1. By publicly criticizing the CEO’s new policy, the junior executive was essentially throwing down the gauntlet.
- A) To issue a challenge
- B) To surrender meekly
- C) To offer a gift
- D) To reveal a secret
Correct Answer: A) To issue a challenge
Explanation: The idiom ‘to throw down the gauntlet’ means to issue a direct challenge. It originates from the medieval practice of a knight throwing his glove (gauntlet) to challenge another to a duel.
2. The senator’s career ended after the scandal; it was a true Pyrrhic victory for his opponents.
- A) A victory with no losses
- B) A victory that comes at too great a cost
- C) An unexpected and easy victory
- D) A victory achieved by cheating
Correct Answer: B) A victory that comes at too great a cost
Explanation: A ‘Pyrrhic victory’ is a victory that inflicts such a devastating toll on the victor that it is tantamount to defeat. The opponents won, but the cost (perhaps to their party’s reputation) was too high.
3. When the manager resigned, he decided to cross the Rubicon and start his own company.
- A) To take a holiday
- B) To retreat from a difficult situation
- C) To make a difficult but final decision
- D) To pass a point of no return
Correct Answer: D) To pass a point of no return
Explanation: ‘To cross the Rubicon’ means to take an irreversible step that commits one to a specific course of action. It refers to Julius Caesar’s crossing of the Rubicon river, which marked the start of a civil war.
4. The constant threat of layoffs felt like a sword of Damocles hanging over the employees.
- A) An unexpected reward
- B) A constant and imminent peril
- C) A symbol of authority
- D) An unsolvable puzzle
Correct Answer: B) A constant and imminent peril
Explanation: The ‘sword of Damocles’ refers to a situation of imminent and ever-present danger, especially one that looms over a person in a position of power or prosperity.
5. The journalist’s inflammatory article was designed to sow dragon’s teeth among the different political factions.
- A) To bring peace and harmony
- B) To plant the seeds of conflict and strife
- C) To invest in a profitable venture
- D) To uncover a hidden truth
Correct Answer: B) To plant the seeds of conflict and strife
Explanation: ‘To sow dragon’s teeth’ means to do something that will lead to future trouble or conflict. The phrase comes from a Greek myth where dragon’s teeth sown in the earth grew into an army of fierce warriors.
6. The new investor seems to have the Midas touch; every startup he funds becomes a huge success.
- A) The ability to ruin everything
- B) The ability to turn any venture into a profitable one
- C) A tendency to be overly greedy
- D) A fondness for gold
Correct Answer: B) The ability to turn any venture into a profitable one
Explanation: ‘The Midas touch’ refers to the ability to make money out of anything one undertakes, named after the mythical King Midas who could turn everything he touched into gold.
7. The beautifully written speech needed no extra adjectives; adding more would just be gilding the lily.
- A) To praise something excessively
- B) To make something look better than it is
- C) To add unnecessary adornment to something already beautiful
- D) To cover up a flaw
Correct Answer: C) To add unnecessary adornment to something already beautiful
Explanation: ‘To gild the lily’ means to adorn or improve something that is already perfect or beautiful, thus making it worse or over-the-top.
8. The company was losing money, so the management had to bite the bullet and lay off some employees.
- A) To make a mistake
- B) To face a difficult situation with courage
- C) To delay a decision
- D) To eat something unpleasant
Correct Answer: B) To face a difficult situation with courage
Explanation: ‘To bite the bullet’ means to endure a painful or unpleasant situation that is unavoidable. The phrase is thought to have originated from the practice of having patients bite on a bullet during surgery without anesthesia.
9. It was a Hobson’s choice for the voters: neither candidate was particularly appealing.
- A) A choice between many excellent options
- B) A difficult and complex choice
- C) A choice that is freely made
- D) A choice that is not a real choice, as there is only one option
Correct Answer: D) A choice that is not a real choice, as there is only one option
Explanation: A ‘Hobson’s choice’ is a free choice in which only one thing is offered. The person has the choice to “take it or leave it.” It is often used to describe a situation where the alternatives are equally undesirable.
10. He made a Faustian bargain with the loan shark to save his business, but it ultimately cost him everything.
- A) A deal made in good faith
- B) A compromise of one’s values for personal gain
- C) An unbreakable contract
- D) A very profitable agreement
Correct Answer: B) A compromise of one’s values for personal gain
Explanation: A ‘Faustian bargain’ is a pact whereby a person trades something of supreme moral or spiritual importance, such as personal values or the soul, for some worldly or material benefit, such as knowledge, power, or riches.
11. The politician tried to muddy the waters by bringing up irrelevant facts during the debate.
- A) To clarify a situation
- B) To make a situation more confusing and less clear
- C) To clean up a mess
- D) To take a swim in a dirty river
Correct Answer: B) To make a situation more confusing and less clear
Explanation: ‘To muddy the waters’ means to deliberately make a situation or issue more complicated and confusing than it is.
12. After the team’s fifth consecutive loss, the coach’s speech was just whistling in the dark.
- A) Trying to stay cheerful in a difficult situation, despite being scared
- B) Making a lot of noise for no reason
- C) Planning a secret strategy
- D) Celebrating a victory prematurely
Correct Answer: A) Trying to stay cheerful in a difficult situation, despite being scared
Explanation: ‘Whistling in the dark’ means to pretend to be brave or confident in a frightening or dangerous situation, often to reassure oneself.
13. The new environmental regulations were a poisoned chalice for the incoming minister.
- A) An assignment that seems good but is actually harmful
- B) A great and unexpected opportunity
- C) A very difficult task
- D) A reward for excellent work
Correct Answer: A) An assignment that seems good but is actually harmful
Explanation: A ‘poisoned chalice’ is something, such as a job or a responsibility, that seems attractive but is found to have hidden disadvantages or problems.
14. His alibi was too perfect; the detective felt he was being led on a wild goose chase.
- A) A successful and fruitful search
- B) A dangerous expedition
- C) A foolish and hopeless pursuit of something unattainable
- D) A guided tour through the countryside
Correct Answer: C) A foolish and hopeless pursuit of something unattainable
Explanation: A ‘wild goose chase’ is a pointless, fruitless, or futile search or pursuit.
15. The CEO’s decision to ignore the warnings from his advisors was his Achilles’ heel.
- A) A source of great strength
- B) A secret weapon
- C) A fatal weakness in spite of overall strength
- D) A painful injury
Correct Answer: C) A fatal weakness in spite of overall strength
Explanation: An ‘Achilles’ heel’ is a weakness or vulnerable point in a person or system that is otherwise strong. It originates from the Greek myth of Achilles, who was invulnerable except for his heel.
16. She had to run the gauntlet of reporters and photographers to get to her car.
- A) To face a series of criticisms or attacks
- B) To win a competition easily
- C) To avoid a problem
- D) To challenge someone to a fight
Correct Answer: A) To face a series of criticisms or attacks
Explanation: ‘To run the gauntlet’ means to endure a series of challenges, criticisms, or attacks from a group of people. This is different from ‘throwing down the gauntlet’.
17. The artist was known for her talent, but her fiery temper was a fly in the ointment.
- A) A small detail that spoils something valuable or enjoyable
- B) An unexpected benefit
- C) A secret ingredient for success
- D) A minor but amusing distraction
Correct Answer: A) A small detail that spoils something valuable or enjoyable
Explanation: ‘A fly in the ointment’ refers to a minor flaw or problem that detracts from the overall value or enjoyment of something.
18. After his failed investment, he was left with no money and had to go back to square one.
- A) To finish a project successfully
- B) To revisit a place from the past
- C) To start over from the beginning
- D) To solve a complex puzzle
Correct Answer: C) To start over from the beginning
Explanation: ‘To go back to square one’ means to return to the starting point of a process or project, usually because an earlier attempt has failed.
19. He was a successful lawyer, but he always felt like a fish out of water at high-society parties.
- A) Someone who is in their natural environment
- B) Someone who feels uncomfortable in a particular situation
- C) Someone who is an expert in a specific field
- D) Someone who loves swimming
Correct Answer: B) Someone who feels uncomfortable in a particular situation
Explanation: A ‘fish out of water’ is a person who is in a situation or environment that they are not suited for and where they feel awkward or uncomfortable.
20. The details of the merger are still up in the air, but we expect an announcement next week.
- A) Widely publicized
- B) Officially confirmed
- C) Unresolved or uncertain
- D) A complete failure
Correct Answer: C) Unresolved or uncertain
Explanation: If a matter is ‘up in the air’, it means it is not yet settled or decided; it is still uncertain.
21. The new CEO wants to cut the Gordian knot of bureaucracy in the company.
- A) To make a problem more complicated
- B) To solve a complex problem with a decisive and swift action
- C) To avoid taking responsibility
- D) To tie things together securely
Correct Answer: B) To solve a complex problem with a decisive and swift action
Explanation: ‘To cut the Gordian knot’ means to solve a difficult and complicated problem in a quick, bold, and decisive way. It alludes to the legend of Alexander the Great cutting the intricate knot with his sword.
22. Don’t mention the failed project to him; it’s a real bete noire for him.
- A) A source of great pride
- B) A personal favorite
- C) Something that is particularly disliked or avoided
- D) A secret passion
Correct Answer: C) Something that is particularly disliked or avoided
Explanation: A ‘bête noire’ (French for “black beast”) is a person or thing that one particularly dislikes, dreads, or avoids.
23. His speech was full of grand promises, but it was all sound and fury, signifying nothing.
- A) A calm and reasoned argument
- B) A quiet and thoughtful reflection
- C) A great deal of noise and angry talk with no real substance
- D) An announcement of great importance
Correct Answer: C) A great deal of noise and angry talk with no real substance
Explanation: ‘Sound and fury’ refers to a lot of passionate, angry, or excited talk or activity that ultimately has no meaning or importance. The phrase is famously from Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
24. The veteran politician was a maverick who often voted against his own party.
- A) A loyal and obedient follower
- B) An orthodox and conventional person
- C) A powerful leader
- D) An independent-minded person who does not conform to a group
Correct Answer: D) An independent-minded person who does not conform to a group
Explanation: A ‘maverick’ is an unorthodox or independent-minded person who refuses to conform to the rules or customs of a group.
25. The company’s sudden collapse was a black swan event that no one saw coming.
- A) A very common and predictable occurrence
- B) A minor setback
- C) An extremely rare and unpredictable event with severe consequences
- D) A fortunate and lucky break
Correct Answer: C) An extremely rare and unpredictable event with severe consequences
Explanation: A ‘black swan’ is an event that is a surprise, has a major effect, and is often inappropriately rationalized after the fact with the benefit of hindsight.
26. Stop beating about the bush and tell me exactly what happened.
- A) To speak directly and frankly
- B) To avoid the main topic and talk about irrelevant things
- C) To look for something in a garden
- D) To make excuses for someone
Correct Answer: B) To avoid the main topic and talk about irrelevant things
Explanation: ‘To beat about the bush’ (or ‘beat around the bush’) means to discuss a matter without coming to the point; to be deliberately vague.
27. He won the lottery? That happens once in a blue moon.
- A) Very frequently
- B) During a full moon
- C) Every month
- D) Very rarely
Correct Answer: D) Very rarely
Explanation: ‘Once in a blue moon’ means to happen very infrequently. A “blue moon” is the second full moon in a single calendar month, which is a rare occurrence.
28. The president’s visit was a red-letter day for the small town.
- A) A day of great danger
- B) A day of special joy and significance
- C) An ordinary, uneventful day
- D) A day of sadness and mourning
Correct Answer: B) A day of special joy and significance
Explanation: A ‘red-letter day’ is a day of great importance or happiness. The term comes from the practice of marking holy days and festivals in red ink on calendars.
29. The startup was operating on a shoestring budget, with the founders not taking any salary.
- A) With a very large amount of money
- B) With a very small amount of money
- C) With borrowed money
- D) With no clear financial plan
Correct Answer: B) With a very small amount of money
Explanation: ‘On a shoestring budget’ means with a very limited amount of money or financial resources.
30. When he was caught, the thief decided to sing like a canary and told the police everything.
- A) To sing a beautiful song
- B) To remain silent
- C) To inform on someone, to confess everything
- D) To cry loudly
Correct Answer: C) To inform on someone, to confess everything
Explanation: ‘To sing like a canary’ means to tell everything one knows to a person in authority, especially about a crime or a conspiracy.
31. The project was a massive undertaking, but we are in the home stretch now.
- A) The beginning phase
- B) The most difficult part
- C) The final part of something
- D) A period of rest
Correct Answer: C) The final part of something
Explanation: The ‘home stretch’ is the final stage of a long or difficult activity. The term originates from the final straight section of a racetrack before the finish line.
32. The government is accused of engaging in smoke and mirrors to hide the real state of the economy.
- A) A clear and transparent policy
- B) A magical performance
- C) The practice of deception or obscuring the truth
- D) A strategy for creating public entertainment
Correct Answer: C) The practice of deception or obscuring the truth
Explanation: ‘Smoke and mirrors’ refers to something that is intended to deceive or confuse people, making a situation seem better or different than it really is.
33. His argument doesn’t make sense; he’s clearly tilting at windmills.
- A) Attacking imaginary enemies or fighting unwinnable battles
- B) Building renewable energy sources
- C) Arguing logically and with great force
- D) Taking a practical and realistic approach
Correct Answer: A) Attacking imaginary enemies or fighting unwinnable battles
Explanation: ‘Tilting at windmills’ means fighting imaginary enemies, inspired by the story of Don Quixote, who famously attacks windmills believing they are giants.
34. Instead of firing the incompetent employee, the manager decided to kick him upstairs to a new, powerless position.
- A) To physically assault someone
- B) To give someone a genuine promotion
- C) To remove someone from an important position by giving them a seemingly higher but less powerful one
- D) To fire someone from their job
Correct Answer: C) To remove someone from an important position by giving them a seemingly higher but less powerful one
Explanation: ‘To kick someone upstairs’ means to promote them to a position of higher rank but with less power or influence, as a way of getting them out of the way.
35. You need to stop making excuses and get your ducks in a row before the presentation.
- A) To line up your toys
- B) To go hunting
- C) To become well-organized and prepared
- D) To cause confusion and chaos
Correct Answer: C) To become well-organized and prepared
Explanation: ‘To get one’s ducks in a row’ means to organize one’s tasks and resources efficiently and methodically before embarking on something.
36. The peace talks failed, and now the two countries are on a war footing.
- A) In a state of friendship
- B) In the process of negotiation
- C) Prepared and ready for war
- D) Discussing the rules of war
Correct Answer: C) Prepared and ready for war
Explanation: To be on a ‘war footing’ means to be organized and prepared for the possibility of war, mobilizing resources and personnel accordingly.
37. He thinks he can fool me, but I have his number.
- A) To have someone’s phone number
- B) To understand someone’s true character or intentions, especially negative ones
- C) To owe someone money
- D) To admire someone greatly
Correct Answer: B) To understand someone’s true character or intentions, especially negative ones
Explanation: If you ‘have someone’s number’, it means you understand their motives and are not deceived by their behavior.
38. After the success of their first album, the band became lazy and started to rest on their laurels.
- A) To work harder for more success
- B) To be satisfied with past achievements and make no further effort
- C) To take a well-deserved vacation
- D) To invest their earnings wisely
Correct Answer: B) To be satisfied with past achievements and make no further effort
Explanation: ‘To rest on one’s laurels’ means to be so satisfied with what one has already achieved that one stops trying to achieve more.
39. I can’t make sense of this legal document; it’s all double Dutch to me.
- A) Language spoken in the Netherlands
- B) A very clear and simple statement
- C) Unintelligible or nonsensical speech or writing
- D) A secret code
Correct Answer: C) Unintelligible or nonsensical speech or writing
Explanation: ‘Double Dutch’ is a term used to describe language that is impossible to understand; gibberish.
40. He’s been champing at the bit to start the new project.
- A) Showing fear and hesitation
- B) Being bored and uninterested
- C) Being restlessly impatient and eager to do something
- D) Chewing on a piece of metal
Correct Answer: C) Being restlessly impatient and eager to do something
Explanation: ‘To champ at the bit’ (or ‘chomp at the bit’) means to be very impatient to do something. It comes from the behavior of a spirited horse biting its bit in eagerness to start a race.
41. The community theater managed to put on a brave face despite major funding cuts.
- A) To look angry and intimidating
- B) To hide one’s disappointment or anxiety by appearing cheerful
- C) To apply makeup for a performance
- D) To surrender to a difficult situation
Correct Answer: B) To hide one’s disappointment or anxiety by appearing cheerful
Explanation: ‘To put on a brave face’ means to pretend that one is happy and confident when one is actually sad, worried, or disappointed.
42. The two brothers, though very different, are two peas in a pod when it comes to their love for adventure.
- A) Very different from each other
- B) Constantly fighting
- C) Very similar to each other
- D) Growing up in the same house
Correct Answer: C) Very similar to each other
Explanation: ‘Two peas in a pod’ refers to two people who are very similar in appearance, behavior, or interests.
43. When the police questioned him, he decided to come clean about his involvement in the robbery.
- A) To take a bath
- B) To deny everything
- C) To tell the truth about something one has kept secret
- D) To clean up a crime scene
Correct Answer: C) To tell the truth about something one has kept secret
Explanation: ‘To come clean’ means to confess or admit to something one has been hiding.
44. Trying to reason with him is like flogging a dead horse; he will never change his mind.
- A) To try a new and effective method
- B) To waste effort on something that is already decided or has no hope of success
- C) To revive a failed project
- D) To be cruel to an animal
Correct Answer: B) To waste effort on something that is already decided or has no hope of success
Explanation: ‘Flogging a dead horse’ (or ‘beating a dead horse’) means to waste time and energy on a lost cause or a topic that has already been exhausted.
45. Her new business is doing very well; she’s really on a roll.
- A) Experiencing a period of failure
- B) Feeling dizzy
- C) Experiencing a prolonged period of success or good luck
- D) Rolling on the ground
Correct Answer: C) Experiencing a prolonged period of success or good luck
Explanation: To be ‘on a roll’ means to be having a continuous and successful run of good fortune or achievement.
46. The politician’s comments about his opponent were a low blow.
- A) A fair and honest criticism
- B) An unfair or unkind remark
- C) A physical attack below the waist
- D) A quiet whisper
Correct Answer: B) An unfair or unkind remark
Explanation: A ‘low blow’ is a cruel, unfair, or unsportsmanlike action or remark. The term originates from boxing, where hitting below the belt is illegal.
47. I think we should play it by ear and see how the situation develops before making a decision.
- A) To follow a strict plan
- B) To listen carefully to music
- C) To decide how to deal with a situation as it unfolds, rather than planning in advance
- D) To ignore a problem
Correct Answer: C) To decide how to deal with a situation as it unfolds, rather than planning in advance
Explanation: ‘To play it by ear’ means to improvise or act without a fixed plan, responding to circumstances as they arise.
48. He has a lot of crazy ideas, so you should take his plan with a pinch of salt.
- A) To believe something completely
- B) To add seasoning to food
- C) To view something with skepticism and not believe it completely
- D) To follow instructions exactly
Correct Answer: C) To view something with skepticism and not believe it completely
Explanation: ‘To take something with a pinch of salt’ (or ‘grain of salt’) means to be doubtful about the truth or accuracy of a statement.
49. After the argument, she needed to go for a walk to let off steam.
- A) To get rid of strong feelings of anger or stress by doing something active
- B) To start a steam engine
- C) To feel cold
- D) To take a nap
Correct Answer: A) To get rid of strong feelings of anger or stress by doing something active
Explanation: ‘To let off steam’ means to release pent-up energy, frustration, or anger in a harmless way.
50. We were all on pins and needles waiting for the exam results.
- A) Feeling calm and relaxed
- B) In a state of nervous or excited anticipation
- C) Getting acupuncture treatment
- D) Feeling very tired
Correct Answer: B) In a state of nervous or excited anticipation
Explanation: To be on ‘pins and needles’ means to be very anxious or in suspense about something.
51. The evidence was clear, but the lawyer used a red herring to distract the jury.
- A) A crucial piece of evidence
- B) A type of fish
- C) Something that is misleading or distracts from the main issue
- D) A direct confession
Correct Answer: C) Something that is misleading or distracts from the main issue
Explanation: A ‘red herring’ is a clue or piece of information that is or is intended to be misleading or distracting.
52. He’s not just a good employee; he’s a true pillar of the community.
-
A) A person who physically supports buildings
- B) An unimportant or marginal person
- C) A very reliable, important, and respected member of a group
- D) Someone who is very tall
Correct Answer: C) A very reliable, important, and respected member of a group
Explanation: A ‘pillar of the community’ (or society, etc.) is a person who is a fundamentally important and supportive member of that group.
53. The new law has tied small businesses up in red tape.
- A) Celebratory ribbons
- B) Financial aid
- C) Excessive bureaucracy or adherence to official rules and formalities
- D) A new marketing strategy
Correct Answer: C) Excessive bureaucracy or adherence to official rules and formalities
Explanation: ‘Red tape’ refers to complex bureaucratic rules and procedures that must be followed to get something done, often seen as excessive and time-consuming.
54. The celebrity couple’s marriage was always in the public eye.
- A) Kept very secret
- B) Known only to family and friends
- C) Well-known to the public and a subject of media attention
- D) A visual illusion
Correct Answer: C) Well-known to the public and a subject of media attention
Explanation: To be in the ‘public eye’ means to be famous and frequently seen and written about in newspapers, on television, etc.
55. He tried to explain the complex theory, but I think he was just barking up the wrong tree.
- A) Pursuing a mistaken or misguided line of thought or course of action
- B) Climbing a tree to escape danger
- C) Making a lot of noise for attention
- D) Finding the correct solution to a problem
Correct Answer: A) Pursuing a mistaken or misguided line of thought or course of action
Explanation: ‘To bark up the wrong tree’ means to have the wrong idea about how to get or achieve something, or to be mistaken about the cause of a problem.
56. Their relationship is on the rocks; I think it’s time for them to bury the hatchet.
- A) To start an argument
- B) To end a quarrel or conflict and make peace
- C) To hide a weapon
- D) To end a relationship permanently
Correct Answer: B) To end a quarrel or conflict and make peace
Explanation: ‘To bury the hatchet’ means to stop an argument and become friends again.
57. I have to go now, but I’ll take a rain check on that coffee.
- A) To accept an offer immediately
- B) To refuse an offer politely, suggesting it can be taken up later
- C) To check the weather forecast
- D) To ask for money
Correct Answer: B) To refuse an offer politely, suggesting it can be taken up later
Explanation: ‘To take a rain check’ means to decline an invitation or offer but with the hope or promise of accepting it at a later time.
58. The company is in financial trouble, so we all have to tighten our belts.
- A) To buy new clothes
- B) To go on a diet
- C) To spend less money
- D) To work harder
Correct Answer: C) To spend less money
Explanation: ‘To tighten one’s belt’ means to cut one’s spending; to live more frugally.
59. The opposition party is having a field day with the government’s latest scandal.
- A) A day spent working outdoors
- B) An opportunity to enjoy oneself, especially at someone else’s expense
- C) A period of great difficulty
- D) A sports competition
Correct Answer: B) An opportunity to enjoy oneself, especially at someone else’s expense
Explanation: To ‘have a field day’ means to take great advantage of an opportunity to criticize or make fun of someone.
60. His promotion was not a surprise; it has been on the cards for months.
- A) Unlikely or impossible
- B) A complete secret
- C) Likely or probable to happen
- D) Written on a playing card
Correct Answer: C) Likely or probable to happen
Explanation: If something is ‘on the cards’, it is very likely to occur.
61. He is always willing to go the extra mile to help a colleague.
- A) To travel a long distance
- B) To do more than is required or expected
- C) To be overly competitive
- D) To finish a task quickly
Correct Answer: B) To do more than is required or expected
Explanation: ‘To go the extra mile’ means to make a special effort to achieve something or to help someone.
62. I only see my cousins from Australia in a month of Sundays.
- A) Every Sunday
- B) Once a month
- C) Very often
- D) Very rarely; a very long time
Correct Answer: D) Very rarely; a very long time
Explanation: The phrase ‘a month of Sundays’ is an idiom for a very long period of time, emphasizing rarity.
63. The new software is revolutionary, but it’s not a silver bullet that will solve all our problems.
- A) A simple, seemingly magical solution to a complex problem
- B) An expensive but ineffective product
- C) A dangerous weapon
- D) A minor improvement
Correct Answer: A) A simple, seemingly magical solution to a complex problem
Explanation: A ‘silver bullet’ refers to a direct and effortless solution for a difficult problem. The term is often used negatively to imply that such a simple solution does not exist.
64. When the stock market crashed, many investors lost their shirts.
- A) To lose all or a great deal of one’s money
- B) To take off one’s clothes in public
- C) To become very angry
- D) To make a small profit
Correct Answer: A) To lose all or a great deal of one’s money
Explanation: ‘To lose one’s shirt’ is an idiom that means to lose all one’s money, especially through gambling or a bad investment.
65. He tried to get a straight answer, but the salesperson just gave him the runaround.
- A) A clear and direct response
- B) A guided tour of the premises
- C) A series of excuses, delays, and deceptive replies
- D) A physical exercise routine
Correct Answer: C) A series of excuses, delays, and deceptive replies
Explanation: ‘To give someone the runaround’ means to be evasive and unhelpful, often by sending them to different people or places to get what they want.
66. The manager and the union leader are currently at loggerheads over the new contract.
- A) In complete agreement
- B) Engaged in a fierce dispute or disagreement
- C) Having a private conversation
- D) Working together in harmony
Correct Answer: B) Engaged in a fierce dispute or disagreement
Explanation: To be ‘at loggerheads’ with someone means to be in strong disagreement with them.
67. I’m not sure if I can finish this report by Friday, but I’ll give it the old college try.
- A) To make a difficult attempt that is likely to fail
- B) To ask a university student for help
- C) To make a sincere and earnest effort
- D) To use an outdated method
Correct Answer: C) To make a sincere and earnest effort
Explanation: ‘To give it the old college try’ means to make a wholehearted attempt to do something, even if it might be difficult or unlikely to succeed.
68. When it comes to technology, my grandfather is a bit of a Luddite.
- A) An expert in technology
- B) An early adopter of new gadgets
- C) A person who is opposed to new technology or ways of working
- D) A person who invents new machines
Correct Answer: C) A person who is opposed to new technology or ways of working
Explanation: A ‘Luddite’ is a person who dislikes new technology. The term refers to 19th-century English textile workers who destroyed new machinery that they believed was threatening their jobs.
69. The company’s new policy on remote work is a real game changer.
- A) A minor adjustment
- B) A rule in a sports game
- C) A new idea or event that significantly changes the current situation
- D) A person who frequently changes their mind
Correct Answer: C) A new idea or event that significantly changes the current situation
Explanation: A ‘game changer’ is something or someone that dramatically alters the course, strategy, or outcome of a situation.
70. She felt that her creative suggestions were always met with a wet blanket from her boss.
- A) A person who spoils other people’s fun or enthusiasm
- B) A warm and comforting object
- C) Strong encouragement and support
- D) A rainy day
Correct Answer: A) A person who spoils other people’s fun or enthusiasm
Explanation: A ‘wet blanket’ is a person who says or does something that stops other people from enjoying themselves.
71. For a shy person, giving a public speech is like pulling teeth.
- A) Extremely easy and enjoyable
- B) A common and everyday task
- C) A form of dental care
- D) Extremely difficult and unpleasant
Correct Answer: D) Extremely difficult and unpleasant
Explanation: The phrase ‘like pulling teeth’ is used to describe something that is very hard to do, especially to get someone to do something or to extract information from them.
72. The documentary was a warts and all portrait of the famous actor.
- A) Showing only the most attractive features
- B) Including all the bad or unpleasant features of someone or something
- C) A medical report
- D) A heavily edited and flattering depiction
Correct Answer: B) Including all the bad or unpleasant features of someone or something
Explanation: A ‘warts and all’ description is one that reveals all the faults and imperfections, without any attempt to hide them.
73. We’ll have to burn the midnight oil to finish this project on time.
- A) To waste fuel and resources
- B) To work late into the night
- C) To start a fire at night
- D) To relax and unwind in the evening
Correct Answer: B) To work late into the night
Explanation: ‘To burn the midnight oil’ means to read or work late into the night. It originates from a time when people used oil lamps for light.
74. The two scientists were working on the same discovery, but Dr. Evans stole a march on his rival by publishing first.
- A) To work collaboratively with someone
- B) To gain an advantage over someone, often by acting secretly or unexpectedly
- C) To physically march in a parade
- D) To plagiarize someone’s work
Correct Answer: B) To gain an advantage over someone, often by acting secretly or unexpectedly
Explanation: ‘To steal a march on’ someone means to get an advantage over them by doing something before they do.
75. The committee’s final report was a complete whitewash of the scandal.
- A) A thorough and honest investigation
- B) A report printed on white paper
- C) An attempt to conceal embarrassing or incriminating facts
- D) A decision to paint a building white
Correct Answer: C) An attempt to conceal embarrassing or incriminating facts
Explanation: A ‘whitewash’ is a deliberate attempt to cover up or gloss over scandals, faults, or other unpleasant information.
76. He always supports the most popular side; he has a tendency to jump on the bandwagon.
- A) To join a popular activity or trend to share in its success
- B) To leave a vehicle that is in motion
- C) To support an unpopular cause
- D) To start a musical group
Correct Answer: A) To join a popular activity or trend to share in its success
Explanation: ‘To jump on the bandwagon’ means to join others in doing or supporting something that is fashionable or likely to be successful.
77. The election results are too close to call; the final outcome is on a knife-edge.
- A) A situation that is already decided
- B) A very dangerous activity
- C) A very tense and uncertain situation, where the result is unknown
- D) A culinary competition
Correct Answer: C) A very tense and uncertain situation, where the result is unknown
Explanation: To be ‘on a knife-edge’ means to be in a very difficult situation where the outcome is extremely uncertain and could easily go one way or the other.
78. The new evidence in the case could turn the tables on the prosecution.
- A) To reverse a situation, so that a person who was in a weaker position is now in a stronger one
- B) To set the table for a meal
- C) To admit defeat
- D) To continue in the same direction
Correct Answer: A) To reverse a situation, so that a person who was in a weaker position is now in a stronger one
Explanation: ‘To turn the tables’ means to change a situation so that you now have an advantage over someone who previously had an advantage over you.
79. After his long illness, he is finally out of the woods.
- A) Lost in a forest
- B) Still in a dangerous situation
- C) Free from a difficulty or danger
- D) Living in a rural area
Correct Answer: C) Free from a difficulty or danger
Explanation: ‘Out of the woods’ means to no longer be in a difficult or dangerous situation.
80. The internet has created a sea change in how we access information.
- A) A minor alteration
- B) A change in ocean currents
- C) A profound or notable transformation
- D) A temporary shift
Correct Answer: C) A profound or notable transformation
Explanation: A ‘sea change’ is a complete and significant transformation or change. The phrase comes from Shakespeare’s “The Tempest”.
81. He’s very reliable, you can always count on him to toe the line.
- A) To challenge authority
- B) To accept the authority, principles, or policies of a particular group
- C) To stand at the front of a queue
- D) To be indecisive
Correct Answer: B) To accept the authority, principles, or policies of a particular group
Explanation: ‘To toe the line’ means to conform to rules or standards of behavior.
82. The company is performing well, so there is no need to rock the boat with major changes.
- A) To do or say something that will disturb a stable situation and cause trouble
- B) To enjoy a boat ride
- C) To make a situation better
- D) To ask for help
Correct Answer: A) To do or say something that will disturb a stable situation and cause trouble
Explanation: ‘To rock the boat’ means to disrupt a comfortable or stable situation.
83. She had to swallow her pride and ask her parents for a loan.
- A) To be very proud of an achievement
- B) To do something humble or humiliating, despite one’s pride
- C) To eat something distasteful
- D) To boast about oneself
Correct Answer: B) To do something humble or humiliating, despite one’s pride
Explanation: ‘To swallow one’s pride’ means to hide your feelings of pride and accept that you have been wrong or have to do something that feels embarrassing.
84. The politician’s speech was just a storm in a teacup over a very minor issue.
- A) A major crisis
- B) A great deal of anger and worry about a trivial matter
- C) A refreshing drink
- D) A weather phenomenon
Correct Answer: B) A great deal of anger and worry about a trivial matter
Explanation: A ‘storm in a teacup’ (or ‘tempest in a teapot’ in American English) is a lot of unnecessary anger and excitement about a matter that is not important.
85. Trying to find a single document in that messy archive is like looking for a needle in a haystack.
- A) A very easy task
- B) Something that is very difficult or impossible to find
- C) A common agricultural chore
- D) A well-organized search
Correct Answer: B) Something that is very difficult or impossible to find
Explanation: ‘A needle in a haystack’ refers to something that is extremely hard to locate, usually because it is in a very large area or among many other things.
86. He’s an expert in his field; he knows the subject inside out.
- A) To know something superficially
- B) To be confused about a topic
- C) To know something completely and thoroughly
- D) To have only external knowledge
Correct Answer: C) To know something completely and thoroughly
Explanation: To know something ‘inside out’ means to be extremely familiar with it.
87. The new employee is very enthusiastic, but still a bit wet behind the ears.
- A) Very experienced and mature
- B) Lacking experience; naive or immature
- C) Fresh from a shower
- D) Unwilling to learn
Correct Answer: B) Lacking experience; naive or immature
Explanation: ‘Wet behind the ears’ is an idiom for someone who is young, inexperienced, and naive. It alludes to a newborn animal that is still wet from birth.
88. The company is going through a tough time, but we all have to keep our chins up.
- A) To surrender to despair To remain cheerful and courageous in a difficult situation
- C) To look up at the sky
- D) To be arrogant
Correct Answer: B) To remain cheerful and courageous in a difficult situation
Explanation: ‘To keep one’s chin up’ is an expression of encouragement, meaning to stay optimistic and brave in the face of adversity.
89. You can’t just cherry-pick the data that supports your argument and ignore the rest.
-
A) To choose and take only the most beneficial or desirable items from a group
- B) To harvest fruit from a tree
- C) To present all the facts fairly
- D) To mix different things together
Correct Answer: A) To choose and take only the most beneficial or desirable items from a group
Explanation: ‘To cherry-pick’ means to selectively choose the best or most profitable items or evidence for oneself, often in a way that is unfair or misleading.
90. She was a great singer, but her career was just a flash in the pan.
- A) A long and distinguished career
- B) A sudden but brief success that is not repeated
- C) A slow and steady rise to fame
- D) A cooking accident
Correct Answer: B) A sudden but brief success that is not repeated
Explanation: A ‘flash in the pan’ is something that shows great promise or success initially but then fails to deliver, lasting only a short time.
91. The small bookstore managed to hold its own against the large chain stores.
- A) To lose a competition
- B) To remain in a strong or successful position despite opposition
- C) To own a property
- D) To ask for assistance
Correct Answer: B) To remain in a strong or successful position despite opposition
Explanation: ‘To hold one’s own’ means to perform adequately or compete effectively against a strong opponent.
92. His grandfather passed away last week, so he’s still in the doldrums.
- A) In a state of excitement and happiness
- B) On a sailing trip
- C) In a state of inactivity or depression
- D) Very busy and active
Correct Answer: C) In a state of inactivity or depression
Explanation: To be ‘in the doldrums’ means to be feeling sad, low-spirited, and lacking energy. The term comes from a region near the equator where sailing ships were often becalmed.
93. After years of hard work, her efforts finally bore fruit and she was promoted.
- A) To fail completely
- B) To produce successful results; to be successful
- C) To grow apples or oranges
- D) To become tired and give up
Correct Answer: B) To produce successful results; to be successful
Explanation: If something ‘bears fruit’, it produces positive or successful results.
94. The politician’s vague promises were nothing more than pie in the sky.
- A) A realistic and achievable goal
- B) An idea or plan that is unlikely to happen
- C) A delicious dessert
- D) A confirmed future event
Correct Answer: B) An idea or plan that is unlikely to happen
Explanation: ‘Pie in the sky’ refers to a promise of a pleasant future reward that is unlikely to be realized; an empty promise.
95. The debate became heated when she accused her opponent of making a straw man argument.
- A) A strong and logical argument
- B) A figure made of straw, like a scarecrow
- C) An intentionally misrepresented proposition that is set up because it is easier to defeat
- D) An argument based on solid evidence
Correct Answer: C) An intentionally misrepresented proposition that is set up because it is easier to defeat
Explanation: A ‘straw man’ argument is a logical fallacy where someone attacks a distorted or simplified version of their opponent’s argument, rather than the actual argument itself.
96. I just heard the news through the grapevine that she is getting married.
- A) Through an official announcement
- B) By reading it in a newspaper
- C) Through an informal, person-to-person spread of information or rumor
- D) From a message tied to a grape vine
Correct Answer: C) Through an informal, person-to-person spread of information or rumor
Explanation: ‘To hear something through the grapevine’ means to hear news from someone who heard it from someone else; to learn something via gossip or rumor.
97. When the boss is away, the employees will let their hair down a bit.
- A) To work much harder
- B) To behave in an uninhibited or relaxed way
- C) To untie one’s hair
- D) To become very quiet and disciplined
Correct Answer: B) To behave in an uninhibited or relaxed way
Explanation: ‘To let one’s hair down’ means to relax and enjoy oneself without worrying about behaving in a formal or reserved way.
98. The lawyer told his client not to jump the gun and celebrate before the verdict was announced.
- A) To act too slowly
- B) To fire a weapon prematurely C) To do something too soon, before the proper time
- D) To be cautious and wait patiently
Correct Answer: C) To do something too soon, before the proper time
Explanation: ‘To jump the gun’ means to start doing something too early, before it is supposed to begin. It originates from track and field, where a runner starts before the starter’s gun fires.
99. You’ve been working for 12 hours straight. It’s time to call it a day.
- A) To decide to stop working for the day
- B) To start a new task
- C) To make a phone call
- D) To name a day of the week
Correct Answer: A) To decide to stop working for the day
Explanation: ‘To call it a day’ means to stop working on something, either for the rest of the day or permanently.
100. The new evidence was the smoking gun that proved his guilt.
- A) A piece of evidence that is ambiguous
- B) A weapon that has recently been fired
- C) A piece of irrefutable evidence that proves guilt
- D) A clue that leads to a dead end
Correct Answer: C) A piece of irrefutable evidence that proves guilt
Explanation: A ‘smoking gun’ is a piece of information or evidence that serves as conclusive proof of a crime or wrongdoing.
