English Idioms & Phrases Quiz #2 with Answers

Dev

10 Nov, 2023

Do you understand common idiomatic expressions in English? Idioms are a big part of everyday conversation, and mastering them helps you sound more natural and confident. In this short quiz we’ve selected 10 essential idioms and phrases every ESL learner should know. Try the quiz below to test your knowledge — answers and brief explanations follow.

Example to get you started:
Jiya is the black sheep of her family — meaning she is considered bad or worthless by other people in her family.

English Idioms Quiz #2 with Answers

On cloud nine

(a) Floating
(b) Dreaming
(c) Flying
(d) Very happy

Lose your marbles

(a) To go insane
(b) To lower down anger
(c) To be patient
(d) To handle stress

He's sitting on the fence

(a) He can't hide himself
(b) He can't stop trying
(c) He can't do anything seriously
(d) He can't make a decision

Play it by ear

(a) To plan
(b) To improve
(c) To listen carefully
(d) To do something without special preparation

Cudgel one's brain

(a) To overthink
(b) To think hard
(c) To dispute over small things
(d) Thinking about a debate

Fair-weather friends

(a) A person who is friends with you every day
(b) A person who is friends with you during the night
(c) A person who is friends with you in difficult times
(d) A person whose friendship cannot be relied on in times of difficulty

Someone's heart is in the right place

(a) Change your opinion or the way you feel
(b) Share secret worries with someone else
(c) Someone is good even if they sometimes behave in a wrong manner
(d) Suddenly feel so excited or frightened that your heart beats faster

Eat humble pie

(a) To live a life of humility
(b) To admit that you were wrong
(c) To enjoy life to the fullest
(d) To live in penury

Steer clear of someone/something

(a) To be very easy
(b) To avoid someone or something because it is dangerous for you
(c) To be mentally and physically exhausted
(d) To show someone how to do a job or activity

Red tape

(a) Have a negative amount in your bank balance
(b) Catch someone at the moment they are doing something wrong
(c) Official rules and processes that seem unnecessary and delay results
(d) Something unimportant that takes attention away from the main subject

Idiom Quiz #2

Answers & short explanations
(Helps search engines and learners — keeps content valuable.)

(d) Very happy — On cloud nine means extremely happy.
(a) To go insane — Lose your marbles is slang for losing one’s mind.
(d) He can't make a decision — Sitting on the fence = avoiding taking sides.
(d) To do something without special preparation — Play it by ear means decide as you go.
(b) To think hard — Cudgel one’s brain means to strain your brain to think.
(d) A person whose friendship cannot be relied on in times of difficulty — Fair-weather friends are only around in good times.
(c) Someone is good even if they sometimes behave in a wrong manner — If someone’s heart is in the right place, their intentions are good.
(b) To admit that you were wrong — Eat humble pie means accept humiliation or admit error.
(b) To avoid someone or something because it is dangerous for you — Steer clear of = deliberately avoid.
(c) Official rules and processes that seem unnecessary and delay results — Red tape refers to bureaucratic obstacles.