c) a personal reason for getting involved
(b) a clever reason for getting involved
(d) a simple reason for getting involved
Q6 You mean there was no bad blood between the two of you?
(a) no hostile feelings
(c) no strange feelings
(b) no interested feelings
(d) no funny feelings
Q7 No, not really except she did get angry sometimes but her bark was worse than her bite.
(a) not as stupid as she sounded
(c) not as tall as she looked
(b) not as dangerous as she seemed
(d) not as clear as she appeared
Q8 Was she going anywhere or was she at a loose end?
(a) doing nothing particular
(c) doing lots of lazy things
(b) doing something special
(d) doing many casual things
Q9 Not really. Funny thing is I asked her out and she didn’t bat an eyelid. What I want to know is whether I did the
right thing.
(a) didn’t answer me
(c) didn’t help me
(b) didn’t look at me
(d) didn’t show any reaction
Q10 I can’t help you there my friend. The ball is in your court.
(a) You must look out
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(b) You must decide (c) You must try harder (d) You must accept
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English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 15
Expressions with cold
Q1 The way he murdered his victims in a slow, painful way was really cold-blooded.
(a) without feeling (b) without sense (c) without heat (d) without warmth
Q2 Whenever they met, she would always manage to cold shoulder him and turn the other way.
(a) freeze (b) dampen (c) ignore (d) defeat
Q3 Unfortunately he breaks into a cold sweat when he sees her, can’t think straight and doesn’t know what to do.
(a) shivers (b) turns cold (c) gets lost (d) panics
Q4 I’m afraid I’m getting cold feet about this scheme as I’m not sure it’s such a good idea.
(a) worried about (b) deals about (c) feelings about (d) thoughts about
Q5 All right he got some money for his troubles but not very much and really it was cold comfort to him.
(a) little fuss (b) little peace (c) little consolation (d) little trust
Q6 It’s difficult to describe him because he doesn’t really say or do much he’s what you might call a cold fish.
(a) a suspicious person (b) an impassive person (c) a feeling person (d) a lazy person
Q7 Every day we get cold calls on the phone from total strangers trying to sell you something.
(a) unfriendly calls (b) unusual calls (c) unfair calls (d) unwanted calls
Q8 You never really know where you are with her as she just blows hot and cold.
(a) keeps talking
(c) keeps changing her mood
(b) keeps taking things
(d) keeps testing
Q9 They refused to let her into their circle of friends and left her out in the cold.
(a) all alone (b) without heat (c) all ready (d) all cold
Q10 You know he won’t approve as he always pours cold water on any new ideas.
(a) dislikes (b) detracts (c) deceives (d) disapproves of
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English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 16
Way Idioms
Q1 By the way are you thinking of going on holiday?
(a) Incidentally (b) However (c) Naturally (d) Nevertheless
Q2 If I’m in your way, I’ll leave the room.
(a) I’m confusing you (b) I’m trying you (c) I’m hindering you (d) I’m finding you
Q3 Every investor is really pleased because profits are way up this year.
(a) have gone up some
(c) have gone up moderately
(b) have gone up gradually
(d) have gone up hugely
Q4 As your house is on our way, we’ll give you a lift home if you like.
(a) on our trip (b) on our route (c) on our excursion (d) on our crossing
Q5 At the moment plans are under way and the work should be finished next year.
(a) in progress (b) in the middle (c) in order (d) in control
Q6 We don’t usually allow refunds but once in a way we agree.
(a) often (b) directly (c) frequently (d) occasionally
Q7 The army commander was very concerned about his troops and would never allow them to be in harm’s
way.
(a) in fights (b) in battle (c) in combat (d) in danger
Q8 You’ll just have to make a decision. You can’t have it both ways.
(a) benefit by cancelling two vertical views
(c) benefit by agreeing to two similar views
(b) benefit by agreeing to two opposite views
(d) benefit by agreeing to two average views
Q9 In view of the considerable opposition the members agreed to give way.
(a) yield (b) sustain (c) suspect (d) volunteer
Q10 She left school and immediately started to make her own way without help from her family.
(a) find her living (b) try her living (c) earn her living (d) hold her living
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English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 17
Idioms with come
Q1 Come again? Sorry, I didn’t hear what you said.
(a) Return it to me
(c) Can you repeat that
(b) Speak louder, please
(d) Can you come back
Q2 Your mom is going to come down hard on you if you don’t clean your room now.
(a) reprimand (b) reward (c) exonerate (d) assist
Q3 New evidence came to light at the end of the trial.
(a) was hidden (b) was sheathed (c) was concealed (d) was revealed
Q4 Robert Koch was the first person to come up with a medicine to help in the treatment of Tuberculosis.
(a) eradicate (b) discover (c) vindicate (d) reveal
Q5 My dream of having my own house has finally come true.
(a) happened (b) become a fairy tale (c) surfaced (d) been revealed
Q6 A lot of people from the office I work at came down with the flu this past week.
(a) spread (b) dominated (c) got sick with (d) got healed from
Q7 In the end, it all comes down to the fact that you don’t really care about me.
(a) intercedes to (b) interferes to (c) conspires to (d) is because of
Q8 When my boss asked me to come to his office this morning, little did I know I was coming in for some harsh
comments.
(a) going to go through (b) going to make (c) going to profess (d) going to interpret
Q9 I was turning into the left lane when a car came out of nowhere and hit me.
(a) stopped right in front of me
(c) spun over
(b) suddenly appeared
(d) fell off a truck
Q10 I need to come to terms with myself.
(a) have a dialogue
(c) stop disappointing
(b) discuss
(d) objectively and entirely confront and understand
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English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 18
Common English Idioms
Q1 Tom told Andrea that giant turtles had escaped from the city zoo and were eating only left-handed people. It
wasn’t until she saw the smirk on his face that Andrea noticed he was just pulling her leg.
(a) trying to hurt her
(c) making fun of her
(b) fooling her
(d) trying to make her fall
Q2 Why should she stick her neck out for them? They never helped her with anything.
(a) ask for money (b) stand up (c) take a big risk (d) lie
Q3 I am so mad at my boyfriend. We were supposed to have a date last night at the park but he stood me up.
(a) didn’t come
(c) took me somewhere else
(b) forgot
(d) pretended he didn’t know
Q4 It seems like something has been eating at John lately. Hes just not the same person any more.
(a) changing
(c) confusing
(b) challenging
(d) bothering and upsetting
Q5 I have a feeling in my gut that one of the employees is giving information about His boss to another company.
(a) strong fear
(c) slight hint
(b) really strong instinct
(d) a lot of proof
Q6 Andrew and Ana have been dating each other for so long that I think its about time they got hitched.
(a) moved in together
(c) got married
(b) went on a honeymoon
(d) met each other’s parents
Q7 Bobs mom jumped down his throat when she saw his report card from school.
(a) was thrilled with him
(c) was angry with him
(b) was annoyed with him
(d) was happy for him
Q8 It turns me off when guys dont respect my boundaries.
(a) makes me completely lose interest
(c) makes me sorry
(b) makes me angry
(d) regrets me
Q9 Ever since Melanie won the Miss Universe Competition, her telephone has been ringing off the hook.
(a) broken
(c) ringing constantly
(b) cut off
(d) ringing every now and then
Q10 I think George and Lisa would make a great couple. We should try to hook them up.
(a) separate them
(c) make them buy one another presents
(b) make them hug one another
(d) get them together
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English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 19
Idioms with Hand
Q1 We need to do something about it! This situation is getting out of hand!
(a) too big (b) too organized (c) out of control (d) out of order
Q2 Now the grandparents have the children on their hands.
(a) in their care (b) in trouble (c) spanked (d) to obey them
Q3 This last year, my company has made money hand over fist!
(a) with a lot of struggle
(c) poorly
(b) at a huge rate
(d) distribution
Q4 As soon as he laid his hands on all that money, he donated part of it to charitable institutions.
(a) stole (b) scattered (c) released (d) took possession of
Q5 The beginning of a new generation of computer software is at hand.
(a) imminent
(c) current
(b) remote
(d) in someone’s possession
Q6 Do we have enough people on hand to help us move our stuff into the house?
(a) nearby (b) available (c) indisposed (d) confident
Q7 The FBI told the local police that their case was off their hands. The investigation was now a Federal matter.
(a) lost by them
(c) out of their jurisdiction
(b) improvised by them
(d) out of their control
Q8 Jane Williams is a very good investigative reporter, you’ve got to hand it to her.
(a) give her credit
(c) give a promotion to her
(b) give a present to her
(d) forgive her
Q9 Honey, can you hand me the car key, please? It’s right next to you on the table.
(a) take to me (b) make a copy of (c) give me (d) find me
Q10 Learning a foreign language goes hand in hand with International Business.
(a) tossed from one hand to another
(c) individually
(b) in different directions
(d) together
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English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 20
English Idioms and Phrases
Q1 You have to raise your voice a little when talking to him. He’s a little hard of hearing.
(a) stubborn
(c) deaf
(b) quiet when he speaks
(d) distracted
Q2 I went to a real nice restaurant yesterday. The food cost was cheap and they served a lot of food. I had to ask
for a doggy bag because I couldn’t eat the whole thing.
(a) package to store left over food so the person can
take it home
(c) special order where you get smaller meal sizes
(b) dog bowl so you can give the rest of the food to
your dog
(d) kid’s meal
Q3 Fabian was a doormat. No wonder his classmates were always giving him a hard time.
(a) snob (b) geek (c) coward (d) chubby boy
Q4 I invited a friend to go to a street market by my house where they served some real good Japanese food. My
friend’s mom wanted to pay for her daughter’s meal, but I insisted on paying for both our meals myself, her
mom finally said: Ok, as long as we go Dutch next time.
(a) I pay for your meal
(c) you let me drive you there
(b) you take me with you
(d) we divide the costs
Q5 So, is everything plain as a pikestaff? Oh, yes indeed sir!
(a) clean (b) clear (c) messy (d) in position
Q6 We are having a pot-luck dinner at Tim’s house tomorrow. Everybody is invited!
(a) dinner where everybody brings something to eat
(c) dinner where only soup is served
(b) dinner where everybody chips in
(d) dinner where people eat and play games at the
same time
Q7 I need everybody’s help. The wedding is tomorrow and we haven’t even started with the decorations yet. We
have no time to lose.
(a) been procrastinating
(c) extra time
(b) to remember what time it is
(d) to start right now
Q8 Just keep your wig on. Everything is going to be alright, okay?
(a) hold your wig so it won’t fall off
(c) calm down
(b) get another hair cut
(d) throw a fit
Q9 Kyle was saved by the bell when his sister walked in and asked him to take her to ballet practice.
(a) rescued from an unwanted situation
(c) obligated to comply
(b) detained from his duty
(d) obliged to cooperate
Q10 I would stay away from that guy if I were you, he has a screw loose.
(a) is dangerous (b) is annoying (c) is a flirt (d) is crazy
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English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 21
Expressions with make
Q1 Everybody thought Jane and Elliot were a happy couple, but it was all just make believe.
(a) modesty (b) pretending (c) reality (d) denial
Q2 I’ve been working hard for the last few months trying to make ends meet, but something I’m not even
expecting always comes up and I have to pay for it.
(a) make enough money to pay for expenses
(c) meet my family’s needs
(b) survive
(d) make good business
Q3 Man’s first walk on the moon made history.
(a) was forgotten
(c) was unheard of
(b) is only talked about in history books
(d) was meaningful enough to influence history
Q4 You can make people’s day just by telling them how important they are to you.
(a) displease people
(c) give people great pleasure
(b) resent people
(d) antipathize people
Q5 If I had a chance to go to Paris, I would make the most of it.
(a) be satisfied with
(c) go there as soon as possible
(b) take great advantage of
(d) drawback from
Q6 Charity made a scene at the club when she saw her boyfriend dancing with another girl.
(a) played a role (b) had a fight (c) hid herself (d) acted like a fool
Q7 So, George… Have you made up your mind where you want to go for your internship?
(a) decided (b) conjured up (c) told your mom (d) postponed
Q8 Now it makes sense to me why you moved out of that house.
(a) I am intrigued (b) I understand (c) it frustrates me (d) it concerns
Q9 Ana finally made it. She is an excellent doctor.
(a) failed (b) receded (c) succeeded (d) blew it
Q10 Mom, can you tell Todd to stop making fun of me?
(a) mocking (b) lying to (c) flattering (d) flirting with
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English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 22
Double Speak in Job Titles
Q1 The school custodian was the main suspect of the girl’s disappearance.
(a) principal (b) teacher (c) janitor (d) receptionist
Q2 Linda got a job as an executive assistant in a Law Firm.
(a) a manager (b) a business partner (c) clerk (d) secretary
Q3 Celebrities are usually surrounded by their personal protection specialists.
(a) fans (b) bodyguards (c) lawyers (d) reporters
Q4 George is in the food business now. He is an Executive Snack Route Consultant.
(a) a restaurant cheff
(c) a chief
(b) a potato chip delivery truck driver
(d) a waiter
Q5 I have always wanted to be an esthetician.
(a) a hairdresser (b) a plastic surgeon (c) an artist (d) top model
Q6 My mom used to work at a hospital as a patient care assistant.
(a) a psychologist (b) a social worker (c) a nurse (d) a general surgeon
Q7 Bob used to work as a media courier during school summer breaks when he was a kid, now he has his own
newspaper.
(a) a reporter from the school newspaper
(c) a newspaper delivery boy
(b) a newspaper seller boy
(d) a television news announcer
Q8 Some places in New York have advertised on the newspaper they needed part-time career associate
scanning professionals.
(a) check-out clerks (b) door greeters (c) store supervisors (d) grocery baggers
Q9 The day before Carol’s wedding, her bridesmaids went to see a nail technician.
(a) a professional who designs fake nails
(c) a person who sells nails
(b) a specialist in nail diseases
(d) a manicurist
Q10 The meteorologist said on TV that it is supposed to rain all day tomorrow.
(a) astronomer
(c) fortune teller
(b) television weatherman
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(d) TV anchor
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English Idioms and Expressions / Advanced level # 1
English Animal Idioms
Q1 There are times when you must decide and take the bull by the horns.
(a) make the right decision
(c) make a bold decision
(b) make the wrong decision
(d) make a final decision
Q2 He leads a dog’s life really because his freedom is always curtailed.
(a) never knows what to do
(c) never goes out
(b) sometimes does something wrong
(d) never does what he wants
Q3 No-one ever mentions him because he’s regarded as the black sheep of the family.
(a) the one with a sense of humour
(c) the one who is always late
(b) the one with a bad reputation
(d) the one who never washes
Q4 I shouldn’t go outside without a raincoat because it’s raining cats and dogs.
(a) it’s just started to rain
(c) it’s raining very heavily
(b) it’s going to rain
(d) it’s raining a little
Q5 You shouldn’t sign there I think he’s about to make a monkey out of you.
(a) to make a fool of you
(c) to make you feel stupid
(b) to make you lose money
(d) to make you lose interest
Q6 It’s a lovely house and very big but nobody uses it so it’s a bit of a white elephant.
(a) something very beautiful and useful
(c) something very cheap and useless
(b) something very big and useful
(d) something very expensive and useless
Q7 When the business folded, he took the lion’s share of the assets.
(a) the easiest part (b) the smallest part (c) the biggest part (d) the only part
Q8 Without my glasses I can’t see where I’m going in fact I’m as blind as a bat.
(a) very short sighted (b) very long sighted (c) very far sighted (d) very clear sighted
Q9 I get very irritated sometimes because they’re always up with the lark and I like to lie in.
(a) up very easily (b) up very early (c) up very often (d) up very noisily
Q10 I would advise you to do that as well and in that way you’ll kill two birds with one stone.
(a) get things done twice
(c) get two things done at the same time
(b) get something done two times
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(d) get two things done twice
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English Idioms and Expressions / Advanced level # 2
Hands on
Q1 The opposition party dismissed the government’s proposal out of hand.
(a) without further consideration
(c) without thinking
(b) with some hesitation
(d) with reluctance
Q2 Since she started work on the stock exchange she has been making money hand over fist.
(a) in moderation (b) in large quantities (c) to a certain extent (d) to some extent
Q3 They have lost all their money and now lead a sort of hand to mouth existence.
(a) impoverished (b) simplified (c) leisurely (d) indifferent
Q4 It’s no good asking anybody in that shop to help you because they won’t lift a finger.
(a) show you the way
(c) take your order
(b) carry your goods
(d) do anything at all for you
Q5 In the obituary about the millionaire all his enterprises were listed and it looked as if he had had a finger in
every pie.
(a) a control over many activities
(c) an interference in many activities
(b) an involvement in many activities
(d) a belief in many activities
Q6 I’ve just bought a brand new car with all the latest gadgets and quite honestly it has cost me an arm and a
leg.
(a) a reasonable amount of money
(c) a huge amount of money
(b) a fair amount of money
(d) a good deal of money
Q7 I don’t want to have to twist your arm but I hope you realize that your refusal to comply could be harmful.
(a) allow you to agree (b) force you to agree (c) beg you to agree (d) ask you to agree
Q8 Have a look at the benefits that the society can offer you and then you may feel like dipping your toe in the
water.
(a) deciding to try membership straightaway
(c) deciding to try membership for a year
(b) deciding to try membership quite soon
(d) deciding to try membership for a trial
Q9 If you do join a political party then you are expected to toe the line on every occasion.
(a) say what you like
(c) follow your conscience
(b) stick to the rules
(d) speak your mind
Q10 I wouldn’t say I never see eye to eye with my employers but sometimes they can make extraordinary
demands.
(a) totally side (b) totally work (c) totally agree (d) totally disagree
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English Idioms and Expressions / Advanced level # 3
Lucky Alex
Q1 Alex had lost a lot of money and as a consequence was feeling down in the dumps.
(a) lonely (b) miserable (c) uncomfortable (d) uneasy
Q2 He had given in to a longstanding weakness of his and pinned his hopes on the favourite winning the race.
(a) made a wish about
(c) made a promise
(b) tried his luck with
(d) put a lot of faith in
Q3 This horse in all honesty didn’t have a snowball’s chance in hell of winning.
(a) a chance in a million
(c) a chance of success
(b) a chance worth taking
(d) a chance of a lifetime
Q4 Alex said he had had a dream about the horse winning but most people regarded this story with a pinch of
salt.
(a) with enthusiasm (b) with caution (c) with care (d) with luck
Q5 What happened was that the stupid animal took fright halfway through the course and without batting an eyelid
decided to go back to the start.
(a) taking a chance (b) turning round (c) looking (d) worrying at all
Q6 As far as Alex was concerned this was the last straw and he vowed he would never risk money on a horse
ever again.
(a) the final decision (b) the final moment (c) the final disaster (d) the final occasion
Q7 The trouble was that he didn’t have a bean not even enough to pay for the fare home.
(a) didn’t have a wallet
(c) didn’t have any change
(b) didn’t have a penny
(d) didn’t have a ticket
Q8 He decided he would swallow his pride and try and hitchhike.
(a) take his medicine
(c) not worry what people thought
(b) take no interest in other people
(d) forget about himself
Q9 Fortunately it wasn’t long before he got a lift with an old man who had a heart of gold and gave him some
money.
(a) was very generous (b) was very wise (c) was very old (d) was very ill
Q10 He told him to invest it wisely, which Alex did. He bought a ticket for the lottery and his ship came home
because he won the jackpot.
(a) his mind changed (b) his opinion changed (c) his luck changed (d) his views changed
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English Idioms and Expressions / Advanced level # 4
How Mary fell in love
Q1 Most people like to come home after work and put their feet up.
(a) take their socks off
(c) relax
(b) take their shoes off
(d) sit down
Q2 Mary was exactly the same as everybody else but this particular night she wanted to let her hair down.
(a) wash her hair
(c) really enjoy herself
(b) comb her hair
(d) really comb her hair
Q3 She put her favourite CD on and turned it up full blast.
(a) to complete volume (b) to exact volume (c) to fine volume (d) to maximum volume
Q4 As soon as she had done that, all hell was let loose.
(a) there was loud hum
(c) there was a huge noise
(b) there was sound of thunder
(d) there was an enormous flame
Q5 Her next door neighbour soon got fed up to the back teeth with the noise.
(a) grew hungry with (b) grew angry with (c) grew mad about (d) grew very tired of
Q6 He started hammering on the adjoining wall but Mary carried on regardless.
(a) took little interest
(c) took not the slightest notice
(b) took some notice
(d) took the most interest
Q7 In the end her neighbour decided to speak his mind.
(a) say exactly what he thought
(c) say a few words
(b) have a chat
(d) express a point of view
Q8 Although he had never met her, he was determined to read her the riot act.
(a) tell her off (b) tell her a story (c) tell her straight (d) tell her the truth
Q9 Mary opened the door and as soon as they saw each other they fell head over heels in love with each other.
(a) quickly (b) utterly (c) easily (d) slowly
Q10 A few months later they decided to knock down the adjoining wall and now everything in the garden is
lovely.
(a) the flowers are growing
(c) everything is growing
(b) everything is perfect
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(d) everything is flowering
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English Idioms and Expressions / Advanced level # 5
Call it a day
Q1 I take my hat off to all those people who worked hard to get the contract.
(a) respect (b) encourage (c) congratulate (d) welcome
Q2 Some of you worked on until the small hours to make it a successful project.
(a) it was dark outside
(c) it was late in the evening
(b) it was early in the morning
(d) it was late in the day
Q3 I’m sure sometimes you all wanted to call it a day and go home.
(a) stop work (b) start work (c) continue working (d) do it later
Q4 The important thing is that as soon as you saw the advantages, you got your teeth stuck into it.
(a) started to eat
(c) got very interested in
(b) wanted to swallow
(d) wanted to digest
Q5 I’m also very proud of the way you stuck to your guns.
(a) wouldn’t go away (b) wouldn’t give up (c) wouldn’t shoot (d) wouldn’t fire
Q6 There are times in life when it’s very important to keep your chin up.
(a) be smart (b) be careful (c) be brave (d) be cheerful
Q7 There are of course those who very easily throw in the towel.
(a) give up (b) give into (c) give over (d) give out
Q8 We can best describe someone like that as a person who is weak-kneed.
(a) having no resolution
(c) having no ideas
(b) having no support
(d) having no legs
Q9 It only remains for me to express my admiration for all those of you who stayed at your posts.
(a) waited for your letters
(c) remained loyal
(b) kept your letters
(d) stayed waiting
Q10 I must not forget either all those very important people, without whom none of us could operate, who work
behind the scenes.
(a) in the dark (b) at the back (c) in the evenings (d) in the background
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English Idioms and Expressions / Advanced level # 6
Live up to
Q1 Frank was an old soldier and lived through many wars.
(a) seen (b) tasted (c) enjoyed (d) experienced
Q2 He had joined the army as a young man because he wanted to live it up a bit.
(a) see the world
(c) have a good time
(b) experience the discipline
(d) learn new skills
Q3 He wanted excitement and travel and the army lived up to its reputation.
(a) came up to (b) came near to (c) went near (d) went beyond
Q4 He certainly travelled and there was plenty of excitement, which made it possible for him to live out his dream.
(a) show (b) find (c) follow (d) name
Q5 He also managed to live off his pay without any problems.
(a) put up with (b) exist easily on (c) just get by on (d) take care of
Q6 He lived on the simple food provided by the army.
(a) ate only (b) digested (c) consumed (d) just managed
Q7 For some years he lived in because he liked to be among his comrades.
(a) stayed in bed (b) stayed in barracks (c) stayed indoors (d) stayed behind
Q8 He never really enjoyed living out.
(a) staying in other accommodation
(c) staying alone
(b) staying away from home
(d) waiting outside
Q9 He never did anything wrong and so he didn’t have to live down any bad reputation.
(a) make others remember
(c) make others recall
(b) make others forget
(d) make others listen
Q10 He lived out his final days in a small cottage overlooking the barracks.
(a) numbered (b) endured (c) counted (d) ended
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English Idioms and Expressions / Advanced level # 7
English Grammar Prepositions
Q1 What are you up to?
(a) trying now (b) doing now (c) achieving now (d) starting now
Q2 What are you into?
(a) capable of (b) proud of (c) familiar with (d) interested in
Q3 I’m off on Monday.
(a) having a holiday (b) having an extra day (c) having a long day (d) having a short day
Q4 Are you in on the latest developments?
(a) kept informed about (b) kept attached to (c) kept told about (d) kept written to
Q5 You’re on next.
(a) It’s your opportunity
(c) It’s your time
(b) It’s your moment
(d) It’s your turn
Q6 Are you in on Tuesdays?
(a) at home (b) in touch (c) in the house (d) in the area
Q7 I’m certainly up for it.
(a) willing to try (b) ready to take (c) wanting a chance (d) keen to go
Q8 You should know that I’m all for it.
(a) completely taken with
(c) in complete agreement with
(b) wholly interested in
(d) in complete satisfaction with
Q9 I’m through with that company.
(a) completed with (b) finished with (c) tired of (d) sick of
Q10 I’m after a new car.
(a) searching for (b) looking for (c) aiming for (d) trying for
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English Idioms and Expressions / Advanced level # 8
From Shakespeare originally
Q1 When he heard that he had lost his job, it was cold comfort to learn that he could keep his car.
(a) a lot of help (b) some help (c) a little help (d) little help
Q2 The selection of candidates was done in a hit or miss manner so that nobody knew why they were chosen.
(a) friendly (b) happy (c) easy (d) casual
Q3 She had got herself in a pickle by trying to please everyone at the same time.
(a) into confusion (b) into trouble (c) into difficulties (d) into problems
Q4 I’m afraid that my poor old car has finally breathed its last.
(a) stopped working (b) stopped trying (c) stopped flying (d) stopped turning
Q5 You’re living in a fool’s paradise if you think they’re going to pay you for nothing.
(a) under an illusion (b) under a dream (c) under a cloud (d) under a delusion
Q6 It was a total mystery as apparently there was neither rhyme nor reason why he did it.
(a) no logical reason
(c) no particular reason
(b) no real reason
(d) no special reason
Q7 There is clearly a sea change in the way people now look at crime today.
(a) a little change (b) a huge change (c) a fine change (d) a small change
Q8 They looked everywhere for the lost passport but it seems to have vanished into thin air.
(a) disappeared slowly
(c) disappeared completely
(b) disappeared gradually
(d) disappeared quickly
Q9 When it comes to a crisis, Charles is a tower of strength.
(a) very tall (b) very reliable (c) very strong (d) very trusting
Q10 Whenever he has been treated badly, he always demands his pound of flesh.
(a) total recompense (b) total satisfaction (c) total agreement (d) total acceptance
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English Idioms and Expressions / Advanced level # 9
Water Expressions
Q1 Charlie’s in hot water again, he forgot to lock up last night.
(a) in the bath (b) very wet (c) in the shower (d) in trouble
Q2 Forget it, that’s water under the bridge now.
(a) best forgotten (b) best learnt (c) best understood (d) best remembered
Q3 That’s always the trouble if she doesn’t like it, she simply throws cold water on it.
(a) washes it completely
(c) cleans it completely
(b) discourages it completely
(d) drowns it completely
Q4 You must realize the gravity of the situation because you are in deep water now.
(a) an embarrassing situation
(c) a serious situation
(b) a stupid situation
(d) a strange situation
Q5 He is like a fish out of water whenever he goes to a party.
(a) feels uncomfortable (b) feels dry (c) feels thirsty (d) feels silly
Q6 Don’t ever lend him money, he spends it like water.
(a) very slowly (b) very often (c) very freely (d) very carefully
Q7 We think in the present circumstances the best policy is to tread water for a while.
(a) take sudden steps
(c) take little action
(b) take quick decisions
(d) take firm action
Q8 My original plan has been so watered down that I don’t recognize it now.
(a) reduced in importance
(c) made more fluid
(b) increased in size
(d) made much clearer
Q9 Your ideas are usually sound but this one won’t hold water, I’m afraid.
(a) float (b) be practical (c) stay up (d) sink
Q10 He’ll be all right soon because any criticism is usually like water off a duck’s back to him.
(a) of no importance (b) of some importance (c) of great importance (d) of such importance
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English Idioms and Expressions / Advanced level # 10
Cats, Dogs and Ducks
Q1 You will be in a very difficult situation now that he’s let the cat out of the bag.
(a) told a story (b) let the animal go (c) revealed the truth (d) told a lie
Q2 If I were you, I would not raise the subject again and my best advice is to let sleeping dogs lie.
(a) leave the dogs alone
(c) not say any more
(b) not touch the dogs
(d) keep away from the dogs
Q3 Remember if you go into that meeting without being prepared with some answers, you will simply be a sitting
duck.
(a) a bird with no wings
(c) a steady aim
(b) a ready target
(d) a sick animal
Q4 I’m afraid he didn’t take my advice and they made him look a complete fool because he was unrepared and he
ended up a dead duck.
(a) a person with no feelings
(c) a person with no future
(b) a person with no problems
(d) a person with no ideas
Q5 Mind you as I have said many times before I don’t know how he’s lasted so long in the job because he’s
always been the lame duck in the team.
(a) the lazy person
(c) the slow person
(b) the inefficient person
(d) the wrong person
Q6 The older generation always maintains that in their day things were better and nowadays the country is going
to the dogs.
(a) is having a good time
(c) is losing its standards
(b) is becoming lazy
(d) is becoming weaker
Q7 If you’re unsure about which way the cat is going to jump, I suggest you hang on for a bit longer.
(a) how much it will cost
(c) how you can succeed
(b) when your turn comes
(d) what will happen next
Q8 There is no need to apologize about your remarks as I can assure you it’s like water off a duck’s back to me.
(a) of some concern (b) of a little concern (c) of little concern (d) of less concern
Q9 Once more he is in the doghouse but I couldn’t possibly tell you why.
(a) out of the way (b) out of favour (c) out of order (d) out of trouble
Q10 As so many people are coming to a party at their house, they’re running around preparing food like scalded
cats.
(a) in a nervous state
(c) in a hurried state
(b) in a delighted state
(d) in a hilarious state
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English Idioms and Expressions / Advanced level # 11
Losing It
Q1 The one thing a public figure hates is when he loses face in front of all his admirers.
(a) loses good looks (b) loses photos (c) loses respect (d) loses expressions
Q2 At the crucial moment the climber lost her nerve and had to be brought down the mountain.
(a) became excited (b) became concerned (c) became scared (d) became upset
Q3 The latest opinion polls show that the government is losing ground to the opposition party.
(a) losing its time
(c) losing its votes
(b) losing its opinion
(d) losing its advantage
Q4 There was a time when everybody would believe her totally but after this episode I’m afraid she’s losing her
touch.
(a) losing her skill (b) losing her mind (c) losing her contact (d) losing her friends
Q5 Under the new pay agreement many employees feel that they are losing out on allowances.
(a) at a deficit (b) at a disadvantage (c) at a problem (d) at a difficulty
Q6 I’m afraid that kind of humour is totally lost on him so you’ll have to explain it more simply.
(a) without effect (b) without reason (c) without sense (d) without impression
Q7 After only a few weeks as a teacher of very badly behaved children she realized she was losing her grip.
(a) losing her point (b) losing her purpose (c) losing her control (d) losing her feelings
Q8 He suddenly started shouting and screaming and people could plainly see that he had lost his cool.
(a) become angry (b) become rude (c) become stupid (d) become loud
Q9 I’ve tried very hard indeed to understand your argument step by step but I must confess I’ve now lost the
thread.
(a) I now can’t follow the answer
(c) I now can’t follow the reason
(b) I now can’t follow the point
(d) I now can’t follow the reasoning
Q10 After the traffic accident she lost her head and drove the car into a brick wall.
(a) behaved strangely (b) behaved foolishly (c) behaved oddly (d) behaved quietly
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English Idioms and Expressions / Advanced level # 12
Splitting Hairs
Q1 We told him to keep his hair on because he was getting angrier and angrier.
(a) to stand still (b) to remain calm (c) to speak quietly (d) to sit down
Q2 I can’t really explain it but the moment she walks into the room and asks me a question she gets in my hair.
(a) pulls my hair (b) terrifies me (c) criticizes me (d) irritates me
Q3 Now that he’s passed his exams and got his qualifications he’s decided to let his hair down.
(a) behave informally (b) behave noisily (c) behave easily (d) behave fully
Q4 When I opened the door and saw this white figure in front of me, it really made my hair stand on end.
(a) upset me (b) disappointed me (c) terrified me (d) surprised me
Q5 After the boss had given her the sack, she just walked out of the office without turning a hair.
(a) showing some feeling
(c) showing a little feeling
(b) showing no feeling at all
(d) showing a lot of feeling
Q6 Quite frankly you’re splitting hairs. Does it matter whether it’s the past simple or the perfect tense?
(a) arguing about small points
(c) aruing about grammar
(b) arguing about tenses
(d) arguing about grammatical points
Q7 I saw him last November and since then I have seen neither hide nor hair of him.
(a) seen little of him
(c) not seen him at all
(b) seen him once or twice
(d) not seen much of him
Q8 Don’t worry if she doesn’t say much because she says she’s having a bad hair day.
(a) she’s experiencing a lot of problems
(c) she’s doing too much
(b) she’s discovering horrible things
(d) she’s been eating too much
Q9 I was really scared when I saw him because he was tearing his hair out about the new management decision.
(a) extremely excited (b) extremely worried (c) extremely angry (d) extremely depressed
Q10 They were very lucky they didn’t get themselves killed because they came within a hair’s breadth of falling
down the mountain.
(a) very near to (b) very nearer to (c) very nearly to (d) very next to
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English Idioms and Expressions / Advanced level # 13
Squeaky Clean
Q1 The auditors made a thorough check on all aspects of the company and decided to give it a clean bill of
health.
(a) confirm it was satisfactory
(c) believe it was clean
(b) decide it was hygienic
(d) agree it was organized
Q2 Now that all the problems have been sorted out he is able to go back to work with a clean slate.
(a) making no more mess
(c) making a fresh start
(b) making things clean
(d) making things up
Q3 After a great deal of questioning he decided to come clean and tell the truth.
(a) agree (b) decide (c) admit (d) confess
Q4 The enquiry into allegations of fraud against the minister proved in the end that her hands were clean.
(a) she was willing (b) she was busy (c) she was innocent (d) she was careful
Q5 With the appointment of a new director it was decided to make a clean sweep and create a new board of
governors.
(a) remove all obstacles
(c) remove all symbols
(b) remove all chairs
(d) remove all problems
Q6 Some of the members of the board are under some suspicion but he is regarded as Mr Clean.
(a) well mannered (b) trustworthy (c) punctual (d) tidy
Q7 I was taken to the cleaners well and truly last week: I saw the same computer for sale today at half the price I
paid.
(a) lost some money (b) lost a lot of money (c) lost too much money (d) lost more money
Q8 We tried to catch the thief who’d snatched the handbag but he showed us a clean pair of heels.
(a) lost his shoes (b) fell over his shoes (c) ran away quickly (d) picked up his shoes
Q9 At the end of a lengthy police investigation he emerged as squeaky clean.
(a) totally clean (b) totally free (c) totally tired (d) totally innocent
Q10 After several hours of cleaning the children had made the kitchen clean as a whistle before their parents came
home.
(a) spotless
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English Idioms and Expressions / Advanced level # 14
Word of Mouth
Q1 I give you my word it will never happen again.
(a) say (b) speak (c) promise (d) agree
Q2 She had to eat her words when it turned out that she had chosen the wrong horse in the race.
(a) admit she was hungry
(c) admit she was sorry
(b) admit she was thirsty
(d) admit she was wrong
Q3 They had words last night so be prepared for miserable faces this morning.
(a) fought (b) shouted (c) quarrelled (d) screamed
Q4 You can always rely on that company because they keep their word whatever happens.
(a) do what they like (b) do what they say (c) say what they do (d) do what they want
Q5 They spend very little on advertising and tend to get new work through word of mouth.
(a) recommendation (b) gossip (c) hearsay (d) sayings
Q6 You can see that he’s deeply in love with her because he hangs on her every word.
(a) listens silently to everything she says
(c) listens quickly to everything she says
(b) listens eagerly to everything she says
(d) listens quietly to everything she says
Q7 From the word go we could tell at the interview she was the ideal candidate for the job.
(a) Quickly (b) Suddenly (c) Straightaway (d) Clearly
Q8 Remember as soon as you feel able to continue with walk, say the word.
(a) let me know (b) let me hear (c) let me go (d) let me tell
Q9 I can only repeat that I want you to wait until Tuesday before you tell her, remember mum’s the word.
(a) don’t tell mum
(c) don’t say anything
(b) don’t speak aloud
(d) don’t answer anything
Q10 I couldn’t agree with you more, to be honest you’ve taken the words out of my mouth.
(a) said what I wanted to hear
(c) said what I wanted to know
(b) said what I wanted to say
(d) said what I wanted to learn
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English Idioms and Expressions / Advanced level # 15
Teaching your Family to Drive
Q1 He worries too much about his appearance and now he says he’s going thin on top.
(a) going crazy (b) going mad (c) going bald (d) going deaf
Q2 She lost her job last year and since then she’s been having a thin time of it.
(a) finding it difficult without friends
(c) finding it difficult without support
(b) finding it difficult without help
(d) finding it difficult without money
Q3 He really must start eating properly because at the moment he’s as thin as a rake.
(a) very thin (b) very tired (c) very sleepy (d) very light
Q4 If you know of a good plumber, let me know as they’re a bit thin on the ground around here.
(a) difficult to see (b) difficult to find (c) difficult to know (d) difficult to pay
Q5 Although he only asked me to lend him EUR 5, I could see this was the thin end of the wedge.
(a) start of something financial
(c) start of something worse
(b) start of something easy
(d) start of something difficult
Q6 Since we put that advertisement in the local newspapers, replies have been coming in thick and fast.
(a) quickly in large numbers
(c) quickly in small numbers
(b) slowly in small numbers
(d) slowly in large numbers
Q7 You’ll be lucky if you get more than two words out of him because I’m afraid he’s as thick as two short
planks.
(a) very quiet (b) very slow (c) very wooden (d) very stupid
Q8 They’ve settled their argument at long last and now they’re as thick as thieves.
(a) very clever (b) very friendly (c) very careful (d) very cautious
Q9 In view of the way she behaved I thought it was a bit thick when she asked him to apologize to her.
(a) more than I could wish
(c) more than I could stand
(b) more than I could believe
(d) more than I could follow
Q10 There are certain members in the party who will stand by their leader through thick and thin.
(a) whatever the times
(c) whatever the day
(b) whatever the climate
(d) whatever the difficulties
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English Idioms and Expressions / Advanced level # 16
Expressions with Top
Q1 He’s always worried about his appearance and now he’s concerned because he’s going thin on top.
(a) losing his hair
(c) losing his popularity
(b) losing his memory
(d) losing his strength
Q2 When the accident happened all he could think about was attracting attention and started calling out at the top
of his voice.
(a) as quickly as possible
(c) as clearly as possible
(b) as freely as possible
(d) as loudly as possible
Q3 Off the top of my head I would say it’s going to cost more than twice what you have budgeted for.
(a) At a careful calculation
(c) At a near calculation
(b) At a simple calculation
(d) At a rough calculation
Q4 It’s certainly not difficult to see who’s top dog around here theses days.
(a) the most arrogant person
(c) the most important person
(b) the most popular person
(d) the most unusual person
Q5 Since she won the lottery last week she’s been feeling on top of the world.
(a) very proud (b) very happy (c) very excited (d) very wealthy
Q6 Many politicians like to impress the votes but a few of them go over the top sometimes in their speeches.
(a) exaggerate (b) irritate (c) antagonize (d) magnify
Q7 For the first time in ages I actually slept like a top last night.
(a) very quickly (b) very slowly (c) very often (d) very soundly
Q8 Students usually take on paid employment during the vacation to top up their grants.
(a) stay with (b) keep to (c) add to (d) get to
Q9 Her mother was very snobbish and didn’t like the idea of her daughter marrying someone who was not out of
the top drawer.
(a) of great wealth
(c) of considerable education
(b) of high social standing
(d) of great intellectual ability
Q10 It had been a terrible day for him and when he learned finally that he had lost his job, he simply blew his
top.
(a) lost his temper (b) lost his nerve (c) lost his courage (d) lost his respect
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English Idioms and
Expressions
(Answer Keys)
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English Idioms and Expressions / Elementary level # 1 (Answer Keys)
Adding Up
A1 I cannot understand why she did that, it really doesn’t make sense.
answer: (c) doesn’t make sense
A2 All the sudents got high marks in the test but Mary got the most marks of all.
answer: (d) got the most marks of all
A3 he has sold his house and has no job and so now he has he has almost no money.
answer: (b) he has almost no money
A4 As a newspaper reporter she always wanted to get information directly.
answer: (d) directly
A5 I think we can safely say now that we have got our money back, we are have been successful.
answer: (c) have been successful
A6 He is the man who owns all the land and is the important man around here.
answer: (c) the important man
A7 She never stops talking about herself and is is very conceited.
answer: (d) is very conceited
A8 You will not slip over because the floor is totally dry.
answer: (c) totally dry
A9 He kept saying he didn’t do it but finally he said he had done it.
answer: (b) finally
A10 I know you are very sorry that you broke the pot but things do occur.
answer: (b) things do occur
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English Idioms and Expressions / Elementary level # 2 (Answer Keys)
Take it in
A1 I’m sorry I didn’t understand what he said.
answer: (c) understand
A2 I hope she passes her exams next week.
answer: (a) passes
A3 What time do you get out of bed in the morning?
answer: (d) get out of bed
A4 When you stop work, you can start playing golf.
answer: (b) start playing
A5 Don’t do too much because you’re very tired.
answer: (d) do too much
A6 When does your plane leave the ground?
answer: (a) leave the ground
A7 As a student she has just enough money to live simply.
answer: (b) live simply
A8 I don’t know who wrote this note because I can’t read the signature.
answer: (c) read
A9 We don’t have enough money for a car so we use instead bicycles.
answer: (b) use instead
A10 What time do you reach home after work?
answer: (c) reach home
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English Idioms and Expressions / Elementary level # 4 (Answer Keys)
For Good
A1 You’ll never see your money again because I’m afraid he’s gone permanently.
answer: (b) permanently
A2 You’ve no need to worry I promise you they’ll arrive on Thursday definitely.
answer: (d) definitely
A3 They’re very generous in that museum — not only is the entrance fee reasonable but they give you a brochure
at no cost.
answer: (a) at no cost
A4 Well, to begin with I honestly think we should work out what all this work is going to cost.
answer: (c) to begin with
A5 As you’re a friend of mine, I won’t charge you much in fact I’ll do it at no charge.
answer: (d) at no charge
A6 I know it didn’t look like that but the truth is they only did it as a joke.
answer: (a) as a joke
A7 I do recommend you take out an insurance policy on the house to stop you worrying.
answer: (b) to stop you worrying
A8 No wonder she’s very happy, she’s just been given promotion.
answer: (c) very happy
A9 They decided to move away from the city to the countryside thinking about the children.
answer: (d) thinking about
A10 The battleships were all waiting in the harbour prepared for war.
answer: (a) prepared for war
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English Idioms and Expressions / Elementary level # 5 (Answer Keys)
In Control
A1 They tried without success to save enough money to buy a house and so finally they rented one.
answer: (c) without success
A2 If you are at all unsure about the offer, please give me a ring.
answer: (a) at all unsure
A3 The children knew full well they were unsafe skating because they had read the notice about the thin ice.
answer: (d) unsafe
A4 Considering they are over 70 years old, you must admit they are fit.
answer: (a) fit
A5 Thanks to her regular workouts and sensible diet she certainly strikes me as in good health.
answer: (b) in good health
A6 I’m sorry to say that the boss is going to reprimand him over being late for work so many times.
answer: (a) the boss is going to reprimand him
A7 What I really visualize is a garden where there is very little to look after throughout the year.
answer: (c) visualize
A8 Although Romeo and Juliet loved each other very much, they still managed to kill themselves.
answer: (b) loved each other very much
A9 I think you can stop worrying now because it’s quite clear she’s in control of the situation.
answer: (a) in control
A10 Eventually when you’ve got used to the idea, you’ll be pleased you did it.
answer: (d) Eventually
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English Idioms and Expressions / Elementary level # 6 (Answer Keys)
Out of Control
A1 If you don’t tell the children the difference between right and wrong, they will soon be badly behaved.
answer: (b) badly behaved
A2 If you think I’m going to parachute out of a plane for fun, you must be mad.
answer: (a) mad
A3 Wait till they’re unable to see, and then I’ll show you what I’m buying them for Christmas.
answer: (d) unable to see
A4 I’m very sorry but you’re unlucky because we sold the last one about twenty minutes ago.
answer: (b) unlucky
A5 Wait until they’re unable to hear, then I tell you exactly what happened to them when they were on holiday.
answer: (b) unable to hear
A6 You have a limited number of minutes to answer the test and you’ve spent 3 minutes so you’ve used up your
time.
answer: (a) you’ve used up your time
A7 I’m afraid I’m not feeling too well at the moment because I’ve only walked a little way and I can’t breathe easily
already.
answer: (d) I can’t breathe easily
A8 There’s a big notice up there which unfortunately we didn’t see because it said keep out.
answer: (b) keep out
A9 I’m sorry to tell you that I can do nothing more for you because the situation is now outside my control.
answer: (c) outside my control
A10 I’m awfully sorry but I I’ll have to ask you to pay because I have no money.
answer: (b) I have no money
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English Idioms and Expressions / Elementary level # 7 (Answer Keys)
All Agog
A1 Unfortunately the cooker overheated and then exploded and so it really wasn’t long before the whole house
was on fire.
answer: (b) on fire
A2 After several days underground after the earthquake one child was pulled out still living.
answer: (d) still living
A3 They found that there was no possibility of work in their own country so they decided to try their luck in another
country.
answer: (c) in another country
A4 I must congratulate her on the way she has overcome all her problems and gone back to her old job to start
once more.
answer: (b) once more
A5 I’ve looked everywhere for my passport and can only assume it has gone got lost.
answer: (d) got lost
A6 When she told her parents that she had decided to get married, they were utterly surprised.
answer: (a) surprised
A7 There are no two ways about it because the crime that has been committed is really similar to murder.
answer: (c) similar to
A8 So many good ideas exist in large numbers in his mind, he finds it difficult to know where to start.
answer: (b) exist in large numbers
A9 I spent ages fixing the nail in the wall to put the picture up and then I stood back and found it was not
straight.
answer: (a) not straight
A10 We couldn’t wait for them to come home after their holidays as we were very interested to hear what had
happened.
answer: (c) very interested
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English Idioms and Expressions / Elementary level # 8 (Answer Keys)
Preposition Exercises
A1 I’m sorry but that smells terrible because I’m afraid the meat is bad.
answer: (c) is bad
A2 She just left him, said she didn’t want to see him again and disappeared.
answer: (a) didn’t want to see him again
A3 I’m ready to go out tonight if you want to go to the match.
answer: (d) I’m ready to go out
A4 He’s always interested in elections and is very interested in politics.
answer: (c) very interested in
A5 I believe that after all those arguments they agreed their marriage was ended.
answer: (a) ended
A6 In confidence, so don’t tell anyone, I’m sure he’ll lose the election.
answer: (b) In confidence
A7 You won’t have to wait too long because another bus will arrive soon.
answer: (c) will arrive
A8 Incidentally did you manage to see that film last night?
answer: (d) Incidentally
A9 It’s quite clear to everyone that she’s a socialist from start to finish.
answer: (a) from start to finish
A10 I honestly don’t think I can make it tonight as I’m feeling a little unwell.
answer: (c) unwell
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English Idioms and Expressions / Elementary level # 9 (Answer Keys)
Animal Idioms
A1 His wife never lets him do what he wants and as a result he has an unhappy time.
answer: (c) has an unhappy time
A2 A word of warning: don’t let him make a fool of you.
answer: (d) make a fool of you
A3 I would advise you to wait and see what develops.
answer: (a) what develops
A4 I don’t honestly think he is capable of being polite as people never change.
answer: (c) people never change
A5 He’s very greedy when it comes to eating and always takes the largest portion.
answer: (d) largest portion
A6 I really don’t know how to explain it as I am absolutely confused.
answer: (c) absolutely confused
A7 Until he is more serious in his job and stops making jokes all the time, he won’t get any more money.
answer: (d) making jokes all the time
A8 He never makes any silly mistakes because he’s got too much common sense.
answer: (a) common sense
A9 Charlie doesn’t like getting too tired so he gets his assistant to do all the hard work.
answer: (d) hard work
A10 He doesn’t really go around with many people because he’s a bit of a lonely person.
answer: (b) lonely person
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English Idioms and Expressions / Elementary level # 10 (Answer Keys)
Funny Idioms
A1 You want to know why I’ve got a problem on my mind?
answer: (c) a problem on my mind
A2 Yes, tell me about it. I’m listening carefully.
answer: (a) listening carefully
A3 You remember I told you about that car that cost me a huge amount of money?
answer: (d) a huge amount of money
A4 The one you bought from the man you called the man with the important job?
answer: (b) the man with the important job
A5 Well, he’s not that at all. He’s a fool.
answer: (a) a fool
A6 You mean he’s a dishonest person?
answer: (d) a dishonest person
A7 Yes, exactly because the car is rubbish and I went round to his garage knocking everything over in the show
room.
answer: (b) knocking everything over
A8 And when I reached his office I saw he was not really awake because he’d been having a short sleep.
answer: (c) a short sleep
A9 And really the only reason you were there was because you wanted to have an argument with him?
answer: (d) you wanted to have an argument with him
A10 Yes, that’s right. I got my money back and as a result I exposed a lot of serious problems because other
people got their money back, too.
answer: (b) exposed a lot of serious problems
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English Idioms and Expressions / Elementary level # 11 (Answer Keys)
Expressing Emotions
A1 I despise it when you talk to me like that! Stop doing that!
answer: (d) despise
A2 I am eager to to hear about your English class.
answer: (a) am eager to
A3 I am glad I was able to offer support in time of need for my friend when her mom died.
answer: (b) to offer support in time of need for
A4 You’ve got me in love with you!
answer: (c) in love with you
A5 I love you a lot!
answer: (b) a lot
A6 I wish I could trust you again, but all that you ever did to me was to disappoint me.
answer: (d) to disappoint me
A7 I love you deeply.
answer: (a) deeply
A8 The truth is that you are inconsiderate me or my feelings.
answer: (c) are inconsiderate
A9 I would like to apologize for what I said to you the other day. I was very harsh to you. Will you forgive me?
answer: (d) harsh
A10 It’s taking a long time for Jenna recover from the death of her mom.
answer: (b) recover from
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English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 1 (Answer Keys)
Up to his ears
A1 He’s fully occupied with work and cannot possibly see you now.
answer: (a) fully occupied with
A2 If you help me, then I shall be able to finish more quickly.
answer: (b) help me
A3 I prefer to talk to people in person rather than to talk on the phone.
answer: (a) in person
A4 The manager dismissed the new proposal utterly and said that it was not at all practical.
answer: (b) utterly
A5 As she is new to the job I would ask you to observe on her for the time being.
answer: (d) observe
A6 The opposition in parliament accused the government of being light hearted and refusing to accept the
seriousness of the situation.
answer: (a) being light hearted
A7 He accused her of talking nonsense and refused to accept a word of what she said.
answer: (c) talking nonsense
A8 The police advised them to go down to the cellar in order to be away from danger.
answer: (d) away from danger
A9 I’d do absolutely anything if I could get tickets for that concert.
answer: (a) do absolutely anything
A10 You can always rely on Fred to say something embarrassing and come out with a remark like that.
answer: (c) say something embarrassing
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English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 2 (Answer Keys)
Send the right message
A1 This sort of behaviour does not set a good example to young people.
answer: (d) does not set a good example
A2 The government are revealing plans today for a new tax system.
answer: (b) are revealing
A3 I understand what you mean but I don’t agree with you.
answer: (a) I understand what you mean
A4 You must admire the way she maintains her opinion.
answer: (b) she maintains her opinion
A5 I’m sorry I can’t follow that, explain that once more.
answer: (a) explain that once more
A6 Don’t get depressed, it may not be as bad as you think.
answer: (a) Don’t get depressed
A7 I’m afraid he made a bad mistake for himself when he took that action.
answer: (c) he made a bad mistake for himself
A8 Some people love taking advantage when they are in an argument.
answer: (b) taking advantage
A9 There is absolutely no future in pursuing that sort of discussion.
answer: (a) no future
A10 He prefers to delay a little longer by not deciding yet.
answer: (d) to delay a little longer
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English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 3 (Answer Keys)
A piece of cake
A1 You shouldn’t worry about the exam because you have prepared well and you’ll probably find it very easy.
answer: (d) very easy
A2 The trouble with you is that you are a bit selfish and your sole philosophy is to expect too much of life.
answer: (a) expect too much of life
A3 When he heard that the necklace had been stolen, he suddenly lost interest in it.
answer: (b) he suddenly lost interest in it
A4 He sits and watches TV all day and has turned into a very lazy person.
answer: (c) a very lazy person
A5 Thanks to you we’re really in deep trouble now and I don’t honestly know why I ever listen to you.
answer: (b) in deep trouble
A6 As he had been away from home for some years, they decided on his return to have a big celebration.
answer: (a) have a big celebration
A7 There’s something suspicious about that story he told us because I can’t quite get to the bottom of it.
answer: (c) suspicious
A8 Their mother always describes her twin sons as both looking exactly alike.
answer: (d) both looking exactly alike
A9 After what he said and after what has happened he certainly seems to have made a fool of himself.
answer: (a) have made a fool of himself
A10 He always took advice from his parents about being careful and never relied too much on one plan.
answer: (b) relied too much on one plan
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English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 4 (Answer Keys)
Picking you up
A1 Nobody knows what’s happening?
answer: (c) happening
A2 Don’t worry we’ll look after you.
answer: (d) look after you
A3 What you need is something that will make you feel better.
answer: (a) make you feel better
A4 I simply can’t tolerate sugar in my tea or coffee.
answer: (c) can’t tolerate
A5 I have a feeling that she’s trying to trick you.
answer: (c) trying to trick you
A6 He’s always reading.
answer: (b) reading
A7 I think you’re expecting too much of them as they are just children.
answer: (d) expecting too much
A8 If you want my opinion, I think this needs examining.
answer: (a) examining
A9 In the end I expect everything will be clear to you.
answer: (c) In the end
A10 I think the time has come when you should give it a chance at least.
answer: (d) give it a chance
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English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 5 (Answer Keys)
As happy as the day is long
A1 I’m sure that he could make a better job of being prime minister whatever the circumstances.
answer: (c) whatever the circumstances
A2 Don’t worry we pride ourselves on being helpful to all our customers and getting that booked for you is
perfectly normal for us.
answer: (d) perfectly normal
A3 Yes, we went away on holiday last week but it rained every single day.
answer: (a) every single day
A4 I think the time has now come when we’ll simply have to stop working.
answer: (c) stop working
A5 You know what they said about radio that it had stopped being popular but it’s still going strong.
answer: (b) stopped being popular
A6 That last comment of yours assured us victory because nobody could possibly argue with you after that.
answer: (a) assured us victory
A7 We left the children playing in the park and they were very happy.
answer: (c) very happy
A8 They got engaged about two years ago and at long last they have said when they are getting married.
answer: (a) said when they are getting married
A9 I’ve been doing these exercises for two hours now and I think at long last I’m starting to see the end of the
task.
answer: (c) see the end of the task
A10 I knew once the car didn’t start, saw it had a flat tyre and also that it had started to rain, that this was going to
be a day when nothing goes right.
answer: (a) a day when nothing goes right
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English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 6 (Answer Keys)
Privacy
A1 If I were you, I’d tell her to go away.
answer: (c) go away
A2 I can’t understand why he doesn’t understand the point.
answer: (a) understand the point
A3 I should be grateful if you would let me be private.
answer: (b) be private
A4 I wish they would stop interfering in our affairs.
answer: (c) interfering in
A5 I get the impression that they think we’ve stayed too long here.
answer: (d) stayed too long
A6 We asked him if he wanted to join us on the outing but he refused — I think he prefers to be alone.
answer: (a) he prefers to be alone
A7 She took no notice of him as soon as he entered the room.
answer: (c) took no notice of him
A8 Since the news broke about the disaster, he’s been trying not to be seen.
answer: (d) trying not to be seen
A9 After the political scandal in the government no-one in the cabinet is prepared to speak in public.
answer: (c) speak in public
A10 If you really want to come out of this without too much damage, my advice is to say nothing.
answer: (b) say nothing
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English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 7 (Answer Keys)
Hold on
A1 The audience watched anxiously as the magician started to saw a woman half.
answer: (a) watched anxiously
A2 The police officer called out to the driver to wait until he arrived.
answer: (c) wait
A3 In the end she lost her temper and told her daughter to be quiet.
answer: (d) be quiet
A4 There’s no need to change any of the regulations this year as the old ones will still be all right this year, too.
answer: (b) be all right
A5 I don’t know what it is exactly but she seems to have some kind of control over him.
answer: (a) control over
A6 He blames her that she never let him move house and start a new job.
answer: (d) blames
A7 I think your best plan is to delay making a decision until you know if you have passed the examination.
answer: (a) delay
A8 It was a very difficult race but the jockey did as well as the others right until the end.
answer: (b) did as well as the others
A9 Once he starts to talk about his favourite subject, he will speak endlessly until he is stopped.
answer: (c) speak endlessly
A10 The trouble is that whenever he’s with strangers he always restricts his feelings.
answer: (b) restricts
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English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 8 (Answer Keys)
Money to burn
A1 Money is the cause of wickedness, so what’s the point of earning a lot?
answer: (d) the cause of wickedness
A2 In my opinion rich people have influence and the little people are totally ignored.
answer: (b) rich people have influence
A3 She’s a really happy woman now because for once she’s got money to spend.
answer: (c) got money to spend
A4 In my opinion I would sooner go on a cruise than sit all day on the beach.
answer: (b) In my opinion
A5 He has very little to do but he gets well paid and agrees it’s easy money.
answer: (d) easy money
A6 I think she should stop talking about it and give money for something she says she believes in.
answer: (c) give money for something she says she believes in
A7 If you want to find some help with your project ask him because he spends money foolishly.
answer: (b) he spends money foolishly
A8 As soon as he had won the lottery, he went crazy and started spending money freely.
answer: (a) spending money freely
A9 When you consider all the advantages you’ve gained I think you’ll admit you had a lot of benefit from your
money.
answer: (d) a lot of benefit from your money
A10 She’s made it clear that we don’t need to worry because money is not important.
answer: (a) money is not important
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English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 9 (Answer Keys)
Go ahead
A1 I’m sorry that looks awful — those two colours clash.
answer: (c) clash
A2 After what you’ve experienced, I’m sure you need a holiday.
answer: (d) experienced
A3 We won’t discuss that now but I don’t think we can avoid the subject much longer.
answer: (a) discuss
A4 I don’t think much of him now that I’ve heard what he has done to his family.
answer: (d) I don’t think much of him
A5 My advice to you is to make your mind up before it’s too late and simply take the opportunity now.
answer: (c) take the opportunity now
A6 I’m afraid you’ve left that food too long out of the fridge and now it’s become rotten.
answer: (b) become rotten
A7 There were so many members of the political party who had opposed the leader that he resigned.
answer: (d) opposed
A8 Don’t wait for me because I can’t come yet so you go before me and I’ll join you later.
answer: (a) go before me
A9 If petrol prices increase any more, I shall have to use a bicycle.
answer: (c) increase
A10 I’m sorry I interrupted you, please continue from where I so rudely stopped you.
answer: (a) continue
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English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 10 (Answer Keys)
Under my Skin
A1 It was late at night, the wind was howling and when she heard the knock on the door, she was terrified.
answer: (b) was terrified
A2 As they only had a few minutes to get to the station, they ran all the way and finally caught the train just in
time.
answer: (a) just in time
A3 There’s something about him I just can’t stand and he really annoys me.
answer: (d) annoys me
A4 I wouldn’t do that but you do whatever you like, as it’s not important to me.
answer: (b) it’s not important to me
A5 It doesn’t matter what you say to her I promise you, she’s not affected by criticism.
answer: (a) she’s not affected by criticism
A6 He looked at her and in the words of Frank Sinatra said: ‘I’m very attracted to you’.
answer: (c) I’m very attracted to you
A7 It was simply a case of running away or being killed and we decided to run to stay alive.
answer: (d) to stay alive
A8 Be very careful what you say to Georgina about her new hairstyle; remember she is very sensitive.
answer: (b) she is very sensitive
A9 I think the horse had been neglected for months and not been given enough to eat because it was very thin.
answer: (a) very thin
A10 They say there’s a very rare book in that pile of old books for sale so look carefully.
answer: (d) look carefully
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English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 11 (Answer Keys)
Home Sweet Home
A1 You must be crazy if you’re seriously considering buying that house.
answer: (b) be crazy
A2 If you don’t mind me saying so I think you’re exaggerating a bit, aren’t you?
answer: (a) you’re exaggerating a bit
A3 All right then if you like I’ll tell you my honest opinion.
answer: (d) I’ll tell you my honest opinion
A4 I’d appreciate that. Go on, I am listening very carefully.
answer: (b) I am listening very carefully
A5 Well in the first place all the windows are broken, which is a serious problem.
answer: (c) a serious problem
A6 Yes, I agree but at the same time it’s not worth worrying about.
answer: (a) worth worrying about
A7 Then of course there is that huge crack in one of the outer walls, that’ll cost you a lot of money to repair.
answer: (d) a lot of money
A8 You have a point but then I can deal with that eventually.
answer: (b) eventually
A9 Finally there’s one thing you can’t just ignore and that is the missing roof!
answer: (c) ignore
A10 I can see you’re not stupid but you must admit it is very cheap.
answer: (d) you’re not stupid
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English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 12 (Answer Keys)
No good
A1 They won’t succeed! They must pay for what they have done.
answer: (b) They won’t succeed
A2 I object! She must do as I say.
answer: (c) I object
A3 I made it absolutely clear that he could in no way expect a pay rise this year.
answer: (d) in no way
A4 They asked me whether I would accept a discount instead of a new machine. Impossible, I said.
answer: (c) Impossible
A5 We invited her to come to our party in the hope of putting things right but she refused.
answer: (b) refused
A6 I honestly don’t know how you do it because personally I would be unable to manage.
answer: (a) would be unable to manage
A7 This happens every time I start the engine up. I tell you I find it irritating.
answer: (b) I find it irritating
A8 This is now the third time I’ve had to phone up and complain and I’ve reached the stage where I don’t know
when it will finish.
answer: (d) I don’t know when it will finish
A9 It’s a waste of time shouting at me like that — I’m doing the best I can.
answer: (a) It’s a waste of time
A10 You’ll get yourself in a huge amount of trouble if you persist in refusing to pay those taxes.
answer: (c) a huge amount
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English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 13 (Answer Keys)
On the Water
A1 As usual he left it to the last moment and as a consequence he didn’t take advantage of the opportunity.
answer: (b) didn’t take advantage of the opportunity
A2 I’m sorry to tell you that your current situation cannot be reversed now and so you won’t be able to go back.
answer: (a) your current situation cannot be reversed
A3 I told her I understood exactly what she was feeling as we were both after all in a similar situation.
answer: (d) in a similar situation
A4 No matter how smoothly things are running, you can always rely on Charlie to spoil everything.
answer: (c) spoil everything
A5 We were all a bit worried about the new manager because we heard that she liked to be well organized.
answer: (a) be well organized
A6 Although they were a couple well into their 80’s everything in their house was always very neat.
answer: (b) very neat
A7 Everybody imagined that there was a big romance between the two of them but it turned out they were merely
strangers meeting once.
answer: (c) strangers meeting once
A8 Sadly it never happened but she was absolutely sure she would be rich one day and she could buy that house
in the country.
answer: (d) she would be rich
A9 In view of his change in fortune he decided to spend a lot of money and hold a big party.
answer: (a) spend a lot of money
A10 Once you’ve read the instruction book, you’ll probably find it’s straightforward.
answer: (c) straightforward
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English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 14 (Answer Keys)
British Idioms
A1 I had quite a shock last night. I ran into a former girlfriend of mine.
answer: (c) a former girlfriend
A2 I suppose she was your favourite person at the time.
answer: (c) your favourite person
A3 Yes, I suppose she was but she’d changed so. She was very thin.
answer: (a) very thin
A4 And I suppose you didn’t panic and were very calm?
answer: (b) very calm
A5 Well I didn’t have a personal reason for getting involved as far as she’s concerned.
answer: (c) a personal reason for getting involved
A6 You mean there was no hostile feelings between the two of you?
answer: (a) no hostile feelings
A7 No, not really except she did get angry sometimes but not as dangerous as she seemed.
answer: (b) not as dangerous as she seemed
A8 Was she going anywhere or was she doing nothing particular?
answer: (a) doing nothing particular
A9 Not really. Funny thing is I asked her out and she didn’t show any reaction. What I want to know is whether I
did the right thing.
answer: (d) didn’t show any reaction
A10 I can’t help you there my friend. You must decide.
answer: (b) You must decide
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English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 15 (Answer Keys)
Expressions with cold
A1 The way he murdered his victims in a slow, painful way was really without feeling.
answer: (a) without feeling
A2 Whenever they met, she would always manage to ignore him and turn the other way.
answer: (c) ignore
A3 Unfortunately he panics when he sees her, can’t think straight and doesn’t know what to do.
answer: (d) panics
A4 I’m afraid I’m getting worried about this scheme as I’m not sure it’s such a good idea.
answer: (a) worried about
A5 All right he got some money for his troubles but not very much and really it was little consolation to him.
answer: (c) little consolation
A6 It’s difficult to describe him because he doesn’t really say or do much he’s what you might call an impassive
person.
answer: (b) an impassive person
A7 Every day we get unwanted calls on the phone from total strangers trying to sell you something.
answer: (d) unwanted calls
A8 You never really know where you are with her as she keeps changing her mood.
answer: (c) keeps changing her mood
A9 They refused to let her into their circle of friends and left her all alone.
answer: (a) all alone
A10 You know he won’t approve as he always disapproves of any new ideas.
answer: (d) disapproves of
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English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 16 (Answer Keys)
Way Idioms
A1 Incidentally are you thinking of going on holiday?
answer: (a) Incidentally
A2 If I’m hindering you, I’ll leave the room.
answer: (c) I’m hindering you
A3 Every investor is really pleased because profits have gone up hugely this year.
answer: (d) have gone up hugely
A4 As your house is on our route, we’ll give you a lift home if you like.
answer: (b) on our route
A5 At the moment plans are in progress and the work should be finished next year.
answer: (a) in progress
A6 We don’t usually allow refunds but occasionally we agree.
answer: (d) occasionally
A7 The army commander was very concerned about his troops and would never allow them to be in in danger.
answer: (d) in danger
A8 You’ll just have to make a decision. You can’t benefit by agreeing to two opposite views.
answer: (b) benefit by agreeing to two opposite views
A9 In view of the considerable opposition the members agreed to yield.
answer: (a) yield
A10 She left school and immediately started to earn her living without help from her family.
answer: (c) earn her living
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English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 17 (Answer Keys)
Idioms with come
A1 Can you repeat that? Sorry, I didn’t hear what you said.
answer: (c) Can you repeat that
A2 Your mom is going to reprimand you if you don’t clean your room now.
answer: (a) reprimand
A3 New evidence was revealed at the end of the trial.
answer: (d) was revealed
A4 Robert Koch was the first person to discover a medicine to help in the treatment of Tuberculosis.
answer: (b) discover
A5 My dream of having my own house has finally happened.
answer: (a) happened
A6 A lot of people from the office I work at got sick with the flu this past week.
answer: (c) got sick with
A7 In the end, it all is because of the fact that you don’t really care about me.
answer: (d) is because of
A8 When my boss asked me to come to his office this morning, little did I know I was going to go through some
harsh comments.
answer: (a) going to go through
A9 I was turning into the left lane when a car suddenly appeared and hit me.
answer: (b) suddenly appeared
A10 I need to objectively and entirely confront and understand myself.
answer: (d) objectively and entirely confront and understand
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English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 18 (Answer Keys)
Common English Idioms
A1 Tom told Andrea that giant turtles had escaped from the city zoo and were eating only left-handed people. It
wasn’t until she saw the smirk on his face that Andrea noticed he was just fooling her.
answer: (b) fooling her
A2 Why should she take a big risk for them? They never helped her with anything.
answer: (c) take a big risk
A3 I am so mad at my boyfriend. We were supposed to have a date last night at the park but he didn’t come.
answer: (a) didn’t come
A4 It seems like something has been bothering and upsetting John lately. Hes just not the same person any
more.
answer: (d) bothering and upsetting
A5 I have a really strong instinct that one of the employees is giving information about His boss to another
company.
answer: (b) really strong instinct
A6 Andrew and Ana have been dating each other for so long that I think its about time they got married.
answer: (c) got married
A7 Bobs mom was angry with him when she saw his report card from school.
answer: (c) was angry with him
A8 It makes me completely lose interest when guys dont respect my boundaries.
answer: (a) makes me completely lose interest
A9 Ever since Melanie won the Miss Universe Competition, her telephone has been ringing constantly.
answer: (c) ringing constantly
A10 I think George and Lisa would make a great couple. We should try to get them together.
answer: (d) get them together
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English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 19 (Answer Keys)
Idioms with Hand
A1 We need to do something about it! This situation is getting out of control!
answer: (c) out of control
A2 Now the grandparents have the children in their care.
answer: (a) in their care
A3 This last year, my company has made money at a huge rate!
answer: (b) at a huge rate
A4 As soon as he took possession of all that money, he donated part of it to charitable institutions.
answer: (d) took possession of
A5 The beginning of a new generation of computer software is imminent.
answer: (a) imminent
A6 Do we have enough people available to help us move our stuff into the house?
answer: (b) available
A7 The FBI told the local police that their case was out of their jurisdiction. The investigation was now a Federal
matter.
answer: (c) out of their jurisdiction
A8 Jane Williams is a very good investigative reporter, you’ve got to give her credit.
answer: (a) give her credit
A9 Honey, can you give me the car key, please? It’s right next to you on the table.
answer: (c) give me
A10 Learning a foreign language goes together with International Business.
answer: (d) together
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English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 20 (Answer Keys)
English Idioms and Phrases
A1 You have to raise your voice a little when talking to him. He’s a little deaf.
answer: (c) deaf
A2 I went to a real nice restaurant yesterday. The food cost was cheap and they served a lot of food. I had to ask
for a package to store left over food so the person can take it home because I couldn’t eat the whole thing.
answer: (a) package to store left over food so the person can take it home
A3 Fabian was a coward. No wonder his classmates were always giving him a hard time.
answer: (c) coward
A4 I invited a friend to go to a street market by my house where they served some real good Japanese food. My
friend’s mom wanted to pay for her daughter’s meal, but I insisted on paying for both our meals myself, her
mom finally said: Ok, as long as we we divide the costs next time.
answer: (d) we divide the costs
A5 So, is everything clear? Oh, yes indeed sir!
answer: (b) clear
A6 We are having a dinner where everybody brings something to eat at Tim’s house tomorrow. Everybody is
invited!
answer: (a) dinner where everybody brings something to eat
A7 I need everybody’s help. The wedding is tomorrow and we haven’t even started with the decorations yet. We
have to start right now.
answer: (d) to start right now
A8 Just calm down. Everything is going to be alright, okay?
answer: (c) calm down
A9 Kyle was rescued from an unwanted situation when his sister walked in and asked him to take her to ballet
practice.
answer: (a) rescued from an unwanted situation
A10 I would stay away from that guy if I were you, he is crazy.
answer: (d) is crazy
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English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 21 (Answer Keys)
Expressions with make
A1 Everybody thought Jane and Elliot were a happy couple, but it was all just pretending.
answer: (b) pretending
A2 I’ve been working hard for the last few months trying to make enough money to pay for expenses, but
something I’m not even expecting always comes up and I have to pay for it.
answer: (a) make enough money to pay for expenses
A3 Man’s first walk on the moon was meaningful enough to influence history.
answer: (d) was meaningful enough to influence history
A4 You can give people great pleasure just by telling them how important they are to you.
answer: (c) give people great pleasure
A5 If I had a chance to go to Paris, I would take great advantage of it.
answer: (b) take great advantage of
A6 Charity acted like a fool at the club when she saw her boyfriend dancing with another girl.
answer: (d) acted like a fool
A7 So, George… Have you decided where you want to go for your internship?
answer: (a) decided
A8 Now I understand why you moved out of that house.
answer: (b) I understand
A9 Ana finally succeeded. She is an excellent doctor.
answer: (c) succeeded
A10 Mom, can you tell Todd to stop mocking me?
answer: (a) mocking
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English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 22 (Answer Keys)
Double Speak in Job Titles
A1 The school janitor was the main suspect of the girl’s disappearance.
answer: (c) janitor
A2 Linda got a job as secretary in a Law Firm.
answer: (d) secretary
A3 Celebrities are usually surrounded by their bodyguards.
answer: (b) bodyguards
A4 George is in the food business now. He is a potato chip delivery truck driver.
answer: (b) a potato chip delivery truck driver
A5 I have always wanted to be a hairdresser.
answer: (a) a hairdresser
A6 My mom used to work at a hospital as a nurse.
answer: (c) a nurse
A7 Bob used to work as a newspaper delivery boy during school summer breaks when he was a kid, now he has
his own newspaper.
answer: (c) a newspaper delivery boy
A8 Some places in New York have advertised on the newspaper they needed part-time check-out clerks.
answer: (a) check-out clerks
A9 The day before Carol’s wedding, her bridesmaids went to see a a manicurist.
answer: (d) a manicurist
A10 The television weatherman said on TV that it is supposed to rain all day tomorrow.
answer: (b) television weatherman
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English Idioms and Expressions / Advanced level # 1 (Answer Keys)
English Animal Idioms
A1 There are times when you must decide and make a bold decision.
answer: (c) make a bold decision
A2 He never does what he wants really because his freedom is always curtailed.
answer: (d) never does what he wants
A3 No-one ever mentions him because he’s regarded as the one with a bad reputation.
answer: (b) the one with a bad reputation
A4 I shouldn’t go outside without a raincoat because it’s raining very heavily.
answer: (c) it’s raining very heavily
A5 You shouldn’t sign there I think he’s about to make a fool of you.
answer: (a) to make a fool of you
A6 It’s a lovely house and very big but nobody uses it so it’s something very expensive and useless.
answer: (d) something very expensive and useless
A7 When the business folded, he took the biggest part of the assets.
answer: (c) the biggest part
A8 Without my glasses I can’t see where I’m going in fact I’m very short sighted.
answer: (a) very short sighted
A9 I get very irritated sometimes because they’re always up very early and I like to lie in.
answer: (b) up very early
A10 I would advise you to do that as well and in that way you’ll get two things done at the same time.
answer: (c) get two things done at the same time
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English Idioms and Expressions / Advanced level # 2 (Answer Keys)
Hands on
A1 The opposition party dismissed the government’s proposal without further consideration.
answer: (a) without further consideration
A2 Since she started work on the stock exchange she has been making money in large quantities.
answer: (b) in large quantities
A3 They have lost all their money and now lead a sort of impoverished existence.
answer: (a) impoverished
A4 It’s no good asking anybody in that shop to help you because they won’t do anything at all for you.
answer: (d) do anything at all for you
A5 In the obituary about the millionaire all his enterprises were listed and it looked as if he had had an
involvement in many activities.
answer: (b) an involvement in many activities
A6 I’ve just bought a brand new car with all the latest gadgets and quite honestly it has cost me a huge amount of
money.
answer: (c) a huge amount of money
A7 I don’t want to have to force you to agree but I hope you realize that your refusal to comply could be harmful.
answer: (b) force you to agree
A8 Have a look at the benefits that the society can offer you and then you may feel like deciding to try
membership for a trial.
answer: (d) deciding to try membership for a trial
A9 If you do join a political party then you are expected to stick to the rules on every occasion.
answer: (b) stick to the rules
A10 I wouldn’t say I never totally agree with my employers but sometimes they can make extraordinary demands.
answer: (c) totally agree
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English Idioms and Expressions / Advanced level # 3 (Answer Keys)
Lucky Alex
A1 Alex had lost a lot of money and as a consequence was feeling miserable.
answer: (b) miserable
A2 He had given in to a longstanding weakness of his and put a lot of faith in on the favourite winning the race.
answer: (d) put a lot of faith in
A3 This horse in all honesty didn’t have a a chance in a million of winning.
answer: (a) a chance in a million
A4 Alex said he had had a dream about the horse winning but most people regarded this story with caution.
answer: (b) with caution
A5 What happened was that the stupid animal took fright halfway through the course and without worrying at all
decided to go back to the start.
answer: (d) worrying at all
A6 As far as Alex was concerned this was the final disaster and he vowed he would never risk money on a horse
ever again.
answer: (c) the final disaster
A7 The trouble was that he didn’t have a penny not even enough to pay for the fare home.
answer: (b) didn’t have a penny
A8 He decided he would not worry what people thought and try and hitchhike.
answer: (c) not worry what people thought
A9 Fortunately it wasn’t long before he got a lift with an old man who was very generous and gave him some
money.
answer: (a) was very generous
A10 He told him to invest it wisely, which Alex did. He bought a ticket for the lottery and his luck changed because
he won the jackpot.
answer: (c) his luck changed
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English Idioms and Expressions / Advanced level # 4 (Answer Keys)
How Mary fell in love
A1 Most people like to come home after work and relax.
answer: (c) relax
A2 Mary was exactly the same as everybody else but this particular night she wanted to really enjoy herself.
answer: (c) really enjoy herself
A3 She put her favourite CD on and turned it up to maximum volume.
answer: (d) to maximum volume
A4 As soon as she had done that, there was a huge noise.
answer: (c) there was a huge noise
A5 Her next door neighbour soon grew very tired of the noise.
answer: (d) grew very tired of
A6 He started hammering on the adjoining wall but Mary took not the slightest notice.
answer: (c) took not the slightest notice
A7 In the end her neighbour decided to say exactly what he thought.
answer: (a) say exactly what he thought
A8 Although he had never met her, he was determined to tell her off.
answer: (a) tell her off
A9 Mary opened the door and as soon as they saw each other they fell utterly in love with each other.
answer: (b) utterly
A10 A few months later they decided to knock down the adjoining wall and now everything is perfect.
answer: (b) everything is perfect
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English Idioms and Expressions / Advanced level # 5 (Answer Keys)
Call it a day
A1 I congratulate all those people who worked hard to get the contract.
answer: (c) congratulate
A2 Some of you worked on until it was early in the morning to make it a successful project.
answer: (b) it was early in the morning
A3 I’m sure sometimes you all wanted to stop work and go home.
answer: (a) stop work
A4 The important thing is that as soon as you saw the advantages, you got very interested in it.
answer: (c) got very interested in
A5 I’m also very proud of the way you wouldn’t give up.
answer: (b) wouldn’t give up
A6 There are times in life when it’s very important to be cheerful.
answer: (d) be cheerful
A7 There are of course those who very easily give up.
answer: (a) give up
A8 We can best describe someone like that as a person who is having no resolution.
answer: (a) having no resolution
A9 It only remains for me to express my admiration for all those of you who remained loyal.
answer: (c) remained loyal
A10 I must not forget either all those very important people, without whom none of us could operate, who work in
the background.
answer: (d) in the background
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English Idioms and Expressions / Advanced level # 6 (Answer Keys)
Live up to
A1 Frank was an old soldier and experienced many wars.
answer: (d) experienced
A2 He had joined the army as a young man because he wanted to have a good time a bit.
answer: (c) have a good time
A3 He wanted excitement and travel and the army came up to its reputation.
answer: (a) came up to
A4 He certainly travelled and there was plenty of excitement, which made it possible for him to follow his dream.
answer: (c) follow
A5 He also managed to exist easily on his pay without any problems.
answer: (b) exist easily on
A6 He ate only the simple food provided by the army.
answer: (a) ate only
A7 For some years stayed in barracks in because he liked to be among his comrades.
answer: (b) stayed in barracks
A8 He never really enjoyed staying in other accommodation.
answer: (a) staying in other accommodation
A9 He never did anything wrong and so he didn’t have to make others forget any bad reputation.
answer: (b) make others forget
A10 He ended his final days in a small cottage overlooking the barracks.
answer: (d) ended
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English Idioms and Expressions / Advanced level # 7 (Answer Keys)
English Grammar Prepositions
A1 What are you doing now?
answer: (b) doing now
A2 What are you interested in?
answer: (d) interested in
A3 I’m having a holiday on Monday.
answer: (a) having a holiday
A4 Are you kept informed about the latest developments?
answer: (a) kept informed about
A5 It’s your turn.
answer: (d) It’s your turn
A6 Are you at home on Tuesdays?
answer: (a) at home
A7 I’m certainly willing to try it.
answer: (a) willing to try
A8 You should know that I’m in complete agreement with it.
answer: (c) in complete agreement with
A9 I’m finished with that company.
answer: (b) finished with
A10 I’m looking for a new car.
answer: (b) looking for
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English Idioms and Expressions / Advanced level # 8 (Answer Keys)
From Shakespeare originally
A1 When he heard that he had lost his job, it was little help to learn that he could keep his car.
answer: (d) little help
A2 The selection of candidates was done in a casual manner so that nobody knew why they were chosen.
answer: (d) casual
A3 She had got herself into difficulties by trying to please everyone at the same time.
answer: (c) into difficulties
A4 I’m afraid that my poor old car has finally stopped working.
answer: (a) stopped working
A5 You’re living in a under a delusion if you think they’re going to pay you for nothing.
answer: (d) under a delusion
A6 It was a total mystery as apparently there was no logical reason why he did it.
answer: (a) no logical reason
A7 There is clearly a huge change in the way people now look at crime today.
answer: (b) a huge change
A8 They looked everywhere for the lost passport but it seems to have disappeared completely.
answer: (c) disappeared completely
A9 When it comes to a crisis, Charles is very reliable.
answer: (b) very reliable
A10 Whenever he has been treated badly, he always demands his total recompense.
answer: (a) total recompense
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English Idioms and Expressions / Advanced level # 9 (Answer Keys)
Water Expressions
A1 Charlie’s in trouble again, he forgot to lock up last night.
answer: (d) in trouble
A2 Forget it, that’s best forgotten now.
answer: (a) best forgotten
A3 That’s always the trouble if she doesn’t like it, she discourages it completely.
answer: (b) discourages it completely
A4 You must realize the gravity of the situation because you are in a serious situation now.
answer: (c) a serious situation
A5 He feels uncomfortable whenever he goes to a party.
answer: (a) feels uncomfortable
A6 Don’t ever lend him money, he spends it very freely.
answer: (c) very freely
A7 We think in the present circumstances the best policy is to take little action for a while.
answer: (c) take little action
A8 My original plan has been so reduced in importance that I don’t recognize it now.
answer: (a) reduced in importance
A9 Your ideas are usually sound but this one won’t be practical, I’m afraid.
answer: (b) be practical
A10 He’ll be all right soon because any criticism is usually of no importance to him.
answer: (a) of no importance
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English Idioms and Expressions / Advanced level # 10 (Answer Keys)
Cats, Dogs and Ducks
A1 You will be in a very difficult situation now that he’s revealed the truth.
answer: (c) revealed the truth
A2 If I were you, I would not raise the subject again and my best advice is to not say any more.
answer: (c) not say any more
A3 Remember if you go into that meeting without being prepared with some answers, you will simply be a ready
target.
answer: (b) a ready target
A4 I’m afraid he didn’t take my advice and they made him look a complete fool because he was unrepared and he
ended up a person with no future.
answer: (c) a person with no future
A5 Mind you as I have said many times before I don’t know how he’s lasted so long in the job because he’s
always been the inefficient person in the team.
answer: (b) the inefficient person
A6 The older generation always maintains that in their day things were better and nowadays the country is losing
its standards.
answer: (c) is losing its standards
A7 If you’re unsure about what will happen next, I suggest you hang on for a bit longer.
answer: (d) what will happen next
A8 There is no need to apologize about your remarks as I can assure you it’s of little concern to me.
answer: (c) of little concern
A9 Once more he is out of favour but I couldn’t possibly tell you why.
answer: (b) out of favour
A10 As so many people are coming to a party at their house, they’re running around preparing food in a nervous
state.
answer: (a) in a nervous state
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English Idioms and Expressions / Advanced level # 11 (Answer Keys)
Losing It
A1 The one thing a public figure hates is when he loses respect in front of all his admirers.
answer: (c) loses respect
A2 At the crucial moment the climber became scared and had to be brought down the mountain.
answer: (c) became scared
A3 The latest opinion polls show that the government is losing its advantage to the opposition party.
answer: (d) losing its advantage
A4 There was a time when everybody would believe her totally but after this episode I’m afraid she’s losing her
skill.
answer: (a) losing her skill
A5 Under the new pay agreement many employees feel that they are at a disadvantage on allowances.
answer: (b) at a disadvantage
A6 I’m afraid that kind of humour is totally without effect him so you’ll have to explain it more simply.
answer: (a) without effect
A7 After only a few weeks as a teacher of very badly behaved children she realized she was losing her control.
answer: (c) losing her control
A8 He suddenly started shouting and screaming and people could plainly see that he had become angry.
answer: (a) become angry
A9 I’ve tried very hard indeed to understand your argument step by step but I must confess I now can’t follow the
reasoning.
answer: (d) I now can’t follow the reasoning
A10 After the traffic accident she behaved foolishly and drove the car into a brick wall.
answer: (b) behaved foolishly
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English Idioms and Expressions / Advanced level # 12 (Answer Keys)
Splitting Hairs
A1 We told him to remain calm because he was getting angrier and angrier.
answer: (b) to remain calm
A2 I can’t really explain it but the moment she walks into the room and asks me a question she irritates me.
answer: (d) irritates me
A3 Now that he’s passed his exams and got his qualifications he’s decided to behave informally.
answer: (a) behave informally
A4 When I opened the door and saw this white figure in front of me, it really terrified me.
answer: (c) terrified me
A5 After the boss had given her the sack, she just walked out of the office showing no feeling at all.
answer: (b) showing no feeling at all
A6 Quite frankly you’re arguing about small points. Does it matter whether it’s the past simple or the perfect
tense?
answer: (a) arguing about small points
A7 I saw him last November and since then I have not seen him at all.
answer: (c) not seen him at all
A8 Don’t worry if she doesn’t say much because she says she’s experiencing a lot of problems.
answer: (a) she’s experiencing a lot of problems
A9 I was really scared when I saw him because he was extremely angry about the new management decision.
answer: (c) extremely angry
A10 They were very lucky they didn’t get themselves killed because they came very near to falling down the
mountain.
answer: (a) very near to
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English Idioms and Expressions / Advanced level # 13 (Answer Keys)
Squeaky Clean
A1 The auditors made a thorough check on all aspects of the company and decided to confirm it was
satisfactory.
answer: (a) confirm it was satisfactory
A2 Now that all the problems have been sorted out he is able to go back to work making a fresh start.
answer: (c) making a fresh start
A3 After a great deal of questioning he decided to confess and tell the truth.
answer: (d) confess
A4 The enquiry into allegations of fraud against the minister proved in the end that she was innocent.
answer: (c) she was innocent
A5 With the appointment of a new director it was decided to remove all obstacles and create a new board of
governors.
answer: (a) remove all obstacles
A6 Some of the members of the board are under some suspicion but he is regarded as trustworthy.
answer: (b) trustworthy
A7 I lost a lot of money well and truly last week: I saw the same computer for sale today at half the price I paid.
answer: (b) lost a lot of money
A8 We tried to catch the thief who’d snatched the handbag but he ran away quickly.
answer: (c) ran away quickly
A9 At the end of a lengthy police investigation he emerged as totally innocent.
answer: (d) totally innocent
A10 After several hours of cleaning the children had made the kitchen spotless before their parents came home.
answer: (a) spotless
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English Idioms and Expressions / Advanced level # 14 (Answer Keys)
Word of Mouth
A1 I promise it will never happen again.
answer: (c) promise
A2 She had to admit she was wrong when it turned out that she had chosen the wrong horse in the race.
answer: (d) admit she was wrong
A3 They quarrelled last night so be prepared for miserable faces this morning.
answer: (c) quarrelled
A4 You can always rely on that company because they do what they say whatever happens.
answer: (b) do what they say
A5 They spend very little on advertising and tend to get new work through recommendation.
answer: (a) recommendation
A6 You can see that he’s deeply in love with her because he listens eagerly to everything she says.
answer: (b) listens eagerly to everything she says
A7 Straightaway we could tell at the interview she was the ideal candidate for the job.
answer: (c) Straightaway
A8 Remember as soon as you feel able to continue with walk, let me know.
answer: (a) let me know
A9 I can only repeat that I want you to wait until Tuesday before you tell her, remember don’t say anything.
answer: (c) don’t say anything
A10 I couldn’t agree with you more, to be honest you’ve said what I wanted to say.
answer: (b) said what I wanted to say
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English Idioms and Expressions / Advanced level # 15 (Answer Keys)
Teaching your Family to Drive
A1 He worries too much about his appearance and now he says he’s going bald.
answer: (c) going bald
A2 She lost her job last year and since then she’s been finding it difficult without money.
answer: (d) finding it difficult without money
A3 He really must start eating properly because at the moment he’s very thin.
answer: (a) very thin
A4 If you know of a good plumber, let me know as they’re a bit difficult to find around here.
answer: (b) difficult to find
A5 Although he only asked me to lend him EUR 5, I could see this was the start of something worse.
answer: (c) start of something worse
A6 Since we put that advertisement in the local newspapers, replies have been coming in quickly in large
numbers.
answer: (a) quickly in large numbers
A7 You’ll be lucky if you get more than two words out of him because I’m afraid he’s very stupid.
answer: (d) very stupid
A8 They’ve settled their argument at long last and now they’re very friendly.
answer: (b) very friendly
A9 In view of the way she behaved I thought it was more than I could stand when she asked him to apologize to
her.
answer: (c) more than I could stand
A10 There are certain members in the party who will stand by their leader whatever the difficulties.
answer: (d) whatever the difficulties
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English Idioms and Expressions / Advanced level # 16 (Answer Keys)
Expressions with Top
A1 He’s always worried about his appearance and now he’s concerned because he’s losing his hair.
answer: (a) losing his hair
A2 When the accident happened all he could think about was attracting attention and started calling out as loudly
as possible.
answer: (d) as loudly as possible
A3 At a rough calculation I would say it’s going to cost more than twice what you have budgeted for.
answer: (d) At a rough calculation
A4 It’s certainly not difficult to see who’s the most important person around here theses days.
answer: (c) the most important person
A5 Since she won the lottery last week she’s been feeling very happy.
answer: (b) very happy
A6 Many politicians like to impress the votes but a few of them exaggerate sometimes in their speeches.
answer: (a) exaggerate
A7 For the first time in ages I actually slept very soundly last night.
answer: (d) very soundly
A8 Students usually take on paid employment during the vacation to add to their grants.
answer: (c) add to
A9 Her mother was very snobbish and didn’t like the idea of her daughter marrying someone who was not of high
social standing.
answer: (b) of high social standing
A10 It had been a terrible day for him and when he learned finally that he had lost his job, he simply lost his
temper.
answer: (a) lost his temper
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