Exploring Common English Idioms and Their Meanings

What does the idiom 'hit the books' mean?

• To read novels

• To study

• To hit someone with a book

• To write a book

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If someone says they made it 'by the skin of their teeth', what do they mean?

• They barely managed to do it

• They did it easily

• They failed to do it

• They did it perfectly

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What does it mean to be 'on the ball'?

• To be quick to understand or react

• To be confused

• To be lazy

• To be playing a sport

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What is the meaning of 'finding a needle in a haystack'?

• Finding something in a barn

• Finding something almost impossible to locate

• Finding something easily

• Finding something in a field

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What does 'sleep on it' suggest you do?

• Think about something for a while

• Take a nap

• Ignore the problem

• Make a quick decision

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If someone tells you to 'sit tight', what should you do?

• Stand up

• Wait patiently

• Leave immediately

• Move around

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What does 'up in the air' mean?

• Falling

• Flying

• Certain and decided

• Uncertain or unsure

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If something is a 'piece of cake', how is it?

• Very confusing

• Very difficult

• Very easy

• Very tasty

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What does it mean to 'twist someone's arm'?

• To physically twist their arm

• To argue with someone

• To convince someone

• To ignore someone

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What does 'break a leg' mean in a performance context?

• To wish someone good luck

• To perform poorly

• To actually break a leg

• To cancel the performance

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5B

CCSS.L.5.5B