American Idioms List 6 - Study Guide

What does the idiom "over the hill" mean?

• To overcome a difficult situation

• To be too old and no longer fit, or capable of doing tough work

• To literally climb over a hill

• To be at the peak of one's life

What does the idiom "On the tip of one's tongue" mean?

• To speak without thinking

• To have something to say that is not important

• About to be said or almost remembered but the person can't quite think of the exact word or phrase

• To say something that is very obvious

What does the idiom "A jack of all trades" mean?

• A person who is skilled in many areas

• A person who trades playing cards

• A person who works in one specific trade

• A person who is named Jack and has multiple jobs

What does the idiom "tell a white lie" mean?

• To tell a very big and obvious lie

• To tell information that is not truthful to someone in order not to hurt their feelings

• To always tell the truth, no matter the situation

• To tell a lie that is easily caught

Which example best illustrates "tell a white lie"?

• I told my friend I liked her dress, even though I didn't, to avoid hurting her feelings.

• I admitted to breaking the vase to my mother because honesty is important.

• I promised to keep a secret and never told anyone.

• I explained the rules of the game clearly and truthfully to the new player.

What does the idiom "no spring chicken" mean?

• A young and inexperienced person

• A person who is no longer young

• A chicken that is born in spring

• A person who dislikes spring

What is an idiom?

• A word that sounds like its meaning

• A phrase or group of words that has a specific idea that is different from its direct, literal meaning

• A comparison using "like" or "as"

• A direct statement of fact

What does the idiom "Keep your pants on" mean?

• Get dressed quickly

• Stay calm and be patient

• Keep a secret

• Stay where you are

Vanessa yelled upstairs to her sister, Sylvia, “Hurry up! I want to leave right now!”

“Oh! Keep your pants on! We don’t have to be at school for another hour!” Sylvia replied.

In the example provided, why does Sylvia tell Vanessa to "Keep your pants on"?

• Because they are running late for school

• Because Vanessa needs to change her clothes

• Because they have plenty of time before they need to leave for school

• Because Sylvia is not ready to leave yet

What does the idiom "cross the line" mean?

• To win a race by crossing the finish line first

• To do something unacceptable; overstep a boundary, rule, or limit

• To physically cross over a drawn line

• To change one's opinion or decision