Idioms DOL

Idiom: A common expression understood figuratively, as the literal definition makes no sense. 1. After going to the zoo, the mall, and the movies, Cassie was sick of bending backwards to entertain her nieces.

• Cassie was doing very little to entertain her nieces.

• Cassie was making small efforts to entertain her nieces.

• Cassie was trying very hard to entertain her nieces.

• Cassie was not trying at all to entertain her nieces.

Answer explanation

The idiom 'bending backwards' means to make a great effort. Cassie took her nieces to multiple places, indicating she was trying very hard to entertain them, which aligns with the correct answer.

Idiom: A common expression understood figuratively, as the literal definition makes no sense. 2. Bobby would have been playing ball until the cows came home if it hadn’t been for Suzie dragging him home for dinner.

• Bobby was just about to stop playing ball.

• Bobby didn’t even want to play ball to begin with.

• Bobby prefers nature to athletics.

• Bobby would have continued playing ball for a long time.

Answer explanation

The idiom 'until the cows came home' means for a long time. Bobby would have kept playing ball for a long time if Suzie hadn't interrupted him, making the correct choice 'Bobby would have continued playing ball for a long time.'

Idiom: A common expression understood figuratively, as the literal definition makes no sense. 3. You might think that Billy Parker is the kid who has everything, but if you saw the list of chores his parents give him, I guarantee that you wouldn’t want to be in his shoes.

• You wouldn’t want your shoes to get as dirty as Billy’s when he’s doing his chores.

• If you have to do as many chores as Billy, you’ll want a pair of comfortable shoes.

• Billy shoes are so uncomfortable that doing his chores is really unpleasant.

• Billy has so many chores to do that it is unpleasant to imagine doing them all.

Answer explanation

The idiom 'in his shoes' suggests empathy for Billy's situation. The correct choice highlights that he has many chores, making it unpleasant to imagine doing them, which aligns with the figurative meaning of the expression.

Eric wanted to fix his cousin’s computer, but he was already having problems setting up his Aunt’s Wi-Fi network and he didn’t want to open a whole new can of worms.

• Eric was sick of spending his time helping his family.

• Eric wanted to go fishing instead of working on computers.

• Eric was having difficulties untangling the computer wires.

• Eric was not ready to begin working on a complicated new problem.

Answer explanation

Eric was already struggling with his Aunt's Wi-Fi setup, indicating he was not ready to tackle another complex issue, which aligns with the correct answer that he was not ready to begin working on a complicated new problem.

Even though Candace already had a new job, she submitted her two-week notice and professionally conducted herself at her old job because she didn’t want to burn bridges.

• Candace didn’t want to ruin her positive relationship with her old employer.

• Candace wasn’t ready to start her new job.

• Candace was going to miss her old job.

• Candace was waiting until her last day to rub it in everyone’s face that she was leaving.

Answer explanation

Candace submitted her notice to maintain a good relationship with her old employer, indicating she valued professionalism and did not want to burn bridges.

World renowned country western super group The Mountain Boys can sell out an arena at the drop of a hat.

• The Mountain Boys may be able to sell out an arena, but it will take a long time.

• The Mountain Boys can sell out an arena very quickly.

• The Mountain Boys are always willing to perform at charity events.

• The Mountain Boys enforce a dress code at all of their shows.

Answer explanation

The statement indicates that The Mountain Boys can sell out an arena "at the drop of a hat," meaning they can do so very quickly, making the second answer choice the correct one.

Vivian expected Craig to sob uncontrollably when she broke up with him; however, Craig kept a stiff upper lip.

• Craig cried even more than Vivian had expected.

• Craig cried about as much as Vivian had expected.

• Craig cried a little less than Vivian had expected.

• Craig did not cry.

Answer explanation

Vivian expected Craig to cry, but he maintained a stiff upper lip, indicating he did not cry at all. Therefore, the correct answer is that Craig did not cry.

Mrs. Robinson expects Cassie and my presentation to be good, but we have been working on it every night for the last week, so we are really going to knock her socks off.

• Cassie and the speaker are not prepared to give a good presentation.

• Cassie and the speaker intend on hitting Mrs. Robinson rather than presenting.

• Cassie and the speaker’s presentation will far exceed Mrs. Robinson’s expectations.

• Cassie and the speaker’s presentation will meet Mrs. Robison’s expectations.

Answer explanation

Mrs. Robinson expects a good presentation, and since Cassie and the speaker have worked hard every night, they are confident it will exceed her expectations, hence they will 'knock her socks off'.

Over the summer Brian was really excited about being placed in the advanced math class, but after getting his syllabus on the first day and seeing the workload, he was ready to jump ship.

• Brian was even more excited about the math class than he was over the summer.

• Brian wanted to start working on his math assignments right away.

• Brian did not want to be in the advance math class anymore.

• Brian wanted to cause some trouble in the advanced math class.

Answer explanation

Brian's excitement turned to disappointment after seeing the syllabus, indicating he no longer wanted to be in the advanced math class. This aligns with the correct answer that he did not want to be in the class anymore.

Brad accused us of stealing his phone until he found it, and now he’s trying to sweep it under the rug.

• Brad thinks that his phone will be safer if he hides it under the rug.

• Brad wants to do something to make up for his mistake.

• Brad is trying to locate a signal for his phone so that he can use it.

• Brad wants to pretend that the incident never happened.

Answer explanation

Brad's attempt to 'sweep it under the rug' indicates he wants to ignore the incident and pretend it never happened, rather than addressing it or making amends.