Color Idioms

The boss's decision to fire John seemed to come ____________.

• out of blue

• black market

• red tape

• white lie

Answer explanation

The boss's decision to fire John seemed to come out of blue.

This idiom means something unexpected or without warning. In this context, the boss's decision was sudden and unexpected.

The politician's promises were just a ____________ to distract the public from the real issues.

• out of blue

• black market

• red tape

• red herring

Answer explanation

The politician's promises were just a red herring to distract the public from the real issues.

A red herring is a misleading clue or diversionary tactic. The politician's promises were meant to divert attention from the real issues at hand.

Sarah prefers to ____________, believing that there is only right or wrong with no room for compromise.

• out of blue

• black market

• see everything in black and white

• white elephant

Answer explanation

Sarah prefers to see everything in black and white, believing that there is only right or wrong with no room for compromise.

This idiom refers to having a rigid, uncompromising perspective. Sarah believes that things are either right or wrong, without considering any gray areas or nuances.

"The new rule has added a lot of red tape to the process." What does this idiom mean?

• The new rule has made the process easier and more efficient.

• The new rule has made the process more complicated and bureaucratic.

• The new rule has made the process faster and smoother.

• The new rule has made the process more transparent and accountable.

Answer explanation

This idiom means that the new rule has made the process more complicated and bureaucratic, involving excessive paperwork or regulations.

"He came up with a white lie to avoid hurting her feelings." What does this idiom mean?

• He told a lie to make her feel better.

• He told the truth without considering her feelings.

• He avoided lying by telling the truth.

• He told a harmless or trivial lie to avoid hurting her feelings.

Answer explanation

his idiom means that he told a harmless or trivial lie in order to avoid hurting her feelings.

Despite the lack of evidence, the detective couldn't help but feel that the suspect's alibi was a ____________ meant to mislead the investigation.

The government's crackdown on illegal activities has significantly reduced the ____________, making it harder for illicit trade to thrive.

The ambiguous nature of the situation creates a ____________ where it's challenging to determine the right course of action.

Despite the company's financial struggles, they continue to hold on to their unprofitable subsidiary, which has become a ____________.

Jane is known for her tendency to ____________, as she sees everything as either right or wrong without considering any gray areas.