Idioms and Phrases

1. To "spill the beans" means to:

• Keep a secret

• Share confidential information

• Tidy up

• Cook a meal

Answer explanation

To "spill the beans" means to share confidential information, often revealing a secret unintentionally. This idiom emphasizes the act of disclosing something that was meant to be kept private.

2. "Bite the bullet" means to:

• Eat something hard

• Face a difficult situation with courage

• Criticize someone harshly

• Avoid confrontation

Answer explanation

The phrase "bite the bullet" means to face a difficult situation with courage. It originates from the practice of enduring pain or hardship bravely, making this the correct choice.

3. If someone is "barking up the wrong tree," they are:

• Looking for a lost pet

• Making an incorrect assumption

• Climbing a tree

• Calling for help

Answer explanation

The phrase 'barking up the wrong tree' means to make an incorrect assumption or pursue a mistaken course of action. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Making an incorrect assumption'.

4. "Jumping on the bandwagon" means:

• Starting a new musical group

• Joining a popular trend or activity

• Repairing a broken vehicle

• Protesting against social norms

Answer explanation

"Jumping on the bandwagon" refers to joining a popular trend or activity, indicating that people often adopt behaviors or ideas simply because they are widely accepted or fashionable.

5. To be "all ears" means to be:

• Listening attentively

• Having large ears

• Ignoring someone

• Singing loudly

Answer explanation

The phrase "all ears" means to be fully attentive and focused on listening. Therefore, the correct answer is "Listening attentively," as it captures the essence of being eager to hear what someone has to say.

6. "Let the cat out of the bag" means to:

• Release a feline from a sack

• Share a secret unintentionally

• Hide something valuable

• Purchase a pet

Answer explanation

The phrase "let the cat out of the bag" means to reveal a secret, often unintentionally. Therefore, the correct answer is to share a secret unintentionally.

7. If someone "has a chip on their shoulder," they are:

• Carrying snacks

• Feeling angry or resentful

• Injured

• Being generous

Answer explanation

The phrase 'has a chip on their shoulder' means someone is feeling angry or resentful, often due to a perceived injustice. This idiom reflects a defensive attitude, making 'Feeling angry or resentful' the correct choice.

8. "Kill two birds with one stone" means to:

• Succeed in two tasks with one action

• Literally kill birds

• Fail to achieve any goal

• Miss two opportunities

Answer explanation

The phrase "Kill two birds with one stone" means to accomplish two tasks with a single action, making the correct choice "Succeed in two tasks with one action." The other options do not reflect the idiomatic meaning.

9. "Cost an arm and a leg" means something is:

• Inexpensive

• Unaffordable

• Easily replaceable

• A necessity

Answer explanation

The phrase "cost an arm and a leg" refers to something that is very expensive or unaffordable, indicating that it requires a significant amount of money, making "unaffordable" the correct choice.

10. "Hit the nail on the head" means to:

• Miss the target

• Literally hit a nail

• Correctly identify the main point

• Avoid confrontation

Answer explanation

"Hit the nail on the head" means to correctly identify the main point. This idiom suggests precision in understanding or addressing an issue, making it clear that the correct choice is to identify the main point.