Idioms about morals, ethics, and values

What does the idiom “on the straight and narrow” mean?

• Walking on a narrow road

• Living honestly and avoiding trouble

• Being very shy

• Following a strict diet

If a politician “takes the moral high ground”, what are they doing?

• Speaking louder than others

• Acting with higher ethical standards than their opponent

• Moving to a higher stage at an event

• Winning an election

Choose the correct idiom: Even when people were rude to her, Maria never replied with insults. She always chose to ________.

• Keep her nose clean

• Take the high road

• Go by the book

• Tell a white lie

“Without a shadow of a doubt” means:

• Being uncertain about something

• Being completely sure about something

• Having some suspicion

• Avoiding responsibility

Fill in the blank: The contract was signed ________, so both parties trusted each other.

• In good faith
• For the greater good

• Above board

• By the book

If a deal is “above board”, it is:

• Secret and dishonest

• Honest and legal

• Only for VIP members

• Very expensive

Choose the idiom: The teacher not only told the students to be on time, she was always early herself. She really ________.

• Led by example

• Played fair

• Took the high road

• Had a clear conscience

The idiom “walk the talk” means:

• To talk while walking

• To do what you say you will do

• To avoid talking to others

• To lie to avoid trouble

Fill in the blank: He promised to help with the project and he ________.

• Kept his word
• Played fair

• Took the high road

• Told a white lie

If someone “plays fair”, they:

• Cheat to win

• Follow the rules and act honestly

• Avoid participating

• Ignore the competition