82 English Idioms and Expressions Tests

TESTS

82 English Idioms and Expressions Tests Index ......................................................................................

1

Elementary Level 1. Adding Up ...............................................................................

6

2. Take it in ..............................................................................

7

3. Take it easy ............................................................................

8

4. For Good ................................................................................

9

5. In Control ..............................................................................

10

6. Out of Control ..........................................................................

11

7. All Agog ................................................................................

12

8. Preposition Exercises ...................................................................

13

9. Animal Idioms ...........................................................................

14

10. Funny Idioms ...........................................................................

15

11. Expressing Emotions ....................................................................

16

12. Just keep it ...........................................................................

17

Intermediate Level 1. Up to his ears ..........................................................................

18

2. Send the right message ..................................................................

19

3. A piece of cake .........................................................................

20

4. Picking you up ..........................................................................

21

5. As happy as the day is long .............................................................

22

6. Privacy .................................................................................

23

7. Hold on .................................................................................

24

8. Money to burn ...........................................................................

25

9. Go ahead ................................................................................

26

10. Under my Skin ..........................................................................

27

11. Home Sweet Home ........................................................................

28

12. No good ................................................................................

29

13. On the Water ...........................................................................

30

14. British Idioms .........................................................................

31

15. Expressions with cold ..................................................................

32

16. Way Idioms .............................................................................

33

17. Idioms with come .......................................................................

34

18. Common English Idioms ..................................................................

35

19. Idioms with Hand .......................................................................

36

20. English Idioms and Phrases .............................................................

37

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21. Expressions with make ..................................................................

38

22. Double Speak in Job Titles .............................................................

39

Advanced Level 1. English Animal Idioms ...................................................................

40

2. Hands on ................................................................................

41

3. Lucky Alex ..............................................................................

42

4. How Mary fell in love ...................................................................

43

5. Call it a day ...........................................................................

44

6. Live up to ..............................................................................

45

7. English Grammar Prepositions ............................................................

46

8. From Shakespeare originally .............................................................

47

9. Water Expressions .......................................................................

48

10. Cats, Dogs and Ducks ...................................................................

49

11. Losing It ..............................................................................

50

12. Splitting Hairs ........................................................................

51

13. Squeaky Clean ..........................................................................

52

14. Word of Mouth ..........................................................................

53

15. Expressions and idioms with thin .......................................................

54

16. Expressions with Top ...................................................................

55

17. Down to Earth ..........................................................................

56

18. Expressions with low ...................................................................

57

19. Hot expressions ........................................................................

58

20. Comparisons with as .... as ............................................................

59


60

22. Egg expressions ........................................................................

61

23. Idioms with prepositions ...............................................................

62

24. Idioms with phrasal verbs ..............................................................

63

25. Mark Idioms ............................................................................

64

26. Retail Sales Expressions ...............................................................

65

27. American Slang Words (1) ...............................................................

66


67


68


69


70


71


72


73


74

36. American Slang Words (10) ..............................................................

75


76

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77


78


79


80


81


82


83

45. Clothing Idioms (1) ....................................................................

84

46. Clothing Idioms (2) ....................................................................

85

47. House/Building Idioms (1) ..............................................................

86

48. Food Idioms ............................................................................

87

Answer Keys ................................................................................

88

Elementary Level 1. Adding Up ...............................................................................

89

2. Take it in ..............................................................................

90

3. Take it easy ............................................................................

91

4. For Good ................................................................................

92

5. In Control ..............................................................................

93

6. Out of Control ..........................................................................

94

7. All Agog ................................................................................

95

8. Preposition Exercises ...................................................................

96

9. Animal Idioms ...........................................................................

97

10. Funny Idioms ...........................................................................

98

11. Expressing Emotions ....................................................................

99

12. Just keep it ...........................................................................

100

Intermediate Level 1. Up to his ears ..........................................................................

101

2. Send the right message ..................................................................

102

3. A piece of cake .........................................................................

103

4. Picking you up ..........................................................................

104

5. As happy as the day is long .............................................................

105

6. Privacy .................................................................................

106

7. Hold on .................................................................................

107

8. Money to burn ...........................................................................

108

9. Go ahead ................................................................................

109

10. Under my Skin ..........................................................................

110

11. Home Sweet Home ........................................................................

111

12. No good ................................................................................

112

13. On the Water ...........................................................................

113

14. British Idioms .........................................................................

114

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15. Expressions with cold ..................................................................

115

16. Way Idioms .............................................................................

116

17. Idioms with come .......................................................................

117

18. Common English Idioms ..................................................................

118

19. Idioms with Hand .......................................................................

119

20. English Idioms and Phrases .............................................................

120


121

22. Double Speak in Job Titles .............................................................

122

Advanced Level 1. English Animal Idioms ...................................................................

123

2. Hands on ................................................................................

124

3. Lucky Alex ..............................................................................

125

4. How Mary fell in love ...................................................................

126

5. Call it a day ...........................................................................

127

6. Live up to ..............................................................................

128

7. English Grammar Prepositions ............................................................

129

8. From Shakespeare originally .............................................................

130

9. Water Expressions .......................................................................

131

10. Cats, Dogs and Ducks ...................................................................

132

11. Losing It ..............................................................................

133

12. Splitting Hairs ........................................................................

134

13. Squeaky Clean ..........................................................................

135

14. Word of Mouth ..........................................................................

136

15. Expressions and idioms with thin .......................................................

137

16. Expressions with Top ...................................................................

138

17. Down to Earth ..........................................................................

139

18. Expressions with low ...................................................................

140

19. Hot expressions ........................................................................

141

20. Comparisons with as .... as ............................................................

142


143

22. Egg expressions ........................................................................

144

23. Idioms with prepositions ...............................................................

145

24. Idioms with phrasal verbs ..............................................................

146

25. Mark Idioms ............................................................................

147

26. Retail Sales Expressions ...............................................................

148


149


150


151


152


153

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154


155


156


157


158


159


160


161


162


163


164


165


166

45. Clothing Idioms (1) ....................................................................

167

46. Clothing Idioms (2) ....................................................................

168

47. House/Building Idioms (1) ..............................................................

169

48. Food Idioms ............................................................................

170

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elementary-1

1.

English Idioms and Expressions / Elementary level # 1

Answers Index

Adding Up Q1

I cannot understand why she did that, it really doesn't add up. (a) doesn't calculate (c) doesn't make sense

Q2

(b) isn't mathematics (d) makes the wrong addition

All the students got high marks in the test but Mary stood out. (a) got a lot of marks (c) got very good marks

Q3

(b) got higher marks than someone (d) got the most marks of all

He has sold his house and has no job and so now he has next to nothing. (a) he is unemployed (c) he has a few things

Q4

As a newspaper reporter she always wanted to get information at first hand. (a) quickly

Q5

(b) he has almost no money (d) he has nothing at all

(b) slowly

(c) easily

I think we can safely say now that we have got our money back, we are home and dry. (a) have not got wet (c) have been successful

Q6

(c) the important man

(d) the enormous man

(b) is too fat

(c) is very full

(d) is very conceited

You will not slip over because the floor is as dry as a bone. (a) completely hard

Q9

(b) the huge man

She never stops talking about herself and is full of herself. (a) is very fat

Q8

(b) have got no water (d) have got home dry

He is the man who owns all the land and is the big fish around here. (a) the fat man

Q7

(d) directly

(b) extremely flat

(c) totally dry

(d) completely cracked

He kept saying he didn't do it but in the end he said he had done it. (a) at the end

(b) finally

(c) at last

(d) by the end

Q10 I know you are very sorry that you broke the pot but accidents will happen. (a) things will take place (c) things take place often

6

(b) things do occur (d) things often go wrong

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elementary-2

2.


Answers Index

Take it in Q1

I'm sorry I didn't take in what he said. (a) listen

Q2

(c) finish off sleep

(d) get out of bed

(b) start playing

(c) stop playing

(d) enjoy playing

(b) do a little

(c) do too little

(d) do too much

(b) start to land

(c) begin to arrive

(d) finish landing

(b) live simply

(c) live easily

(d) live quietly

I don't know who wrote this note because I can't make out the signature. (a) discover

Q9

(b) start for work

As a student she has just enough money to get by on. (a) live fully

Q8

(d) stands

When does your plane take off? (a) leave the ground

Q7

(c) takes

Don't overdo it because you're very tired. (a) do a lot

Q6

(b) follows

When you stop work, you can take up golf. (a) finish playing

Q5

(d) note

What time do you get up in the morning? (a) leave home

Q4

(c) understand

I hope she gets through her exams next week. (a) passes

Q3

(b) hear

(b) find

(c) read

(d) learn

We don't have enough money for a car so we make do with bicycles. (a) use many times

(b) use instead

(c) use sometimes

(d) use always

(c) reach home

(d) have a rest

Q10 What time do you get in after work? (a) have tea

7

(b) eat supper

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elementary-3

3.


Answers Index

Take it easy Q1

I just want to stay at home and watch television and take it easy. (a) sleep

Q2

(b) Must I

(b) do the housework

(b) calls out to (d) speaks quickly to

(b) full of

(c) interested in

(d) unhappy with

(c) write to me

(d) send me a telegram

(c) tried

(d) visited

(c) did a mistake

(d) made a mistake

(c) find the left

(d) keep to the left

Don't forget to drop me a line when you're away. (b) call me

She had never been to Paris before. (a) heard of

Q9

(d) clean the windows

We're fed up with the bad weather.

(a) telephone me Q8

(c) wash the floor

She never shouts at her children.

(a) very tired of Q7

(d) Will I

(b) Do you cook very often (d) Do you like cooking

(a) makes conversation with (c) talks in a loud voice to Q6

(c) Can I

When do you do the washing up? (a) clean the dishes

Q5

(d) relax

Are you any good at cooking? (a) Can you cook sometimes (c) Can you cook well

Q4

(c) eat

Am I allowed to smoke in here? (a) May I

Q3

(b) sit down

(b) read about

I'm afraid he has got it wrong. (a) said it incorrectly

(b) did an error

Q10 When you come to the crossroads, you turn left. (a) look left

8

(b) go to the left

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elementary-4

4.


Answers Index

For Good Q1

You'll never see your money again because I'm afraid he's gone for good. (a) clearly

Q2

(c) quickly

(d) slowly

You've no need to worry I promise you they'll arrive on Thursday for sure. (a) absolutely

Q3

(b) permanently

(b) positively

(c) definitively

(d) definitely

They're very generous in that museum — not only is the entrance fee reasonable but they give you a brochure for free. (a) at no cost

Q4

(b) to look at

(b) at little charge

(b) as humour

(c) at low charge

(d) at no charge

(c) as funny

(d) as joking

(b) to stop you worrying (d) to stop you sleeping

No wonder she's jumping for joy, she's just been given promotion. (a) very jumpy

Q9

(d) to work through

I do recommend you take out an insurance policy on the house for your own peace of mind. (a) to stop you thinking (c) to stop you believing

Q8

(c) to begin with

I know it didn't look like that but the truth is they only did it for fun. (a) as a joke

Q7

(d) at low cost

As you're a friend of mine, I won't charge you much in fact I'll do it for nothing. (a) at some charge

Q6

(c) at some cost

Well, for starters I honestly think we should work out what all this work is going to cost. (a) to work for

Q5

(b) at little cost

(b) very silly

(c) very happy

(d) very noisy

They decided to move away from the city to the countryside for the sake of the children. (a) speaking about

(b) talking about

(c) dreaming about

(d) thinking about

Q10 The battleships were all waiting in the harbour ready for action. (a) prepared for war (c) prepared for something

9

(b) prepared for anything (d) prepared for take off

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elementary-5

5.


Answers Index

In Control Q1

They tried in vain to save enough money to buy a house and so finally they rented one. (a) without money

Q2

(b) uncertain

(b) wealthy

(b) in good health

(d) unsafe

(d) slow

(c) in absolute health

(d) in clear health

(b) the boss is going to sack him (d) the boss is going to trouble him

What I really have in mind is a garden where there is very little to look after throughout the year. (b) believe

(c) visualize

(d) consider

Although Romeo and Juliet were deeply in love, they still managed to kill themselves. (a) loved each other often (c) loved each other most of the time

Q9

(d) at all sure

I'm sorry to say that he's in trouble again with the boss over being late for work so many times.

(a) think Q8

(c) unclear

(c) clever

(a) the boss is going to reprimand him (c) the boss is going to hit him Q7

(c) at all certain

Thanks to her regular workouts and sensible diet she certainly strikes me as in the pink. (a) in extreme health

Q6

(b) at all happy

Considering they are over 70 years old, you must admit they are in good shape. (a) fit

Q5

(d) without work

The children knew full well they were in danger skating because they had read the notice about the thin ice. (a) unhappy

Q4

(c) without success

If you are in any doubt about the offer, please give me a ring. (a) at all unsure

Q3

(b) without trial

(b) loved each other very much (d) loved each other mostly

I think you can stop worrying now because it's quite clear she's in command of the situation. (a) in control

(b) in sight

(c) in place

(d) in view

Q10 In time when you've got used to the idea, you'll be pleased you did it. (a) At last

10

(b) At first

(c) At least

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(d) Eventually


elementary-6

6.


Answers Index

Out of Control Q1

If you don't tell the children the difference between right and wrong, they will soon be out of control. (a) well behaved

Q2

(c) unusual

(b) unable to find

(b) unlucky

(c) unable to follow

(c) unable

(b) unable to hear

(d) unable to see

(d) undecided

(c) unable to say

(d) unable to speak

You have a limited number of minutes to answer the test and you've spent 3 minutes so you're out of time. (a) you've used up your time (c) you've used for your time

Q7

(d) uncertain

Wait until they're out of earshot, then I tell you exactly what happened to them when they were on holiday. (a) unable to tell

Q6

(b) unsure

I'm very sorry but you're out of luck because we sold the last one about twenty minutes ago. (a) unhappy

Q5

(d) quickly behaved

Wait till they're out of sight, and then I'll show you what I'm buying them for Christmas. (a) unable to show

Q4

(c) suddenly behaved

If you think I'm going to parachute out of a plane for fun, you must be out of your mind. (a) mad

Q3

(b) badly behaved

(b) you've used in your time (d) you've used out your time

I'm afraid I'm not feeling too well at the moment because I've only walked a little way and I'm out of breath already. (a) I can't breathe slowly (c) I can't breathe fast

Q8

There's a big notice up there which unfortunately we didn't see because it said 'out of bounds'. (a) keep through

Q9

(b) I can't breathe quickly (d) I can't breathe easily

(b) keep out

(c) keep on

(d) keep in

I'm sorry to tell you that I can do nothing more for you because the situation is now out of my hands. (a) outside my sense

(b) outside my feelings

(c) outside my control

(d) outside my belief

Q10 I'm awfully sorry but I I'll have to ask you to pay because I'm out of cash. (a) I have no cheque

11

(b) I have no money

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(c) I have no card

(d) I have no bank


elementary-7

7.


Answers Index

All Agog Q1

Unfortunately the cooker overheated and then exploded and so it really wasn't long before the whole house was alight. (a) in light

Q2

(d) with light

(b) still seeing

(c) still trying

(d) still living

They found that there was no possibility of work in their own country so they decided to try their luck abroad. (a) in another place

Q4

(c) with fire

After several days underground after the earthquake one child was pulled out alive. (a) still talking

Q3

(b) on fire

(b) in another town

(c) in another country

(d) in another city

I must congratulate her on the way she has overcome all her problems and gone back to her old job to start anew. (a) beginning

Q5

(b) got taken

(b) returned

(b) good to

(c) overturned

(c) similar to

(d) got lost

(d) determined

(d) different to

So many good ideas abound in his mind, he finds it difficult to know where to start. (a) exist all over (c) exist in different parts

Q9

(c) got missed

There are no two ways about it because the crime that has been committed is really akin to murder. (a) keen on

Q8

(d) twice more

When she told her parents that she had decided to get married, they were utterly taken aback. (a) surprised

Q7

(c) firstly

I've looked everywhere for my passport and can only assume it has gone astray. (a) got freed

Q6

(b) once more

(b) exist in large numbers (d) exist everywhere

I spent ages fixing the nail in the wall to put the picture up and then I stood back and found it was askew. (a) not straight

(b) not clear

(c) not definite

(d) not pretty

Q10 We couldn't wait for them to come home after their holidays as we were all agog to hear what had happened. (a) very concerned

12

(b) very prepared

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(c) very interested

(d) very worried


elementary-8

8.


Answers Index

Preposition Exercises Q1

I'm sorry but that smells terrible because I'm afraid the meat is off. (a) has gone

Q2

(b) is small

(c) is bad

She just left him, said she was through with him and disappeared. (a) didn't want to see him again (c) didn't want to hear him again

Q3

(b) didn't want to help him (d) didn't want to please him

I'm on for tonight if you want to go to the match. (a) I'm ready to help

Q4

(b) I'm ready to cook

(c) ending

(d) terminated

(b) In confidence

(c) In fact

(d) In conclusion

(b) will travel

(c) will arrive

(d) will turn

(c) Clearly

(d) Incidentally

By the way did you manage to see that film last night? (a) Conveniently

Q9

(b) finishing

You won't have to wait too long because another bus will be along soon. (a) will drive

Q8

(b) very worried about (d) very happy about

Between you and me, so don't tell anyone, I'm sure he'll lose the election. (a) In truth

Q7

(d) I'm ready to go out

I believe that after all those arguments they agreed their marriage was over. (a) ended

Q6

(c) I'm ready to speak

He's always interested in elections and is very much into politics. (a) very concerned about (c) very interested in

Q5

(d) is dead

(b) Actually

It's quite clear to everyone that she's a socialist through and through. (a) from start to finish (c) from this to that

(b) from here till then (d) from time to time

Q10 I honestly don't think I can make it tonight as I'm feeling a little under the weather. (a) cold

13

(b) wet

(c) unwell

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(d) upset


elementary-9

9.


Answers Index

Animal Idioms Q1

His wife never lets him do what he wants and as a result he leads a dog's life. (a) easts what he can (c) has an unhappy time

Q2

(b) never sleeps (d) goes everywhere on foot

A word of warning: don't let him make a monkey of you. (a) make you jump up and down (c) make you spend your money

Q3

I would advise you to wait and see which way the cat jumps. (a) what develops

Q4

(b) make faces at you (d) make a fool of you

(b) what goes

(b) people sometimes differ (d) people often shout

He's very greedy when it comes to eating and always takes the lion's share of the food. (a) last portion

Q6

(b) smallest portion

Until he is more serious in his job and stops playing the goat, he won't get any more money. (b) eating too much all the time (d) making jokes all the time

He never makes any silly mistakes because he's got too much horse sense. (a) common sense

Q9

(d) largest portion

(b) absolutely convinced (d) absolutely curious

(a) arriving late all the time (c) making too much noise all the time Q8

(c) first portion

I really don't know how to explain it as I am completely foxed. (a) absolutely sure (c) absolutely confused

Q7

(d) what falls

I don't honestly think he is capable of being polite as the leopard never changes his spots. (a) people always complain (c) people never change

Q5

(c) what comes

(b) nonsense

(c) absolute sense

(d) full sense

Charlie doesn't like getting too tired so he gets his assistant to do all the donkey work. (a) academic work

(b) artwork

(c) homework

(d) hard work

Q10 He doesn't really go around with many people because he's a bit of a lone wolf. (a) single person

14

(b) lonely person

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(c) unhappy person

(d) simple person


elementary-10

10.


Answers Index

Funny Idioms Q1

You want to know why I've got a bee in my bonnet? (a) a headache (c) a problem on my mind

Q2

(b) a fly in my head (d) a difficulty with my hair

Yes, tell me about it. I'm all ears. (a) listening carefully (c) listening quickly

Q3

(b) listening quietly (d) listening completely

You remember I told you about that car that cost me an arm and a leg? (a) a fair amount of money (c) a good amount of money

Q4

(b) a small amount of money (d) a huge amount of money

The one you bought from the man you called the big cheese? (a) the man with big ears (c) the man with the yellow teeth

Q5

Well, he's not that at all. He's a bird brain. (a) a fool

Q6

(b) a criminal

(c) a conman

(d) a devil

(b) a dirty person

(c) a stupid person

(d) a dishonest person

You mean he's a bad egg? (a) a disgusting person

Q7

(b) the man with the important job (d) the man with the big smile

Yes, exactly because the car is rubbish and I went round to his garage like a bull in a china shop in the show room. (a) shouting at him (c) running up to him

Q8

And when I reached his office I saw he was not really awake because he'd been having a cat nap. (a) a deep sleep

Q9

(b) knocking everything over (d) hitting everybody

(b) a long sleep

(c) a short sleep

(d) a big sleep

And really the only reason you were there was because you had a bone to pick with him? (a) you wanted to have a discussion with him (c) you wanted to have a talk with him

(b) you wanted to have a chat with him (d) you wanted to have an argument with him

Q10 Yes, that's right. I got my money back and as a result I opened up a whole new can of worms because other people got their money back, too. (a) made a complete mess of his office (c) discovered some creatures on the carpet

15

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(b) exposed a lot of serious problems (d) revealed a lot of new paper work


elementary-11

11.


Answers Index

Expressing Emotions Q1

I can't stand it when you talk to me like that! Stop doing that! (a) want to fall (c) want to be disobedient

Q2

I can't wait to hear about your English class. (a) am eager to

Q3

(b) feel like sitting down (d) despise

(b) am late to

(b) a lot

(c) too much

(d) less than before

(b) to make me angry

(c) to despise me

(d) to disappoint me

(b) truly

(c) madly

(d) abundantly

(c) are inconsiderate

(d) are selfish towards

The truth is that you don't care about me or my feelings. (a) are careful of

Q9

(d) disappointed

I love you from the bottom of my heart. (a) deeply

Q8

(c) in love with you

I wish I could trust you again, but all that you ever did to me was to let me down. (a) to make me cry

Q7

(b) impatient

I love you bunches! (a) a little

Q6

(b) to offer support in time of need for (d) to travel with

You've got me head over heels! (a) angry at you

Q5

(d) am happy to

I am glad I was able to be there for my friend when her mom died. (a) to cry with (c) to visit

Q4

(c) am indifferent

(b) are perceptive

I would like to apologize for what I said to you the other day. I was very insensitive to you. Will you forgive me? (a) compassionate

(b) sympathetic

(c) pathetic

(d) harsh

Q10 It's taking a long time for Jenna to get over the death of her mom. (a) fall back from

16

(b) recover from

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(c) regret

(d) laugh of


elementary-12

12.


Answers Index

Just keep it Q1

Charlie's having a lot of problems with his business but at least he's keeping his head above water. (a) not drowning

Q2

(b) keeping dry

(d) trying to swim

That's the thing about Charlie even when things are really bad he doesn't panic and keeps his cool. (a) stays calm (c) uses a fan

Q3

(c) managing to survive

(b) turns on the air conditioning (d) puts ice on his head

In a situation like his of course the one thing you must do is keep the wolf from the door and try to find money to pay all the bills. (a) get rid of wild animals (c) make sure the door is locked

Q4

(b) get enough money to live on (d) not let wild animals in

At least Charlie can manage that but he doesn't go telling everyone about his problem and keeps himself to himself. (a) talks to himself a lot (c) stays in a lot

Q5

(b) doesn't go out much (d) doesn't talk about himself to others

Some of his friends are a bit worried about him because he doesn't seem so friendly to them as he used to be and keeps his distance. (a) doesn't let people get too close (c) decides how far to go

Q6

(b) doesn't travel far (d) doesn't like travelling

The main thing that you have to admire him for is that he doesn't get into trouble and keeps his nose clean. (a) blows his nose a lot (c) sneezes often

Q7

(b) behaves legally (d) breathes easily

It's surprising how few people knew that Charlie was having money problems but I suppose it was because he had kept it to himself. (a) looked after it

Q8

(b) locked it up

(c) held it tightly

(d) kept it secret

His problem really was that he had tried very hard to be as successful as the rest of the people in his street by trying to keep up with the Joneses. (a) to remain on the same social level as his neighbours (c) to travel at the same speed as his neighbours

Q9

(b) to run as fast as his neighbours (d) to reach the same place as his neighbours

When he confided in me, I promised Charlie that I wouldn't tell anybody about it and until now I have kept my word. (a) said what I did

(b) said what I could

(c) did what I said

(d) did what I could

Q10 My only advice to Charlie was to keep his chin up and stop worrying. (a) try to hold his head straight (c) try not to look on the ground

17

(b) try to be optimistic (d) try to remain upright

PHOTOCOPIABLE


intermediate-1

13.

English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 1

Answers Index

Up to his ears Q1

He's up to his ears in work and cannot possibly see you now. (a) fully occupied with

Q2

(c) take my fingers

(d) pick me up

(b) facing them

(c) looking at them

(d) seeing them

(b) utterly

(c) directly

(d) simply

As she is new to the job I would ask you to keep an eye on her for the time being. (a) look at

Q6

(b) help me

The manager dismissed the new proposal out of hand and said that it was not at all practical. (a) quickly

Q5

(d) concerned with

I prefer to talk to people face to face rather than to talk on the phone. (a) in person

Q4

(c) not involved with

If you give me a hand, then I shall be able to finish more quickly. (a) take my hand

Q3

(b) very interested in

(b) consider

(c) check

(d) observe

The opposition in parliament accused the government of playing games and refusing to accept the seriousness of the situation. (a) being light hearted

Q7

(d) being faint hearted

(b) talking straight

(c) talking nonsense

(d) talking tough

The police advised them to go down to the cellar in order to be out of harm's way. (a) away from the noise

Q9

(c) being down hearted

He accused her of talking through her hat and refused to accept a word of what she said. (a) talking sense

Q8

(b) being heavy hearted

(b) inside the area

(c) into safety

(d) away from danger

I'd give my right arm if I could get tickets for that concert. (a) do absolutely anything (c) do something stupid

(b) do something dangerous (d) do what you want

Q10 You can always rely on Fred to put his foot in it and come out with a remark like that. (a) tread on somebody (c) say something embarrassing

18

(b) fall over (d) put on the wrong shoe

PHOTOCOPIABLE


intermediate-2

14.


Answers Index

Send the right message Q1

This sort of behaviour sends the wrong message to young people. (a) delivers the incorrect letter (c) does not talk properly

Q2

The government are unveiling plans today for a new tax system. (a) are covering up

Q3

(b) fails to communicate (d) does not set a good example

(b) are revealing

(b) I believe your words (d) I think you are right

You must admire the way she sticks to her guns. (a) she holds on to her pistol (c) she doesn't let her weapons go

Q5

(b) she maintains her opinion (d) she refuses to shoot

I'm sorry I can't follow that, run that past me again. (a) explain that once more (c) try and catch me up

Q6

(b) hurry up (d) come across

Keep your spirits up, it may not be as bad as you think. (a) Don't get depressed (c) Don't let the levels drop

Q7

(b) Carry on drinking (d) Maintain the heights

I'm afraid he shot himself in the foot when he took that action. (a) he hurt himself (c) he made a bad mistake for himself

Q8

(b) he injured himself (d) he damaged his body

Some people love scoring points when they are in an argument. (a) winning the game (c) taking the initiative

Q9

(d) are exposing

I hear what you are saying but I don't agree with you. (a) I understand what you mean (c) I am able to catch your words

Q4

(c) are opening

(b) taking advantage (d) taking the trouble

There is absolutely no mileage in pursuing that sort of discussion. (a) no future

(b) no interest

(c) no distance

(d) no time

Q10 He prefers to buy some more time by not deciding yet. (a) to pay a little longer (c) to pay a little later

19

(b) to get a better price (d) to delay a little longer

PHOTOCOPIABLE


intermediate-3

15.


Answers Index

A piece of cake Q1

You shouldn't worry about the exam because you have prepared well and you'll probably find it a piece of cake. (a) easy to digest

Q2

(b) easy to read

(b) lead a life of pleasure (d) eat too much

When he heard that the necklace had been stolen, he dropped it like a hot potato. (a) he let it fall from his hands (c) he gave it to somebody else

Q4

(b) he suddenly lost interest in it (d) he hid it in the fridge

He sits and watches TV all day and has turned into a veritable couch potato. (a) a good sleeper

Q5

(b) an enthusiast

As he had been away from home for some years, they decided on his return to cook the fatted calf. (b) go out for a meal (d) eat as much as they liked

There's something very fishy about that story he told us because I can't quite get to the bottom of it. (a) to do with the sea

Q8

(b) connected with fish

(c) suspicious

(d) strong smelling

Their mother always describes her twin sons as like two peas in a pod. (a) both round in shape (c) both saying the same thing

Q9

(d) a deep thinker

(b) in deep trouble (d) in rough water

(a) have a big celebration (c) employ a top chef Q7

(c) a very lazy person

Thanks to you we're really in the soup now and I don't honestly know why I ever listen to you. (a) in an interesting situation (c) in an unusual situation

Q6

(d) very easy

The trouble with you is that you are a bit selfish and your sole philosophy is to have your cake and eat it. (a) expect too much of life (c) spend your life eating

Q3

(c) easy to start

(b) both full of fun (d) both looking exactly alike

After what he said and after what has happened he certainly seems to have got egg on his face. (a) have made a fool of himself (c) have said the wrong thing

(b) have lost a lot of money (d) have made the wrong decision

Q10 He always took advice from his parents about being careful and never put all his eggs in one basket. (a) carried too much in one hand (c) decided to do anything dangerous

20

(b) relied too much on one plan (d) planned anything exciting

PHOTOCOPIABLE


intermediate-4

16.


Answers Index

Picking you up Q1

Nobody knows what's going on? (a) meaning

Q2

(b) look on you

(c) can't tolerate

(d) can't allow

(b) pulling you along

(c) trying to trick you

(d) trying to push you

(b) reading

(c) studying

(d) looking

(b) saying too much

(c) calling too much

(d) expecting too much

(c) searching

(d) discovering

(c) In the end

(d) Very soon

If you want my opinion, I think this needs looking into. (a) examining

Q9

(b) can't drink

I think you're asking too much of them as they are just children. (a) trying too much

Q8

(b) make you stand better (d) make you stay on better

He's always got his nose in a book. (a) hiding

Q7

(d) look after you

I have a feeling that she's taking you for a ride. (a) taking you in a car

Q6

(c) look for you

I simply can't stand sugar in my tea or coffee. (a) can't eat

Q5

(d) taking

What you need is something that will pick you up. (a) make you feel better (c) make you hold on better

Q4

(c) happening

Don't worry we'll see you're all right. (a) look at you

Q3

(b) continuing

(b) finding

One fine day I expect everything will be clear to you. (a) On a summer's day

(b) When the sun shines

Q10 I think the time has come when you should put your toe in the water at least. (a) go for a swim

21

(b) give it a try

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(c) feel the cold

(d) give it a chance


intermediate-5

17.


Answers Index

As happy as the day is long Q1

I'm sure that he could make a better job of being prime minister any day of the week. (a) whatever the details (c) whatever the circumstances

Q2

(b) whatever the time (d) whatever the week

Don't worry we pride ourselves on being helpful to all our customers and getting that booked for you is all in a day's work for us. (a) perfectly easy

Q3

(b) every other day

(b) stop thinking

(d) stop going

(b) assured us the answer (d) assured us agreement

We left the children playing in the park and they were as happy as the day is long. (b) quite happy

(c) very happy

(d) always happy

They got engaged about two years ago and at long last they have named the day. (a) said when they are getting married (c) said why they are getting married

Q9

(c) stop working

That last comment of yours won the day because nobody could possibly argue with you after that.

(a) reasonably happy Q8

(d) every two days

(b) stopped being popular (d) stopped being good

(a) assured us victory (c) assured us progress Q7

(c) every second day

You know what they said about radio that it had had its day but it's still going strong. (a) stopped being clever (c) stopped being heard

Q6

(d) perfectly normal

I think the time has now come when we'll simply have to call it a day. (a) stop trying

Q5

(c) perfectly done

Yes, we went away on holiday last week but it rained day in, day out. (a) every single day

Q4

(b) perfectly simple

(b) said where they are getting married (d) said if they are getting married.

I've been doing these exercises for two hours now and I think at long last I'm starting to see daylight. (a) see the answer to the problem (c) see the end of the task

(b) see the reason for the work (d) see the problems in the answers

Q10 I knew once the car didn't start, saw it had a flat tyre and also that it had started to rain, that this was going to be one of those days. (a) a day when nothing goes right (c) a day when little goes right

22

(b) a day when something goes wrong (d) a day when little goes wrong

PHOTOCOPIABLE


intermediate-6

18.


Answers Index

Privacy Q1

If I were you, I'd tell her to go jump in the river. (a) learn to swim

Q2

(b) get wet

(c) go away

I can't understand why he doesn't take the hint. (a) understand the point (c) understand the words

Q3

(b) discovering

(b) tried too long

(d) putting into

(c) waited too long

(d) stayed too long

She looked straight through him as soon as he entered the room. (b) looked carefully at him (d) didn't speak to him

Since the news broke about the disaster, he's been keeping a very low profile. (a) trying to look small (c) trying to be careful

Q9

(c) interfering in

(b) he prefers small crowds (d) he prefers walking slowly

(a) turned round (c) took no notice of him Q8

(d) be special

We asked him if he wanted to join us on the outing but he refused — I think he's a bit of a lone wolf. (a) he prefers to be alone (c) he prefers certain people

Q7

(c) be lonely

I get the impression that they think we've outstayed our welcome here. (a) remained longer

Q6

(b) be private

I wish they would stop poking their noses into our affairs. (a) sniffing around

Q5

(b) understand the speech (d) understand the talk

I should be grateful if you would let me keep myself to myself. (a) be quiet

Q4

(d) go fishing

(b) trying to look casual (d) trying not to be seen

After the political scandal in the government no-one in the cabinet is prepared to put their head above the parapet. (a) show their head

(b) raise their head

(c) speak in public

(d) speak in the air

Q10 If you really want to come out of this without too much damage, my advice is to play dumb. (a) speak stupidly

23

(b) say nothing

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(c) say silly things

(d) play the fool


intermediate-7

19.


Answers Index

Hold on Q1

The audience held their breath as the magician started to saw a woman half. (a) watched anxiously

Q2

(b) speak up

(b) be all right

(b) look over

(b) persuades

(b) consider

(d) be quiet

(c) be necessary

(d) be careful

(c) trust over

(d) belief over

(c) knows

(d) blames

(c) stay

(d) think

It was a very difficult race but the jockey held his own right until the end. (a) overtook the others (c) did better than the others

Q9

(c) start speaking

I think your best plan is to hold off making a decision until you know if you have passed the examination. (a) delay

Q8

(d) attend

He holds it against her that she never let him move house and start a new job. (a) trusts

Q7

(c) wait

I don't know what it is exactly but she seems to have some kind of hold over him. (a) control over

Q6

(b) listen

There's no need to change any of the regulations this year as the old ones will still hold good this year, too. (a) be finished

Q5

(d) couldn't watch

In the end she lost her temper and told her daughter to hold her tongue. (a) stand still

Q4

(c) couldn't breathe

The police officer called out to the driver to hold on until he arrived. (a) continue

Q3

(b) stopped breathing

(b) did as well as the others (d) tried to beat the others

Once he starts to talk about his favourite subject, he will hold forth until he is stopped. (a) speak loudly

(b) speak quickly

(c) speak endlessly

(d) speak slowly

Q10 The trouble is that whenever he's with strangers he always holds in his feelings. (a) shows

24

(b) restricts

(c) tells

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(d) allows


intermediate-8

20.


Answers Index

Money to burn Q1

Money is the root of all evil, so what's the point of earning a lot? (a) bad for your health (c) the reason for health

Q2

(b) the cause of greed (d) the cause of wickedness

In my opinion money talks and the little people are totally ignored. (a) rich people speak a lot (c) rich people have too much money

Q3

(b) rich people have influence (d) rich people are not silent

She's a really happy woman now because for once she's in the money. (a) spending a lot of money (c) got money to spend

Q4

For my money I would sooner go on a cruise than sit all day on the beach. (a) In my circumstances

Q5

(b) In my opinion

(c) In my situation

(d) In my time

He has very little to do but he gets well paid and agrees it's money for jam. (a) difficult money

Q6

(b) spending money quickly (d) got a little money

(b) hard money

(c) good money

(d) easy money

I think she should stop talking about it and put her money where her mouth is. (a) give money for talking too much (b) take money out of her mouth and be quiet (c) give money for something she says she believes in (d) give money for talking a lot about nothing

Q7

If you want to find some help with your project ask him because he's got money to burn. (a) he spends money slowly (c) he spends money wisely

Q8

(b) he spends money foolishly (d) he hardly spends money

As soon as he had won the lottery, he went crazy and started spending money like water. (a) spending money freely (c) spending money on swimming

Q9

(b) spending money at sea (d) spending money consistently

When you consider all the advantages you've gained I think you'll admit you had a good run for your money. (a) a lot of trouble with your money (c) a lot of time with your money

(b) to chase after your money (d) a lot of benefit from your money

Q10 She's made it clear that we don't need to worry because money is no object. (a) money is not important (c) money is not clear

25

(b) money is not definite (d) money is not available

PHOTOCOPIABLE


intermediate-9

21.


Answers Index

Go ahead Q1

I'm sorry that looks awful — those two colours don't go together. (a) smash

Q2

(b) sensed

(c) acted

(b) enter

(c) introduce

My advice to you is to make your mind up before it's too late and simply go for it.

(c) become rich

(d) become stale

(b) invited

(c) apposed

(d) opposed

Don't wait for me because I can't come yet so you go ahead and I'll join you later. (a) go before me

Q9

(b) become rotten

There were so many members of the political party who had gone against the leader that he resigned. (a) insisted

Q8

(b) take the opportunity fairly (d) take the opportunity slowly

I'm afraid you've left that food too long out of the fridge and now it's gone off. (a) become flat

Q7

(d) interrupt

(b) I think a lot of him (d) I don't think much of him

(a) take the opportunity soon (c) take the opportunity now Q6

(d) experienced

He's gone right down in my estimation now that I've heard what he has done to his family. (a) I think often of him (c) I don't think at all of him

Q5

(d) hash

We won't go into that now but I don't think we can avoid the subject much longer. (a) discuss

Q4

(c) clash

After what you've gone through, I'm sure you need a holiday. (a) felt

Q3

(b) crash

(b) go in front of me

(c) go forwards me

(d) go by me

If petrol prices go up any more, I shall have to use a bicycle. (a) ascend

(b) raise

(c) increase

(d) develop

Q10 I'm sorry I interrupted you, please go on from where I so rudely stopped you. (a) continue

26

(b) stop

(c) speak

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(d) finish


intermediate-10

22.


Answers Index

Under my Skin Q1

It was late at night, the wind was howling and when she heard the knock on the door, she almost jumped out of her skin. (a) was pleased

Q2

(b) was terrified

(c) was asleep

(d) was delighted

As they only had a few minutes to get to the station, they ran all the way and finally caught the train by the skin of their teeth. (a) just in time

Q3

(b) presses me

(b) she's not interested in criticism (d) she's not governed by criticism

He looked at her and in the words of Frank Sinatra said: 'I've got you under my skin'. (b) I'm very proud of you (d) I'm very surprised by you

It was simply a case of running away or being killed and we decided to run to save our skins. (a) to stay away

Q8

(b) to stay dry

(c) to stay clear

(d) to stay alive

Be very careful what you say to Georgina about her new hairstyle; remember she has a very thin skin. (a) she is very sensible (c) she is very feeling

Q9

(d) annoys me

It doesn't matter what you say to her I promise you, she's got a very thick skin.

(a) I'm very pleased with you (c) I'm very attracted to you Q7

(c) treats me

(b) it's not important to me (d) it's not bad for me

(a) she's not affected by criticism (c) she's not devoted to criticism Q6

(d) just by time

I wouldn't do that but you do whatever you like, as it's no skin off my nose. (a) it's no good to me (c) it's not clear to me

Q5

(c) just on time

There's something about him I just can't stand and he really gets under my skin. (a) pushes me

Q4

(b) just for time

(b) she is very sensitive (d) she is very sensing

I think the horse had been neglected for months and not been given enough to eat because it was just skin and bones. (a) very thin

(b) very old

(c) very tired

(d) very hungry

Q10 They say there's a very rare book in that pile of old books for sale so keep your eyes skinned. (a) look slowly

27

(b) look easily

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(c) look quickly

(d) look carefully


intermediate-11

23.


Answers Index

Home Sweet Home Q1

You must have lost your marbles if you're seriously considering buying that house. (a) be serious

Q2

(b) be crazy

(b) you're joking a little (d) you're describing a little

All right then if you like I'll put my cards on the table. (a) I'll tell you a story (c) I'll tell you something

Q4

(b) I'll tell you what to do (d) I'll tell you my honest opinion

I'd appreciate that. Go on, I'm all ears. (a) I can hear what you're saying (c) I am listening to you

Q5

(b) I am listening very carefully (d) I can't hear a word

Well in the first place all the windows are broken, which is a real pain in the neck. (a) a bad ache

Q6

(b) a serious ache

(b) worth talking about (d) worth speaking about

(b) a sum of money

(c) some money

(d) a lot of money

You have a point but then I can deal with that in the fullness of time. (a) in a little while

Q9

(d) a bad shock

Then of course there is that huge crack in one of the outer walls, that'll cost you an arm and a leg to repair. (a) a little money

Q8

(c) a serious problem

Yes, I agree but at the same time it's not the end of the world. (a) worth worrying about (c) worth looking at

Q7

(d) be happy

If you don't mind me saying so I think you're a bit over the top, aren't you? (a) you're exaggerating a bit (c) you're laughing a bit

Q3

(c) be adventurous

(b) eventually

(c) quite soon

(d) sometimes

Finally there's one thing you can't just sweep under the carpet and that is the missing roof! (a) forget

(b) remember

(c) ignore

(d) interpret

Q10 I can see there are no flies on you but you must admit it is very cheap. (a) you're not clear

28

(b) you're not easy

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(c) you're not clever

(d) you're not stupid


intermediate-12

24.


Answers Index

No good Q1

They're not getting away with it! They must pay for what they have done. (a) They won't come back (c) They won't do it again

Q2

I'm not putting up with that! She must do as I say. (a) I disagree

Q3

(b) in some way

(b) Improbable

(b) refused

(d) in no way

(c) Impossible

(d) Untrue

(d) reclined

I honestly don't know how you do it because personally I couldn't cope. (b) would be unable to stay (d) would be unable to handle

This happens every time I start the engine up. I tell you I can't be doing with it. (a) I find it difficult (c) I find it stupid

Q8

(c) in that way

(c) repeated

(a) would be unable to manage (c) would be unable to hold Q7

(d) I resist

We invited her to come to our party in the hope of putting things right but she wouldn't wear it. (a) rejected

Q6

(c) I object

They asked me whether I would accept a discount instead of a new machine. No chance, I said. (a) Unlikely

Q5

(b) I confirm

I made it absolutely clear that he could on no account expect a pay rise this year. (a) in this way

Q4

(b) They won't succeed (d) They won't go again

(b) I find it irritating (d) I find it hard

This is now the third time I've had to phone up and complain and I've reached the stage where I can see no end to it. (a) I don't know where I'm going (c) I don't know why it's happening

Q9

(b) I don't know what I'm doing (d) I don't know when it will finish

It's no good shouting at me like that — I'm doing the best I can. (a) It's a waste of time (c) It's a waste of money

(b) It's a waste of space (d) It's a waste of doing

Q10 You'll get yourself in no end of trouble if you persist in refusing to pay those taxes. (a) a certain amount

29

(b) a big amount

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(c) a huge amount

(d) a special amount


intermediate-13

25.


Answers Index

On the Water Q1

As usual he left it to the last moment and as a consequence he missed the boat. (a) didn't take advantage of the situation (c) didn't take advantage of the fare

Q2

I'm sorry to tell you that you've burnt your boats now and so you won't be able to go back. (a) your current situation cannot be reversed (c) your current situation cannot be retaken

Q3

(c) spoil everything

(d) spoil nothing

(b) be well disposed

(c) be well received

(d) be well placed

Although they were a couple well into their 80's everything in their house was always shipshape. (a) very old

Q7

(b) spoil anything

We were all a bit worried about the new manager because we heard that she liked to run a tight ship. (a) be well organized

Q6

(b) in a similar find (d) in a similar situation

No matter how smoothly things are running, you can always rely on Charlie to rock the boat. (a) spoil something

Q5

(b) your current situation cannot be repeated (d) your current situation cannot be restyled

I told her I understood exactly what she was feeling as we were both after all in the same boat. (a) in a similar case (c) in a similar take

Q4

(b) didn't take advantage of the opportunity (d) didn't take advantage of the date

(b) very neat

(c) very fresh

(d) very clean

Everybody imagined that there was a big romance between the two of them but it turned out they were merely ships that pass in the night. (a) strangers meeting quietly (c) strangers meeting once

Q8

(b) strangers meeting softly (d) strangers meeting nightly

Sadly it never happened but she was absolutely sure her ship would come in one day and she could buy that house in the country. (a) she would be famous

Q9

(b) she would be free

(c) she would be happy

(d) she would be rich

In view of his change in fortune he decided to push the boat out and hold a big party. (a) spend a lot of money (c) spend a lot of effort

(b) spend a lot of time (d) spend a lot of energy

Q10 Once you've read the instruction book, you'll probably find it's plain sailing. (a) accurate

30

(b) active

(c) straightforward

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(d) intelligent


intermediate-14

26.


Answers Index

British Idioms Q1

I had quite a shock last night. I ran into an old flame of mine. (a) a bright light (c) a former girlfriend

Q2

(b) a brilliant person (d) sparkling personality

I suppose she was the apple of your eye at the time. (a) your favourite fruit (c) your favourite person

Q3

Yes, I suppose she was but she'd changed so. She was all skin and bone. (a) very thin

Q4

(b) very mean

(b) very calm

(b) a clever reason for getting involved (d) a simple reason for getting involved

No, not really except she did get angry sometimes but her bark was worse than her bite. (b) not as dangerous as she seemed (d) not as clear as she appeared

Was she going anywhere or was she at a loose end? (a) doing nothing particular (c) doing lots of lazy things

Q9

(d) very stupid

(b) no interested feelings (d) no funny feelings

(a) not as stupid as she sounded (c) not as tall as she looked Q8

(c) very rude

You mean there was no bad blood between the two of you? (a) no hostile feelings (c) no strange feelings

Q7

(d) very poor

Well I didn't have an axe to grind as far as she's concerned. (a) a straight reason for getting involved (c) a personal reason for getting involved

Q6

(c) very fat

And I suppose you didn't panic and were as cool as a cucumber? (a) very bored

Q5

(b) your favourite meal (d) your favourite book

(b) doing something special (d) doing many casual things

Not really. Funny thing is I asked her out and she didn't bat an eyelid. What I want to know is whether I did the right thing. (a) didn't answer me (c) didn't help me

(b) didn't look at me (d) didn't show any reaction

Q10 I can't help you there my friend. The ball is in your court. (a) You must look out

31

(b) You must decide

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(c) You must try harder

(d) You must accept


intermediate-15

27.


Answers Index

Expressions with cold Q1

The way he murdered his victims in a slow, painful way was really cold-blooded. (a) without feeling

Q2

(b) turns cold

(b) deals about

(b) little peace

(b) an impassive person

(b) unusual calls

(d) panics

(c) feelings about

(d) thoughts about

(c) little consolation

(d) little trust

(c) a feeling person

(d) a lazy person

(c) unfair calls

(d) unwanted calls

You never really know where you are with her as she just blows hot and cold. (a) keeps talking (c) keeps changing her mood

Q9

(c) gets lost

Every day we get cold calls on the phone from total strangers trying to sell you something. (a) unfriendly calls

Q8

(d) defeat

It's difficult to describe him because he doesn't really say or do much he's what you might call a cold fish. (a) a suspicious person

Q7

(c) ignore

All right he got some money for his troubles but not very much and really it was cold comfort to him. (a) little fuss

Q6

(b) dampen

I'm afraid I'm getting cold feet about this scheme as I'm not sure it's such a good idea. (a) worried about

Q5

(d) without warmth

Unfortunately he breaks into a cold sweat when he sees her, can't think straight and doesn't know what to do. (a) shivers

Q4

(c) without heat

Whenever they met, she would always manage to cold shoulder him and turn the other way. (a) freeze

Q3

(b) without sense

(b) keeps taking things (d) keeps testing

They refused to let her into their circle of friends and left her out in the cold. (a) all alone

(b) without heat

(c) all ready

(d) all cold

Q10 You know he won't approve as he always pours cold water on any new ideas. (a) dislikes

32

(b) detracts

(c) deceives

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(d) disapproves of


intermediate-16

28.


Answers Index

Way Idioms Q1

By the way are you thinking of going on holiday? (a) Incidentally

Q2

(b) I'm trying you

(b) have gone up gradually (d) have gone up hugely

(b) on our route

(c) on our excursion

(d) on our crossing

(b) in the middle

(c) in order

(d) in control

We don't usually allow refunds but once in a way we agree. (a) often

Q7

(d) I'm finding you

At the moment plans are under way and the work should be finished next year. (a) in progress

Q6

(c) I'm hindering you

As your house is on our way, we'll give you a lift home if you like. (a) on our trip

Q5

(d) Nevertheless

Every investor is really pleased because profits are way up this year. (a) have gone up some (c) have gone up moderately

Q4

(c) Naturally

If I'm in your way, I'll leave the room. (a) I'm confusing you

Q3

(b) However

(b) directly

(c) frequently

(d) occasionally

The army commander was very concerned about his troops and would never allow them to be in harm's way. (a) in fights

Q8

(b) in battle

(c) in combat

You'll just have to make a decision. You can't have it both ways. (a) benefit by cancelling two vertical views (c) benefit by agreeing to two similar views

Q9

(d) in danger

(b) benefit by agreeing to two opposite views (d) benefit by agreeing to two average views

In view of the considerable opposition the members agreed to give way. (a) yield

(b) sustain

(c) suspect

(d) volunteer

Q10 She left school and immediately started to make her own way without help from her family. (a) find her living

33

(b) try her living

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(c) earn her living

(d) hold her living


intermediate-17

29.


Answers Index

Idioms with come Q1

Come again? Sorry, I didn't hear what you said. (a) Return it to me (c) Can you repeat that

Q2

Your mom is going to come down hard on you if you don't clean your room now. (a) reprimand

Q3

(c) was concealed

(d) was revealed

(b) discover

(c) vindicate

(d) reveal

(b) become a fairy tale

(c) surfaced

(d) been revealed

(b) dominated

(c) got sick with

(d) got healed from

In the end, it all comes down to the fact that you don't really care about me. (a) intercedes to

Q8

(b) was sheathed

A lot of people from the office I work at came down with the flu this past week. (a) spread

Q7

(d) assist

My dream of having my own house has finally come true. (a) happened

Q6

(c) exonerate

Robert Koch was the first person to come up with a medicine to help in the treatment of Tuberculosis. (a) eradicate

Q5

(b) reward

New evidence came to light at the end of the trial. (a) was hidden

Q4

(b) Speak louder, please (d) Can you come back

(b) interferes to

(c) conspires to

(d) is because of

When my boss asked me to come to his office this morning, little did I know I was coming in for some harsh comments. (a) going to go through

Q9

(b) going to make

(c) going to profess

(d) going to interpret

I was turning into the left lane when a car came out of nowhere and hit me. (a) stopped right in front of me (c) spun over

(b) suddenly appeared (d) fell off a truck

Q10 I need to come to terms with myself. (a) have a dialogue (c) stop disappointing

34

(b) discuss (d) objectively and entirely confront and understand

PHOTOCOPIABLE


intermediate-18

30.


Answers Index

Common English Idioms Q1

Tom told Andrea that giant turtles had escaped from the city zoo and were eating only left-handed people. It wasn't until she saw the smirk on his face that Andrea noticed he was just pulling her leg. (a) trying to hurt her (c) making fun of her

Q2

Why should she stick her neck out for them? They never helped her with anything. (a) ask for money

Q3

(b) fooling her (d) trying to make her fall

(b) stand up

(b) forgot (d) pretended he didn't know

It seems like something has been eating at John lately. He's just not the same person any more. (a) changing (c) confusing

Q5

(b) challenging (d) bothering and upsetting

I have a feeling in my gut that one of the employees is giving information about his boss to another company. (a) strong fear (c) slight hint

Q6

(b) really strong instinct (d) a lot of proof

Andrew and Ana have been dating each other for so long that I think it's about time they got hitched. (a) moved in together (c) got married

Q7

(b) went on a honeymoon (d) met each other's parents

Bob's mom jumped down his throat when she saw his report card from school. (a) was thrilled with him (c) was angry with him

Q8

(b) was annoyed with him (d) was happy for him

It turns me off when guys dont respect my boundaries. (a) makes me completely lose interest (c) makes me sorry

Q9

(d) lie

I am so mad at my boyfriend. We were supposed to have a date last night at the park but he stood me up. (a) didn't come (c) took me somewhere else

Q4

(c) take a big risk

(b) makes me angry (d) regrets me

Ever since Melanie won the Miss Universe Competition, her telephone has been ringing off the hook. (a) broken (c) ringing constantly

(b) cut off (d) ringing every now and then

Q10 I think George and Lisa would make a great couple. We should try to hook them up. (a) separate them (c) make them buy one another presents

35

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(b) make them hug one another (d) get them together


intermediate-19

31.


Answers Index

Idioms with Hand Q1

We need to do something about it! This situation is getting out of hand! (a) too big

Q2

(b) in trouble

(b) scattered

Do we have enough people on hand to help us move our stuff into the house? (b) available

(c) indisposed

(d) confident

The FBI told the local police that their case was off their hands. The investigation was now a Federal matter. (b) improvised by them (d) out of their control

Jane Williams is a very good investigative reporter, you've got to hand it to her. (a) give her credit (c) give a promotion to her

Q9

(d) took possession of

(b) remote (d) in someone's possession

(a) lost by them (c) out of their jurisdiction Q8

(c) released

The beginning of a new generation of computer software is at hand.

(a) nearby Q7

(d) to obey them

(b) at a huge rate (d) distribution

(a) imminent (c) current Q6

(c) spanked

As soon as he laid his hands on all that money, he donated part of it to charitable institutions. (a) stole

Q5

(d) out of order

This last year, my company has made money hand over fist! (a) with a lot of struggle (c) poorly

Q4

(c) out of control

Now the grandparents have the children on their hands. (a) in their care

Q3

(b) too organized

(b) give a present to her (d) forgive her

Honey, can you hand me the car key, please? It's right next to you on the table. (a) take to me

(b) make a copy of

(c) give me

(d) find me

Q10 Learning a foreign language goes hand in hand with International Business. (a) tossed from one hand to another (c) individually

36

(b) in different directions (d) together

PHOTOCOPIABLE


intermediate-20

32.


Answers Index

English Idioms and Phrases Q1

You have to raise your voice a little when talking to him. He's a little hard of hearing. (a) stubborn (c) deaf

Q2

(b) quiet when he speaks (d) distracted

I went to a real nice restaurant yesterday. The food cost was cheap and they served a lot of food. I had to ask for a doggy bag because I couldn't eat the whole thing. (a) package to store left over food so the person can take it home (c) special order where you get smaller meal sizes

Q3

Fabian was a doormat. No wonder his classmates were always giving him a hard time. (a) snob

Q4

(b) dog bowl so you can give the rest of the food to your dog (d) kid's meal

(b) geek

(c) coward

(d) chubby boy

I invited a friend to go to a street market by my house where they served some real good Japanese food. My friend's mom wanted to pay for her daughter's meal, but I insisted on paying for both our meals myself, her mom finally said: Ok, as long as we go Dutch next time. (a) I pay for your meal (c) you let me drive you there

Q5

So, is everything plain as a pikestaff? Oh, yes indeed sir! (a) clean

Q6

(b) you take me with you (d) we divide the costs

(b) clear

(c) messy

We are having a pot-luck dinner at Tim's house tomorrow. Everybody is invited! (a) dinner where everybody brings something to eat (c) dinner where only soup is served

Q7

(d) in position

(b) dinner where everybody chips in (d) dinner where people eat and play games at the same time

I need everybody's help. The wedding is tomorrow and we haven't even started with the decorations yet. We have no time to lose. (a) been procrastinating (c) extra time

Q8

(b) to remember what time it is (d) to start right now

Just keep your wig on. Everything is going to be alright, okay? (a) hold your wig so it won't fall off (c) calm down

Q9

(b) get another hair cut (d) throw a fit

Kyle was saved by the bell when his sister walked in and asked him to take her to ballet practice. (a) rescued from an unwanted situation (c) obligated to comply

(b) detained from his duty (d) obliged to cooperate

Q10 I would stay away from that guy if I were you, he has a screw loose. (a) is dangerous

37

(b) is annoying

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(c) is a flirt

(d) is crazy


intermediate-21

33.


Answers Index

Expressions with make Q1

Everybody thought Jane and Elliot were a happy couple, but it was all just make believe. (a) modesty

Q2

(b) pretending

(c) reality

(d) denial

I've been working hard for the last few months trying to make ends meet, but something I'm not even expecting always comes up and I have to pay for it. (a) make enough money to pay for expenses (c) meet my family's needs

Q3

Man's first walk on the moon made history. (a) was forgotten (c) was unheard of

Q4

(b) is only talked about in history books (d) was meaningful enough to influence history

You can make people's day just by telling them how important they are to you. (a) displease people (c) give people great pleasure

Q5

(b) resent people (d) antipathize people

If I had a chance to go to Paris, I would make the most of it. (a) be satisfied with (c) go there as soon as possible

Q6

(c) hid herself

(d) acted like a fool

(b) conjured up

(c) told your mom

(d) postponed

Now it makes sense to me why you moved out of that house. (a) I am intrigued

Q9

(b) had a fight

So, George... Have you made up your mind where you want to go for your internship? (a) decided

Q8

(b) take great advantage of (d) drawback from

Charity made a scene at the club when she saw her boyfriend dancing with another girl. (a) played a role

Q7

(b) survive (d) make good business

(b) I understand

(c) it frustrates me

(d) it concerns

(c) succeeded

(d) blew it

(c) flattering

(d) flirting with

Ana finally made it. She is an excellent doctor. (a) failed

(b) receded

Q10 Mom, can you tell Todd to stop making fun of me? (a) mocking

38

(b) lying to

PHOTOCOPIABLE


intermediate-22

34.


Answers Index

Double Speak in Job Titles Q1

The school custodian was the main suspect of the girl's disappearance. (a) principal

Q2

(b) a business partner

(b) bodyguards

(c) lawyers

(d) reporters

(b) a potato chip delivery truck driver (d) a waiter

(b) a plastic surgeon

(c) an artist

(d) top model

My mom used to work at a hospital as a patient care assistant. (a) a psychologist

Q7

(d) secretary

I have always wanted to be an esthetician. (a) a hairdresser

Q6

(c) clerk

George is in the food business now. He is an Executive Snack Route Consultant. (a) a restaurant cheff (c) a chief

Q5

(d) receptionist

Celebrities are usually surrounded by their personal protection specialists. (a) fans

Q4

(c) janitor

Linda got a job as an executive assistant in a Law Firm. (a) a manager

Q3

(b) teacher

(b) a social worker

(c) a nurse

(d) a general surgeon

Bob used to work as a media courier during school summer breaks when he was a kid, now he has his own newspaper. (a) a reporter from the school newspaper (c) a newspaper delivery boy

Q8

(b) a newspaper seller boy (d) a television news announcer

Some places in New York have advertised on the newspaper they needed part-time career associate scanning professionals. (a) check-out clerks

Q9

(b) door greeters

(c) store supervisors

(d) grocery baggers

The day before Carol's wedding, her bridesmaids went to see a nail technician. (a) a professional who designs fake nails (c) a person who sells nails

(b) a specialist in nail diseases (d) a manicurist

Q10 The meteorologist said on TV that it is supposed to rain all day tomorrow. (a) astronomer (c) fortune teller

39

(b) television weatherman (d) TV anchor

PHOTOCOPIABLE


advanced-1

35.

English Idioms and Expressions / Advanced level # 1

Answers Index

English Animal Idioms Q1

There are times when you must decide and take the bull by the horns. (a) make the right decision (c) make a bold decision

Q2

(b) make the wrong decision (d) make a final decision

He leads a dog's life really because his freedom is always curtailed. (a) never knows what to do (c) never goes out

Q3

(b) sometimes does something wrong (d) never does what he wants

No-one ever mentions him because he's regarded as the black sheep of the family. (a) the one with a sense of humour (c) the one who is always late

Q4

(b) the one with a bad reputation (d) the one who never washes

I shouldn't go outside without a raincoat because it's raining cats and dogs. (a) it's just started to rain (c) it's raining very heavily

Q5

(b) it's going to rain (d) it's raining a little

You shouldn't sign there I think he's about to make a monkey out of you. (a) to make a fool of you (c) to make you feel stupid

Q6

(b) to make you lose money (d) to make you lose interest

It's a lovely house and very big but nobody uses it so it's a bit of a white elephant. (a) something very beautiful and useful (c) something very cheap and useless

Q7

When the business folded, he took the lion's share of the assets. (a) the easiest part

Q8

(b) the smallest part

(c) the biggest part

(d) the only part

Without my glasses I can't see where I'm going in fact I'm as blind as a bat. (a) very short sighted

Q9

(b) something very big and useful (d) something very expensive and useless

(b) very long sighted

(c) very far sighted

(d) very clear sighted

I get very irritated sometimes because they're always up with the lark and I like to lie in. (a) up very easily

(b) up very early

(c) up very often

(d) up very noisily

Q10 I would advise you to do that as well and in that way you'll kill two birds with one stone. (a) get things done twice (c) get two things done at the same time

40

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(b) get something done two times (d) get two things done twice


advanced-2

36.


Answers Index

Hands on Q1

The opposition party dismissed the government's proposal out of hand. (a) without further consideration (c) without thinking

Q2

Since she started work on the stock exchange she has been making money hand over fist. (a) in moderation

Q3

(b) in large quantities

(b) simplified

(d) to some extent

(c) leisurely

(d) indifferent

It's no good asking anybody in that shop to help you because they won't lift a finger. (a) show you the way (c) take your order

Q5

(c) to a certain extent

They have lost all their money and now lead a sort of hand to mouth existence. (a) impoverished

Q4

(b) with some hesitation (d) with reluctance

(b) carry your goods (d) do anything at all for you

In the obituary about the millionaire all his enterprises were listed and it looked as if he had had a finger in every pie. (a) a control over many activities (c) an interference in many activities

Q6

(b) an involvement in many activities (d) a belief in many activities

I've just bought a brand new car with all the latest gadgets and quite honestly it has cost me an arm and a leg. (a) a reasonable amount of money (c) a huge amount of money

Q7

I don't want to have to twist your arm but I hope you realize that your refusal to comply could be harmful. (a) allow you to agree

Q8

(b) a fair amount of money (d) a good deal of money

(b) force you to agree

(c) beg you to agree

(d) ask you to agree

Have a look at the benefits that the society can offer you and then you may feel like dipping your toe in the water. (a) deciding to try membership straightaway (c) deciding to try membership for a year

Q9

(b) deciding to try membership quite soon (d) deciding to try membership for a trial

If you do join a political party then you are expected to toe the line on every occasion. (a) say what you like (c) follow your conscience

(b) stick to the rules (d) speak your mind

Q10 I wouldn't say I never see eye to eye with my employers but sometimes they can make extraordinary demands. (a) totally side

41

(b) totally work

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(c) totally agree

(d) totally disagree


advanced-3

37.


Answers Index

Lucky Alex Q1

Alex had lost a lot of money and as a consequence was feeling down in the dumps. (a) lonely

Q2

(b) miserable

(b) tried his luck with (d) put a lot of faith in

This horse in all honesty didn't have a snowball's chance in hell of winning. (a) a chance in a million (c) a chance of success

Q4

(d) uneasy

He had given in to a longstanding weakness of his and pinned his hopes on the favourite winning the race. (a) made a wish about (c) made a promise

Q3

(c) uncomfortable

(b) a chance worth taking (d) a chance of a lifetime

Alex said he had had a dream about the horse winning but most people regarded this story with a pinch of salt. (a) with enthusiasm

Q5

(b) with caution

(c) with care

(d) with luck

What happened was that the stupid animal took fright halfway through the course and without batting an eyelid decided to go back to the start. (a) taking a chance

Q6

(b) turning round

(c) looking

(d) worrying at all

As far as Alex was concerned this was the last straw and he vowed he would never risk money on a horse ever again. (a) the final decision

Q7

(b) the final moment

(b) didn't have a penny (d) didn't have a ticket

He decided he would swallow his pride and try and hitchhike. (a) take his medicine (c) not worry what people thought

Q9

(d) the final occasion

The trouble was that he didn't have a bean not even enough to pay for the fare home. (a) didn't have a wallet (c) didn't have any change

Q8

(c) the final disaster

(b) take no interest in other people (d) forget about himself

Fortunately it wasn't long before he got a lift with an old man who had a heart of gold and gave him some money. (a) was very generous

(b) was very wise

(c) was very old

(d) was very ill

Q10 He told him to invest it wisely, which Alex did. He bought a ticket for the lottery and his ship came home because he won the jackpot. (a) his mind changed

42

(b) his opinion changed

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(c) his luck changed

(d) his views changed


advanced-4

38.


Answers Index

How Mary fell in love Q1

Most people like to come home after work and put their feet up. (a) take their socks off (c) relax

Q2

(b) take their shoes off (d) sit down

Mary was exactly the same as everybody else but this particular night she wanted to let her hair down. (a) wash her hair (c) really enjoy herself

Q3

She put her favourite CD on and turned it up full blast. (a) to complete volume

Q4

(b) comb her hair (d) really comb her hair

(b) to exact volume

(b) there was sound of thunder (d) there was an enormous flame

Her next door neighbour soon got fed up to the back teeth with the noise. (a) grew hungry with

Q6

(b) grew angry with

In the end her neighbour decided to speak his mind. (b) have a chat (d) express a point of view

Although he had never met her, he was determined to read her the riot act. (a) tell her off

Q9

(d) grew very tired of

(b) took some notice (d) took the most interest

(a) say exactly what he thought (c) say a few words Q8

(c) grew mad about

He started hammering on the adjoining wall but Mary carried on regardless. (a) took little interest (c) took not the slightest notice

Q7

(d) to maximum volume

As soon as she had done that, all hell was let loose. (a) there was loud hum (c) there was a huge noise

Q5

(c) to fine volume

(b) tell her a story

(c) tell her straight

(d) tell her the truth

Mary opened the door and as soon as they saw each other they fell head over heels in love with each other. (a) quickly

(b) utterly

(c) easily

(d) slowly

Q10 A few months later they decided to knock down the adjoining wall and now everything in the garden is lovely. (a) the flowers are growing (c) everything is growing

43

(b) everything is perfect (d) everything is flowering

PHOTOCOPIABLE


advanced-5

39.


Answers Index

Call it a day Q1

I take my hat off to all those people who worked hard to get the contract. (a) respect

Q2

(b) encourage

(b) it was early in the morning (d) it was late in the day

I'm sure sometimes you all wanted to call it a day and go home. (a) stop work

Q4

(b) start work

(b) wouldn't give up

(b) be careful

(b) give into

(d) wouldn't fire

(c) be brave

(d) be cheerful

(c) give over

(d) give out

We can best describe someone like that as a person who is weak-kneed. (a) having no resolution (c) having no ideas

Q9

(c) wouldn't shoot

There are of course those who very easily throw in the towel. (a) give up

Q8

(b) wanted to swallow (d) wanted to digest

There are times in life when it's very important to keep your chin up. (a) be smart

Q7

(d) do it later

I'm also very proud of the way you stuck to your guns. (a) wouldn't go away

Q6

(c) continue working

The important thing is that as soon as you saw the advantages, you got your teeth stuck into it. (a) started to eat (c) got very interested in

Q5

(d) welcome

Some of you worked on until the small hours to make it a successful project. (a) it was dark outside (c) it was late in the evening

Q3

(c) congratulate

(b) having no support (d) having no legs

It only remains for me to express my admiration for all those of you who stayed at your posts. (a) waited for your letters (c) remained loyal

(b) kept your letters (d) stayed waiting

Q10 I must not forget either all those very important people, without whom none of us could operate, who work behind the scenes. (a) in the dark

44

(b) at the back

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(c) in the evenings

(d) in the background


advanced-6

40.


Answers Index

Live up to Q1

Frank was an old soldier and lived through many wars. (a) seen

Q2

(b) tasted

(c) enjoyed

He had joined the army as a young man because he wanted to live it up a bit. (a) see the world (c) have a good time

Q3

(b) find

(c) follow

(b) exist easily on

(b) digested

(b) stayed in barracks

(c) just get by on

(d) take care of

(c) consumed

(d) just managed

(c) stayed indoors

(d) stayed behind

He never really enjoyed living out. (a) staying in other accommodation (c) staying alone

Q9

(d) name

For some years he lived in because he liked to be among his comrades. (a) stayed in bed

Q8

(d) went beyond

He lived on the simple food provided by the army. (a) ate only

Q7

(c) went near

He also managed to live off his pay without any problems. (a) put up with

Q6

(b) came near to

He certainly travelled and there was plenty of excitement, which made it possible for him to live out his dream. (a) show

Q5

(b) experience the discipline (d) learn new skills

He wanted excitement and travel and the army lived up to its reputation. (a) came up to

Q4

(d) experienced

(b) staying away from home (d) waiting outside

He never did anything wrong and so he didn't have to live down any bad reputation. (a) make others remember (c) make others recall

(b) make others forget (d) make others listen

Q10 He lived out his final days in a small cottage overlooking the barracks. (a) numbered

45

(b) endured

(c) counted

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(d) ended


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41.


Answers Index

English Grammar Prepositions Q1

What are you up to? (a) trying now

Q2

(b) proud of

(c) familiar with

(d) interested in

(b) having an extra day

(c) having a long day

(d) having a short day

(c) kept told about

(d) kept written to

Are you in on the latest developments? (a) kept informed about

Q5

(d) starting now

I'm off on Monday. (a) having a holiday

Q4

(c) achieving now

What are you into? (a) capable of

Q3

(b) doing now

(b) kept attached to

You're on next. (a) It's your opportunity (c) It's your time

Q6

Are you in on Tuesdays? (a) at home

Q7

(b) in touch

(c) in the house

(d) in the area

(b) ready to take

(c) wanting a chance

(d) keen to go

I'm certainly up for it. (a) willing to try

Q8

(b) It's your moment (d) It's your turn

You should know that I'm all for it. (a) completely taken with (c) in complete agreement with

Q9

(b) wholly interested in (d) in complete satisfaction with

I'm through with that company. (a) completed with

(b) finished with

(c) tired of

(d) sick of

(b) looking for

(c) aiming for

(d) trying for

Q10 I'm after a new car. (a) searching for

46

PHOTOCOPIABLE


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42.


Answers Index

From Shakespeare originally Q1

When he heard that he had lost his job, it was cold comfort to learn that he could keep his car. (a) a lot of help

Q2

(c) easy

(b) into trouble

(b) stopped trying

(b) under a dream

(c) stopped flying

(d) stopped turning

(c) under a cloud

(d) under a delusion

(b) no real reason (d) no special reason

(b) a huge change

(c) a fine change

(d) a small change

They looked everywhere for the lost passport but it seems to have vanished into thin air. (a) disappeared slowly (c) disappeared completely

Q9

(d) into problems

There is clearly a sea change in the way people now look at crime today. (a) a little change

Q8

(c) into difficulties

It was a total mystery as apparently there was neither rhyme nor reason why he did it. (a) no logical reason (c) no particular reason

Q7

(d) casual

You're living in a fool's paradise if you think they're going to pay you for nothing. (a) under an illusion

Q6

(b) happy

I'm afraid that my poor old car has finally breathed its last. (a) stopped working

Q5

(d) little help

She had got herself in a pickle by trying to please everyone at the same time. (a) into confusion

Q4

(c) a little help

The selection of candidates was done in a hit or miss manner so that nobody knew why they were chosen. (a) friendly

Q3

(b) some help

(b) disappeared gradually (d) disappeared quickly

When it comes to a crisis, Charles is a tower of strength. (a) very tall

(b) very reliable

(c) very strong

(d) very trusting

Q10 Whenever he has been treated badly, he always demands his pound of flesh. (a) total recompense

47

(b) total satisfaction

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(c) total agreement

(d) total acceptance


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43.


Answers Index

Water Expressions Q1

Charlie's in hot water again, he forgot to lock up last night. (a) in the bath

Q2

(b) best learnt

(b) a stupid situation (d) a strange situation

He is like a fish out of water whenever he goes to a party. (b) feels dry

(b) very often

(c) very freely

(d) very carefully

(b) take quick decisions (d) take firm action

My original plan has been so watered down that I don't recognize it now. (a) reduced in importance (c) made more fluid

Q9

(d) feels silly

We think in the present circumstances the best policy is to tread water for a while. (a) take sudden steps (c) take little action

Q8

(c) feels thirsty

Don't ever lend him money, he spends it like water. (a) very slowly

Q7

(d) best remembered

You must realize the gravity of the situation because you are in deep water now.

(a) feels uncomfortable Q6

(c) best understood

(b) discourages it completely (d) drowns it completely

(a) an embarrassing situation (c) a serious situation Q5

(d) in trouble

That's always the trouble if she doesn't like it, she simply throws cold water on it. (a) washes it completely (c) cleans it completely

Q4

(c) in the shower

Forget it, that's water under the bridge now. (a) best forgotten

Q3

(b) very wet

(b) increased in size (d) made much clearer

Your ideas are usually sound but this one won't hold water, I'm afraid. (a) float

(b) be practical

(c) stay up

(d) sink

Q10 He'll be all right soon because any criticism is usually like water off a duck's back to him. (a) of no importance

48

(b) of some importance

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(c) of great importance

(d) of such importance


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44.


Answers Index

Cats, Dogs and Ducks Q1

You will be in a very difficult situation now that he's let the cat out of the bag. (a) told a story

Q2

(b) let the animal go

(d) told a lie

If I were you, I would not raise the subject again and my best advice is to let sleeping dogs lie. (a) leave the dogs alone (c) not say any more

Q3

(c) revealed the truth

(b) not touch the dogs (d) keep away from the dogs

Remember if you go into that meeting without being prepared with some answers, you will simply be a sitting duck. (a) a bird with no wings (c) a steady aim

Q4

(b) a ready target (d) a sick animal

I'm afraid he didn't take my advice and they made him look a complete fool because he was unrepared and he ended up a dead duck. (a) a person with no feelings (c) a person with no future

Q5

(b) a person with no problems (d) a person with no ideas

Mind you as I have said many times before I don't know how he's lasted so long in the job because he's always been the lame duck in the team. (a) the lazy person (c) the slow person

Q6

(b) the inefficient person (d) the wrong person

The older generation always maintains that in their day things were better and nowadays the country is going to the dogs. (a) is having a good time (c) is losing its standards

Q7

(b) is becoming lazy (d) is becoming weaker

If you're unsure about which way the cat is going to jump, I suggest you hang on for a bit longer. (a) how much it will cost (c) how you can succeed

Q8

There is no need to apologize about your remarks as I can assure you it's like water off a duck's back to me. (a) of some concern

Q9

(b) when your turn comes (d) what will happen next

(b) of a little concern

(c) of little concern

(d) of less concern

Once more he is in the doghouse but I couldn't possibly tell you why. (a) out of the way

(b) out of favour

(c) out of order

(d) out of trouble

Q10 As so many people are coming to a party at their house, they're running around preparing food like scalded cats. (a) in a nervous state (c) in a hurried state

49

(b) in a delighted state (d) in a hilarious state

PHOTOCOPIABLE


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45.


Answers Index

Losing It Q1

The one thing a public figure hates is when he loses face in front of all his admirers. (a) loses good looks

Q2

(b) became concerned

(d) loses expressions

(c) became scared

(d) became upset

The latest opinion polls show that the government is losing ground to the opposition party. (a) losing its time (c) losing its votes

Q4

(c) loses respect

At the crucial moment the climber lost her nerve and had to be brought down the mountain. (a) became excited

Q3

(b) loses photos

(b) losing its opinion (d) losing its advantage

There was a time when everybody would believe her totally but after this episode I'm afraid she's losing her touch. (a) losing her skill

Q5

(c) at a problem

(d) at a difficulty

(b) without reason

(c) without sense

(d) without impression

(b) losing her purpose

(c) losing her control

(d) losing her feelings

He suddenly started shouting and screaming and people could plainly see that he had lost his cool. (a) become angry

Q9

(b) at a disadvantage

After only a few weeks as a teacher of very badly behaved children she realized she was losing her grip. (a) losing her point

Q8

(d) losing her friends

I'm afraid that kind of humour is totally lost on him so you'll have to explain it more simply. (a) without effect

Q7

(c) losing her contact

Under the new pay agreement many employees feel that they are losing out on allowances. (a) at a deficit

Q6

(b) losing her mind

(b) become rude

(c) become stupid

(d) become loud

I've tried very hard indeed to understand your argument step by step but I must confess I've now lost the thread. (a) I now can't follow the answer (c) I now can't follow the reason

(b) I now can't follow the point (d) I now can't follow the reasoning

Q10 After the traffic accident she lost her head and drove the car into a brick wall. (a) behaved strangely

50

(b) behaved foolishly

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(c) behaved oddly

(d) behaved quietly


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46.


Answers Index

Splitting Hairs Q1

We told him to keep his hair on because he was getting angrier and angrier. (a) to stand still

Q2

(b) terrifies me

(b) behave noisily

(b) disappointed me

(c) terrified me

(d) surprised me

(b) arguing about tenses (d) arguing about grammatical points

I saw him last November and since then I have seen neither hide nor hair of him. (b) seen him once or twice (d) not seen much of him

Don't worry if she doesn't say much because she says she's having a bad hair day. (a) she's experiencing a lot of problems (c) she's doing too much

Q9

(d) behave fully

Quite frankly you're splitting hairs. Does it matter whether it's the past simple or the perfect tense?

(a) seen little of him (c) not seen him at all Q8

(c) behave easily

(b) showing no feeling at all (d) showing a lot of feeling

(a) arguing about small points (c) aruing about grammar Q7

(d) irritates me

After the boss had given her the sack, she just walked out of the office without turning a hair. (a) showing some feeling (c) showing a little feeling

Q6

(c) criticizes me

When I opened the door and saw this white figure in front of me, it really made my hair stand on end. (a) upset me

Q5

(d) to sit down

Now that he's passed his exams and got his qualifications he's decided to let his hair down. (a) behave informally

Q4

(c) to speak quietly

I can't really explain it but the moment she walks into the room and asks me a question she gets in my hair. (a) pulls my hair

Q3

(b) to remain calm

(b) she's discovering horrible things (d) she's been eating too much

I was really scared when I saw him because he was tearing his hair out about the new management decision. (a) extremely excited

(b) extremely worried

(c) extremely angry

(d) extremely depressed

Q10 They were very lucky they didn't get themselves killed because they came within a hair's breadth of falling down the mountain. (a) very near to

51

(b) very nearer to

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(c) very nearly to

(d) very next to


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47.


Answers Index

Squeaky Clean Q1

The auditors made a thorough check on all aspects of the company and decided to give it a clean bill of health. (a) confirm it was satisfactory (c) believe it was clean

Q2

(b) decide it was hygienic (d) agree it was organized

Now that all the problems have been sorted out he is able to go back to work with a clean slate. (a) making no more mess (c) making a fresh start

Q3

After a great deal of questioning he decided to come clean and tell the truth. (a) agree

Q4

(b) decide

(c) admit

(d) confess

The enquiry into allegations of fraud against the minister proved in the end that her hands were clean. (a) she was willing

Q5

(b) making things clean (d) making things up

(b) she was busy

(c) she was innocent

(d) she was careful

With the appointment of a new director it was decided to make a clean sweep and create a new board of governors. (a) remove all obstacles (c) remove all symbols

Q6

Some of the members of the board are under some suspicion but he is regarded as Mr Clean. (a) well mannered

Q7

(b) remove all chairs (d) remove all problems

(b) trustworthy

(c) punctual

(d) tidy

I was taken to the cleaners well and truly last week: I saw the same computer for sale today at half the price I paid. (a) lost some money

Q8

(c) lost too much money

(d) lost more money

We tried to catch the thief who'd snatched the handbag but he showed us a clean pair of heels. (a) lost his shoes

Q9

(b) lost a lot of money

(b) fell over his shoes

(c) ran away quickly

(d) picked up his shoes

At the end of a lengthy police investigation he emerged as squeaky clean. (a) totally clean

(b) totally free

(c) totally tired

(d) totally innocent

Q10 After several hours of cleaning the children had made the kitchen clean as a whistle before their parents came home. (a) spotless

52

(b) pure

(c) tidy

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(d) neat


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48.


Answers Index

Word of Mouth Q1

I give you my word it will never happen again. (a) say

Q2

(b) speak

(c) promise

She had to eat her words when it turned out that she had chosen the wrong horse in the race. (a) admit she was hungry (c) admit she was sorry

Q3

(c) quarrelled

(b) do what they say

(b) gossip

(d) sayings

(b) listens eagerly to everything she says (d) listens quietly to everything she says

From the word go we could tell at the interview she was the ideal candidate for the job. (b) Suddenly

(c) Straightaway

(d) Clearly

Remember as soon as you feel able to continue with walk, say the word. (a) let me know

Q9

(d) do what they want

You can see that he's deeply in love with her because he hangs on her every word.

(a) Quickly Q8

(c) say what they do

(c) hearsay

(a) listens silently to everything she says (c) listens quickly to everything she says Q7

(d) screamed

They spend very little on advertising and tend to get new work through word of mouth. (a) recommendation

Q6

(b) shouted

You can always rely on that company because they keep their word whatever happens. (a) do what they like

Q5

(b) admit she was thirsty (d) admit she was wrong

They had words last night so be prepared for miserable faces this morning. (a) fought

Q4

(d) agree

(b) let me hear

(c) let me go

(d) let me tell

I can only repeat that I want you to wait until Tuesday before you tell her, remember mum's the word. (a) don't tell mum (c) don't say anything

(b) don't speak aloud (d) don't answer anything

Q10 I couldn't agree with you more, to be honest you've taken the words out of my mouth. (a) said what I wanted to hear (c) said what I wanted to know

53

(b) said what I wanted to say (d) said what I wanted to learn

PHOTOCOPIABLE


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49.


Answers Index

Expressions and idioms with thin Q1

He worries too much about his appearance and now he says he's going thin on top. (a) going crazy

Q2

(b) going mad

(b) very tired

(b) difficult to find

(c) difficult to know

(d) difficult to pay

(b) start of something easy (d) start of something difficult

Since we put that advertisement in the local newspapers, replies have been coming in thick and fast. (a) quickly in large numbers (c) quickly in small numbers

Q7

(d) very light

Although he only asked me to lend him EUR 5, I could see this was the thin end of the wedge. (a) start of something financial (c) start of something worse

Q6

(c) very sleepy

If you know of a good plumber, let me know as they're a bit thin on the ground around here. (a) difficult to see

Q5

(b) finding it difficult without help (d) finding it difficult without money

He really must start eating properly because at the moment he's as thin as a rake. (a) very thin

Q4

(d) going deaf

She lost her job last year and since then she's been having a thin time of it. (a) finding it difficult without friends (c) finding it difficult without support

Q3

(c) going bald

(b) slowly in small numbers (d) slowly in large numbers

You'll be lucky if you get more than two words out of him because I'm afraid he's as thick as two short planks. (a) very quiet

Q8

(c) very wooden

(d) very stupid

They've settled their argument at long last and now they're as thick as thieves. (a) very clever

Q9

(b) very slow

(b) very friendly

(c) very careful

(d) very cautious

In view of the way she behaved I thought it was a bit thick when she asked him to apologize to her. (a) more than I could wish (c) more than I could stand

(b) more than I could believe (d) more than I could follow

Q10 There are certain members in the party who will stand by their leader through thick and thin. (a) whatever the times (c) whatever the day

54

(b) whatever the climate (d) whatever the difficulties

PHOTOCOPIABLE


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50.


Answers Index

Expressions with Top Q1

He's always worried about his appearance and now he's concerned because he's going thin on top. (a) losing his hair (c) losing his popularity

Q2

(b) losing his memory (d) losing his strength

When the accident happened, all he could think about was attracting attention and he started calling out at the top of his voice. (a) as quickly as possible (c) as clearly as possible

Q3

(b) as freely as possible (d) as loudly as possible

Off the top of my head I would say it's going to cost more than twice what you have budgeted for. (a) At a careful calculation (c) At a near calculation

Q4

(b) At a simple calculation (d) At a rough calculation

It's certainly not difficult to see who's top dog around here theses days. (a) the most arrogant person (c) the most important person

Q5

Since she won the lottery last week she's been feeling on top of the world. (a) very proud

Q6

(d) very wealthy

(b) irritate

(c) antagonize

(d) magnify

(b) very slowly

(c) very often

(d) very soundly

Students usually take on paid employment during the vacation to top up their grants. (a) stay with

Q9

(c) very excited

For the first time in ages I actually slept like a top last night. (a) very quickly

Q8

(b) very happy

Many politicians like to impress the votes but a few of them go over the top sometimes in their speeches. (a) exaggerate

Q7

(b) the most popular person (d) the most unusual person

(b) keep to

(c) add to

(d) get to

Her mother was very snobbish and didn't like the idea of her daughter marrying someone who was not out of the top drawer. (a) of great wealth (c) of considerable education

(b) of high social standing (d) of great intellectual ability

Q10 It had been a terrible day for him and when he learned finally that he had lost his job, he simply blew his top. (a) lost his temper

55

(b) lost his nerve

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(c) lost his courage

(d) lost his respect


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51.


Answers Index

Down to Earth Q1

Poor Charlie has been down in the dumps since he learned that he's lost his job. (a) miserable

Q2

(b) angry

(c) furious

I think we've had our fun and now it's time we got down to the idea of earning some money. (a) began slowly to consider (c) began seriously to consider

Q3

(d) uneasy

(b) began easily to consider (d) began frankly to consider

As soon as they heard the news that one of their fellow workers had been given the sack, they all downed tools. (a) went home

Q4

(b) stopped working

(b) boring

(c) clever

(d) practical

He's certainly picked himself up since we last saw him when he was clearly down-at-heel. (a) loudly dressed

Q7

(b) speaks quickly (d) speaks continuously

In contrast to her husband she's a very down-to-earth sort of person who manages to control his wild ideas. (a) cynical

Q6

(d) worked slowly

She always talks down to me as if I'm not worth consideration. (a) speaks softly (c) speaks condescendingly

Q5

(c) stopped talking

(b) shabbily dressed

(c) strangely dressed

(d) oddly dressed

I invested all my money in that failed company and now I find my whole investment has gone down the drain. (a) has been overtaken

Q8

(c) has been wasted

(d) has been confused

You can use special symbols in your emails if you want to show you're down in the mouth. (a) decided

Q9

(b) has been confirmed

(b) definite

(c) deflated

(d) depressed

Let's put it like this — you made the decision and so it's down to you as to what happens next. (a) your responsibility

(b) your concern

(c) your turn

(d) your thought

Q10 They've had enough of the bad climate and high taxes here and have gone to live down under. (a) in America

56

(b) in China

(c) in Australia

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(d) in India


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52.


Answers Index

Expressions with low Q1

If you like, I can give you a summary and the low-down when we next meet. (a) information

Q2

(b) tiny letters

(b) serious

(d) few letters

(d) unwell

On account of his unpopularity the politician decided to lie low for a few weeks. (b) keep away from the public (d) keep out of the show

In the 19th century in big houses the people who lived below stairs were the servants. (a) under the floor

Q6

(c) small letters

(c) unhappy

(a) keep out of the shops (c) keep out of the rain Q5

(d) account

She's usually very fit and healthy and that's why we were surprised to learn she was laid low. (a) tired

Q4

(c) numbers

It's the fashion now to write the first letter of your name not in capitals but in lower case. (a) tidy letters

Q3

(b) history

(b) at the bottom

(c) in the basement

(d) under the stairs

From the critical comments the journalist was making, it was clear he had a low opinion of the country's leader. (a) didn't talk much about (c) didn't hear much from

Q7

(b) didn't see much of (d) didn't think much of

We knew that he was dishonest but we didn't imagine he would sink so low as to steal from his own family. (a) behave so disgracefully (c) behave so clearly

Q8

We wanted to cheer you up as we'd heard you were feeling a bit low. (a) rather angry

Q9

(b) behave so stupidly (d) behave so fully

(b) rather depressed

(c) rather uneasy

(d) rather strange

I recommend you take out your loan now to take advantage of the low interest rate. (a) reduced

(b) quick

(c) special

(d) fixed

Q10 If you invest in the financial markets you must expect the lows as well as the highs in the income. (a) benefits

57

(b) stages

(c) decreases

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(d) changes


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53.


Answers Index

Hot expressions Q1

They just sit around, discuss nothing in particular and just produce a lot of hot air. (a) dry heat

Q2

(b) not cold

(c) smells good

(b) delicate situation

(b) sunny zone

(b) in security

(c) grand situation

(d) big situation

(c) foreign zone

(d) war zone

(c) in trouble

(d) in force

(b) selling very often (d) selling very well

In order to provide training for the staff in the department everyone had to do a turn in the hot seat. (a) experience responsibility (c) experience hard work

Q9

(d) just printed

Have you seen that long queue outside the supermarket? Whatever they're selling is going like hot cakes. (a) selling very slowly (c) selling very strangely

Q8

(d) by taxi

He'd only been in his new job three days when he found himself in hot water for something he'd done wrong. (a) in danger

Q7

(c) in a sports car

Whenever there was a hot spot that needed covering, the paper always sent their most experienced reporter. (a) warm zone

Q6

(b) on horseback

I'm not quite sure how to handle the problem at the moment as it's not easy to explain a sort of hot potato. (a) strange situation

Q5

(d) simple facts

He can never wait for the next issue of his favourite magazine and likes to get a copy that's hot off the press. (a) nice and clean

Q4

(c) empty talk

As soon as they heard the news, they didn't hesitate and drove hotfoot to the hospital. (a) very quickly

Q3

(b) funny remarks

(b) experience pleasure (d) experience boredom

I thought he was going to burst with anger because he was getting very hot under the collar. (a) very silly

(b) very happy

(c) very angry

(d) very loud

Q10 The one thing you mustn't do is be late because the boss is very hot on punctuality. (a) strict about

58

(b) funny about

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(c) worried about

(d) good about


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54.


Answers Index

Comparisons with as .... as Q1

After a good night's sleep she woke feeling as fresh as a daisy. (a) quiet and still

Q2

(d) sure and confident

(b) in easy health

(c) in quiet health

(d) in good health

When she left school, she found she could do what she liked and be as free as air. (a) totally free

Q4

(c) nice and clean

It was a serious operation but he made a complete recovery and was soon as fit as a fiddle. (a) in careful health

Q3

(b) bright and cheerful

(b) quite free

(c) almost free

(d) somewhat free

Suddenly the car leant to one side and when he got out, he saw there was no air in one tyre that was as flat as a pancake. (a) a little flat

Q5

(c) slightly flat

(d) practically flat

The baby sitter had no problem with the children because they were as good as gold the whole evening. (a) very quiet

Q6

(b) completely flat

(b) well spoken

(c) well behaved

(d) very clean

He wanted to make sure that his car looked good and so he made sure it was as clean as a whistle before he sold it. (a) spotty

Q7

(b) spotted

(c) spotting

(d) spotless

The one thing you could be sure of was that he would not behave in a normal way he was in fact as daft as a brush. (a) completely swept

Q8

(c) completely brushed

(d) completely strange

We really didn't expect to see him at all that night but then suddenly he appeared as large as life. (a) looking big

Q9

(b) completely mad

(b) looking fat

(c) in person

(d) in fact

You could always rely on her because in any situation she stayed as steady as a rock. (a) totally dependable

(b) totally still

(c) totally motionless

(d) totally stiff

Q10 As he was as strong as a horse, he was able to lift the carriage up and let the trapped man out. (a) very agile

59

(b) very strong

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(c) very short

(d) very small


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55.


Answers Index

Expressions with make Q1

Their big ambition in life was to choose the right moment to sell their shares ad then make a killing. (a) take it easy

Q2

(b) make plans

(b) not really proceeding (d) not really professing

The shock was so great it made your hair stand up on end. (a) consoled you

Q4

(b) controlled you

(b) energizing

(b) contribute

(d) entertaining

(c) convene

(d) survive

(b) come straight to the end (d) come straight to the angle

It seems a sound project with potential and so I advise you to make a pitch for it. (a) make a suggestion for it (c) make an offer for it

Q9

(c) exaggerating

I'll make no bones about it and tell you exactly what I think. (a) come straight to the point (c) come straight to the road

Q8

(b) provided them with a huge sum of money (d) provided them with a huge tin of money

We've lost a lot of money and have little income and so we're finding it difficult to make ends meet. (a) examine

Q7

(d) frightened you

Ignore his comments it's not really that bad, he's simply making a mountain out of a molehill. (a) exercising

Q6

(c) freed you

I reckon when they sold that lovely big house it must have made them a mint. (a) provided them with a huge bucket of money (c) provided them with a huge box of money

Q5

(d) make schemes

They've tried hard to increase their profits in the business but so far are making little headway. (a) not really progressing (c) not really processing

Q3

(c) make a lot of money

(b) make an idea for it (d) make a throw for it

If I were you, I would stop worrying about it and simply make hay while you can. (a) have humour

(b) have fun

(c) have comic

(d) have sense

Q10 Don't take too much notice of what he's saying, he's just making waves. (a) making a fuss

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(b) making a noise

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(c) making a sound

(d) making a story


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56.


Answers Index

Egg expressions Q1

I'm pretty certain but perhaps I wouldn't go as far as saying I'm as sure as eggs is eggs. (a) fairly sure

Q2

(b) did enable him

(b) worthless person

(b) looking serious

(c) difficult person

(d) stupid person

(c) looking dirty

(d) looking old

(b) to overload your basket (d) to carry too many things

She wasn't really successful in her first stage play. In fact you could say she laid an egg. (a) she made a good impression (c) she fell over on stage

Q7

(d) did send him

You've got to learn to diversify and not put all your eggs in one basket. (a) to have lots of ideas (c) to rely on just one scheme

Q6

(c) did encourage him

First he agreed and then he disagreed. The result was he ended up with egg on his face. (a) looking foolish

Q5

(d) absolutely sure

You've always stood by him in all his bad habits but underneath I think he's a bad egg. (a) smelly person

Q4

(c) reasonably sure

I know you didn't exactly push him into accepting the offer but you must admit you did egg him on. (a) did force him

Q3

(b) quite sure

(b) she forgot her lines (d) she gave an embarrassing performance

It was a bit like teaching his grandmother to suck eggs when the young director was showing the veteran actress how to act. (a) teaching someone who was more experienced than he (c) teaching someone who was more stupid than he

Q8

They told her to put some money aside each month so she would have a little nest egg. (a) a special account

Q9

(b) teaching someone who was younger than he (d) teaching someone who was more willing than he

(b) a savings account

(c) a full account

(d) a money account

We all advised him to make sure he got payment and didn't take eggs for money. (a) accept just a note for money (c) accept just a promise of money

(b) accept just a business card for money (d) just a handshake for money

Q10 You'll need all your tact in this situation and you'll have to tread on eggs. (a) be very quiet

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(b) be very sensitive

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(c) be very sleepy

(d) be very athletic


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Answers Index

Idioms with prepositions Q1

It's a far cry from those days long ago when you could leave your front door unlocked. (a) a long shout away

Q2

(b) a long time since

(b) let me listen to you (d) let me finish speaking

There's no saying you couldn't pass your exam if you really tried. (a) There's a possibility (c) It's not impossible

Q4

(b) sometimes

(b) almost impossible

(d) very hurtful

(b) He seriously ponders (d) He seriously believes

(b) failure

(c) lot of rain

(d) complaint

I know you're keen but I don't want you to jump the gun. Just relax. (a) fire the bullet

Q9

(c) almost damaging

We thought it would all go off very well but in the end it turned out to be a damp squib. (a) wet thing

Q8

(d) frequently

He's got it into his head that we think he's stupid but we really don't. (a) He seriously contemplates (c) He seriously wonders

Q7

(c) occasionally

It's like hitting your head against a brick wall trying to get him to see sense because he takes no notice. (a) very painful

Q6

(b) It's not possible (d) It's impossible

We haven't seen him for ages but he turns up once in a blue moon. (a) very rarely

Q5

(d) a long time before

I wish you would stop talking and hear me out. (a) let me go across (c) let me carry on listening

Q3

(c) a long way before

(b) shoot the target

(c) start too soon

(d) shoot too soon

Count to ten before you say anything and don't blow your top. (a) eat too quickly

(b) speak too quickly

(c) lose your way

(d) lose your temper

Q10 It's like talking to a brick wall because you never get an answer from her. (a) there's nobody there (c) there's a lot there

62

(b) there's something there (d) there's anything there

PHOTOCOPIABLE


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58.


Answers Index

Idioms with phrasal verbs Q1

You certainly couldn't call him modest because he's always blowing his own trumpet. (a) saying how fit he is (c) saying how clever he is

Q2

(b) saying how healthy he is (d) saying how tall he is

You can always rely on him to throw a spanner in the works and suddenly everything stops. (a) make things go wrong (c) make things go quickly

Q3

He tried and tried and tried but in the end he decided the time had come to throw in the towel. (a) stop running

Q4

(b) make an effort

(c) make a start

(d) make a try

(b) cease

(c) stop

(d) end

(b) really rough

(c) really crude

(d) really strong

To be honest he leads a dog's life because he works all the time and has no friends. (a) a lazy life

Q8

(d) stop trying

I just can't open this tin at all and I always find this type of container a pain in the neck. (a) really annoying

Q7

(c) stop laughing

We've had a lovely time and walked a long way but I think it's time to call it a day. (a) halt

Q6

(b) stop looking

My advice is to stop worrying about it and put your best foot forward. (a) make a step

Q5

(b) make things go slowly (d) make things go right

(b) a miserable life

(c) an eager life

(d) a long life

The one thing you can be sure of is that whatever the situation she'll put her foot in it and embarrass everyone. (a) commit a fast blunder (c) commit a social blunder

Q9

(b) commit an easy blunder (d) commit a sociable blunder

That sort of joke never makes people laugh and on this occasion it went down like a lead balloon. (a) very quickly

(b) very soundly

(c) very noisily

(d) very badly

Q10 Before the meeting officially starts I'd like to flag up one or two points. (a) finish

63

(b) mention

(c) tell

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(d) say


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59.


Answers Index

Mark Idioms Q1

He's not really doing anything serious at the moment because he's just marking time until he finds a proper job. (a) waiting for the right start (c) waiting for the right opportunity

Q2

(b) waiting for the easy life (d) waiting for the easy start

You mark my words you do as I say and you'll be all right. (a) attend me carefully (c) understand me carefully

Q3

The dancers were marked down in the competition because the man fell over half way through. (a) lost marks

Q4

(b) listen to me carefully (d) follow me carefully

(b) failed marks

(b) be remembered

(b) fostered

(c) treated

(d) destined

(b) of a reasonable standard (d) of a hard standard

Take no notice of what he said because his comments are beside the mark. (a) irrelevant

Q9

(d) be told

They were very fussy about their products and any item not up to the mark was discarded. (a) of a fair standard (c) of a high standard

Q8

(c) be noted

From an early age he was marked out to become leader of his party. (a) created

Q7

(b) aware in the queue (d) be along in the queue

When you look back over her lifetime you can see that she will have made her mark. (a) be seen

Q6

(d) caught marks

There wasn't much time to waste and in order to secure a place, you had to be quick off the mark. (a) ready in the queue (c) be first in the queue

Q5

(c) took marks

(b) disregarding

(c) distasteful

(d) disturbing

As they were very slow off the mark, they missed some of the good bargains. (a) not sure on time

(b) not clear on time

(c) not fine on time

(d) not ready on time

Q10 Pay attention. The race is about to begin. On your marks, get ready, start. (a) Try prepared

64

(b) Act prepared

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(c) Be prepared

(d) Go prepared


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60.


Answers Index

Retail Sales Expressions Q1

I went to BuyLots and bought a computer on hire purchase. (a) payment in cash

Q2

(b) discount payment

(c) payment plan

(d) price increase

The best time to go shopping in the USA is the day after Thanksgiving, because all stores mark down their prices. (a) reduce

Q3

(b) give away

(b) proof of purchase

(d) ship

(c) profit

(d) coupon

(b) dollar bills (d) debit card

Thanks for buying at Build-a-Monster, your product will be shipped in 1 to 2 business days. Have a nice day! (a) received

Q7

(c) buy

When I first moved to the USA and didn't have a bank account, I used money orders to pay my rent. (a) order of payment issued by a bank (c) personal check

Q6

(d) hike

It's really important to keep a receipt of the products you buy in case you need to return or exchange them. (a) record

Q5

(c) raise

Nowadays, lots of people purchase products over the Internet. (a) sell

Q4

(b) boost

(b) withdrawn

(c) purchased

(d) mailed

My son would love to have a Buzz Lightmonth toy for his birthday. Do you have any at your store? — Sorry, ma'am. They are out of stock. (a) bankrupt

Q8

(b) broken

(c) not available

(d) stacked

Excuse me, sir. I would like my money back on these shoes, please. They don't fit me. — Sorry, ma'am. We can't do that. (a) a forfeit

Q9

(b) a reimburse

(c) a fine

(d) a retain

(c) vintage

(d) release

(c) inexpensive

(d) overpriced

Melinda bought a Plasma TV with a one year warranty. (a) guarantee

(b) invalidation

Q10 Mr. Thompson only buys things that are in a sale. (a) uneconomical

65

(b) priceless

PHOTOCOPIABLE


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61.


Answers Index

American Slang Words (1) Q1

I feel really good about this class. I'm going to ace the exam tomorrow. (a) fail

Q2

(b) happy

(b) ripped all of his money

(b) go to the fuse box

(b) went to sleep

(c) lose her temper

(c) got up early

The class went bonkers as soon as the teacher left the room. (a) acted in a wild, crazy manner (c) went to work

Q9

(c) saved all of his money

The college students went out to a club last night and got bombed because the school year ended. (a) got drunk

Q8

(c) big meal

Kathy was ready to blow a fuse when she found out someone stole her patent idea. (a) blow out a candle

Q7

(b) big fuss

Richard received a large inheritance last year but he blew all of his money on silly things and now he's broke. (a) spent all of his money

Q6

(b) big appetite

Our manager made a big stink about the slight decrease in sales last month. (a) large party

Q5

(c) physically unhealthy

Johnny has a really big mouth. You can't tell him anything or the whole world will know about it. (a) talkative nature and doesn't keep secrets well (c) large smile

Q4

(c) play cards during

His mom was really bent out of shape because he got home late last night. (a) angry

Q3

(b) do well or excel in

(b) went to sleep

Christie fell down and got a boo-boo on her arm so she cried until her mother picked her up. (a) milk bottle

(b) bruise

(c) large, deep cut

Q10 If Randy doesn't get with it, he'll fail the entire school year. (a) become aware of his situation (c) anger his professors

66

(b) get together with his friends soon

PHOTOCOPIABLE


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Answers Index


Lauren moved to Los Angeles to become an actress. Now, she's working as a waitress and waiting for a lucky break. (a) a broken limb (c) a great opportunity to further her career

Q2

I don't have any money on me. Can I borrow a buck? (a) female deer

Q3

(b) male duck

(c) dollar

Rowan is really depressed about the break-up. She always looks so bummed. (a) sad and apathetic

Q4

(b) an inheritance settlement

(b) happy

(c) furious

Jeff really wanted to play at the basketball game last night but his coach benched him for bad behavior this past week. (a) forced him to clean the benches (c) forced him to be a cheerleader

Q5

I can't wait for our vacation next month. I'm going to sit on the beach to catch some rays. (a) go for a swim

Q6

(b) get some money

(c) get some sleep

(b) showy

(c) depressed

We went to the Grand Buffet this past weekend. They have really good food and I can't wait to chow down. (a) eat a lot

Q9

(c) get a suntan

He'll never go for that. It's too expensive and he's so chintzy. (a) stingy

Q8

(b) get a drink

I'm so tired. I'm going home to catch some z's. I'll call you tomorrow. (a) get a suntan

Q7

(b) forced him to sit and watch the game

(b) spend a lot

(c) drive fast

Don't let him con you. He's only using you because he wants you to give him some money. (a) swindle or manipulate

(b) teach

(c) humor

Q10 Dean has turned into such a coach potato. He sits in front of the TV all night long. (a) a lazy person

67

(b) an active person

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(c) a funny person


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63.


Answers Index


Why don't you crackthat bottle of wine so we can start celebrating your promotion. (a) smash that bottle

Q2

(b) open that bottle

Sally had poor study habits so she had to cram for her chemistry exam. (a) cheat (c) study in a relaxed fashion

Q3

(b) difficult and stressful

(b) defeat

(b) cost of damaging the property

I don't want to come to this club ever again. It's always dead. (a) too busy and there's no room to sit down (c) gloomy but exciting

Q7

(b) long trousers or pants

(c) a lot of money

That movie was really dirty. I don't think the kids should watch it. (a) sexually explicit (c) unclean with many untidy scenes

Q9

(b) boring and there aren't many patrons

Don't worry. Her husband will pay for the meal. He has deep pockets. (a) no money

Q8

(c) tie

The food was so good. Now, can you ask for the bill so we can see what the damage is? (a) cost of the meal (c) cost of dessert

Q6

(c) laborious

Notre Dame is going to cream the other team because they're strong and well-organized this year. (a) lose to

Q5

(b) study really hard in a short period of time

Tanya's job is really cushy. She gets a lot of time off and doesn't work very hard at all. (a) good with great benefits

Q4

(c) buy that bottle

(b) violent

Karen ditched her little sister so we could go to the year-end party. (a) got rid of

(b) brought along

(c) got drunk with

Q10 I don't want to hang out with Tom anymore. He's become a real drag. (a) boring and negative person (c) funny person

68

(b) exciting and positive person

PHOTOCOPIABLE


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64.


Answers Index


Christine got an earful when she got home last night. Her parents lectured her about breaking curfews for more than an hour. (a) an outpour of anger and complaints (c) a talk about ears

Q2

(b) a talk about her ear infection medicine

Normally, drug addicts need a fix in order to cope with their day once they are addicted to a particular drug. (a) dose of something they strongly crave (c) chip

Q3

People say Lana is really flaky so she can't handle important projects at work. (a) unconventional and odd

Q4

(b) responsible

(c) video game

(b) fell down

(c) bent over backwards

Some people say that my teacher is a foxy lady. (a) cunning

Q8

(b) new restaurant

Laura flipped out when she heard about the tornado that hit her hometown. (a) got really upset

Q7

(b) memory of a past incident

My husband and I want to go watch that new flick. We heard it's pretty good. (a) movie/film

Q6

(c) dishonest

When he saw the giant wheel at the fair, he instantly had a flashback reminiscent of his childhood. (a) radio (c) song

Q5

(b) thing that is easily repaired

(b) red-haired

(c) physically attractive

That vacation package to Puerto Vallarta was a freebie when I bought the cruise line vacation package that starts out in Fort Lauderdale. (a) a bonus received without cost/charge (c) a discounted pair of shoes

Q9

(b) an object we throw to each other at the park

The computer system we use at work has a glitch in it so we couldn't do any of our work today. The technician will be in tomorrow to fix it for us. (a) traffic signal

(b) minor malfunction

(c) small rip or tear

Q10 Carmen told me the joke three times but I still didn't get it. She has a very different sense of humor. (a) understood the joke (c) told the joke

69

(b) didn't understand the joke

PHOTOCOPIABLE


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65.


Answers Index


I got into art and writing when I was a child. (a) was highly interested in

Q2

(b) extravagant and showy

(b) went to a lively game

After the tragic accident, Tyler went to pieces. (b) moved to a rural area

I really goofed up at work this week. Now, I have to work overtime, without pay, to fix it. (a) made a careless and silly mistake (c) made a lot of friends

Q8

(b) made a lot of money

Simon is notorious for goofing off at work. (a) doing a great job (c) being idle and wasting time

Q9

(c) showed active support

(b) made her conceited and overconfident

(a) was emotionally shattered (c) went to see his family Q7

(c) dull and boring

Laura got a big promotion last month and now the whole thing has gone to her head. (a) given her a migraine headache (c) physically made her head larger

Q6

(c) was sensitive

Karrie went to bat for her co-worker last week. Now, her boss wants to fire both of them. (a) went to a great show

Q5

(b) was overly excited

Jim thinks Las Vegas hotels are pretty glitzy. (a) colorful

Q4

(c) stole

Sharon went bananas when she found out that she won a large shopping spree. (a) was depressed

Q3

(b) avoided

(b) working overtime

Tim just spent thirty grand on a new car last week. (a) thousand dollars

(b) dollars

(c) cents

Q10 Our boss told Kevin to use his gourd to solve the problem. (a) use his garden

70

(b) arts and crafts

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(c) use his brain


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66.


Answers Index


A lot of students at the high school across the street smoke grass during lunch hour. (a) smoke cigarettes

Q2

(b) smoke marijuana

Cathy is really happy at her new job. It's pure gravy. (a) a really frustrating place (c) lucrative and easy

Q3

(b) expensive

(c) really delicious

Where should we go for some good grub? (a) drinks

Q5

(b) a job with great cafeteria gravy

I don't want that sandwich. It looks gross. (a) disgusting

Q4

(c) smoke cigars

(b) food

(c) insects

You've been very lazy this past semester. Now, you have to really pull your socks up if you want to graduate in June. (a) work hard

Q6

(c) fashionable

(b) courage

(c) stamina

I don't like your jacket. It looks a little grungy. (a) fashionable

Q9

(b) neat and boring

It takes a lot of guts to stand up for what you believe in; especially when your opinion is not a popular one. (a) happiness

Q8

(c) be nice to the teachers

My roommate usually looks pretty grubby when she goes out. (a) unclean and sloppy

Q7

(b) wear nice clothes

(b) dirty

(c) dated

That road was really hairy. We should take another route next time. (a) scenic

(b) boring

(c) dangerous

Q10 We have to sit down and hammer out an agreement before the end of the week. (a) possibly work on

71

(b) quickly work out

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(c) pay for


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67.


Answers Index


Due to her nervous breakdown last year, Maggie has decided to hang up her nursing career. (a) quit

Q2

(b) continue

Can you hang on please? I have to switch phones. (a) hold this phone in your hands (c) wait a moment

Q3

(b) are rich and snobby

(b) a funny routine

(c) a silly proposal

(b) was fired

(c) was unhealthy

Those kids look high. I think they were smoking pot earlier. (a) intoxicated on drugs or alcohol (c) depressed

Q8

(c) are financially stable

Oh, you don't know. He is history because he was always late for work. (a) was a great teacher

Q7

(c) feeling

Your new project was a hit at the meeting on Friday. (a) a success

Q6

(b) recipe

The neighbors across the street seem like they have it all together. (a) are mentally unstable

Q5

(b) hang up

I like your friend. I got a really good vibe from her. (a) dance routine

Q4

(c) begin

(b) confident

The gang members holed up for nearly three weeks because they are wanted on three counts of armed robbery. (a) dug a hole

Q9

(b) bought extra ammunition

(c) hid

I don't know what to say. You'll have to speak with the head honcho about that. (a) boss

(b) secretary

(c) gangster

Q10 In order to succeed in the stock market, you have to be hungry and business savvy. (a) famished (c) poor

72

(b) eager and highly motivated

PHOTOCOPIABLE


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68.


Answers Index


Lisa has a very hyper son and she meets with his teacher a lot. (a) overly active

Q2

(b) overly jealous

You really have to hustle if you want to meet the deadline. (a) work at a steady pace (c) slow down and take your time

Q3

(b) serious

(c) very attractive

(b) angry

(c) funny

(b) band

(c) business

Isaac hung around with the wrong crowd and I'm afraid for him because he's in too deep now. (a) in the deep end of the pool (c) seriously and deeply involved

Q9

(c) business woman

Don really got himself into a jam this time. He needs help. (a) problematic situation

Q8

(b) prostitute

She's a very intense person. I think she needs to relax more. (a) serious

Q7

(c) neutral

She's hot. A lot of guys at school like her. (a) furious

Q6

(b) stylish

She wears too much makeup and very revealing clothing. She looks like a hooker at times. (a) humble person

Q5

(b) work hard and fast

Those colors are really in right now. A lot of people are using those shades in their homes. (a) boring

Q4

(c) overzealous

(b) underground

In the past, people used to jerk me around more. Nowadays, I put my foot down a lot more. (a) physically pull me around (c) shout at me

(b) cause problems for me

Q10 Some of the girls at school like the jocks. (a) athletic guys

73

(b) funny guys

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(c) smart guys


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69.


Answers Index


I've had to go for an hour. Where's the john? (a) cafeteria

Q2

(b) stay calm

(c) get annoyed with

(b) enjoyable person

(c) clumsy person

This exotic meal is really good so don't knock it until you try it. (b) don't throw it in the garbage

Emma was really skinny as a child but now she's a knockout. (a) comedian

Q9

(c) get a cold drink

(b) don't like

(a) don't judge or criticize (c) don't give it away Q8

(c) strong

Sandra is always falling and hurting herself. She's such a klutz. (a) irritating person

Q7

(b) naive

I get a kick out my little nephew. He's a cute and funny little guy. (a) enjoy

Q6

(c) junk collector

I know you're nervous but you have to keep your cool right now. (a) stay out of the sun

Q5

(b) untidy person

He just started his new job so he's still pretty green. (a) funny

Q4

(c) bathroom

Kyle is in a lot of trouble. He's a junkie and was caught stealing money last week. (a) drug addict

Q3

(b) hotel

(b) boxer

(c) very attractive person

John's classmate continually teased him until John gave him a knuckle sandwich in the fourth grade. (a) a bologna sandwich

(b) a punch in the face

(c) a chicken sandwich

Q10 I don't like to walk around after dusk because of the kooks that seem to emerge at that time. (a) weird people

74

(b) coyotes

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(c) nice people


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70.


Answers Index


I really like my brother-in-law because he's so laid-back. (a) sleepy

Q2

(b) inadequate

(b) overly aggressive

(b) a lot of money

(c) weak

(c) a small amount of money

Last month, Tim and Sherri maxed-out their credit cards because he was laid-off earlier this year. (a) reached the credit limits of (c) cut up

Q9

(c) make any food

When Steven sold the rights to his unique and useful product, he made megabucks. (a) a lot of deer

Q8

(b) cause any problems

Bette plays a mean game of hockey. She's in the female league and is the top-scorer. (a) highly-skilled

Q7

(b) rolls and donuts for breakfast

Whenever Tom begins a new job, he keeps to himself, at first, because he doesn't want to make any waves. (a) cause property damage

Q6

(b) dance moves

Sophie exercises every day but she still can't get rid of those love handles. (a) rolls of fat around her stomach (c) suitors

Q5

(c) hurtful

Some men use a lot of lines to pick up girls at night clubs. (a) persuasive and complementary words (c) money

Q4

(c) relaxed and calm

That story Greg told us is pretty lame. He's always late and he has a million excuses for his behavior. (a) great

Q3

(b) active

(b) paid off

Beth needs to mellow out or she'll have a heart attack soon. (a) relax more

(b) eat more

(c) be more active

Q10 At work, a meltdown has taken place between the management and the workers. (a) an ice cream break (c) communication breakdown or collapse

75

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(b) a strong relationship


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71.


Answers Index


My boss gave me a lot of mickey mouse work to do recently. I wish he would challenge me more. (a) silly and not useful

Q2

(b) make a business move for

(b) stupid

I think that dresser is pretty neat. I wish I could build something like that. (a) big

Q5

(b) old

(c) toast it

(b) crazy and unstable

(c) crazy about squirrels

Can you pick me up after work? Sure, it's no sweat. (a) really a big problem

Q9

(b) heat it in the oven

Most of my colleagues in the office think that Sarah is nuts. (a) a good person

Q8

(b) bad things

I'll leave the frozen dinner out for you and then you can nuke it when you get home. (a) heat it in the microwave

Q7

(c) good

There are a lot of negatives about the new management team. (a) good things (c) film and developing costs

Q6

(c) speak to

That movie we saw last night was pretty mushy. Did you like it? (a) very emotional and tender (c) violent

Q4

(c) fun

Ted is going to make a move on Sandra at the party next week. (a) try to seduce

Q3

(b) cartoon

(b) no problem

(c) really expensive

I love your new pad. The location is great as well. (a) home

(b) park

(c) store

Q10 My new worker means well but sometimes he can be a pain in the neck. (a) hurtful

76

(b) annoying

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(c) pleasant


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72.


Answers Index


Tom is a party animal so he throws a lot of parties at his house. (a) loves to party and have a good time (c) doesn't like people

Q2

Simon tried to seduce Nicole but she told him to get his paws off of her. (a) lips

Q3

(b) drunk

(b) difficult

(c) fun

(b) to laugh too much

(b) eat a lot of food

(c) to talk too much

(c) smoke cigarettes

We've been driving for a long time so we need to make a pit stop soon. (a) stop and go to the bathroom (c) clean the car

Q9

(c) depressed

I'm starving. Let's get some pizza and pig out tonight. (a) drink a lot of alcohol

Q8

(c) food

Laura's mother told her not to make a pig of herself at the dinner party this coming weekend. (a) to eat too much

Q7

(b) not a lot of money

I'm not worried about the exam next week. It's going to be a piece of cake. (a) easy

Q6

(c) hands

Rowan was completely pickled at the party on Friday. (a) sour

Q5

(b) feet

Josephine works long hours for peanuts. She's going to ask for a raise soon. (a) a lot of money

Q4

(b) loves animals

(b) change the tires

Mathew usually drinks a lot and this weekend was no exception. He was plastered! (a) tired

(b) sad

(c) intoxicated

Q10 We've been working too hard lately. I'm pooped! (a) very happy

77

(b) very excited

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(c) very tired


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73.


Answers Index


Joanne wanted to pop her co-worker because of the insulting comments she made. (a) criticize

Q2

(b) hug

You paid last time. Dinner is on me this time. (a) is free because I want to pay for it (c) was filling and I don't feel well

Q3

(c) hit

(b) is expensive so I want you to pay for it

I'm going to recommend my cousin for the legal advice you need. He's a real pro and he'll give you the information you need. (a) amateur

Q4

(b) professional

(c) lawyer

Are you psyched up about your role in the play on the weekend? We've been rehearsing for months and I can't believe the big night is almost here. (a) mentally prepared for

Q5

(b) emotionally sound

(c) physically ill

(b) sleep

(c) vomit

Well, I had a great time tonight but I think I'm going to push-off now. (a) leave

Q9

(c) behaved well

I'm not feeling well. I think I have food poisoning and I feel like I'm going to puke. (a) fall down

Q8

(b) misplaced his money

She behaved very badly on the weekend. In fact, I think she's psycho and needs medical attention. (a) mentally ill

Q7

(c) happy about

Our boss lost it recently. He threatened to kill his family and now he's awaiting his trial in jail. (a) had a mental breakdown

Q6

(b) feeling sad about

(b) have a drink

(c) stay a while

Tim's subordinate is very disruptive at meetings so it's hard to tell who the quarterback is most days. (a) football player

(b) lead or boss

(c) secretary

Q10 Sean needs to make a quick buck this month because he doesn't have enough money to cover his rent check. (a) easy money

78

(b) an agreement

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(c) an effort


advanced-40

74.


Answers Index


The teenagers next door make a lot of racket when their parents are out of town. (a) play a lot of tennis

Q2

(c) apartment

(b) new

(c) seasoned

(b) smiled at him

(c) told him to go home

(b) repossess

(c) redesign

That sitcom is a riot. My whole family watches it on Thursday evenings. (a) very funny

Q9

(b) small house

The bank is threatening to repo Liam's car because he's late on his payments. (a) refund

Q8

(c) decide

Our supervisor reamed him out on Monday because his work is not acceptable. (a) yelled at him

Q7

(b) learn

At work, there are some raw employees who think they can just do whatever they want. (a) natural

Q6

(c) eat something

You've been living in that rat hole forever. When are you going to move into a nicer place? (a) old and run down home

Q5

(b) drink some coffee

Let's meet on Friday. We need to rap about some things. (a) talk

Q4

(c) make a lot of noise

I'm so tired. I have to rack out for a while. (a) sleep

Q3

(b) eat a lot of food

(b) very serious

(c) very violent

I really dislike road hogs. They think they own the road. (a) people who aren't courteous and take up much of the roadway (c) people who walk their dogs on roadways

(b) people who don't like roadways

Q10 Can I have a scotch on the rocks please? (a) in a tall glass

79

(b) with soda

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(c) with ice


advanced-41

75.


Answers Index


Kevin and his family have had a rough time since the recent stock market crash. (a) easy time

Q2

(c) hat

(b) cats

(c) children

My baby sister rules the house. She's so spoiled! (a) dominates

Q5

(b) coat

There are a lot of rug rats in our neighborhood. (a) rodents

Q4

(c) a lot to do

My professor lost his hair and now he wears a rug. (a) wig

Q3

(b) hard time

(b) cleans

(c) occupies

We renovated our entire house and now we've run out of gas so the outdoor patio area will have to wait until we recover. (a) lost our momentum

Q6

(c) sleep

(b) honest acts

(c) worthy acts

The little boy was so hungry that he scarfed down his food in about twenty seconds. (a) quickly ate

Q9

(b) pack

Most pyramid schemes seem like big scams to me. (a) deceptive acts

Q8

(c) lost our car

I've been working all day so I'm going to hit the sack early tonight. (a) church

Q7

(b) lost our money

(b) stored

(c) slowly ate

Some young people think they can screw around at work and get paid for it. They are in for a big surprise. (a) waste time

(b) use tools

(c) work hard

Q10 Tom's boss warned him that if he screws up one more time, he's going to fire him for good. (a) wastes time (c) doesn't get along with his co-workers

80

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(b) makes a mistake


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76.


Answers Index


Ken is a very sharp guy. He learns things very quickly. (a) mean

Q2

(c) work camp

(b) happy

(c) depressed

(b) frightened

(c) shot

(b) potatoes

(c) apples

I'm not impressed with the progress. The whole process stinks. (a) is disgusting

Q9

(b) cold

My husband loves to eat spuds. He could eat them all day long. (a) tomatoes

Q8

(c) disagreed with

A loud noise spooked the horse and it quickly started galloping down the path. (a) stampeded

Q7

(b) bought

Heather was smashed at last year's Christmas party. Everyone is wondering if she'll do it again this year. (a) intoxicated

Q6

(c) purchase

The armed robbers were quickly apprehended and then thrown in the slammer. (a) prison

Q5

(b) look

My boss quickly shot down the idea I suggested at the meeting. He didn't even consider it for a moment. (a) agreed with

Q4

(c) funny

I didn't succeed the first time but I'm willing to give it another shot. (a) try

Q3

(b) intelligent

(b) smells bad

(c) is good

When the officer arrested the young boy, he asked him for a straight answer. (a) correct

(b) honest

(c) regular

Q10 My new job is really stressing me out. I think I'm going to look for a new one as soon as possible. (a) upsetting me

81

(b) emphasizing teamwork

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(c) enlightening


advanced-43

77.


Answers Index


I don't like my boss. I want to tell him to take a hike. (a) walk around a park

Q2

(c) starting a new business

(b) sewing thread

(c) clothes

(b) salvageable

(c) slightly damaged

(b) taken

(c) available

I'm so tired of renovating. I just want to veg out tonight. (a) do nothing and relax

Q9

(b) doing what I have to do

We went to a flea market and everything was up for grabs at good prices. (a) stolen

Q8

(c) made

I got into an accident on the weekend and my car was totaled. (a) damaged beyond repair

Q7

(b) lost

Marcel just bought some new threads at that trendy store downtown. (a) sewing material

Q6

(c) smart person

I've been at the office a lot lately. I'm just taking care of business. (a) having a good time

Q5

(b) generous person

When Tim was on vacation, he was taken for a lot of money at a hotel casino. He'll never learn. (a) stole

Q4

(c) leave

I feel like such a sucker. An acquaintance talked me into a pyramid scheme and I lost all of my savings. (a) gullible person

Q3

(b) go jogging

(b) eat vegetables

(c) drink some tea

I got a really good vibe from that guy. Let's call him again. (a) dance routine

(b) compact disk

(c) feeling

Q10 Why do you always carry that wad around when everyone else uses debit cards these days? (a) bundle of money

82

(b) big piece of chewing gum

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(c) backpack


advanced-44

78.


Answers Index


The gang leader told his followers to waste their rivals on the weekend. They are all wanted criminals now. (a) kill

Q2

(c) be very alert

(b) wimp

(c) boaster

(b) good

(c) salty

(b) exhausted

(c) hungry

(b) Who bought

(c) Who made

Who's up for some pizza? (a) Who wants

Q9

(b) am intoxicated

I can't do one more thing right now. I'm spent. (a) broke

Q8

(c) salesman

My niece said her food was yukky. (a) bad

Q7

(b) repairman

Oh, stop being such a wuss. The bridge isn't even that high. (a) show-off

Q6

(c) car

I have to drink some coffee so I can get wired before the big exam. (a) am crazy

Q5

(b) keys

My cousin is a computer whiz. He maintains my system for me. (a) wizard

Q4

(c) drink alcohol with

Do you think I could borrow your wheels? I have an important appointment this afternoon. (a) tires

Q3

(b) compete against

The door is in good shape. But, it does have a nick in the lower left corner. (a) large hole

(b) small scratch or dent

(c) huge defect

Q10 Nukes are very dangerous weapons. They could destroy mankind for good. (a) Microwaves

83

(b) Nuclear weapons

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(c) Machine guns


advanced-45

79.


Answers Index

Clothing Idioms (1) Q1

That little boy has ants in his pants. (a) washed his clothes

Q2

(b) put a lot of effort into

(b) was unfashionable

(b) intelligent and well thought out

I think her new boyfriend is a wolf in sheep's clothing. (a) a person who wears animal skins (c) pretending to be dangerous

Q6

(b) pretending to be nice but is really dangerous

Bill's wife is mutton dressed as lamb. (a) dresses too young for her age (c) dresses in a very casual manner

Q7

(b) dresses too old for her age

Aurora was dressed to kill this weekend. (a) wore her worst clothes

Q8

(b) wore out-of-date clothes

(c) wore her best clothes

This information is very important. Keep it under your hat. (a) Don't tell anyone (c) Write it down and put it into a hat

Q9

(c) was cheerful and fair

At the meeting on Friday, the assistant manager made a silly, off-the-cuff comment. (a) angry and hurtful (c) unprepared and spontaneous

Q5

(c) sit down

Bruce's last comment hit below the belt. (a) was unfair and cowardly

Q4

(c) cannot sit still

My teacher told me to buckle down this term. (a) wear a seatbelt

Q3

(b) plays in the dirt

(b) Tell everyone

Many people don't want their dirty linen aired in public. (a) to have their dirty clothes drying on a clothes line (c) to speak in public

(b) to have their private affairs talked about in public

Q10 Sierra's dress fits her like a glove. (a) fits her very well

84

(b) is too big

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(c) is too short


advanced-46

80.


Answers Index

Clothing Idioms (2) Q1

The new nightclub was bursting at the seams this past weekend. (a) caught fire

Q2

(b) lost his mind

(b) he has holes in his pockets

Keep your shirt on! I'm going to tell you everything. (a) Don't take your clothes off (c) Don't sell your clothes

Q5

(b) Don't lose your temper

Jeff just lost his job. I wouldn't want to be in his shoes right now. (a) to be in his position

Q6

(b) to take his shoes

(b) wash our clothes

(c) eat

After all these years, Teresa still hasn't seen her husband in his birthday suit. (a) in a three piece suit

Q9

(b) he has future gambling plans

Well, it's time to roll up our sleeves! (a) work hard

Q8

(c) to go for a walk

However, when I asked him about his situation he told me not to worry because he has a card up his sleeve. (a) he has a poker game tonight (c) he has reserve plans that he stored and are available for future use

Q7

(c) lost all of his money

Kevin is always broke because money burns a hole in his pockets. (a) he spends his money quickly (c) he gives all of his money to charity

Q4

(c) collapsed

Joseph went to Reno and lost his shirt last month. (a) lost his favorite shirt

Q3

(b) was very busy

(b) in his good Sunday suit

(c) naked

Tara wears the pants in her household. (a) is the boss

(b) washes the clothes

(c) doesn't like dresses

Q10 Will told his friend to zip it up or else! (a) keep a secret strictly confidential (c) drive faster

85

(b) put his coat on

PHOTOCOPIABLE


advanced-47

81.


Answers Index

House/Building Idioms (1) Q1

The news about the tragic terrorist acts hit us like a ton of bricks. (a) didn't really affect us much (c) physically fell on our heads

Q2

My wife got really mad at me on the weekend and now I'm in the doghouse. (a) living with the dog

Q3

(b) in prison

(b) build a house

(b) clean my house

The restaurant owner was so happy and he announced that all drinks were on the house. (a) should be served outside (c) were free and paid for by the owner/restaurant

Q7

(b) should be served warm

The comedian was really funny. He brought the house down on the weekend. (a) received a lot of applause and praise (c) tore down the old theater in order to build a new one

Q8

(b) was very mean

I always tell my friend to make herself at home when she comes over. (a) act like my home is her home (c) build herself a house

Q6

(c) leave the house

I don't like that joke. It hit a little too close to home. (a) was closely related to my inner feelings (c) was stupid

Q5

(c) in trouble

My mother left for Europe on Friday. She asked me to hold the fort while she's away. (a) be the temporary manager

Q4

(b) strongly affected us

(b) got fired

Our neighbors talk about everyone but they don't realize that if you live in a glass house, you shouldn't throw stones. (a) you shouldn't judge others when you do the same things they do (c) you shouldn't throw rocks at anyone

Q9

(b) you shouldn't build a glass house because it is too delicate

When his father came home and saw the mess, he hit the roof and grounded his son for one month. (b) was enraged

(a) was somewhat disasppointed (c) punched the ceiling Q10 Megan doesn't like her run-of-the-mill job. (a) regular or ordinary

86

(b) difficult or challenging

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(c) pulp mill


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82.


Answers Index

Food Idioms Q1

I knew when Sandra told the lie that she would be eating her words later. (a) talking in the cafeteria (c) hungry

Q2

(b) admitting to her untrue claims

Everyone knows that our math teacher is out to lunch. (a) behaves in a crazy manner (c) is not here because he's having lunch

Q3

Jonathon asks for too much at work. He really wants to have his cake and wants to eat it too. (a) eat cake at work (c) have extra privileges at work without giving up anything in return

Q4

(b) short break from work

(b) eat slowly

(b) trying to gain favor by being really nice

Lilly is so skinny but she eats like a horse. (a) has a large appetite (c) eats horse meat

Q9

(b) eat bad tasting pie

The new girl is always sucking up to the boss. Last week, she bought his son a new pair of designer shoes. (a) suggesting new ideas (c) speaking her mind

Q8

(c) talk or chat

Nancy was forced to eat humble pie when the manager caught her in a lie. (a) admit her mistake and humbly apologize (c) eat alone

Q7

(c) workshop

I love to sit around and chew the fat with old friends. (a) eat fast food

Q6

(b) throw parties at work

Is it time for our coffee break? (a) work meeting

Q5

(b) went to have lunch early

(b) has no manners when she eats

Whenever Taylor invites a girl out to dinner, they go Dutch. He likes it that way. (a) share Dutch food (c) share the bill

(b) talk about the Dutch culture

Q10 Sally made her famous chocolate chip cookies from scratch. (a) using prepared dough from a box (c) without the use of sugar or any other sweeteners

87

PHOTOCOPIABLE

(b) without using prepared ingredients of any kind


KEYS

ANSWER

Index

English Idioms and Expressions (Answer Keys)

88

PHOTOCOPIABLE


elementary-1

1.

English Idioms and Expressions / Elementary level # 1 (Answer Keys)

Questions Index

Adding Up A1

I cannot understand why she did that, it really doesn't make sense. answer: (c) doesn't make sense

A2

All the students got high marks in the test but Mary got the most marks of all. answer: (d) got the most marks of all

A3

He has sold his house and has no job and so now he has almost no money. answer: (b) he has almost no money

A4

As a newspaper reporter she always wanted to get information directly. answer: (d) directly

A5

I think we can safely say now that we have got our money back, we are have been successful. answer: (c) have been successful

A6

He is the man who owns all the land and is the important man around here. answer: (c) the important man

A7

She never stops talking about herself and is is very conceited. answer: (d) is very conceited

A8

You will not slip over because the floor is totally dry. answer: (c) totally dry

A9

He kept saying he didn't do it but finally he said he had done it. answer: (b) finally

A10 I know you are very sorry that you broke the pot but things do occur. answer: (b) things do occur

89

PHOTOCOPIABLE


elementary-2

2.


Questions Index

Take it in A1

I'm sorry I didn't understand what he said. answer: (c) understand

A2

I hope she passes her exams next week. answer: (a) passes

A3

What time do you get out of bed in the morning? answer: (d) get out of bed

A4

When you stop work, you can start playing golf. answer: (b) start playing

A5

Don't do too much because you're very tired. answer: (d) do too much

A6

When does your plane leave the ground? answer: (a) leave the ground

A7

As a student she has just enough money to live simply. answer: (b) live simply

A8

I don't know who wrote this note because I can't read the signature. answer: (c) read

A9

We don't have enough money for a car so we use instead bicycles. answer: (b) use instead

A10 What time do you reach home after work? answer: (c) reach home

90

PHOTOCOPIABLE


elementary-3

3.


Questions Index

Take it easy A1

I just want to stay at home and watch television and relax. answer: (d) relax

A2

May I smoke in here? answer: (a) May I

A3

Can you cook well? answer: (c) Can you cook well

A4

When do you clean the dishes? answer: (a) clean the dishes

A5

She never talks in a loud voice to her children. answer: (c) talks in a loud voice to

A6

We're very tired of the bad weather. answer: (a) very tired of

A7

Don't forget to write to me when you're away. answer: (c) write to me

A8

She had never visited Paris before. answer: (d) visited

A9

I'm afraid he has made a mistake. answer: (d) made a mistake

A10 When you come to the crossroads, you go to the left. answer: (b) go to the left

91

PHOTOCOPIABLE


elementary-4

4.


Questions Index

For Good A1

You'll never see your money again because I'm afraid he's gone permanently. answer: (b) permanently

A2

You've no need to worry I promise you they'll arrive on Thursday definitely. answer: (d) definitely

A3

They're very generous in that museum — not only is the entrance fee reasonable but they give you a brochure at no cost. answer: (a) at no cost

A4

Well, to begin with I honestly think we should work out what all this work is going to cost. answer: (c) to begin with

A5

As you're a friend of mine, I won't charge you much in fact I'll do it at no charge. answer: (d) at no charge

A6

I know it didn't look like that but the truth is they only did it as a joke. answer: (a) as a joke

A7

I do recommend you take out an insurance policy on the house to stop you worrying. answer: (b) to stop you worrying

A8

No wonder she's very happy, she's just been given promotion. answer: (c) very happy

A9

They decided to move away from the city to the countryside thinking about the children. answer: (d) thinking about

A10 The battleships were all waiting in the harbour prepared for war. answer: (a) prepared for war

92

PHOTOCOPIABLE


elementary-5

5.


Questions Index

In Control A1

They tried without success to save enough money to buy a house and so finally they rented one. answer: (c) without success

A2

If you are at all unsure about the offer, please give me a ring. answer: (a) at all unsure

A3

The children knew full well they were unsafe skating because they had read the notice about the thin ice. answer: (d) unsafe

A4

Considering they are over 70 years old, you must admit they are fit. answer: (a) fit

A5

Thanks to her regular workouts and sensible diet she certainly strikes me as in good health. answer: (b) in good health

A6

I'm sorry to say that the boss is going to reprimand him over being late for work so many times. answer: (a) the boss is going to reprimand him

A7

What I really visualize is a garden where there is very little to look after throughout the year. answer: (c) visualize

A8

Although Romeo and Juliet loved each other very much, they still managed to kill themselves. answer: (b) loved each other very much

A9

I think you can stop worrying now because it's quite clear she's in control of the situation. answer: (a) in control

A10 Eventually when you've got used to the idea, you'll be pleased you did it. answer: (d) Eventually

93

PHOTOCOPIABLE


elementary-6

6.


Questions Index

Out of Control A1

If you don't tell the children the difference between right and wrong, they will soon be badly behaved. answer: (b) badly behaved

A2

If you think I'm going to parachute out of a plane for fun, you must be mad. answer: (a) mad

A3

Wait till they're unable to see, and then I'll show you what I'm buying them for Christmas. answer: (d) unable to see

A4

I'm very sorry but you're unlucky because we sold the last one about twenty minutes ago. answer: (b) unlucky

A5

Wait until they're unable to hear, then I tell you exactly what happened to them when they were on holiday. answer: (b) unable to hear

A6

You have a limited number of minutes to answer the test and you've spent 3 minutes so you've used up your time. answer: (a) you've used up your time

A7

I'm afraid I'm not feeling too well at the moment because I've only walked a little way and I can't breathe easily already. answer: (d) I can't breathe easily

A8

There's a big notice up there which unfortunately we didn't see because it said keep out. answer: (b) keep out

A9

I'm sorry to tell you that I can do nothing more for you because the situation is now outside my control. answer: (c) outside my control

A10 I'm awfully sorry but I I'll have to ask you to pay because I have no money. answer: (b) I have no money

94

PHOTOCOPIABLE


elementary-7

7.


Questions Index

All Agog A1

Unfortunately the cooker overheated and then exploded and so it really wasn't long before the whole house was on fire. answer: (b) on fire

A2

After several days underground after the earthquake one child was pulled out still living. answer: (d) still living

A3

They found that there was no possibility of work in their own country so they decided to try their luck in another country. answer: (c) in another country

A4

I must congratulate her on the way she has overcome all her problems and gone back to her old job to start once more. answer: (b) once more

A5

I've looked everywhere for my passport and can only assume it has gone got lost. answer: (d) got lost

A6

When she told her parents that she had decided to get married, they were utterly surprised. answer: (a) surprised

A7

There are no two ways about it because the crime that has been committed is really similar to murder. answer: (c) similar to

A8

So many good ideas exist in large numbers in his mind, he finds it difficult to know where to start. answer: (b) exist in large numbers

A9

I spent ages fixing the nail in the wall to put the picture up and then I stood back and found it was not straight. answer: (a) not straight

A10 We couldn't wait for them to come home after their holidays as we were very interested to hear what had happened. answer: (c) very interested

95

PHOTOCOPIABLE


elementary-8

8.


Questions Index

Preposition Exercises A1

I'm sorry but that smells terrible because I'm afraid the meat is bad. answer: (c) is bad

A2

She just left him, said she didn't want to see him again and disappeared. answer: (a) didn't want to see him again

A3

I'm ready to go out tonight if you want to go to the match. answer: (d) I'm ready to go out

A4

He's always interested in elections and is very interested in politics. answer: (c) very interested in

A5

I believe that after all those arguments they agreed their marriage was ended. answer: (a) ended

A6

In confidence, so don't tell anyone, I'm sure he'll lose the election. answer: (b) In confidence

A7

You won't have to wait too long because another bus will arrive soon. answer: (c) will arrive

A8

Incidentally did you manage to see that film last night? answer: (d) Incidentally

A9

It's quite clear to everyone that she's a socialist from start to finish. answer: (a) from start to finish

A10 I honestly don't think I can make it tonight as I'm feeling a little unwell. answer: (c) unwell

96

PHOTOCOPIABLE


elementary-9

9.


Questions Index

Animal Idioms A1

His wife never lets him do what he wants and as a result he has an unhappy time. answer: (c) has an unhappy time

A2

A word of warning: don't let him make a fool of you. answer: (d) make a fool of you

A3

I would advise you to wait and see what develops. answer: (a) what develops

A4

I don't honestly think he is capable of being polite as people never change. answer: (c) people never change

A5

He's very greedy when it comes to eating and always takes the largest portion. answer: (d) largest portion

A6

I really don't know how to explain it as I am absolutely confused. answer: (c) absolutely confused

A7

Until he is more serious in his job and stops making jokes all the time, he won't get any more money. answer: (d) making jokes all the time

A8

He never makes any silly mistakes because he's got too much common sense. answer: (a) common sense

A9

Charlie doesn't like getting too tired so he gets his assistant to do all the hard work. answer: (d) hard work

A10 He doesn't really go around with many people because he's a bit of a lonely person. answer: (b) lonely person

97

PHOTOCOPIABLE


elementary-10

10.


Questions Index

Funny Idioms A1

You want to know why I've got a problem on my mind? answer: (c) a problem on my mind

A2

Yes, tell me about it. I'm listening carefully. answer: (a) listening carefully

A3

You remember I told you about that car that cost me a huge amount of money? answer: (d) a huge amount of money

A4

The one you bought from the man you called the man with the important job? answer: (b) the man with the important job

A5

Well, he's not that at all. He's a fool. answer: (a) a fool

A6

You mean he's a dishonest person? answer: (d) a dishonest person

A7

Yes, exactly because the car is rubbish and I went round to his garage knocking everything over in the show room. answer: (b) knocking everything over

A8

And when I reached his office I saw he was not really awake because he'd been having a short sleep. answer: (c) a short sleep

A9

And really the only reason you were there was because you wanted to have an argument with him? answer: (d) you wanted to have an argument with him

A10 Yes, that's right. I got my money back and as a result I exposed a lot of serious problems because other people got their money back, too. answer: (b) exposed a lot of serious problems

98

PHOTOCOPIABLE


elementary-11

11.


Questions Index

Expressing Emotions A1

I despise it when you talk to me like that! Stop doing that! answer: (d) despise

A2

I am eager to to hear about your English class. answer: (a) am eager to

A3

I am glad I was able to offer support in time of need for my friend when her mom died. answer: (b) to offer support in time of need for

A4

You've got me in love with you! answer: (c) in love with you

A5

I love you a lot! answer: (b) a lot

A6

I wish I could trust you again, but all that you ever did to me was to disappoint me. answer: (d) to disappoint me

A7

I love you deeply. answer: (a) deeply

A8

The truth is that you are inconsiderate me or my feelings. answer: (c) are inconsiderate

A9

I would like to apologize for what I said to you the other day. I was very harsh to you. Will you forgive me? answer: (d) harsh

A10 It's taking a long time for Jenna recover from the death of her mom. answer: (b) recover from

99

PHOTOCOPIABLE


elementary-12

12.


Questions Index

Just keep it A1

Charlie's having a lot of problems with his business but at least he's managing to survive. answer: (c) managing to survive

A2

That's the thing about Charlie even when things are really bad he doesn't panic and stays calm. answer: (a) stays calm

A3

In a situation like his of course the one thing you must do is get enough money to live on and try to find money to pay all the bills. answer: (b) get enough money to live on

A4

At least Charlie can manage that but he doesn't go telling everyone about his problem and doesn't talk about himself to others. answer: (d) doesn't talk about himself to others

A5

Some of his friends are a bit worried about him because he doesn't seem so friendly to them as he used to be and doesn't let people get too close. answer: (a) doesn't let people get too close

A6

The main thing that you have to admire him for is that he doesn't get into trouble and behaves legally. answer: (b) behaves legally

A7

It's surprising how few people knew that Charlie was having money problems but I suppose it was because he had kept it secret. answer: (d) kept it secret

A8

His problem really was that he had tried very hard to be as successful as the rest of the people in his street by trying to remain on the same social level as his neighbours. answer: (a) to remain on the same social level as his neighbours

A9

When he confided in me, I promised Charlie that I wouldn't tell anybody about it and until now I did what I said. answer: (c) did what I said

A10 My only advice to Charlie was to try to be optimistic and stop worrying. answer: (b) try to be optimistic

100

PHOTOCOPIABLE


intermediate-1

13.

English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 1 (Answer Keys)

Questions Index

Up to his ears A1

He's fully occupied with work and cannot possibly see you now. answer: (a) fully occupied with

A2

If you help me, then I shall be able to finish more quickly. answer: (b) help me

A3

I prefer to talk to people in person rather than to talk on the phone. answer: (a) in person

A4

The manager dismissed the new proposal utterly and said that it was not at all practical. answer: (b) utterly

A5

As she is new to the job I would ask you to observe on her for the time being. answer: (d) observe

A6

The opposition in parliament accused the government of being light hearted and refusing to accept the seriousness of the situation. answer: (a) being light hearted

A7

He accused her of talking nonsense and refused to accept a word of what she said. answer: (c) talking nonsense

A8

The police advised them to go down to the cellar in order to be away from danger. answer: (d) away from danger

A9

I'd do absolutely anything if I could get tickets for that concert. answer: (a) do absolutely anything

A10 You can always rely on Fred to say something embarrassing and come out with a remark like that. answer: (c) say something embarrassing

101

PHOTOCOPIABLE


intermediate-2

14.


Questions Index

Send the right message A1

This sort of behaviour does not set a good example to young people. answer: (d) does not set a good example

A2

The government are revealing plans today for a new tax system. answer: (b) are revealing

A3

I understand what you mean but I don't agree with you. answer: (a) I understand what you mean

A4

You must admire the way she maintains her opinion. answer: (b) she maintains her opinion

A5

I'm sorry I can't follow that, explain that once more. answer: (a) explain that once more

A6

Don't get depressed, it may not be as bad as you think. answer: (a) Don't get depressed

A7

I'm afraid he made a bad mistake for himself when he took that action. answer: (c) he made a bad mistake for himself

A8

Some people love taking advantage when they are in an argument. answer: (b) taking advantage

A9

There is absolutely no future in pursuing that sort of discussion. answer: (a) no future

A10 He prefers to delay a little longer by not deciding yet. answer: (d) to delay a little longer

102

PHOTOCOPIABLE


intermediate-3

15.


Questions Index

A piece of cake A1

You shouldn't worry about the exam because you have prepared well and you'll probably find it very easy. answer: (d) very easy

A2

The trouble with you is that you are a bit selfish and your sole philosophy is to expect too much of life. answer: (a) expect too much of life

A3

When he heard that the necklace had been stolen, he suddenly lost interest in it. answer: (b) he suddenly lost interest in it

A4

He sits and watches TV all day and has turned into a very lazy person. answer: (c) a very lazy person

A5

Thanks to you we're really in deep trouble now and I don't honestly know why I ever listen to you. answer: (b) in deep trouble

A6

As he had been away from home for some years, they decided on his return to have a big celebration. answer: (a) have a big celebration

A7

There's something suspicious about that story he told us because I can't quite get to the bottom of it. answer: (c) suspicious

A8

Their mother always describes her twin sons as both looking exactly alike. answer: (d) both looking exactly alike

A9

After what he said and after what has happened he certainly seems to have made a fool of himself. answer: (a) have made a fool of himself

A10 He always took advice from his parents about being careful and never relied too much on one plan. answer: (b) relied too much on one plan

103

PHOTOCOPIABLE


intermediate-4

16.


Questions Index

Picking you up A1

Nobody knows what's happening? answer: (c) happening

A2

Don't worry we'll look after you. answer: (d) look after you

A3

What you need is something that will make you feel better. answer: (a) make you feel better

A4

I simply can't tolerate sugar in my tea or coffee. answer: (c) can't tolerate

A5

I have a feeling that she's trying to trick you. answer: (c) trying to trick you

A6

He's always reading. answer: (b) reading

A7

I think you're expecting too much of them as they are just children. answer: (d) expecting too much

A8

If you want my opinion, I think this needs examining. answer: (a) examining

A9

In the end I expect everything will be clear to you. answer: (c) In the end

A10 I think the time has come when you should give it a chance at least. answer: (d) give it a chance

104

PHOTOCOPIABLE


intermediate-5

17.


Questions Index

As happy as the day is long A1

I'm sure that he could make a better job of being prime minister whatever the circumstances. answer: (c) whatever the circumstances

A2

Don't worry we pride ourselves on being helpful to all our customers and getting that booked for you is perfectly normal for us. answer: (d) perfectly normal

A3

Yes, we went away on holiday last week but it rained every single day. answer: (a) every single day

A4

I think the time has now come when we'll simply have to stop working. answer: (c) stop working

A5

You know what they said about radio that it had stopped being popular but it's still going strong. answer: (b) stopped being popular

A6

That last comment of yours assured us victory because nobody could possibly argue with you after that. answer: (a) assured us victory

A7

We left the children playing in the park and they were very happy. answer: (c) very happy

A8

They got engaged about two years ago and at long last they have said when they are getting married. answer: (a) said when they are getting married

A9

I've been doing these exercises for two hours now and I think at long last I'm starting to see the end of the task. answer: (c) see the end of the task

A10 I knew once the car didn't start, saw it had a flat tyre and also that it had started to rain, that this was going to be a day when nothing goes right. answer: (a) a day when nothing goes right

105

PHOTOCOPIABLE


intermediate-6

18.


Questions Index

Privacy A1

If I were you, I'd tell her to go away. answer: (c) go away

A2

I can't understand why he doesn't understand the point. answer: (a) understand the point

A3

I should be grateful if you would let me be private. answer: (b) be private

A4

I wish they would stop interfering in our affairs. answer: (c) interfering in

A5

I get the impression that they think we've stayed too long here. answer: (d) stayed too long

A6

We asked him if he wanted to join us on the outing but he refused — I think he prefers to be alone. answer: (a) he prefers to be alone

A7

She took no notice of him as soon as he entered the room. answer: (c) took no notice of him

A8

Since the news broke about the disaster, he's been trying not to be seen. answer: (d) trying not to be seen

A9

After the political scandal in the government no-one in the cabinet is prepared to speak in public. answer: (c) speak in public

A10 If you really want to come out of this without too much damage, my advice is to say nothing. answer: (b) say nothing

106

PHOTOCOPIABLE


intermediate-7

19.


Questions Index

Hold on A1

The audience watched anxiously as the magician started to saw a woman half. answer: (a) watched anxiously

A2

The police officer called out to the driver to wait until he arrived. answer: (c) wait

A3

In the end she lost her temper and told her daughter to be quiet. answer: (d) be quiet

A4

There's no need to change any of the regulations this year as the old ones will still be all right this year, too. answer: (b) be all right

A5

I don't know what it is exactly but she seems to have some kind of control over him. answer: (a) control over

A6

He blames her that she never let him move house and start a new job. answer: (d) blames

A7

I think your best plan is to delay making a decision until you know if you have passed the examination. answer: (a) delay

A8

It was a very difficult race but the jockey did as well as the others right until the end. answer: (b) did as well as the others

A9

Once he starts to talk about his favourite subject, he will speak endlessly until he is stopped. answer: (c) speak endlessly

A10 The trouble is that whenever he's with strangers he always restricts his feelings. answer: (b) restricts

107

PHOTOCOPIABLE


intermediate-8

20.


Questions Index

Money to burn A1

Money is the cause of wickedness, so what's the point of earning a lot? answer: (d) the cause of wickedness

A2

In my opinion rich people have influence and the little people are totally ignored. answer: (b) rich people have influence

A3

She's a really happy woman now because for once she's got money to spend. answer: (c) got money to spend

A4

In my opinion I would sooner go on a cruise than sit all day on the beach. answer: (b) In my opinion

A5

He has very little to do but he gets well paid and agrees it's easy money. answer: (d) easy money

A6

I think she should stop talking about it and give money for something she says she believes in. answer: (c) give money for something she says she believes in

A7

If you want to find some help with your project ask him because he spends money foolishly. answer: (b) he spends money foolishly

A8

As soon as he had won the lottery, he went crazy and started spending money freely. answer: (a) spending money freely

A9

When you consider all the advantages you've gained I think you'll admit you had a lot of benefit from your money. answer: (d) a lot of benefit from your money

A10 She's made it clear that we don't need to worry because money is not important. answer: (a) money is not important

108

PHOTOCOPIABLE


intermediate-9

21.


Questions Index

Go ahead A1

I'm sorry that looks awful — those two colours clash. answer: (c) clash

A2

After what you've experienced, I'm sure you need a holiday. answer: (d) experienced

A3

We won't discuss that now but I don't think we can avoid the subject much longer. answer: (a) discuss

A4

I don't think much of him now that I've heard what he has done to his family. answer: (d) I don't think much of him

A5

My advice to you is to make your mind up before it's too late and simply take the opportunity now. answer: (c) take the opportunity now

A6

I'm afraid you've left that food too long out of the fridge and now it's become rotten. answer: (b) become rotten

A7

There were so many members of the political party who had opposed the leader that he resigned. answer: (d) opposed

A8

Don't wait for me because I can't come yet so you go before me and I'll join you later. answer: (a) go before me

A9

If petrol prices increase any more, I shall have to use a bicycle. answer: (c) increase

A10 I'm sorry I interrupted you, please continue from where I so rudely stopped you. answer: (a) continue

109

PHOTOCOPIABLE


intermediate-10

22.


Questions Index

Under my Skin A1

It was late at night, the wind was howling and when she heard the knock on the door, she was terrified. answer: (b) was terrified

A2

As they only had a few minutes to get to the station, they ran all the way and finally caught the train just in time. answer: (a) just in time

A3

There's something about him I just can't stand and he really annoys me. answer: (d) annoys me

A4

I wouldn't do that but you do whatever you like, as it's not important to me. answer: (b) it's not important to me

A5

It doesn't matter what you say to her I promise you, she's not affected by criticism. answer: (a) she's not affected by criticism

A6

He looked at her and in the words of Frank Sinatra said: 'I'm very attracted to you'. answer: (c) I'm very attracted to you

A7

It was simply a case of running away or being killed and we decided to run to stay alive. answer: (d) to stay alive

A8

Be very careful what you say to Georgina about her new hairstyle; remember she is very sensitive. answer: (b) she is very sensitive

A9

I think the horse had been neglected for months and not been given enough to eat because it was very thin. answer: (a) very thin

A10 They say there's a very rare book in that pile of old books for sale so look carefully. answer: (d) look carefully

110

PHOTOCOPIABLE


intermediate-11

23.


Questions Index

Home Sweet Home A1

You must be crazy if you're seriously considering buying that house. answer: (b) be crazy

A2

If you don't mind me saying so I think you're exaggerating a bit, aren't you? answer: (a) you're exaggerating a bit

A3

All right then if you like I'll tell you my honest opinion. answer: (d) I'll tell you my honest opinion

A4

I'd appreciate that. Go on, I am listening very carefully. answer: (b) I am listening very carefully

A5

Well in the first place all the windows are broken, which is a serious problem. answer: (c) a serious problem

A6

Yes, I agree but at the same time it's not worth worrying about. answer: (a) worth worrying about

A7

Then of course there is that huge crack in one of the outer walls, that'll cost you a lot of money to repair. answer: (d) a lot of money

A8

You have a point but then I can deal with that eventually. answer: (b) eventually

A9

Finally there's one thing you can't just ignore and that is the missing roof! answer: (c) ignore

A10 I can see you're not stupid but you must admit it is very cheap. answer: (d) you're not stupid

111

PHOTOCOPIABLE


intermediate-12

24.


Questions Index

No good A1

They won't succeed! They must pay for what they have done. answer: (b) They won't succeed

A2

I object! She must do as I say. answer: (c) I object

A3

I made it absolutely clear that he could in no way expect a pay rise this year. answer: (d) in no way

A4

They asked me whether I would accept a discount instead of a new machine. Impossible, I said. answer: (c) Impossible

A5

We invited her to come to our party in the hope of putting things right but she refused. answer: (b) refused

A6

I honestly don't know how you do it because personally I would be unable to manage. answer: (a) would be unable to manage

A7

This happens every time I start the engine up. I tell you I find it irritating. answer: (b) I find it irritating

A8

This is now the third time I've had to phone up and complain and I've reached the stage where I don't know when it will finish. answer: (d) I don't know when it will finish

A9

It's a waste of time shouting at me like that — I'm doing the best I can. answer: (a) It's a waste of time

A10 You'll get yourself in a huge amount of trouble if you persist in refusing to pay those taxes. answer: (c) a huge amount

112

PHOTOCOPIABLE


intermediate-13

25.


Questions Index

On the Water A1

As usual he left it to the last moment and as a consequence he didn't take advantage of the opportunity. answer: (b) didn't take advantage of the opportunity

A2

I'm sorry to tell you that your current situation cannot be reversed now and so you won't be able to go back. answer: (a) your current situation cannot be reversed

A3

I told her I understood exactly what she was feeling as we were both after all in a similar situation. answer: (d) in a similar situation

A4

No matter how smoothly things are running, you can always rely on Charlie to spoil everything. answer: (c) spoil everything

A5

We were all a bit worried about the new manager because we heard that she liked to be well organized. answer: (a) be well organized

A6

Although they were a couple well into their 80's everything in their house was always very neat. answer: (b) very neat

A7

Everybody imagined that there was a big romance between the two of them but it turned out they were merely strangers meeting once. answer: (c) strangers meeting once

A8

Sadly it never happened but she was absolutely sure she would be rich one day and she could buy that house in the country. answer: (d) she would be rich

A9

In view of his change in fortune he decided to spend a lot of money and hold a big party. answer: (a) spend a lot of money

A10 Once you've read the instruction book, you'll probably find it's straightforward. answer: (c) straightforward

113

PHOTOCOPIABLE


intermediate-14

26.


Questions Index

British Idioms A1

I had quite a shock last night. I ran into a former girlfriend of mine. answer: (c) a former girlfriend

A2

I suppose she was your favourite person at the time. answer: (c) your favourite person

A3

Yes, I suppose she was but she'd changed so. She was very thin. answer: (a) very thin

A4

And I suppose you didn't panic and were very calm? answer: (b) very calm

A5

Well I didn't have a personal reason for getting involved as far as she's concerned. answer: (c) a personal reason for getting involved

A6

You mean there was no hostile feelings between the two of you? answer: (a) no hostile feelings

A7

No, not really except she did get angry sometimes but not as dangerous as she seemed. answer: (b) not as dangerous as she seemed

A8

Was she going anywhere or was she doing nothing particular? answer: (a) doing nothing particular

A9

Not really. Funny thing is I asked her out and she didn't show any reaction. What I want to know is whether I did the right thing. answer: (d) didn't show any reaction

A10 I can't help you there my friend. You must decide. answer: (b) You must decide

114

PHOTOCOPIABLE


intermediate-15

27.


Questions Index

Expressions with cold A1

The way he murdered his victims in a slow, painful way was really without feeling. answer: (a) without feeling

A2

Whenever they met, she would always manage to ignore him and turn the other way. answer: (c) ignore

A3

Unfortunately he panics when he sees her, can't think straight and doesn't know what to do. answer: (d) panics

A4

I'm afraid I'm getting worried about this scheme as I'm not sure it's such a good idea. answer: (a) worried about

A5

All right he got some money for his troubles but not very much and really it was little consolation to him. answer: (c) little consolation

A6

It's difficult to describe him because he doesn't really say or do much he's what you might call an impassive person. answer: (b) an impassive person

A7

Every day we get unwanted calls on the phone from total strangers trying to sell you something. answer: (d) unwanted calls

A8

You never really know where you are with her as she keeps changing her mood. answer: (c) keeps changing her mood

A9

They refused to let her into their circle of friends and left her all alone. answer: (a) all alone

A10 You know he won't approve as he always disapproves of any new ideas. answer: (d) disapproves of

115

PHOTOCOPIABLE


intermediate-16

28.


Questions Index

Way Idioms A1

Incidentally are you thinking of going on holiday? answer: (a) Incidentally

A2

If I'm hindering you, I'll leave the room. answer: (c) I'm hindering you

A3

Every investor is really pleased because profits have gone up hugely this year. answer: (d) have gone up hugely

A4

As your house is on our route, we'll give you a lift home if you like. answer: (b) on our route

A5

At the moment plans are in progress and the work should be finished next year. answer: (a) in progress

A6

We don't usually allow refunds but occasionally we agree. answer: (d) occasionally

A7

The army commander was very concerned about his troops and would never allow them to be in in danger. answer: (d) in danger

A8

You'll just have to make a decision. You can't benefit by agreeing to two opposite views. answer: (b) benefit by agreeing to two opposite views

A9

In view of the considerable opposition the members agreed to yield. answer: (a) yield

A10 She left school and immediately started to earn her living without help from her family. answer: (c) earn her living

116

PHOTOCOPIABLE


intermediate-17

29.


Questions Index

Idioms with come A1

Can you repeat that? Sorry, I didn't hear what you said. answer: (c) Can you repeat that

A2

Your mom is going to reprimand you if you don't clean your room now. answer: (a) reprimand

A3

New evidence was revealed at the end of the trial. answer: (d) was revealed

A4

Robert Koch was the first person to discover a medicine to help in the treatment of Tuberculosis. answer: (b) discover

A5

My dream of having my own house has finally happened. answer: (a) happened

A6

A lot of people from the office I work at got sick with the flu this past week. answer: (c) got sick with

A7

In the end, it all is because of the fact that you don't really care about me. answer: (d) is because of

A8

When my boss asked me to come to his office this morning, little did I know I was going to go through some harsh comments. answer: (a) going to go through

A9

I was turning into the left lane when a car suddenly appeared and hit me. answer: (b) suddenly appeared

A10 I need to objectively and entirely confront and understand myself. answer: (d) objectively and entirely confront and understand

117

PHOTOCOPIABLE


intermediate-18

30.


Questions Index

Common English Idioms A1

Tom told Andrea that giant turtles had escaped from the city zoo and were eating only left-handed people. It wasn't until she saw the smirk on his face that Andrea noticed he was just fooling her. answer: (b) fooling her

A2

Why should she take a big risk for them? They never helped her with anything. answer: (c) take a big risk

A3

I am so mad at my boyfriend. We were supposed to have a date last night at the park but he didn't come. answer: (a) didn't come

A4

It seems like something has been bothering and upsetting John lately. He's just not the same person any more. answer: (d) bothering and upsetting

A5

I have a really strong instinct that one of the employees is giving information about his boss to another company. answer: (b) really strong instinct

A6

Andrew and Ana have been dating each other for so long that I think it's about time they got married. answer: (c) got married

A7

Bob's mom was angry with him when she saw his report card from school. answer: (c) was angry with him

A8

It makes me completely lose interest when guys dont respect my boundaries. answer: (a) makes me completely lose interest

A9

Ever since Melanie won the Miss Universe Competition, her telephone has been ringing constantly. answer: (c) ringing constantly

A10 I think George and Lisa would make a great couple. We should try to get them together. answer: (d) get them together

118

PHOTOCOPIABLE


intermediate-19

31.


Questions Index

Idioms with Hand A1

We need to do something about it! This situation is getting out of control! answer: (c) out of control

A2

Now the grandparents have the children in their care. answer: (a) in their care

A3

This last year, my company has made money at a huge rate! answer: (b) at a huge rate

A4

As soon as he took possession of all that money, he donated part of it to charitable institutions. answer: (d) took possession of

A5

The beginning of a new generation of computer software is imminent. answer: (a) imminent

A6

Do we have enough people available to help us move our stuff into the house? answer: (b) available

A7

The FBI told the local police that their case was out of their jurisdiction. The investigation was now a Federal matter. answer: (c) out of their jurisdiction

A8

Jane Williams is a very good investigative reporter, you've got to give her credit. answer: (a) give her credit

A9

Honey, can you give me the car key, please? It's right next to you on the table. answer: (c) give me

A10 Learning a foreign language goes together with International Business. answer: (d) together

119

PHOTOCOPIABLE


intermediate-20

32.


Questions Index

English Idioms and Phrases A1

You have to raise your voice a little when talking to him. He's a little deaf. answer: (c) deaf

A2

I went to a real nice restaurant yesterday. The food cost was cheap and they served a lot of food. I had to ask for a package to store left over food so the person can take it home because I couldn't eat the whole thing. answer: (a) package to store left over food so the person can take it home

A3

Fabian was a coward. No wonder his classmates were always giving him a hard time. answer: (c) coward

A4

I invited a friend to go to a street market by my house where they served some real good Japanese food. My friend's mom wanted to pay for her daughter's meal, but I insisted on paying for both our meals myself, her mom finally said: Ok, as long as we we divide the costs next time. answer: (d) we divide the costs

A5

So, is everything clear? Oh, yes indeed sir! answer: (b) clear

A6

We are having a dinner where everybody brings something to eat at Tim's house tomorrow. Everybody is invited! answer: (a) dinner where everybody brings something to eat

A7

I need everybody's help. The wedding is tomorrow and we haven't even started with the decorations yet. We have to start right now. answer: (d) to start right now

A8

Just calm down. Everything is going to be alright, okay? answer: (c) calm down

A9

Kyle was rescued from an unwanted situation when his sister walked in and asked him to take her to ballet practice. answer: (a) rescued from an unwanted situation

A10 I would stay away from that guy if I were you, he is crazy. answer: (d) is crazy

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Questions Index

Expressions with make A1

Everybody thought Jane and Elliot were a happy couple, but it was all just pretending. answer: (b) pretending

A2

I've been working hard for the last few months trying to make enough money to pay for expenses, but something I'm not even expecting always comes up and I have to pay for it. answer: (a) make enough money to pay for expenses

A3

Man's first walk on the moon was meaningful enough to influence history. answer: (d) was meaningful enough to influence history

A4

You can give people great pleasure just by telling them how important they are to you. answer: (c) give people great pleasure

A5

If I had a chance to go to Paris, I would take great advantage of it. answer: (b) take great advantage of

A6

Charity acted like a fool at the club when she saw her boyfriend dancing with another girl. answer: (d) acted like a fool

A7

So, George... Have you decided where you want to go for your internship? answer: (a) decided

A8

Now I understand why you moved out of that house. answer: (b) I understand

A9

Ana finally succeeded. She is an excellent doctor. answer: (c) succeeded

A10 Mom, can you tell Todd to stop mocking me? answer: (a) mocking

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Questions Index

Double Speak in Job Titles A1

The school janitor was the main suspect of the girl's disappearance. answer: (c) janitor

A2

Linda got a job as secretary in a Law Firm. answer: (d) secretary

A3

Celebrities are usually surrounded by their bodyguards. answer: (b) bodyguards

A4

George is in the food business now. He is a potato chip delivery truck driver. answer: (b) a potato chip delivery truck driver

A5

I have always wanted to be a hairdresser. answer: (a) a hairdresser

A6

My mom used to work at a hospital as a nurse. answer: (c) a nurse

A7

Bob used to work as a newspaper delivery boy during school summer breaks when he was a kid, now he has his own newspaper. answer: (c) a newspaper delivery boy

A8

Some places in New York have advertised on the newspaper they needed part-time check-out clerks. answer: (a) check-out clerks

A9

The day before Carol's wedding, her bridesmaids went to see a a manicurist. answer: (d) a manicurist

A10 The television weatherman said on TV that it is supposed to rain all day tomorrow. answer: (b) television weatherman

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English Idioms and Expressions / Advanced level # 1 (Answer Keys)

Questions Index

English Animal Idioms A1

There are times when you must decide and make a bold decision. answer: (c) make a bold decision

A2

He never does what he wants really because his freedom is always curtailed. answer: (d) never does what he wants

A3

No-one ever mentions him because he's regarded as the one with a bad reputation. answer: (b) the one with a bad reputation

A4

I shouldn't go outside without a raincoat because it's raining very heavily. answer: (c) it's raining very heavily

A5

You shouldn't sign there I think he's about to make a fool of you. answer: (a) to make a fool of you

A6

It's a lovely house and very big but nobody uses it so it's something very expensive and useless. answer: (d) something very expensive and useless

A7

When the business folded, he took the biggest part of the assets. answer: (c) the biggest part

A8

Without my glasses I can't see where I'm going in fact I'm very short sighted. answer: (a) very short sighted

A9

I get very irritated sometimes because they're always up very early and I like to lie in. answer: (b) up very early

A10 I would advise you to do that as well and in that way you'll get two things done at the same time. answer: (c) get two things done at the same time

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Questions Index

Hands on A1

The opposition party dismissed the government's proposal without further consideration. answer: (a) without further consideration

A2

Since she started work on the stock exchange she has been making money in large quantities. answer: (b) in large quantities

A3

They have lost all their money and now lead a sort of impoverished existence. answer: (a) impoverished

A4

It's no good asking anybody in that shop to help you because they won't do anything at all for you. answer: (d) do anything at all for you

A5

In the obituary about the millionaire all his enterprises were listed and it looked as if he had had an involvement in many activities. answer: (b) an involvement in many activities

A6

I've just bought a brand new car with all the latest gadgets and quite honestly it has cost me a huge amount of money. answer: (c) a huge amount of money

A7

I don't want to have to force you to agree but I hope you realize that your refusal to comply could be harmful. answer: (b) force you to agree

A8

Have a look at the benefits that the society can offer you and then you may feel like deciding to try membership for a trial. answer: (d) deciding to try membership for a trial

A9

If you do join a political party then you are expected to stick to the rules on every occasion. answer: (b) stick to the rules

A10 I wouldn't say I never totally agree with my employers but sometimes they can make extraordinary demands. answer: (c) totally agree

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Questions Index

Lucky Alex A1

Alex had lost a lot of money and as a consequence was feeling miserable. answer: (b) miserable

A2

He had given in to a longstanding weakness of his and put a lot of faith in on the favourite winning the race. answer: (d) put a lot of faith in

A3

This horse in all honesty didn't have a a chance in a million of winning. answer: (a) a chance in a million

A4

Alex said he had had a dream about the horse winning but most people regarded this story with caution. answer: (b) with caution

A5

What happened was that the stupid animal took fright halfway through the course and without worrying at all decided to go back to the start. answer: (d) worrying at all

A6

As far as Alex was concerned this was the final disaster and he vowed he would never risk money on a horse ever again. answer: (c) the final disaster

A7

The trouble was that he didn't have a penny not even enough to pay for the fare home. answer: (b) didn't have a penny

A8

He decided he would not worry what people thought and try and hitchhike. answer: (c) not worry what people thought

A9

Fortunately it wasn't long before he got a lift with an old man who was very generous and gave him some money. answer: (a) was very generous

A10 He told him to invest it wisely, which Alex did. He bought a ticket for the lottery and his luck changed because he won the jackpot. answer: (c) his luck changed

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Questions Index

How Mary fell in love A1

Most people like to come home after work and relax. answer: (c) relax

A2

Mary was exactly the same as everybody else but this particular night she wanted to really enjoy herself. answer: (c) really enjoy herself

A3

She put her favourite CD on and turned it up to maximum volume. answer: (d) to maximum volume

A4

As soon as she had done that, there was a huge noise. answer: (c) there was a huge noise

A5

Her next door neighbour soon grew very tired of the noise. answer: (d) grew very tired of

A6

He started hammering on the adjoining wall but Mary took not the slightest notice. answer: (c) took not the slightest notice

A7

In the end her neighbour decided to say exactly what he thought. answer: (a) say exactly what he thought

A8

Although he had never met her, he was determined to tell her off. answer: (a) tell her off

A9

Mary opened the door and as soon as they saw each other they fell utterly in love with each other. answer: (b) utterly

A10 A few months later they decided to knock down the adjoining wall and now everything is perfect. answer: (b) everything is perfect

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Questions Index

Call it a day A1

I congratulate all those people who worked hard to get the contract. answer: (c) congratulate

A2

Some of you worked on until it was early in the morning to make it a successful project. answer: (b) it was early in the morning

A3

I'm sure sometimes you all wanted to stop work and go home. answer: (a) stop work

A4

The important thing is that as soon as you saw the advantages, you got very interested in it. answer: (c) got very interested in

A5

I'm also very proud of the way you wouldn't give up. answer: (b) wouldn't give up

A6

There are times in life when it's very important to be cheerful. answer: (d) be cheerful

A7

There are of course those who very easily give up. answer: (a) give up

A8

We can best describe someone like that as a person who is having no resolution. answer: (a) having no resolution

A9

It only remains for me to express my admiration for all those of you who remained loyal. answer: (c) remained loyal

A10 I must not forget either all those very important people, without whom none of us could operate, who work in the background. answer: (d) in the background

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Questions Index

Live up to A1

Frank was an old soldier and experienced many wars. answer: (d) experienced

A2

He had joined the army as a young man because he wanted to have a good time a bit. answer: (c) have a good time

A3

He wanted excitement and travel and the army came up to its reputation. answer: (a) came up to

A4

He certainly travelled and there was plenty of excitement, which made it possible for him to follow his dream. answer: (c) follow

A5

He also managed to exist easily on his pay without any problems. answer: (b) exist easily on

A6

He ate only the simple food provided by the army. answer: (a) ate only

A7

For some years stayed in barracks in because he liked to be among his comrades. answer: (b) stayed in barracks

A8

He never really enjoyed staying in other accommodation. answer: (a) staying in other accommodation

A9

He never did anything wrong and so he didn't have to make others forget any bad reputation. answer: (b) make others forget

A10 He ended his final days in a small cottage overlooking the barracks. answer: (d) ended

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Questions Index

English Grammar Prepositions A1

What are you doing now? answer: (b) doing now

A2

What are you interested in? answer: (d) interested in

A3

I'm having a holiday on Monday. answer: (a) having a holiday

A4

Are you kept informed about the latest developments? answer: (a) kept informed about

A5

It's your turn. answer: (d) It's your turn

A6

Are you at home on Tuesdays? answer: (a) at home

A7

I'm certainly willing to try it. answer: (a) willing to try

A8

You should know that I'm in complete agreement with it. answer: (c) in complete agreement with

A9

I'm finished with that company. answer: (b) finished with

A10 I'm looking for a new car. answer: (b) looking for

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Questions Index

From Shakespeare originally A1

When he heard that he had lost his job, it was little help to learn that he could keep his car. answer: (d) little help

A2

The selection of candidates was done in a casual manner so that nobody knew why they were chosen. answer: (d) casual

A3

She had got herself into difficulties by trying to please everyone at the same time. answer: (c) into difficulties

A4

I'm afraid that my poor old car has finally stopped working. answer: (a) stopped working

A5

You're living in a under a delusion if you think they're going to pay you for nothing. answer: (d) under a delusion

A6

It was a total mystery as apparently there was no logical reason why he did it. answer: (a) no logical reason

A7

There is clearly a huge change in the way people now look at crime today. answer: (b) a huge change

A8

They looked everywhere for the lost passport but it seems to have disappeared completely. answer: (c) disappeared completely

A9

When it comes to a crisis, Charles is very reliable. answer: (b) very reliable

A10 Whenever he has been treated badly, he always demands his total recompense. answer: (a) total recompense

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Questions Index

Water Expressions A1

Charlie's in trouble again, he forgot to lock up last night. answer: (d) in trouble

A2

Forget it, that's best forgotten now. answer: (a) best forgotten

A3

That's always the trouble if she doesn't like it, she discourages it completely. answer: (b) discourages it completely

A4

You must realize the gravity of the situation because you are in a serious situation now. answer: (c) a serious situation

A5

He feels uncomfortable whenever he goes to a party. answer: (a) feels uncomfortable

A6

Don't ever lend him money, he spends it very freely. answer: (c) very freely

A7

We think in the present circumstances the best policy is to take little action for a while. answer: (c) take little action

A8

My original plan has been so reduced in importance that I don't recognize it now. answer: (a) reduced in importance

A9

Your ideas are usually sound but this one won't be practical, I'm afraid. answer: (b) be practical

A10 He'll be all right soon because any criticism is usually of no importance to him. answer: (a) of no importance

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Questions Index

Cats, Dogs and Ducks A1

You will be in a very difficult situation now that he's revealed the truth. answer: (c) revealed the truth

A2

If I were you, I would not raise the subject again and my best advice is to not say any more. answer: (c) not say any more

A3

Remember if you go into that meeting without being prepared with some answers, you will simply be a ready target. answer: (b) a ready target

A4

I'm afraid he didn't take my advice and they made him look a complete fool because he was unrepared and he ended up a person with no future. answer: (c) a person with no future

A5

Mind you as I have said many times before I don't know how he's lasted so long in the job because he's always been the inefficient person in the team. answer: (b) the inefficient person

A6

The older generation always maintains that in their day things were better and nowadays the country is losing its standards. answer: (c) is losing its standards

A7

If you're unsure about what will happen next, I suggest you hang on for a bit longer. answer: (d) what will happen next

A8

There is no need to apologize about your remarks as I can assure you it's of little concern to me. answer: (c) of little concern

A9

Once more he is out of favour but I couldn't possibly tell you why. answer: (b) out of favour

A10 As so many people are coming to a party at their house, they're running around preparing food in a nervous state. answer: (a) in a nervous state

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Questions Index

Losing It A1

The one thing a public figure hates is when he loses respect in front of all his admirers. answer: (c) loses respect

A2

At the crucial moment the climber became scared and had to be brought down the mountain. answer: (c) became scared

A3

The latest opinion polls show that the government is losing its advantage to the opposition party. answer: (d) losing its advantage

A4

There was a time when everybody would believe her totally but after this episode I'm afraid she's losing her skill. answer: (a) losing her skill

A5

Under the new pay agreement many employees feel that they are at a disadvantage on allowances. answer: (b) at a disadvantage

A6

I'm afraid that kind of humour is totally without effect him so you'll have to explain it more simply. answer: (a) without effect

A7

After only a few weeks as a teacher of very badly behaved children she realized she was losing her control. answer: (c) losing her control

A8

He suddenly started shouting and screaming and people could plainly see that he had become angry. answer: (a) become angry

A9

I've tried very hard indeed to understand your argument step by step but I must confess I now can't follow the reasoning. answer: (d) I now can't follow the reasoning

A10 After the traffic accident she behaved foolishly and drove the car into a brick wall. answer: (b) behaved foolishly

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Questions Index

Splitting Hairs A1

We told him to remain calm because he was getting angrier and angrier. answer: (b) to remain calm

A2

I can't really explain it but the moment she walks into the room and asks me a question she irritates me. answer: (d) irritates me

A3

Now that he's passed his exams and got his qualifications he's decided to behave informally. answer: (a) behave informally

A4

When I opened the door and saw this white figure in front of me, it really terrified me. answer: (c) terrified me

A5

After the boss had given her the sack, she just walked out of the office showing no feeling at all. answer: (b) showing no feeling at all

A6

Quite frankly you're arguing about small points. Does it matter whether it's the past simple or the perfect tense? answer: (a) arguing about small points

A7

I saw him last November and since then I have not seen him at all. answer: (c) not seen him at all

A8

Don't worry if she doesn't say much because she says she's experiencing a lot of problems. answer: (a) she's experiencing a lot of problems

A9

I was really scared when I saw him because he was extremely angry about the new management decision. answer: (c) extremely angry

A10 They were very lucky they didn't get themselves killed because they came very near to falling down the mountain. answer: (a) very near to

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Questions Index

Squeaky Clean A1

The auditors made a thorough check on all aspects of the company and decided to confirm it was satisfactory. answer: (a) confirm it was satisfactory

A2

Now that all the problems have been sorted out he is able to go back to work making a fresh start. answer: (c) making a fresh start

A3

After a great deal of questioning he decided to confess and tell the truth. answer: (d) confess

A4

The enquiry into allegations of fraud against the minister proved in the end that she was innocent. answer: (c) she was innocent

A5

With the appointment of a new director it was decided to remove all obstacles and create a new board of governors. answer: (a) remove all obstacles

A6

Some of the members of the board are under some suspicion but he is regarded as trustworthy. answer: (b) trustworthy

A7

I lost a lot of money well and truly last week: I saw the same computer for sale today at half the price I paid. answer: (b) lost a lot of money

A8

We tried to catch the thief who'd snatched the handbag but he ran away quickly. answer: (c) ran away quickly

A9

At the end of a lengthy police investigation he emerged as totally innocent. answer: (d) totally innocent

A10 After several hours of cleaning the children had made the kitchen spotless before their parents came home. answer: (a) spotless

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Questions Index

Word of Mouth A1

I promise it will never happen again. answer: (c) promise

A2

She had to admit she was wrong when it turned out that she had chosen the wrong horse in the race. answer: (d) admit she was wrong

A3

They quarrelled last night so be prepared for miserable faces this morning. answer: (c) quarrelled

A4

You can always rely on that company because they do what they say whatever happens. answer: (b) do what they say

A5

They spend very little on advertising and tend to get new work through recommendation. answer: (a) recommendation

A6

You can see that he's deeply in love with her because he listens eagerly to everything she says. answer: (b) listens eagerly to everything she says

A7

Straightaway we could tell at the interview she was the ideal candidate for the job. answer: (c) Straightaway

A8

Remember as soon as you feel able to continue with walk, let me know. answer: (a) let me know

A9

I can only repeat that I want you to wait until Tuesday before you tell her, remember don't say anything. answer: (c) don't say anything

A10 I couldn't agree with you more, to be honest you've said what I wanted to say. answer: (b) said what I wanted to say

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Questions Index

Expressions and idioms with thin A1

He worries too much about his appearance and now he says he's going bald. answer: (c) going bald

A2

She lost her job last year and since then she's been finding it difficult without money. answer: (d) finding it difficult without money

A3

He really must start eating properly because at the moment he's very thin. answer: (a) very thin

A4

If you know of a good plumber, let me know as they're a bit difficult to find around here. answer: (b) difficult to find

A5

Although he only asked me to lend him EUR 5, I could see this was the start of something worse. answer: (c) start of something worse

A6

Since we put that advertisement in the local newspapers, replies have been coming in quickly in large numbers. answer: (a) quickly in large numbers

A7

You'll be lucky if you get more than two words out of him because I'm afraid he's very stupid. answer: (d) very stupid

A8

They've settled their argument at long last and now they're very friendly. answer: (b) very friendly

A9

In view of the way she behaved I thought it was more than I could stand when she asked him to apologize to her. answer: (c) more than I could stand

A10 There are certain members in the party who will stand by their leader whatever the difficulties. answer: (d) whatever the difficulties

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Questions Index

Expressions with Top A1

He's always worried about his appearance and now he's concerned because he's losing his hair. answer: (a) losing his hair

A2

When the accident happened, all he could think about was attracting attention and he started calling out as loudly as possible. answer: (d) as loudly as possible

A3

At a rough calculation I would say it's going to cost more than twice what you have budgeted for. answer: (d) At a rough calculation

A4

It's certainly not difficult to see who's the most important person around here theses days. answer: (c) the most important person

A5

Since she won the lottery last week she's been feeling very happy. answer: (b) very happy

A6

Many politicians like to impress the votes but a few of them exaggerate sometimes in their speeches. answer: (a) exaggerate

A7

For the first time in ages I actually slept very soundly last night. answer: (d) very soundly

A8

Students usually take on paid employment during the vacation to add to their grants. answer: (c) add to

A9

Her mother was very snobbish and didn't like the idea of her daughter marrying someone who was not of high social standing. answer: (b) of high social standing

A10 It had been a terrible day for him and when he learned finally that he had lost his job, he simply lost his temper. answer: (a) lost his temper

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Questions Index

Down to Earth A1

Poor Charlie has been miserable since he learned that he's lost his job. answer: (a) miserable

A2

I think we've had our fun and now it's time we began seriously to consider the idea of earning some money. answer: (c) began seriously to consider

A3

As soon as they heard the news that one of their fellow workers had been given the sack, they all stopped working. answer: (b) stopped working

A4

She always speaks condescendingly to me as if I'm not worth consideration. answer: (c) speaks condescendingly

A5

In contrast to her husband she's a very practical sort of person who manages to control his wild ideas. answer: (d) practical

A6

He's certainly picked himself up since we last saw him when he was clearly shabbily dressed. answer: (b) shabbily dressed

A7

I invested all my money in that failed company and now I find my whole investment has been wasted. answer: (c) has been wasted

A8

You can use special symbols in your emails if you want to show you're depressed. answer: (d) depressed

A9

Let's put it like this — you made the decision and so it's your responsibility as to what happens next. answer: (a) your responsibility

A10 They've had enough of the bad climate and high taxes here and have gone to live in Australia. answer: (c) in Australia

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Questions Index

Expressions with low A1

If you like, I can give you a summary and the information when we next meet. answer: (a) information

A2

It's the fashion now to write the first letter of your name not in capitals but in small letters. answer: (c) small letters

A3

She's usually very fit and healthy and that's why we were surprised to learn she was unwell. answer: (d) unwell

A4

On account of his unpopularity the politician decided to keep away from the public for a few weeks. answer: (b) keep away from the public

A5

In the 19th century in big houses the people who lived in the basement were the servants. answer: (c) in the basement

A6

From the critical comments the journalist was making, it was clear he didn't think much of the country's leader. answer: (d) didn't think much of

A7

We knew that he was dishonest but we didn't imagine he behave so disgracefully as to steal from his own family. answer: (a) behave so disgracefully

A8

We wanted to cheer you up as we'd heard you were feeling rather depressed. answer: (b) rather depressed

A9

I recommend you take out your loan now to take advantage of the reduced interest rate. answer: (a) reduced

A10 If you invest in the financial markets you must expect the decreases as well as the highs in the income. answer: (c) decreases

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Questions Index

Hot expressions A1

They just sit around, discuss nothing in particular and just produce empty talk. answer: (c) empty talk

A2

As soon as they heard the news, they didn't hesitate and drove very quickly to the hospital. answer: (a) very quickly

A3

He can never wait for the next issue of his favourite magazine and likes to get a copy that's just printed. answer: (d) just printed

A4

I'm not quite sure how to handle the problem at the moment as it's not easy to explain a sort of delicate situation. answer: (b) delicate situation

A5

Whenever there was a war zone that needed covering, the paper always sent their most experienced reporter. answer: (d) war zone

A6

He'd only been in his new job three days when he found himself in in trouble for something he'd done wrong. answer: (c) in trouble

A7

Have you seen that long queue outside the supermarket? Whatever they're selling is selling very well. answer: (d) selling very well

A8

In order to provide training for the staff in the department everyone had to experience responsibility. answer: (a) experience responsibility

A9

I thought he was going to burst with anger because he was getting very angry. answer: (c) very angry

A10 The one thing you mustn't do is be late because the boss is very strict about punctuality. answer: (a) strict about

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Questions Index

Comparisons with as .... as A1

After a good night's sleep she woke feeling bright and cheerful. answer: (b) bright and cheerful

A2

It was a serious operation but he made a complete recovery and was soon in good health. answer: (d) in good health

A3

When she left school, she found she could do what she liked and be totally free. answer: (a) totally free

A4

Suddenly the car leant to one side and when he got out, he saw there was no air in one tyre that was completely flat. answer: (b) completely flat

A5

The baby sitter had no problem with the children because they were well behaved the whole evening. answer: (c) well behaved

A6

He wanted to make sure that his car looked good and so he made sure it was spotless before he sold it. answer: (d) spotless

A7

The one thing you could be sure of was that he would not behave in a normal way he was in fact completely mad. answer: (b) completely mad

A8

We really didn't expect to see him at all that night but then suddenly he appeared in person. answer: (c) in person

A9

You could always rely on her because in any situation she stayed totally dependable. answer: (a) totally dependable

A10 As he was very strong, he was able to lift the carriage up and let the trapped man out. answer: (b) very strong

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Questions Index

Expressions with make A1

Their big ambition in life was to choose the right moment to sell their shares ad then make a lot of money. answer: (c) make a lot of money

A2

They've tried hard to increase their profits in the business but so far are not really progressing. answer: (a) not really progressing

A3

The shock was so great it frightened you. answer: (d) frightened you

A4

I reckon when they sold that lovely big house it must have provided them with a huge sum of money. answer: (b) provided them with a huge sum of money

A5

Ignore his comments it's not really that bad, he's simply exaggerating. answer: (c) exaggerating

A6

We've lost a lot of money and have little income and so we're finding it difficult to survive. answer: (d) survive

A7

I'll come straight to the point and tell you exactly what I think. answer: (a) come straight to the point

A8

It seems a sound project with potential and so I advise you to make an offer for it. answer: (c) make an offer for it

A9

If I were you, I would stop worrying about it and simply have fun while you can. answer: (b) have fun

A10 Don't take too much notice of what he's saying, he's just making a fuss. answer: (a) making a fuss

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Questions Index

Egg expressions A1

I'm pretty certain but perhaps I wouldn't go as far as saying I'm absolutely sure. answer: (d) absolutely sure

A2

I know you didn't exactly push him into accepting the offer but you must admit you did encourage him. answer: (c) did encourage him

A3

You've always stood by him in all his bad habits but underneath I think he's a worthless person. answer: (b) worthless person

A4

First he agreed and then he disagreed. The result was he ended up looking foolish. answer: (a) looking foolish

A5

You've got to learn to diversify and not to rely on just one scheme. answer: (c) to rely on just one scheme

A6

She wasn't really successful in her first stage play. In fact you could say she she gave an embarrassing performance. answer: (d) she gave an embarrassing performance

A7

It was a bit like teaching someone who was more experienced than he when the young director was showing the veteran actress how to act. answer: (a) teaching someone who was more experienced than he

A8

They told her to put some money aside each month so she would have a savings account. answer: (b) a savings account

A9

We all advised him to make sure he got payment and didn't accept just a promise of money. answer: (c) accept just a promise of money

A10 You'll need all your tact in this situation and you'll have to be very sensitive. answer: (b) be very sensitive

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Questions Index

Idioms with prepositions A1

It's a long time since those days long ago when you could leave your front door unlocked. answer: (b) a long time since

A2

I wish you would stop talking and let me finish speaking. answer: (d) let me finish speaking

A3

It's not impossible you couldn't pass your exam if you really tried. answer: (c) It's not impossible

A4

We haven't seen him for ages but he turns up very rarely. answer: (a) very rarely

A5

It's almost impossible trying to get him to see sense because he takes no notice. answer: (b) almost impossible

A6

He seriously believes that we think he's stupid but we really don't. answer: (d) He seriously believes

A7

We thought it would all go off very well but in the end it turned out to be a failure. answer: (b) failure

A8

I know you're keen but I don't want you to start too soon. Just relax. answer: (c) start too soon

A9

Count to ten before you say anything and don't lose your temper. answer: (d) lose your temper

A10 It's like there's nobody there because you never get an answer from her. answer: (a) there's nobody there

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Questions Index

Idioms with phrasal verbs A1

You certainly couldn't call him modest because he's always saying how clever he is. answer: (c) saying how clever he is

A2

You can always rely on him to make things go wrong and suddenly everything stops. answer: (a) make things go wrong

A3

He tried and tried and tried but in the end he decided the time had come to stop trying. answer: (d) stop trying

A4

My advice is to stop worrying about it and make an effort. answer: (b) make an effort

A5

We've had a lovely time and walked a long way but I think it's time to stop. answer: (c) stop

A6

I just can't open this tin at all and I always find this type of container really annoying. answer: (a) really annoying

A7

To be honest he leads a miserable life because he works all the time and has no friends. answer: (b) a miserable life

A8

The one thing you can be sure of is that whatever the situation she'll commit a social blunder and embarrass everyone. answer: (c) commit a social blunder

A9

That sort of joke never makes people laugh and on this occasion it went down very badly. answer: (d) very badly

A10 Before the meeting officially starts I'd like to mention one or two points. answer: (b) mention

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Questions Index

Mark Idioms A1

He's not really doing anything serious at the moment because he's just waiting for the right opportunity until he finds a proper job. answer: (c) waiting for the right opportunity

A2

You listen to me carefully you do as I say and you'll be all right. answer: (b) listen to me carefully

A3

The dancers were lost marks in the competition because the man fell over half way through. answer: (a) lost marks

A4

There wasn't much time to waste and in order to secure a place, you had to be be first in the queue. answer: (c) be first in the queue

A5

When you look back over her lifetime you can see that she will be remembered. answer: (b) be remembered

A6

From an early age he was destined to become leader of his party. answer: (d) destined

A7

They were very fussy about their products and any item not of a high standard was discarded. answer: (c) of a high standard

A8

Take no notice of what he said because his comments are irrelevant. answer: (a) irrelevant

A9

As they were not ready on time, they missed some of the good bargains. answer: (d) not ready on time

A10 Pay attention. The race is about to begin. Be prepared, get ready, start. answer: (c) Be prepared

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Questions Index

Retail Sales Expressions A1

I went to BuyLots and bought a computer on payment plan. answer: (c) payment plan

A2

The best time to go shopping in the USA is the day after Thanksgiving, because all stores reduce their prices. answer: (a) reduce

A3

Nowadays, lots of people buy products over the Internet. answer: (c) buy

A4

It's really important to keep a proof of purchase of the products you buy in case you need to return or exchange them. answer: (b) proof of purchase

A5

When I first moved to the USA and didn't have a bank account, I used order of payment issued by a bank to pay my rent. answer: (a) order of payment issued by a bank

A6

Thanks for buying at Build-a-Monster, your product will be mailed in 1 to 2 business days. Have a nice day! answer: (d) mailed

A7

My son would love to have a Buzz Lightmonth toy for his birthday. Do you have any at your store? — Sorry, ma'am. They are not available. answer: (c) not available

A8

Excuse me, sir. I would like a reimburse on these shoes, please. They don't fit me. — Sorry, ma'am. We can't do that. answer: (b) a reimburse

A9

Melinda bought a Plasma TV with a one year guarantee. answer: (a) guarantee

A10 Mr. Thompson only buys things that are inexpensive. answer: (c) inexpensive

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Questions Index

American Slang Words (1) A1

I feel really good about this class. I'm going to do well or excel in the exam tomorrow. answer: (b) do well or excel in

A2

His mom was really angry because he got home late last night. answer: (a) angry

A3

Johnny has a really talkative nature and doesn't keep secrets well. You can't tell him anything or the whole world will know about it. answer: (a) talkative nature and doesn't keep secrets well

A4

Our manager made a big fuss about the slight decrease in sales last month. answer: (b) big fuss

A5

Richard received a large inheritance last year but he spent all of his money on silly things and now he's broke. answer: (a) spent all of his money

A6

Kathy was ready to lose her temper when she found out someone stole her patent idea. answer: (c) lose her temper

A7

The college students went out to a club last night and got drunk because the school year ended. answer: (a) got drunk

A8

The class acted in a wild, crazy manner as soon as the teacher left the room. answer: (a) acted in a wild, crazy manner

A9

Christie fell down and got a bruise on her arm so she cried until her mother picked her up. answer: (b) bruise

A10 If Randy doesn't become aware of his situation, he'll fail the entire school year. answer: (a) become aware of his situation

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Questions Index


Lauren moved to Los Angeles to become an actress. Now, she's working as a waitress and waiting for a great opportunity to further her career. answer: (c) a great opportunity to further her career

A2

I don't have any money on me. Can I borrow a dollar? answer: (c) dollar

A3

Rowan is really depressed about the break-up. She always looks so sad and apathetic. answer: (a) sad and apathetic

A4

Jeff really wanted to play at the basketball game last night but his coach forced him to sit and watch the game for bad behavior this past week. answer: (b) forced him to sit and watch the game

A5

I can't wait for our vacation next month. I'm going to sit on the beach to get a suntan. answer: (c) get a suntan

A6

I'm so tired. I'm going home to get some sleep. I'll call you tomorrow. answer: (c) get some sleep

A7

He'll never go for that. It's too expensive and he's so stingy. answer: (a) stingy

A8

We went to the Grand Buffet this past weekend. They have really good food and I can't wait to eat a lot. answer: (a) eat a lot

A9

Don't let him swindle or manipulate you. He's only using you because he wants you to give him some money. answer: (a) swindle or manipulate

A10 Dean has turned into such a lazy person. He sits in front of the TV all night long. answer: (a) a lazy person

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Questions Index


Why don't you open that bottle of wine so we can start celebrating your promotion. answer: (b) open that bottle

A2

Sally had poor study habits so she had to study really hard in a short period of time for her chemistry exam. answer: (b) study really hard in a short period of time

A3

Tanya's job is really good with great benefits. She gets a lot of time off and doesn't work very hard at all. answer: (a) good with great benefits

A4

Notre Dame is going to defeat the other team because they're strong and well-organized this year. answer: (b) defeat

A5

The food was so good. Now, can you ask for the bill so we can see what the cost of the meal is? answer: (a) cost of the meal

A6

I don't want to come to this club ever again. It's always boring and there aren't many patrons. answer: (b) boring and there aren't many patrons

A7

Don't worry. Her husband will pay for the meal. He has a lot of money. answer: (c) a lot of money

A8

That movie was really sexually explicit. I don't think the kids should watch it. answer: (a) sexually explicit

A9

Karen got rid of her little sister so we could go to the year-end party. answer: (a) got rid of

A10 I don't want to hang out with Tom anymore. He's become a real boring and negative person. answer: (a) boring and negative person

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Questions Index


Christine got an outpour of anger and complaints when she got home last night. Her parents lectured her about breaking curfews for more than an hour. answer: (a) an outpour of anger and complaints

A2

Normally, drug addicts need a dose of something they strongly crave in order to cope with their day once they are addicted to a particular drug. answer: (a) dose of something they strongly crave

A3

People say Lana is really unconventional and odd so she can't handle important projects at work. answer: (a) unconventional and odd

A4

When he saw the giant wheel at the fair, he instantly had a memory of a past incident reminiscent of his childhood. answer: (b) memory of a past incident

A5

My husband and I want to go watch that new movie/film. We heard it's pretty good. answer: (a) movie/film

A6

Laura got really upset when she heard about the tornado that hit her hometown. answer: (a) got really upset

A7

Some people say that my teacher is a physically attractive lady. answer: (c) physically attractive

A8

That vacation package to Puerto Vallarta was a bonus received without cost/charge when I bought the cruise line vacation package that starts out in Fort Lauderdale. answer: (a) a bonus received without cost/charge

A9

The computer system we use at work has a minor malfunction in it so we couldn't do any of our work today. The technician will be in tomorrow to fix it for us. answer: (b) minor malfunction

A10 Carmen told me the joke three times but I still didn't understand the joke. She has a very different sense of humor. answer: (b) didn't understand the joke

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Questions Index


I was highly interested in art and writing when I was a child. answer: (a) was highly interested in

A2

Sharon was overly excited when she found out that she won a large shopping spree. answer: (b) was overly excited

A3

Jim thinks Las Vegas hotels are pretty extravagant and showy. answer: (b) extravagant and showy

A4

Karrie showed active support for her co-worker last week. Now, her boss wants to fire both of them. answer: (c) showed active support

A5

Laura got a big promotion last month and now the whole thing made her conceited and overconfident. answer: (b) made her conceited and overconfident

A6

After the tragic accident, Tyler was emotionally shattered. answer: (a) was emotionally shattered

A7

I really made a careless and silly mistake at work this week. Now, I have to work overtime, without pay, to fix it. answer: (a) made a careless and silly mistake

A8

Simon is notorious for being idle and wasting time at work. answer: (c) being idle and wasting time

A9

Tim just spent thirty thousand dollars on a new car last week. answer: (a) thousand dollars

A10 Our boss told Kevin to use his brain to solve the problem. answer: (c) use his brain

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Questions Index


A lot of students at the high school across the street smoke marijuana during lunch hour. answer: (b) smoke marijuana

A2

Cathy is really happy at her new job. It's lucrative and easy. answer: (c) lucrative and easy

A3

I don't want that sandwich. It looks disgusting. answer: (a) disgusting

A4

Where should we go for some good food? answer: (b) food

A5

You've been very lazy this past semester. Now, you have to really work hard if you want to graduate in June. answer: (a) work hard

A6

My roommate usually looks pretty unclean and sloppy when she goes out. answer: (a) unclean and sloppy

A7

It takes a lot of courage to stand up for what you believe in; especially when your opinion is not a popular one. answer: (b) courage

A8

I don't like your jacket. It looks a little dirty. answer: (b) dirty

A9

That road was really dangerous. We should take another route next time. answer: (c) dangerous

A10 We have to sit down and quickly work out an agreement before the end of the week. answer: (b) quickly work out

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Questions Index


Due to her nervous breakdown last year, Maggie has decided to quit her nursing career. answer: (a) quit

A2

Can you wait a moment please? I have to switch phones. answer: (c) wait a moment

A3

I like your friend. I got a really good feeling from her. answer: (c) feeling

A4

The neighbors across the street seem like they are financially stable. answer: (c) are financially stable

A5

Your new project was a success at the meeting on Friday. answer: (a) a success

A6

Oh, you don't know. He was fired because he was always late for work. answer: (b) was fired

A7

Those kids look intoxicated on drugs or alcohol. I think they were smoking pot earlier. answer: (a) intoxicated on drugs or alcohol

A8

The gang members hid for nearly three weeks because they are wanted on three counts of armed robbery. answer: (c) hid

A9

I don't know what to say. You'll have to speak with the boss about that. answer: (a) boss

A10 In order to succeed in the stock market, you have to be eager and highly motivated and business savvy. answer: (b) eager and highly motivated

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Questions Index


Lisa has a very overly active son and she meets with his teacher a lot. answer: (a) overly active

A2

You really have to work hard and fast if you want to meet the deadline. answer: (b) work hard and fast

A3

Those colors are really stylish right now. A lot of people are using those shades in their homes. answer: (b) stylish

A4

She wears too much makeup and very revealing clothing. She looks like a prostitute at times. answer: (b) prostitute

A5

She's very attractive. A lot of guys at school like her. answer: (c) very attractive

A6

She's a very serious person. I think she needs to relax more. answer: (a) serious

A7

Don really got himself into a problematic situation this time. He needs help. answer: (a) problematic situation

A8

Isaac hung around with the wrong crowd and I'm afraid for him because he's seriously and deeply involved now. answer: (c) seriously and deeply involved

A9

In the past, people used to cause problems for me more. Nowadays, I put my foot down a lot more. answer: (b) cause problems for me

A10 Some of the girls at school like the athletic guys. answer: (a) athletic guys

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Questions Index


I've had to go for an hour. Where's the bathroom? answer: (c) bathroom

A2

Kyle is in a lot of trouble. He's a drug addict and was caught stealing money last week. answer: (a) drug addict

A3

He just started his new job so he's still pretty naive. answer: (b) naive

A4

I know you're nervous but you have to stay calm right now. answer: (b) stay calm

A5

I enjoy my little nephew. He's a cute and funny little guy. answer: (a) enjoy

A6

Sandra is always falling and hurting herself. She's such a clumsy person. answer: (c) clumsy person

A7

This exotic meal is really good so don't judge or criticize until you try it. answer: (a) don't judge or criticize

A8

Emma was really skinny as a child but now she's a very attractive person. answer: (c) very attractive person

A9

John's classmate continually teased him until John gave him a punch in the face in the fourth grade. answer: (b) a punch in the face

A10 I don't like to walk around after dusk because of the weird people that seem to emerge at that time. answer: (a) weird people

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Questions Index


I really like my brother-in-law because he's so relaxed and calm. answer: (c) relaxed and calm

A2

That story Greg told us is pretty inadequate. He's always late and he has a million excuses for his behavior. answer: (b) inadequate

A3

Some men use a lot of persuasive and complementary words to pick up girls at night clubs. answer: (a) persuasive and complementary words

A4

Sophie exercises every day but she still can't get rid of those rolls of fat around her stomach. answer: (a) rolls of fat around her stomach

A5

Whenever Tom begins a new job, he keeps to himself, at first, because he doesn't want to cause any problems. answer: (b) cause any problems

A6

Bette plays a highly-skilled game of hockey. She's in the female league and is the top-scorer. answer: (a) highly-skilled

A7

When Steven sold the rights to his unique and useful product, he made a lot of money. answer: (b) a lot of money

A8

Last month, Tim and Sherri reached the credit limits of their credit cards because he was laid-off earlier this year. answer: (a) reached the credit limits of

A9

Beth needs to relax more or she'll have a heart attack soon. answer: (a) relax more

A10 At work, a communication breakdown or collapse has taken place between the management and the workers. answer: (c) communication breakdown or collapse

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Questions Index


My boss gave me a lot of silly and not useful work to do recently. I wish he would challenge me more. answer: (a) silly and not useful

A2

Ted is going to try to seduce Sandra at the party next week. answer: (a) try to seduce

A3

That movie we saw last night was pretty very emotional and tender. Did you like it? answer: (a) very emotional and tender

A4

I think that dresser is pretty good. I wish I could build something like that. answer: (c) good

A5

There are a lot of bad things about the new management team. answer: (b) bad things

A6

I'll leave the frozen dinner out for you and then you can heat it in the microwave when you get home. answer: (a) heat it in the microwave

A7

Most of my colleagues in the office think that Sarah is crazy and unstable. answer: (b) crazy and unstable

A8

Can you pick me up after work? Sure, it's no problem. answer: (b) no problem

A9

I love your new home. The location is great as well. answer: (a) home

A10 My new worker means well but sometimes he can be annoying. answer: (b) annoying

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Questions Index


Tom loves to party and have a good time so he throws a lot of parties at his house. answer: (a) loves to party and have a good time

A2

Simon tried to seduce Nicole but she told him to get his hands off of her. answer: (c) hands

A3

Josephine works long hours for not a lot of money. She's going to ask for a raise soon. answer: (b) not a lot of money

A4

Rowan was completely drunk at the party on Friday. answer: (b) drunk

A5

I'm not worried about the exam next week. It's going to be easy. answer: (a) easy

A6

Laura's mother told her not to eat too much at the dinner party this coming weekend. answer: (a) to eat too much

A7

I'm starving. Let's get some pizza and eat a lot of food tonight. answer: (b) eat a lot of food

A8

We've been driving for a long time so we need to stop and go to the bathroom soon. answer: (a) stop and go to the bathroom

A9

Mathew usually drinks a lot and this weekend was no exception. He was intoxicated! answer: (c) intoxicated

A10 We've been working too hard lately. I'm very tired! answer: (c) very tired

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Questions Index


Joanne wanted to hit her co-worker because of the insulting comments she made. answer: (c) hit

A2

You paid last time. Dinner is free because I want to pay for it this time. answer: (a) is free because I want to pay for it

A3

I'm going to recommend my cousin for the legal advice you need. He's a real professional and he'll give you the information you need. answer: (b) professional

A4

Are you mentally prepared for your role in the play on the weekend? We've been rehearsing for months and I can't believe the big night is almost here. answer: (a) mentally prepared for

A5

Our boss had a mental breakdown recently. He threatened to kill his family and now he's awaiting his trial in jail. answer: (a) had a mental breakdown

A6

She behaved very badly on the weekend. In fact, I think she's mentally ill and needs medical attention. answer: (a) mentally ill

A7

I'm not feeling well. I think I have food poisoning and I feel like I'm going to vomit. answer: (c) vomit

A8

Well, I had a great time tonight but I think I'm going to leave now. answer: (a) leave

A9

Tim's subordinate is very disruptive at meetings so it's hard to tell who the lead or boss is most days. answer: (b) lead or boss

A10 Sean needs to make easy money this month because he doesn't have enough money to cover his rent check. answer: (a) easy money

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Questions Index


The teenagers next door make a lot of noise when their parents are out of town. answer: (c) make a lot of noise

A2

I'm so tired. I have to sleep for a while. answer: (a) sleep

A3

Let's meet on Friday. We need to talk about some things. answer: (a) talk

A4

You've been living in that old and run down home forever. When are you going to move into a nicer place? answer: (a) old and run down home

A5

At work, there are some new employees who think they can just do whatever they want. answer: (b) new

A6

Our supervisor yelled at him on Monday because his work is not acceptable. answer: (a) yelled at him

A7

The bank is threatening to repossess Liam's car because he's late on his payments. answer: (b) repossess

A8

That sitcom is very funny. My whole family watches it on Thursday evenings. answer: (a) very funny

A9

I really dislike people who aren't courteous and take up much of the roadway. They think they own the road. answer: (a) people who aren't courteous and take up much of the roadway

A10 Can I have a scotch with ice please? answer: (c) with ice

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Questions Index


Kevin and his family have had a hard time since the recent stock market crash. answer: (b) hard time

A2

My professor lost his hair and now he wears a wig. answer: (a) wig

A3

There are a lot of children in our neighborhood. answer: (c) children

A4

My baby sister dominates the house. She's so spoiled! answer: (a) dominates

A5

We renovated our entire house and now we've lost our momentum so the outdoor patio area will have to wait until we recover. answer: (a) lost our momentum

A6

I've been working all day so I'm going to sleep early tonight. answer: (c) sleep

A7

Most pyramid schemes seem like big deceptive acts to me. answer: (a) deceptive acts

A8

The little boy was so hungry that he quickly ate his food in about twenty seconds. answer: (a) quickly ate

A9

Some young people think they can waste time at work and get paid for it. They are in for a big surprise. answer: (a) waste time

A10 Tom's boss warned him that if he makes a mistake one more time, he's going to fire him for good. answer: (b) makes a mistake

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Questions Index


Ken is a very intelligent guy. He learns things very quickly. answer: (b) intelligent

A2

I didn't succeed the first time but I'm willing to give it another try. answer: (a) try

A3

My boss quickly disagreed with the idea I suggested at the meeting. He didn't even consider it for a moment. answer: (c) disagreed with

A4

The armed robbers were quickly apprehended and then thrown in prison. answer: (a) prison

A5

Heather was intoxicated at last year's Christmas party. Everyone is wondering if she'll do it again this year. answer: (a) intoxicated

A6

A loud noise frightened the horse and it quickly started galloping down the path. answer: (b) frightened

A7

My husband loves to eat potatoes. He could eat them all day long. answer: (b) potatoes

A8

I'm not impressed with the progress. The whole process is disgusting. answer: (a) is disgusting

A9

When the officer arrested the young boy, he asked him for a honest answer. answer: (b) honest

A10 My new job is really upsetting me. I think I'm going to look for a new one as soon as possible. answer: (a) upsetting me

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Questions Index


I don't like my boss. I want to tell him to leave. answer: (c) leave

A2

I feel like such a gullible person. An acquaintance talked me into a pyramid scheme and I lost all of my savings. answer: (a) gullible person

A3

When Tim was on vacation, he lost a lot of money at a hotel casino. He'll never learn. answer: (b) lost

A4

I've been at the office a lot lately. I'm just doing what I have to do. answer: (b) doing what I have to do

A5

Marcel just bought some new clothes at that trendy store downtown. answer: (c) clothes

A6

I got into an accident on the weekend and my car was damaged beyond repair. answer: (a) damaged beyond repair

A7

We went to a flea market and everything was up available at good prices. answer: (c) available

A8

I'm so tired of renovating. I just want to do nothing and relax tonight. answer: (a) do nothing and relax

A9

I got a really good feeling from that guy. Let's call him again. answer: (c) feeling

A10 Why do you always carry that bundle of money around when everyone else uses debit cards these days? answer: (a) bundle of money

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Questions Index


The gang leader told his followers to kill their rivals on the weekend. They are all wanted criminals now. answer: (a) kill

A2

Do you think I could borrow your car? I have an important appointment this afternoon. answer: (c) car

A3

My cousin is a computer wizard. He maintains my system for me. answer: (a) wizard

A4

I have to drink some coffee so I can be very alert before the big exam. answer: (c) be very alert

A5

Oh, stop being such a wimp. The bridge isn't even that high. answer: (b) wimp

A6

My niece said her food was bad. answer: (a) bad

A7

I can't do one more thing right now. I'm exhausted. answer: (b) exhausted

A8

Who wants some pizza? answer: (a) Who wants

A9

The door is in good shape. But, it does have a small scratch or dent in the lower left corner. answer: (b) small scratch or dent

A10 Nuclear weapons are very dangerous weapons. They could destroy mankind for good. answer: (b) Nuclear weapons

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Questions Index

Clothing Idioms (1) A1

That little boy cannot sit still. answer: (c) cannot sit still

A2

My teacher told me to put a lot of effort into this term. answer: (b) put a lot of effort into

A3

Bruce's last comment was unfair and cowardly. answer: (a) was unfair and cowardly

A4

At the meeting on Friday, the assistant manager made a silly, unprepared and spontaneous comment. answer: (c) unprepared and spontaneous

A5

I think her new boyfriend is pretending to be nice but is really dangerous. answer: (b) pretending to be nice but is really dangerous

A6

Bill's wife dresses too young for her age. answer: (a) dresses too young for her age

A7

Aurora wore her best clothes this weekend. answer: (c) wore her best clothes

A8

This information is very important. Don't tell anyone. answer: (a) Don't tell anyone

A9

Many people don't want to have their private affairs talked about in public. answer: (b) to have their private affairs talked about in public

A10 Sierra's dress fits her very well. answer: (a) fits her very well

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Questions Index

Clothing Idioms (2) A1

The new nightclub was very busy this past weekend. answer: (b) was very busy

A2

Joseph went to Reno and lost all of his money last month. answer: (c) lost all of his money

A3

Kevin is always broke because he spends his money quickly. answer: (a) he spends his money quickly

A4

Don't lose your temper! I'm going to tell you everything. answer: (b) Don't lose your temper

A5

Jeff just lost his job. I wouldn't want to be in his position. answer: (a) to be in his position

A6

However, when I asked him about his situation he told me not to worry because he has reserve plans that he stored and are available for future use. answer: (c) he has reserve plans that he stored and are available for future use

A7

Well, it's time to work hard! answer: (a) work hard

A8

After all these years, Teresa still hasn't seen her husband naked. answer: (c) naked

A9

Tara is the boss in her household. answer: (a) is the boss

A10 Will told his friend to keep a secret strictly confidential or else! answer: (a) keep a secret strictly confidential

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Questions Index

House/Building Idioms (1) A1

The news about the tragic terrorist acts strongly affected us. answer: (b) strongly affected us

A2

My wife got really mad at me on the weekend and now I'm in trouble. answer: (c) in trouble

A3

My mother left for Europe on Friday. She asked me to be the temporary manager while she's away. answer: (a) be the temporary manager

A4

I don't like that joke. It was closely related to my inner feelings. answer: (a) was closely related to my inner feelings

A5

I always tell my friend to act like my home is her home when she comes over. answer: (a) act like my home is her home

A6

The restaurant owner was so happy and he announced that all drinks were free and paid for by the owner/restaurant. answer: (c) were free and paid for by the owner/restaurant

A7

The comedian was really funny. He received a lot of applause and praise on the weekend. answer: (a) received a lot of applause and praise

A8

Our neighbors talk about everyone but they don't realize that you shouldn't judge others when you do the same things they do. answer: (a) you shouldn't judge others when you do the same things they do

A9

When his father came home and saw the mess, he was enraged and grounded his son for one month. answer: (b) was enraged

A10 Megan doesn't like her regular or ordinary job. answer: (a) regular or ordinary

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Questions Index

Food Idioms A1

I knew when Sandra told the lie that she would be admitting to her untrue claims later. answer: (b) admitting to her untrue claims

A2

Everyone knows that our math teacher behaves in a crazy manner. answer: (a) behaves in a crazy manner

A3

Jonathon asks for too much at work. He really wants to have extra privileges at work without giving up anything in return. answer: (c) have extra privileges at work without giving up anything in return

A4

Is it time for our short break from work? answer: (b) short break from work

A5

I love to sit around and talk or chat with old friends. answer: (c) talk or chat

A6

Nancy was forced to admit her mistake and humbly apologize when the manager caught her in a lie. answer: (a) admit her mistake and humbly apologize

A7

The new girl is always trying to gain favor by being really nice to the boss. Last week, she bought his son a new pair of designer shoes. answer: (b) trying to gain favor by being really nice

A8

Lilly is so skinny but she has a large appetite. answer: (a) has a large appetite

A9

Whenever Taylor invites a girl out to dinner, they share the bill. He likes it that way. answer: (c) share the bill

A10 Sally made her famous chocolate chip cookies without using prepared ingredients of any kind. answer: (b) without using prepared ingredients of any kind

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82 English Idioms and Expressions Tests

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