English Idioms 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
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
36. American Slang Words (10) .............................................................. 75


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


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
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
22. Egg expressions ........................................................................ 144
23. Idioms with prepositions ............................................................... 145
24. Idioms with phrasal verbs .............................................................. 146
25. Mark Idioms ............................................................................ 147
26. Retail Sales Expressions ............................................................... 148


45. Clothing Idioms (1) .................................................................... 167
46. Clothing Idioms (2) .................................................................... 168
47. House/Building Idioms (1) .............................................................. 169
48. Food Idioms ............................................................................ 170


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 (b) isn't mathematics
(c) doesn't make sense (d) makes the wrong addition

Q2 All the students got high marks in the test but Mary stood out.
(a) got a lot of marks (b) got higher marks than someone
(c) got very good marks (d) got the most marks of all

Q3 He has sold his house and has no job and so now he has next to nothing.
(a) he is unemployed (b) he has almost no money
(c) he has a few things (d) he has nothing at all

Q4 As a newspaper reporter she always wanted to get information at first hand.
(a) quickly (b) slowly (c) easily (d) directly

Q5 I think we can safely say now that we have got our money back, we are home and dry.
(a) have not got wet (b) have got no water
(c) have been successful (d) have got home dry

Q6 He is the man who owns all the land and is the big fish around here.
(a) the fat man (b) the huge man (c) the important man (d) the enormous man

Q7 She never stops talking about herself and is full of herself.
(a) is very fat (b) is too fat (c) is very full (d) is very conceited

Q8 You will not slip over because the floor is as dry as a bone.
(a) completely hard (b) extremely flat (c) totally dry (d) completely cracked

Q9 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 (b) things do occur
(c) things take place often (d) things often go wrong


elementary-2
2.
Take it in

Q1 I'm sorry I didn't take in what he said.
(a) listen (b) hear (c) understand (d) note

Q2 I hope she gets through her exams next week.
(a) passes (b) follows (c) takes (d) stands

Q3 What time do you get up in the morning?
(a) leave home (b) start for work (c) finish off sleep (d) get out of bed

Q4 When you stop work, you can take up golf.
(a) finish playing (b) start playing (c) stop playing (d) enjoy playing

Q5 Don't overdo it because you're very tired.
(a) do a lot (b) do a little (c) do too little (d) do too much

Q6 When does your plane take off?
(a) leave the ground (b) start to land (c) begin to arrive (d) finish landing

Q7 As a student she has just enough money to get by on.
(a) live fully (b) live simply (c) live easily (d) live quietly

Q8 I don't know who wrote this note because I can't make out the signature.
(a) discover (b) find (c) read (d) learn

Q9 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

Q10 What time do you get in after work?
(a) have tea (b) eat supper (c) reach home (d) have a rest


elementary-3
3.
Take it easy

Q1 I just want to stay at home and watch television and take it easy.
(a) sleep (b) sit down (c) eat (d) relax

Q2 Am I allowed to smoke in here?
(a) May I (b) Must I (c) Can I (d) Will I

Q3 Are you any good at cooking?
(a) Can you cook sometimes (b) Do you cook very often
(c) Can you cook well (d) Do you like cooking

Q4 When do you do the washing up?
(a) clean the dishes (b) do the housework (c) wash the floor (d) clean the windows

Q5 She never shouts at her children.
(a) makes conversation with (b) calls out to
(c) talks in a loud voice to (d) speaks quickly to

Q6 We're fed up with the bad weather.
(a) very tired of (b) full of (c) interested in (d) unhappy with

Q7 Don't forget to drop me a line when you're away.
(a) telephone me (b) call me (c) write to me (d) send me a telegram

Q8 She had never been to Paris before.
(a) heard of (b) read about (c) tried (d) visited

Q9 I'm afraid he has got it wrong.
(a) said it incorrectly (b) did an error (c) did a mistake (d) made a mistake

Q10 When you come to the crossroads, you turn left.
(a) look left (b) go to the left (c) find the left (d) keep to the left


elementary-4
4.
For Good

Q1 You'll never see your money again because I'm afraid he's gone for good.
(a) clearly (b) permanently (c) quickly (d) slowly

Q2 You've no need to worry. I promise you they'll arrive on Thursday for sure.
(a) absolutely (b) positively (c) definitively (d) definitely

Q3 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 (b) at little cost (c) at some cost (d) at low cost

Q4 Well, for starters I honestly think we should work out what all this work is going to cost.
(a) to work for (b) to look at (c) to begin with (d) to work through

Q5 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 (b) at little charge (c) at low charge (d) at no charge

Q6 I know it didn't look like that but the truth is they only did it for fun.
(a) as a joke (b) as humour (c) as funny (d) as joking

Q7 I do recommend you take out an insurance policy on the house for your own peace of mind.
(a) to stop you thinking (b) to stop you worrying
(c) to stop you believing (d) to stop you sleeping

Q8 No wonder she's jumping for joy, she's just been given promotion.
(a) very jumpy (b) very silly (c) very happy (d) very noisy

Q9 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 (b) prepared for anything
(c) prepared for something (d) prepared for take off


elementary-5
5.
In Control

Q1 They tried in vain to save enough money to buy a house and so finally they rented one.
(a) without money (b) without trial (c) without success (d) without work

Q2 If you are in any doubt about the offer, please give me a ring.
(a) at all unsure (b) at all happy (c) at all certain (d) at all sure

Q3 The children knew full well they were in danger skating because they had read the notice about the thin ice.
(a) unhappy (b) uncertain (c) unclear (d) unsafe

Q4 Considering they are over 70 years old, you must admit they are in good shape.
(a) fit (b) wealthy (c) clever (d) slow

Q5 Thanks to her regular workouts and sensible diet she certainly strikes me as in the pink.
(a) in extreme health (b) in good health (c) in absolute health (d) in clear health

Q6 I'm sorry to say that he's in trouble again with the boss over being late for work so many times.
(a) the boss is going to reprimand him (b) the boss is going to sack him
(c) the boss is going to hit him (d) the boss is going to trouble him

Q7 What I really have in mind is a garden where there is very little to look after throughout the year.
(a) think (b) believe (c) visualize (d) consider

Q8 Although Romeo and Juliet were deeply in love, they still managed to kill themselves.
(a) loved each other often (b) loved each other very much
(c) loved each other most of the time (d) loved each other mostly

Q9 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 (b) At first (c) At least (d) Eventually


elementary-6
6.
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 (b) badly behaved (c) suddenly behaved (d) quickly behaved

Q2 If you think I'm going to parachute out of a plane for fun, you must be out of your mind.
(a) mad (b) unsure (c) unusual (d) uncertain

Q3 Wait till they're out of sight, and then I'll show you what I'm buying them for Christmas.
(a) unable to show (b) unable to find (c) unable to follow (d) unable to see

Q4 I'm very sorry but you're out of luck because we sold the last one about twenty minutes ago.
(a) unhappy (b) unlucky (c) unable (d) undecided

Q5 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 (b) unable to hear (c) unable to say (d) unable to speak

Q6 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 (b) you've used in your time
(c) you've used for your time (d) you've used out your time

Q7 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 (b) I can't breathe quickly
(c) I can't breathe fast (d) I can't breathe easily

Q8 There's a big notice up there which unfortunately we didn't see because it said 'out of bounds'.
(a) keep through (b) keep out (c) keep on (d) keep in

Q9 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 (b) I have no money (c) I have no card (d) I have no bank


elementary-7
7.
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 (b) on fire (c) with fire (d) with light

Q2 After several days underground after the earthquake one child was pulled out alive.
(a) still talking (b) still seeing (c) still trying (d) still living

Q3 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 (b) in another town (c) in another country (d) in another city

Q4 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 (b) once more (c) firstly (d) twice more

Q5 I've looked everywhere for my passport and can only assume it has gone astray.
(a) got freed (b) got taken (c) got missed (d) got lost

Q6 When she told her parents that she had decided to get married, they were utterly taken aback.
(a) surprised (b) returned (c) overturned (d) determined

Q7 There are no two ways about it because the crime that has been committed is really akin to murder.
(a) keen on (b) good to (c) similar to (d) different to

Q8 So many good ideas abound in his mind, he finds it difficult to know where to start.
(a) exist all over (b) exist in large numbers
(c) exist in different parts (d) exist everywhere

Q9 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 (b) very prepared (c) very interested (d) very worried


elementary-8
8.
Preposition Exercises

Q1 I'm sorry but that smells terrible because I'm afraid the meat is off.
(a) has gone (b) is small (c) is bad (d) is dead

Q2 She just left him, said she was through with him and disappeared.
(a) didn't want to see him again (b) didn't want to help him
(c) didn't want to hear him again (d) didn't want to please him

Q3 I'm on for tonight if you want to go to the match.
(a) I'm ready to help (b) I'm ready to cook (c) I'm ready to speak (d) I'm ready to go out

Q4 He's always interested in elections and is very much into politics.
(a) very concerned about (b) very worried about
(c) very interested in (d) very happy about

Q5 I believe that after all those arguments they agreed their marriage was over.
(a) ended (b) finishing (c) ending (d) terminated

Q6 Between you and me, so don't tell anyone, I'm sure he'll lose the election.
(a) In truth (b) In confidence (c) In fact (d) In conclusion

Q7 You won't have to wait too long because another bus will be along soon.
(a) will drive (b) will travel (c) will arrive (d) will turn

Q8 By the way did you manage to see that film last night?
(a) Conveniently (b) Actually (c) Clearly (d) Incidentally

Q9 It's quite clear to everyone that she's a socialist through and through.
(a) from start to finish (b) from here till then
(c) from this to that (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 (b) wet (c) unwell (d) upset


elementary-9
9.
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 (b) never sleeps
(c) has an unhappy time (d) goes everywhere on foot

Q2 A word of warning: don't let him make a monkey of you.
(a) make you jump up and down (b) make faces at you
(c) make you spend your money (d) make a fool of you

Q3 I would advise you to wait and see which way the cat jumps.
(a) what develops (b) what goes (c) what comes (d) what falls

Q4 I don't honestly think he is capable of being polite as the leopard never changes his spots.
(a) people always complain (b) people sometimes differ
(c) people never change (d) people often shout

Q5 He's very greedy when it comes to eating and always takes the lion's share of the food.
(a) last portion (b) smallest portion (c) first portion (d) largest portion

Q6 I really don't know how to explain it as I am completely foxed.
(a) absolutely sure (b) absolutely convinced
(c) absolutely confused (d) absolutely curious

Q7 Until he is more serious in his job and stops playing the goat, he won't get any more money.
(a) arriving late all the time (b) eating too much all the time
(c) making too much noise all the time (d) making jokes all the time

Q8 He never makes any silly mistakes because he's got too much horse sense.
(a) common sense (b) nonsense (c) absolute sense (d) full sense

Q9 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 (b) lonely person (c) unhappy person (d) simple person


elementary-10
10.
Funny Idioms

Q1 You want to know why I've got a bee in my bonnet?
(a) a headache (b) a fly in my head
(c) a problem on my mind (d) a difficulty with my hair

Q2 Yes, tell me about it. I'm all ears.
(a) listening carefully (b) listening quietly
(c) listening quickly (d) listening completely

Q3 You remember I told you about that car that cost me an arm and a leg?
(a) a fair amount of money (b) a small amount of money
(c) a good amount of money (d) a huge amount of money

Q4 The one you bought from the man you called the big cheese?
(a) the man with big ears (b) the man with the important job
(c) the man with the yellow teeth (d) the man with the big smile

Q5 Well, he's not that at all. He's a bird brain.
(a) a fool (b) a criminal (c) a conman (d) a devil

Q6 You mean he's a bad egg?
(a) a disgusting person (b) a dirty person (c) a stupid person (d) a dishonest person

Q7 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 (b) knocking everything over
(c) running up to him (d) hitting everybody

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 (b) a long sleep (c) a short sleep (d) a big sleep

Q9 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 (b) you wanted to have a chat with him
(c) you wanted to have a talk 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 (b) exposed a lot of serious problems
(c) discovered some creatures on the carpet (d) revealed a lot of new paper work


elementary-11
11.
Expressing Emotions

Q1 I can't stand it when you talk to me like that! Stop doing that!
(a) want to fall (b) feel like sitting down
(c) want to be disobedient (d) despise

Q2 I can't wait to hear about your English class.
(a) am eager to (b) am late to (c) am indifferent (d) am happy to

Q3 I am glad I was able to be there for my friend when her mom died.
(a) to cry with (b) to offer support in time of need for
(c) to visit (d) to travel with

Q4 You've got me head over heels!
(a) angry at you (b) impatient (c) in love with you (d) disappointed

Q5 I love you bunches!
(a) a little (b) a lot (c) too much (d) less than before

Q6 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 (b) to make me angry (c) to despise me (d) to disappoint me

Q7 I love you from the bottom of my heart.
(a) deeply (b) truly (c) madly (d) abundantly

Q8 The truth is that you don't care about me or my feelings.
(a) are careful of (b) are perceptive (c) are inconsiderate (d) are selfish towards

Q9 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 (b) recover from (c) regret (d) laugh of


elementary-12
12.
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 (b) keeping dry (c) managing to survive (d) trying to swim

Q2 That's the thing about Charlie even when things are really bad he doesn't panic and keeps his cool.
(a) stays calm (b) turns on the air conditioning
(c) uses a fan (d) puts ice on his head

Q3 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 (b) get enough money to live on
(c) make sure the door is locked (d) not let wild animals in

Q4 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 (b) doesn't go out much
(c) stays in a lot (d) doesn't talk about himself to others

Q5 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 (b) doesn't travel far
(c) decides how far to go (d) doesn't like travelling

Q6 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 (b) behaves legally
(c) sneezes often (d) breathes easily

Q7 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 (b) locked it up (c) held it tightly (d) kept it secret

Q8 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 (b) to run as fast as his neighbours
neighbours (d) to reach the same place as his neighbours
(c) to travel at the same speed as his neighbours

Q9 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 (b) try to be optimistic
(c) try not to look on the ground (d) try to remain upright


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 (b) very interested in (c) not involved with (d) concerned with

Q2 If you give me a hand, then I shall be able to finish more quickly.
(a) take my hand (b) help me (c) take my fingers (d) pick me up

Q3 I prefer to talk to people face to face rather than to talk on the phone.
(a) in person (b) facing them (c) looking at them (d) seeing them

Q4 The manager dismissed the new proposal out of hand and said that it was not at all practical.
(a) quickly (b) utterly (c) directly (d) simply

Q5 As she is new to the job I would ask you to keep an eye on her for the time being.
(a) look at (b) consider (c) check (d) observe

Q6 The opposition in parliament accused the government of playing games and refusing to accept the
seriousness of the situation.
(a) being light hearted (b) being heavy hearted (c) being down hearted (d) being faint hearted

Q7 He accused her of talking through her hat and refused to accept a word of what she said.
(a) talking sense (b) talking straight (c) talking nonsense (d) talking tough

Q8 The police advised them to go down to the cellar in order to be out of harm's way.
(a) away from the noise (b) inside the area (c) into safety (d) away from danger

Q9 I'd give my right arm if I could get tickets for that concert.
(a) do absolutely anything (b) do something dangerous
(c) do something stupid (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 (b) fall over
(c) say something embarrassing (d) put on the wrong shoe


intermediate-2
14.
Send the right message

Q1 This sort of behaviour sends the wrong message to young people.
(a) delivers the incorrect letter (b) fails to communicate
(c) does not talk properly (d) does not set a good example

Q2 The government are unveiling plans today for a new tax system.
(a) are covering up (b) are revealing (c) are opening (d) are exposing

Q3 I hear what you are saying but I don't agree with you.
(a) I understand what you mean (b) I believe your words
(c) I am able to catch your words (d) I think you are right

Q4 You must admire the way she sticks to her guns.
(a) she holds on to her pistol (b) she maintains her opinion
(c) she doesn't let her weapons go (d) she refuses to shoot

Q5 I'm sorry I can't follow that, run that past me again.
(a) explain that once more (b) hurry up
(c) try and catch me up (d) come across

Q6 Keep your spirits up, it may not be as bad as you think.
(a) Don't get depressed (b) Carry on drinking
(c) Don't let the levels drop (d) Maintain the heights

Q7 I'm afraid he shot himself in the foot when he took that action.
(a) he hurt himself (b) he injured himself
(c) he made a bad mistake for himself (d) he damaged his body

Q8 Some people love scoring points when they are in an argument.
(a) winning the game (b) taking advantage
(c) taking the initiative (d) taking the trouble

Q9 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 (b) to get a better price
(c) to pay a little later (d) to delay a little longer


intermediate-3
15.
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 (b) easy to read (c) easy to start (d) very easy

Q2 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 (b) lead a life of pleasure
(c) spend your life eating (d) eat too much

Q3 When he heard that the necklace had been stolen, he dropped it like a hot potato.
(a) he let it fall from his hands (b) he suddenly lost interest in it
(c) he gave it to somebody else (d) he hid it in the fridge

Q4 He sits and watches TV all day and has turned into a veritable couch potato.
(a) a good sleeper (b) an enthusiast (c) a very lazy person (d) a deep thinker

Q5 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 (b) in deep trouble
(c) in an unusual situation (d) in rough water

Q6 As he had been away from home for some years, they decided on his return to cook the fatted calf.
(a) have a big celebration (b) go out for a meal
(c) employ a top chef (d) eat as much as they liked

Q7 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 (b) connected with fish (c) suspicious (d) strong smelling

Q8 Their mother always describes her twin sons as like two peas in a pod.
(a) both round in shape (b) both full of fun
(c) both saying the same thing (d) both looking exactly alike

Q9 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 (b) have lost a lot of money
(c) have said the wrong thing (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 (b) relied too much on one plan
(c) decided to do anything dangerous (d) planned anything exciting


intermediate-4
16.
Picking you up

Q1 Nobody knows what's going on?
(a) meaning (b) continuing (c) happening (d) taking

Q2 Don't worry we'll see you're all right.
(a) look at you (b) look on you (c) look for you (d) look after you

Q3 What you need is something that will pick you up.
(a) make you feel better (b) make you stand better
(c) make you hold on better (d) make you stay on better

Q4 I simply can't stand sugar in my tea or coffee.
(a) can't eat (b) can't drink (c) can't tolerate (d) can't allow

Q5 I have a feeling that she's taking you for a ride.
(a) taking you in a car (b) pulling you along (c) trying to trick you (d) trying to push you

Q6 He's always got his nose in a book.
(a) hiding (b) reading (c) studying (d) looking

Q7 I think you're asking too much of them as they are just children.
(a) trying too much (b) saying too much (c) calling too much (d) expecting too much

Q8 If you want my opinion, I think this needs looking into.
(a) examining (b) finding (c) searching (d) discovering

Q9 One fine day I expect everything will be clear to you.
(a) On a summer's day (b) When the sun shines (c) In the end (d) Very soon

Q10 I think the time has come when you should put your toe in the water at least.
(a) go for a swim (b) give it a try (c) feel the cold (d) give it a chance


intermediate-5
17.
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 (b) whatever the time
(c) whatever the circumstances (d) whatever the week

Q2 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 (b) perfectly simple (c) perfectly done (d) perfectly normal

Q3 Yes, we went away on holiday last week but it rained day in, day out.
(a) every single day (b) every other day (c) every second day (d) every two days

Q4 I think the time has now come when we'll simply have to call it a day.
(a) stop trying (b) stop thinking (c) stop working (d) stop going

Q5 You know what they said about radio that it had had its day but it's still going strong.
(a) stopped being clever (b) stopped being popular
(c) stopped being heard (d) stopped being good

Q6 That last comment of yours won the day because nobody could possibly argue with you after that.
(a) assured us victory (b) assured us the answer
(c) assured us progress (d) assured us agreement

Q7 We left the children playing in the park and they were as happy as the day is long.
(a) reasonably happy (b) quite happy (c) very happy (d) always happy

Q8 They got engaged about two years ago and at long last they have named the day.
(a) said when they are getting married (b) said where they are getting married
(c) said why they are getting married (d) said if they are getting married.

Q9 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 (b) see the reason for the work
(c) see the end of the task (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 (b) a day when something goes wrong
(c) a day when little goes right (d) a day when little goes wrong


intermediate-6
18.
Privacy

Q1 If I were you, I'd tell her to go jump in the river.
(a) learn to swim (b) get wet (c) go away (d) go fishing

Q2 I can't understand why he doesn't take the hint.
(a) understand the point (b) understand the speech
(c) understand the words (d) understand the talk

Q3 I should be grateful if you would let me keep myself to myself.
(a) be quiet (b) be private (c) be lonely (d) be special

Q4 I wish they would stop poking their noses into our affairs.
(a) sniffing around (b) discovering (c) interfering in (d) putting into

Q5 I get the impression that they think we've outstayed our welcome here.
(a) remained longer (b) tried too long (c) waited too long (d) stayed too long

Q6 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 (b) he prefers small crowds
(c) he prefers certain people (d) he prefers walking slowly

Q7 She looked straight through him as soon as he entered the room.
(a) turned round (b) looked carefully at him
(c) took no notice of him (d) didn't speak to him

Q8 Since the news broke about the disaster, he's been keeping a very low profile.
(a) trying to look small (b) trying to look casual
(c) trying to be careful (d) trying not to be seen

Q9 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 (b) say nothing (c) say silly things (d) play the fool


intermediate-7
19.
Hold on

Q1 The audience held their breath as the magician started to saw a woman half.
(a) watched anxiously (b) stopped breathing (c) couldn't breathe (d) couldn't watch

Q2 The police officer called out to the driver to hold on until he arrived.
(a) continue (b) listen (c) wait (d) attend

Q3 In the end she lost her temper and told her daughter to hold her tongue.
(a) stand still (b) speak up (c) start speaking (d) be quiet

Q4 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 (b) be all right (c) be necessary (d) be careful

Q5 I don't know what it is exactly but she seems to have some kind of hold over him.
(a) control over (b) look over (c) trust over (d) belief over

Q6 He holds it against her that she never let him move house and start a new job.
(a) trusts (b) persuades (c) knows (d) blames

Q7 I think your best plan is to hold off making a decision until you know if you have passed the examination.
(a) delay (b) consider (c) stay (d) think

Q8 It was a very difficult race but the jockey held his own right until the end.
(a) overtook the others (b) did as well as the others
(c) did better than the others (d) tried to beat the others

Q9 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 (b) restricts (c) tells (d) allows


intermediate-8
20.
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 (b) the cause of greed
(c) the reason for health (d) the cause of wickedness

Q2 In my opinion money talks and the little people are totally ignored.
(a) rich people speak a lot (b) rich people have influence
(c) rich people have too much money (d) rich people are not silent

Q3 She's a really happy woman now because for once she's in the money.
(a) spending a lot of money (b) spending money quickly
(c) got money to spend (d) got a little money

Q4 For my money I would sooner go on a cruise than sit all day on the beach.
(a) In my circumstances (b) In my opinion (c) In my situation (d) In my time

Q5 He has very little to do but he gets well paid and agrees it's money for jam.
(a) difficult money (b) hard money (c) good money (d) easy money

Q6 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 (b) he spends money foolishly
(c) he spends money wisely (d) he hardly spends money

Q8 As soon as he had won the lottery, he went crazy and started spending money like water.
(a) spending money freely (b) spending money at sea
(c) spending money on swimming (d) spending money consistently

Q9 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 (b) to chase after your money
(c) a lot of time with 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 (b) money is not definite
(c) money is not clear (d) money is not available


intermediate-9
21.
Go ahead

Q1 I'm sorry that looks awful — those two colours don't go together.
(a) smash (b) crash (c) clash (d) hash

Q2 After what you've gone through, I'm sure you need a holiday.
(a) felt (b) sensed (c) acted (d) experienced

Q3 We won't go into that now but I don't think we can avoid the subject much longer.
(a) discuss (b) enter (c) introduce (d) interrupt

Q4 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 (b) I think a lot of him
(c) I don't think at all of him (d) I don't think much of him

Q5 My advice to you is to make your mind up before it's too late and simply go for it.
(a) take the opportunity soon (b) take the opportunity fairly
(c) take the opportunity now (d) take the opportunity slowly

Q6 I'm afraid you've left that food too long out of the fridge and now it's gone off.
(a) become flat (b) become rotten (c) become rich (d) become stale

Q7 There were so many members of the political party who had gone against the leader that he resigned.
(a) insisted (b) invited (c) apposed (d) opposed

Q8 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 (b) go in front of me (c) go forwards me (d) go by me

Q9 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 (b) stop (c) speak (d) finish


intermediate-10
22.
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 (b) was terrified (c) was asleep (d) was delighted

Q2 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 (b) just for time (c) just on time (d) just by time

Q3 There's something about him I just can't stand and he really gets under my skin.
(a) pushes me (b) presses me (c) treats me (d) annoys me

Q4 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 (b) it's not important to me
(c) it's not clear to me (d) it's not bad for me

Q5 It doesn't matter what you say to her I promise you, she's got a very thick skin.
(a) she's not affected by criticism (b) she's not interested in criticism
(c) she's not devoted to criticism (d) she's not governed by criticism

Q6 He looked at her and in the words of Frank Sinatra said: 'I've got you under my skin'.
(a) I'm very pleased with you (b) I'm very proud of you
(c) I'm very attracted to you (d) I'm very surprised by you

Q7 It was simply a case of running away or being killed and we decided to run to save our skins.
(a) to stay away (b) to stay dry (c) to stay clear (d) to stay alive

Q8 Be very careful what you say to Georgina about her new hairstyle; remember she has a very thin skin.
(a) she is very sensible (b) she is very sensitive
(c) she is very feeling (d) she is very sensing

Q9 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 (b) look easily (c) look quickly (d) look carefully


intermediate-11
23.
Home Sweet Home

Q1 You must have lost your marbles if you're seriously considering buying that house.
(a) be serious (b) be crazy (c) be adventurous (d) be happy

Q2 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 (b) you're joking a little
(c) you're laughing a bit (d) you're describing a little

Q3 All right then if you like I'll put my cards on the table.
(a) I'll tell you a story (b) I'll tell you what to do
(c) I'll tell you something (d) I'll tell you my honest opinion

Q4 I'd appreciate that. Go on, I'm all ears.
(a) I can hear what you're saying (b) I am listening very carefully
(c) I am listening to you (d) I can't hear a word

Q5 Well in the first place all the windows are broken, which is a real pain in the neck.
(a) a bad ache (b) a serious ache (c) a serious problem (d) a bad shock

Q6 Yes, I agree but at the same time it's not the end of the world.
(a) worth worrying about (b) worth talking about
(c) worth looking at (d) worth speaking about

Q7 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 (b) a sum of money (c) some money (d) a lot of money

Q8 You have a point but then I can deal with that in the fullness of time.
(a) in a little while (b) eventually (c) quite soon (d) sometimes

Q9 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 (b) you're not easy (c) you're not clever (d) you're not stupid


intermediate-12
24.
No good

Q1 They're not getting away with it! They must pay for what they have done.
(a) They won't come back (b) They won't succeed
(c) They won't do it again (d) They won't go again

Q2 I'm not putting up with that! She must do as I say.
(a) I disagree (b) I confirm (c) I object (d) I resist

Q3 I made it absolutely clear that he could on no account expect a pay rise this year.
(a) in this way (b) in some way (c) in that way (d) in no way

Q4 They asked me whether I would accept a discount instead of a new machine. No chance, I said.
(a) Unlikely (b) Improbable (c) Impossible (d) Untrue

Q5 We invited her to come to our party in the hope of putting things right but she wouldn't wear it.
(a) rejected (b) refused (c) repeated (d) reclined

Q6 I honestly don't know how you do it because personally I couldn't cope.
(a) would be unable to manage (b) would be unable to stay
(c) would be unable to hold (d) would be unable to handle

Q7 This happens every time I start the engine up. I tell you I can't be doing with it.
(a) I find it difficult (b) I find it irritating
(c) I find it stupid (d) I find it hard

Q8 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 (b) I don't know what I'm doing
(c) I don't know why it's happening (d) I don't know when it will finish

Q9 It's no good shouting at me like that — I'm doing the best I can.
(a) It's a waste of time (b) It's a waste of space
(c) It's a waste of money (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 (b) a big amount (c) a huge amount (d) a special amount


intermediate-13
25.
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 (b) didn't take advantage of the opportunity
(c) didn't take advantage of the fare (d) didn't take advantage of the date

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

Q3 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 (b) in a similar find
(c) in a similar take (d) in a similar situation

Q4 No matter how smoothly things are running, you can always rely on Charlie to rock the boat.
(a) spoil something (b) spoil anything (c) spoil everything (d) spoil nothing

Q5 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 (b) be well disposed (c) be well received (d) be well placed

Q6 Although they were a couple well into their 80's everything in their house was always shipshape.
(a) very old (b) very neat (c) very fresh (d) very clean

Q7 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 (b) strangers meeting softly
(c) strangers meeting once (d) strangers meeting nightly

Q8 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 (b) she would be free (c) she would be happy (d) she would be rich

Q9 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 (b) spend a lot of time
(c) spend a lot of effort (d) spend a lot of energy

Q10 Once you've read the instruction book, you'll probably find it's plain sailing.
(a) accurate (b) active (c) straightforward (d) intelligent


intermediate-14
26.
British Idioms

Q1 I had quite a shock last night. I ran into an old flame of mine.
(a) a bright light (b) a brilliant person
(c) a former girlfriend (d) sparkling personality

Q2 I suppose she was the apple of your eye at the time.
(a) your favourite fruit (b) your favourite meal
(c) your favourite person (d) your favourite book

Q3 Yes, I suppose she was but she'd changed so. She was all skin and bone.
(a) very thin (b) very mean (c) very fat (d) very poor

Q4 And I suppose you didn't panic and were as cool as a cucumber?
(a) very bored (b) very calm (c) very rude (d) very stupid

Q5 Well I didn't have an axe to grind as far as she's concerned.
(a) a straight reason for getting involved (b) a clever reason for getting involved
(c) a personal reason for getting involved (d) a simple reason for getting involved

Q6 You mean there was no bad blood between the two of you?
(a) no hostile feelings (b) no interested feelings
(c) no strange feelings (d) no funny feelings

Q7 No, not really except she did get angry sometimes but her bark was worse than her bite.
(a) not as stupid as she sounded (b) not as dangerous as she seemed
(c) not as tall as she looked (d) not as clear as she appeared

Q8 Was she going anywhere or was she at a loose end?
(a) doing nothing particular (b) doing something special
(c) doing lots of lazy things (d) doing many casual things

Q9 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 (b) didn't look at me
(c) didn't help 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 (b) You must decide (c) You must try harder (d) You must accept


intermediate-15
27.
Expressions with cold

Q1 The way he murdered his victims in a slow, painful way was really cold-blooded.
(a) without feeling (b) without sense (c) without heat (d) without warmth

Q2 Whenever they met, she would always manage to cold shoulder him and turn the other way.
(a) freeze (b) dampen (c) ignore (d) defeat

Q3 Unfortunately he breaks into a cold sweat when he sees her, can't think straight and doesn't know what to do.
(a) shivers (b) turns cold (c) gets lost (d) panics

Q4 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 (b) deals about (c) feelings about (d) thoughts about

Q5 All right he got some money for his troubles but not very much and really it was cold comfort to him.
(a) little fuss (b) little peace (c) little consolation (d) little trust

Q6 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 (b) an impassive person (c) a feeling person (d) a lazy person

Q7 Every day we get cold calls on the phone from total strangers trying to sell you something.
(a) unfriendly calls (b) unusual calls (c) unfair calls (d) unwanted calls

Q8 You never really know where you are with her as she just blows hot and cold.
(a) keeps talking (b) keeps taking things
(c) keeps changing her mood (d) keeps testing

Q9 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 (b) detracts (c) deceives (d) disapproves of


intermediate-16
28.
Way Idioms

Q1 By the way are you thinking of going on holiday?
(a) Incidentally (b) However (c) Naturally (d) Nevertheless

Q2 If I'm in your way, I'll leave the room.
(a) I'm confusing you (b) I'm trying you (c) I'm hindering you (d) I'm finding you

Q3 Every investor is really pleased because profits are way up this year.
(a) have gone up some (b) have gone up gradually
(c) have gone up moderately (d) have gone up hugely

Q4 As your house is on our way, we'll give you a lift home if you like.
(a) on our trip (b) on our route (c) on our excursion (d) on our crossing

Q5 At the moment plans are under way and the work should be finished next year.
(a) in progress (b) in the middle (c) in order (d) in control

Q6 We don't usually allow refunds but once in a way we agree.
(a) often (b) directly (c) frequently (d) occasionally

Q7 The army commander was very concerned about his troops and would never allow them to be in harm's
way.
(a) in fights (b) in battle (c) in combat (d) in danger

Q8 You'll just have to make a decision. You can't have it both ways.
(a) benefit by cancelling two vertical views (b) benefit by agreeing to two opposite views
(c) benefit by agreeing to two similar views (d) benefit by agreeing to two average views

Q9 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 (b) try her living (c) earn her living (d) hold her living


intermediate-17
29.
Idioms with come

Q1 Come again? Sorry, I didn't hear what you said.
(a) Return it to me (b) Speak louder, please
(c) Can you repeat that (d) Can you come back

Q2 Your mom is going to come down hard on you if you don't clean your room now.
(a) reprimand (b) reward (c) exonerate (d) assist

Q3 New evidence came to light at the end of the trial.
(a) was hidden (b) was sheathed (c) was concealed (d) was revealed

Q4 Robert Koch was the first person to come up with a medicine to help in the treatment of Tuberculosis.
(a) eradicate (b) discover (c) vindicate (d) reveal

Q5 My dream of having my own house has finally come true.
(a) happened (b) become a fairy tale (c) surfaced (d) been revealed

Q6 A lot of people from the office I work at came down with the flu this past week.
(a) spread (b) dominated (c) got sick with (d) got healed from

Q7 In the end, it all comes down to the fact that you don't really care about me.
(a) intercedes to (b) interferes to (c) conspires to (d) is because of

Q8 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 (b) going to make (c) going to profess (d) going to interpret

Q9 I was turning into the left lane when a car came out of nowhere and hit me.
(a) stopped right in front of me (b) suddenly appeared
(c) spun over (d) fell off a truck

Q10 I need to come to terms with myself.
(a) have a dialogue (b) discuss
(c) stop disappointing (d) objectively and entirely confront and understand


intermediate-18
30.
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 (b) fooling her
(c) making fun of her (d) trying to make her fall

Q2 Why should she stick her neck out for them? They never helped her with anything.
(a) ask for money (b) stand up (c) take a big risk (d) lie

Q3 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 (b) forgot
(c) took me somewhere else (d) pretended he didn't know

Q4 It seems like something has been eating at John lately. He's just not the same person any more.
(a) changing (b) challenging
(c) confusing (d) bothering and upsetting

Q5 I have a feeling in my gut that one of the employees is giving information about his boss to another company.
(a) strong fear (b) really strong instinct
(c) slight hint (d) a lot of proof

Q6 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 (b) went on a honeymoon
(c) got married (d) met each other's parents

Q7 Bob's mom jumped down his throat when she saw his report card from school.
(a) was thrilled with him (b) was annoyed with him
(c) was angry with him (d) was happy for him

Q8 It turns me off when guys dont respect my boundaries.
(a) makes me completely lose interest (b) makes me angry
(c) makes me sorry (d) regrets me

Q9 Ever since Melanie won the Miss Universe Competition, her telephone has been ringing off the hook.
(a) broken (b) cut off
(c) ringing constantly (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 (b) make them hug one another
(c) make them buy one another presents (d) get them together


intermediate-19
31.
Idioms with Hand

Q1 We need to do something about it! This situation is getting out of hand!
(a) too big (b) too organized (c) out of control (d) out of order

Q2 Now the grandparents have the children on their hands.
(a) in their care (b) in trouble (c) spanked (d) to obey them

Q3 This last year, my company has made money hand over fist!
(a) with a lot of struggle (b) at a huge rate
(c) poorly (d) distribution

Q4 As soon as he laid his hands on all that money, he donated part of it to charitable institutions.
(a) stole (b) scattered (c) released (d) took possession of

Q5 The beginning of a new generation of computer software is at hand.
(a) imminent (b) remote
(c) current (d) in someone's possession

Q6 Do we have enough people on hand to help us move our stuff into the house?
(a) nearby (b) available (c) indisposed (d) confident

Q7 The FBI told the local police that their case was off their hands. The investigation was now a Federal matter.
(a) lost by them (b) improvised by them
(c) out of their jurisdiction (d) out of their control

Q8 Jane Williams is a very good investigative reporter, you've got to hand it to her.
(a) give her credit (b) give a present to her
(c) give a promotion to her (d) forgive her

Q9 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 (b) in different directions
(c) individually (d) together


intermediate-20
32.
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 (b) quiet when he speaks
(c) deaf (d) distracted

Q2 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 (b) dog bowl so you can give the rest of the food to
take it home your dog
(c) special order where you get smaller meal sizes (d) kid's meal

Q3 Fabian was a doormat. No wonder his classmates were always giving him a hard time.
(a) snob (b) geek (c) coward (d) chubby boy

Q4 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 (b) you take me with you
(c) you let me drive you there (d) we divide the costs

Q5 So, is everything plain as a pikestaff? Oh, yes indeed sir!
(a) clean (b) clear (c) messy (d) in position

Q6 We are having a pot-luck dinner at Tim's house tomorrow. Everybody is invited!
(a) dinner where everybody brings something to eat (b) dinner where everybody chips in
(c) dinner where only soup is served (d) dinner where people eat and play games at the
same time

Q7 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 (b) to remember what time it is
(c) extra time (d) to start right now

Q8 Just keep your wig on. Everything is going to be alright, okay?
(a) hold your wig so it won't fall off (b) get another hair cut
(c) calm down (d) throw a fit

Q9 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 (b) detained from his duty
(c) obligated to comply (d) obliged to cooperate

Q10 I would stay away from that guy if I were you, he has a screw loose.
(a) is dangerous (b) is annoying (c) is a flirt (d) is crazy


intermediate-21
33.
Expressions with make

Q1 Everybody thought Jane and Elliot were a happy couple, but it was all just make believe.
(a) modesty (b) pretending (c) reality (d) denial

Q2 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 (b) survive
(c) meet my family's needs (d) make good business

Q3 Man's first walk on the moon made history.
(a) was forgotten (b) is only talked about in history books
(c) was unheard of (d) was meaningful enough to influence history

Q4 You can make people's day just by telling them how important they are to you.
(a) displease people (b) resent people
(c) give people great pleasure (d) antipathize people

Q5 If I had a chance to go to Paris, I would make the most of it.
(a) be satisfied with (b) take great advantage of
(c) go there as soon as possible (d) drawback from

Q6 Charity made a scene at the club when she saw her boyfriend dancing with another girl.
(a) played a role (b) had a fight (c) hid herself (d) acted like a fool

Q7 So, George... Have you made up your mind where you want to go for your internship?
(a) decided (b) conjured up (c) told your mom (d) postponed

Q8 Now it makes sense to me why you moved out of that house.
(a) I am intrigued (b) I understand (c) it frustrates me (d) it concerns

Q9 Ana finally made it. She is an excellent doctor.
(a) failed (b) receded (c) succeeded (d) blew it

Q10 Mom, can you tell Todd to stop making fun of me?
(a) mocking (b) lying to (c) flattering (d) flirting with


intermediate-22
34.
Double Speak in Job Titles

Q1 The school custodian was the main suspect of the girl's disappearance.
(a) principal (b) teacher (c) janitor (d) receptionist

Q2 Linda got a job as an executive assistant in a Law Firm.
(a) a manager (b) a business partner (c) clerk (d) secretary

Q3 Celebrities are usually surrounded by their personal protection specialists.
(a) fans (b) bodyguards (c) lawyers (d) reporters

Q4 George is in the food business now. He is an Executive Snack Route Consultant.
(a) a restaurant cheff (b) a potato chip delivery truck driver
(c) a chief (d) a waiter

Q5 I have always wanted to be an esthetician.
(a) a hairdresser (b) a plastic surgeon (c) an artist (d) top model

Q6 My mom used to work at a hospital as a patient care assistant.
(a) a psychologist (b) a social worker (c) a nurse (d) a general surgeon

Q7 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 (b) a newspaper seller boy
(c) a newspaper delivery boy (d) a television news announcer

Q8 Some places in New York have advertised on the newspaper they needed part-time career associate
scanning professionals.
(a) check-out clerks (b) door greeters (c) store supervisors (d) grocery baggers

Q9 The day before Carol's wedding, her bridesmaids went to see a nail technician.
(a) a professional who designs fake nails (b) a specialist in nail diseases
(c) a person who sells nails (d) a manicurist

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


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

Q2 He leads a dog's life really because his freedom is always curtailed.
(a) never knows what to do (b) sometimes does something wrong
(c) never goes out (d) never does what he wants

Q3 No-one ever mentions him because he's regarded as the black sheep of the family.
(a) the one with a sense of humour (b) the one with a bad reputation
(c) the one who is always late (d) the one who never washes

Q4 I shouldn't go outside without a raincoat because it's raining cats and dogs.
(a) it's just started to rain (b) it's going to rain
(c) it's raining very heavily (d) it's raining a little

Q5 You shouldn't sign there I think he's about to make a monkey out of you.
(a) to make a fool of you (b) to make you lose money
(c) to make you feel stupid (d) to make you lose interest

Q6 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 (b) something very big and useful
(c) something very cheap and useless (d) something very expensive and useless

Q7 When the business folded, he took the lion's share of the assets.
(a) the easiest part (b) the smallest part (c) the biggest part (d) the only part

Q8 Without my glasses I can't see where I'm going in fact I'm as blind as a bat.
(a) very short sighted (b) very long sighted (c) very far sighted (d) very clear sighted

Q9 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 (b) get something done two times
(c) get two things done at the same time (d) get two things done twice


advanced-2
36.
Hands on

Q1 The opposition party dismissed the government's proposal out of hand.
(a) without further consideration (b) with some hesitation
(c) without thinking (d) with reluctance

Q2 Since she started work on the stock exchange she has been making money hand over fist.
(a) in moderation (b) in large quantities (c) to a certain extent (d) to some extent

Q3 They have lost all their money and now lead a sort of hand to mouth existence.
(a) impoverished (b) simplified (c) leisurely (d) indifferent

Q4 It's no good asking anybody in that shop to help you because they won't lift a finger.
(a) show you the way (b) carry your goods
(c) take your order (d) do anything at all for you

Q5 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 (b) an involvement in many activities
(c) an interference in many activities (d) a belief in many activities

Q6 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 (b) a fair amount of money
(c) a huge amount of money (d) a good deal 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 (b) force you to agree (c) beg you to agree (d) ask you to agree

Q8 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 (b) deciding to try membership quite soon
(c) deciding to try membership for a year (d) deciding to try membership for a trial

Q9 If you do join a political party then you are expected to toe the line on every occasion.
(a) say what you like (b) stick to the rules
(c) follow your conscience (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 (b) totally work (c) totally agree (d) totally disagree


advanced-3
37.
Lucky Alex

Q1 Alex had lost a lot of money and as a consequence was feeling down in the dumps.
(a) lonely (b) miserable (c) uncomfortable (d) uneasy

Q2 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 (b) tried his luck with
(c) made a promise (d) put a lot of faith in

Q3 This horse in all honesty didn't have a snowball's chance in hell of winning.
(a) a chance in a million (b) a chance worth taking
(c) a chance of success (d) a chance of a lifetime

Q4 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 (b) with caution (c) with care (d) with luck

Q5 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 (b) turning round (c) looking (d) worrying at all

Q6 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 (b) the final moment (c) the final disaster (d) the final occasion

Q7 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 (b) didn't have a penny
(c) didn't have any change (d) didn't have a ticket

Q8 He decided he would swallow his pride and try and hitchhike.
(a) take his medicine (b) take no interest in other people
(c) not worry what people thought (d) forget about himself

Q9 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 (b) his opinion changed (c) his luck changed (d) his views changed


advanced-4
38.
How Mary fell in love

Q1 Most people like to come home after work and put their feet up.
(a) take their socks off (b) take their shoes off
(c) relax (d) sit down

Q2 Mary was exactly the same as everybody else but this particular night she wanted to let her hair down.
(a) wash her hair (b) comb her hair
(c) really enjoy herself (d) really comb her hair

Q3 She put her favourite CD on and turned it up full blast.
(a) to complete volume (b) to exact volume (c) to fine volume (d) to maximum volume

Q4 As soon as she had done that, all hell was let loose.
(a) there was loud hum (b) there was sound of thunder
(c) there was a huge noise (d) there was an enormous flame

Q5 Her next door neighbour soon got fed up to the back teeth with the noise.
(a) grew hungry with (b) grew angry with (c) grew mad about (d) grew very tired of

Q6 He started hammering on the adjoining wall but Mary carried on regardless.
(a) took little interest (b) took some notice
(c) took not the slightest notice (d) took the most interest

Q7 In the end her neighbour decided to speak his mind.
(a) say exactly what he thought (b) have a chat
(c) say a few words (d) express a point of view

Q8 Although he had never met her, he was determined to read her the riot act.
(a) tell her off (b) tell her a story (c) tell her straight (d) tell her the truth

Q9 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 (b) everything is perfect
(c) everything is growing (d) everything is flowering


advanced-5
39.
Call it a day

Q1 I take my hat off to all those people who worked hard to get the contract.
(a) respect (b) encourage (c) congratulate (d) welcome

Q2 Some of you worked on until the small hours to make it a successful project.
(a) it was dark outside (b) it was early in the morning
(c) it was late in the evening (d) it was late in the day

Q3 I'm sure sometimes you all wanted to call it a day and go home.
(a) stop work (b) start work (c) continue working (d) do it later

Q4 The important thing is that as soon as you saw the advantages, you got your teeth stuck into it.
(a) started to eat (b) wanted to swallow
(c) got very interested in (d) wanted to digest

Q5 I'm also very proud of the way you stuck to your guns.
(a) wouldn't go away (b) wouldn't give up (c) wouldn't shoot (d) wouldn't fire

Q6 There are times in life when it's very important to keep your chin up.
(a) be smart (b) be careful (c) be brave (d) be cheerful

Q7 There are of course those who very easily throw in the towel.
(a) give up (b) give into (c) give over (d) give out

Q8 We can best describe someone like that as a person who is weak-kneed.
(a) having no resolution (b) having no support
(c) having no ideas (d) having no legs

Q9 It only remains for me to express my admiration for all those of you who stayed at your posts.
(a) waited for your letters (b) kept your letters
(c) remained loyal (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 (b) at the back (c) in the evenings (d) in the background


advanced-6
40.
Live up to

Q1 Frank was an old soldier and lived through many wars.
(a) seen (b) tasted (c) enjoyed (d) experienced

Q2 He had joined the army as a young man because he wanted to live it up a bit.
(a) see the world (b) experience the discipline
(c) have a good time (d) learn new skills

Q3 He wanted excitement and travel and the army lived up to its reputation.
(a) came up to (b) came near to (c) went near (d) went beyond

Q4 He certainly travelled and there was plenty of excitement, which made it possible for him to live out his dream.
(a) show (b) find (c) follow (d) name

Q5 He also managed to live off his pay without any problems.
(a) put up with (b) exist easily on (c) just get by on (d) take care of

Q6 He lived on the simple food provided by the army.
(a) ate only (b) digested (c) consumed (d) just managed

Q7 For some years he lived in because he liked to be among his comrades.
(a) stayed in bed (b) stayed in barracks (c) stayed indoors (d) stayed behind

Q8 He never really enjoyed living out.
(a) staying in other accommodation (b) staying away from home
(c) staying alone (d) waiting outside

Q9 He never did anything wrong and so he didn't have to live down any bad reputation.
(a) make others remember (b) make others forget
(c) make others recall (d) make others listen

Q10 He lived out his final days in a small cottage overlooking the barracks.
(a) numbered (b) endured (c) counted (d) ended


advanced-7
41.
English Grammar Prepositions

Q1 What are you up to?
(a) trying now (b) doing now (c) achieving now (d) starting now

Q2 What are you into?
(a) capable of (b) proud of (c) familiar with (d) interested in

Q3 I'm off on Monday.
(a) having a holiday (b) having an extra day (c) having a long day (d) having a short day

Q4 Are you in on the latest developments?
(a) kept informed about (b) kept attached to (c) kept told about (d) kept written to

Q5 You're on next.
(a) It's your opportunity (b) It's your moment
(c) It's your time (d) It's your turn

Q6 Are you in on Tuesdays?
(a) at home (b) in touch (c) in the house (d) in the area

Q7 I'm certainly up for it.
(a) willing to try (b) ready to take (c) wanting a chance (d) keen to go

Q8 You should know that I'm all for it.
(a) completely taken with (b) wholly interested in
(c) in complete agreement with (d) in complete satisfaction with

Q9 I'm through with that company.
(a) completed with (b) finished with (c) tired of (d) sick of

Q10 I'm after a new car.
(a) searching for (b) looking for (c) aiming for (d) trying for


advanced-8
42.
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 (b) some help (c) a little help (d) little help

Q2 The selection of candidates was done in a hit or miss manner so that nobody knew why they were chosen.
(a) friendly (b) happy (c) easy (d) casual

Q3 She had got herself in a pickle by trying to please everyone at the same time.
(a) into confusion (b) into trouble (c) into difficulties (d) into problems

Q4 I'm afraid that my poor old car has finally breathed its last.
(a) stopped working (b) stopped trying (c) stopped flying (d) stopped turning

Q5 You're living in a fool's paradise if you think they're going to pay you for nothing.
(a) under an illusion (b) under a dream (c) under a cloud (d) under a delusion

Q6 It was a total mystery as apparently there was neither rhyme nor reason why he did it.
(a) no logical reason (b) no real reason
(c) no particular reason (d) no special reason

Q7 There is clearly a sea change in the way people now look at crime today.
(a) a little change (b) a huge change (c) a fine change (d) a small change

Q8 They looked everywhere for the lost passport but it seems to have vanished into thin air.
(a) disappeared slowly (b) disappeared gradually
(c) disappeared completely (d) disappeared quickly

Q9 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 (b) total satisfaction (c) total agreement (d) total acceptance


advanced-9
43.
Water Expressions

Q1 Charlie's in hot water again, he forgot to lock up last night.
(a) in the bath (b) very wet (c) in the shower (d) in trouble

Q2 Forget it, that's water under the bridge now.
(a) best forgotten (b) best learnt (c) best understood (d) best remembered

Q3 That's always the trouble if she doesn't like it, she simply throws cold water on it.
(a) washes it completely (b) discourages it completely
(c) cleans it completely (d) drowns it completely

Q4 You must realize the gravity of the situation because you are in deep water now.
(a) an embarrassing situation (b) a stupid situation
(c) a serious situation (d) a strange situation

Q5 He is like a fish out of water whenever he goes to a party.
(a) feels uncomfortable (b) feels dry (c) feels thirsty (d) feels silly

Q6 Don't ever lend him money, he spends it like water.
(a) very slowly (b) very often (c) very freely (d) very carefully

Q7 We think in the present circumstances the best policy is to tread water for a while.
(a) take sudden steps (b) take quick decisions
(c) take little action (d) take firm action

Q8 My original plan has been so watered down that I don't recognize it now.
(a) reduced in importance (b) increased in size
(c) made more fluid (d) made much clearer

Q9 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 (b) of some importance (c) of great importance (d) of such importance


advanced-10
44.
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 (b) let the animal go (c) revealed the truth (d) told a lie

Q2 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 (b) not touch the dogs
(c) not say any more (d) keep away from the dogs

Q3 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 (b) a ready target
(c) a steady aim (d) a sick animal

Q4 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 (b) a person with no problems
(c) a person with no future (d) a person with no ideas

Q5 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 (b) the inefficient person
(c) the slow person (d) the wrong person

Q6 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 (b) is becoming lazy
(c) is losing its standards (d) is becoming weaker

Q7 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 (b) when your turn comes
(c) how you can succeed (d) what will happen next

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 (b) of a little concern (c) of little concern (d) of less concern

Q9 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 (b) in a delighted state
(c) in a hurried state (d) in a hilarious state


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45.
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 (b) loses photos (c) loses respect (d) loses expressions

Q2 At the crucial moment the climber lost her nerve and had to be brought down the mountain.
(a) became excited (b) became concerned (c) became scared (d) became upset

Q3 The latest opinion polls show that the government is losing ground to the opposition party.
(a) losing its time (b) losing its opinion
(c) losing its votes (d) losing its advantage

Q4 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 (b) losing her mind (c) losing her contact (d) losing her friends

Q5 Under the new pay agreement many employees feel that they are losing out on allowances.
(a) at a deficit (b) at a disadvantage (c) at a problem (d) at a difficulty

Q6 I'm afraid that kind of humour is totally lost on him so you'll have to explain it more simply.
(a) without effect (b) without reason (c) without sense (d) without impression

Q7 After only a few weeks as a teacher of very badly behaved children she realized she was losing her grip.
(a) losing her point (b) losing her purpose (c) losing her control (d) losing her feelings

Q8 He suddenly started shouting and screaming and people could plainly see that he had lost his cool.
(a) become angry (b) become rude (c) become stupid (d) become loud

Q9 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 (b) I now can't follow the point
(c) I now can't follow the reason (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 (b) behaved foolishly (c) behaved oddly (d) behaved quietly


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46.
Splitting Hairs

Q1 We told him to keep his hair on because he was getting angrier and angrier.
(a) to stand still (b) to remain calm (c) to speak quietly (d) to sit down

Q2 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 (b) terrifies me (c) criticizes me (d) irritates me

Q3 Now that he's passed his exams and got his qualifications he's decided to let his hair down.
(a) behave informally (b) behave noisily (c) behave easily (d) behave fully

Q4 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 (b) disappointed me (c) terrified me (d) surprised me

Q5 After the boss had given her the sack, she just walked out of the office without turning a hair.
(a) showing some feeling (b) showing no feeling at all
(c) showing a little feeling (d) showing a lot of feeling

Q6 Quite frankly you're splitting hairs. Does it matter whether it's the past simple or the perfect tense?
(a) arguing about small points (b) arguing about tenses
(c) aruing about grammar (d) arguing about grammatical points

Q7 I saw him last November and since then I have seen neither hide nor hair of him.
(a) seen little of him (b) seen him once or twice
(c) not seen him at all (d) not seen much of him

Q8 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 (b) she's discovering horrible things
(c) she's doing too much (d) she's been eating too much

Q9 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 (b) very nearer to (c) very nearly to (d) very next to


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47.
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 (b) decide it was hygienic
(c) believe it was clean (d) agree it was organized

Q2 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 (b) making things clean
(c) making a fresh start (d) making things up

Q3 After a great deal of questioning he decided to come clean and tell the truth.
(a) agree (b) decide (c) admit (d) confess

Q4 The enquiry into allegations of fraud against the minister proved in the end that her hands were clean.
(a) she was willing (b) she was busy (c) she was innocent (d) she was careful

Q5 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 (b) remove all chairs
(c) remove all symbols (d) remove all problems

Q6 Some of the members of the board are under some suspicion but he is regarded as Mr Clean.
(a) well mannered (b) trustworthy (c) punctual (d) tidy

Q7 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 (b) lost a lot of money (c) lost too much money (d) lost more money

Q8 We tried to catch the thief who'd snatched the handbag but he showed us a clean pair of heels.
(a) lost his shoes (b) fell over his shoes (c) ran away quickly (d) picked up his shoes

Q9 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 (b) pure (c) tidy (d) neat


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48.
Word of Mouth

Q1 I give you my word it will never happen again.
(a) say (b) speak (c) promise (d) agree

Q2 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 (b) admit she was thirsty
(c) admit she was sorry (d) admit she was wrong

Q3 They had words last night so be prepared for miserable faces this morning.
(a) fought (b) shouted (c) quarrelled (d) screamed

Q4 You can always rely on that company because they keep their word whatever happens.
(a) do what they like (b) do what they say (c) say what they do (d) do what they want

Q5 They spend very little on advertising and tend to get new work through word of mouth.
(a) recommendation (b) gossip (c) hearsay (d) sayings

Q6 You can see that he's deeply in love with her because he hangs on her every word.
(a) listens silently to everything she says (b) listens eagerly to everything she says
(c) listens quickly to everything she says (d) listens quietly to everything she says

Q7 From the word go we could tell at the interview she was the ideal candidate for the job.
(a) Quickly (b) Suddenly (c) Straightaway (d) Clearly

Q8 Remember as soon as you feel able to continue with walk, say the word.
(a) let me know (b) let me hear (c) let me go (d) let me tell

Q9 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 (b) don't speak aloud
(c) don't say anything (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 (b) said what I wanted to say
(c) said what I wanted to know (d) said what I wanted to learn


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49.
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 (b) going mad (c) going bald (d) going deaf

Q2 She lost her job last year and since then she's been having a thin time of it.
(a) finding it difficult without friends (b) finding it difficult without help
(c) finding it difficult without support (d) finding it difficult without money

Q3 He really must start eating properly because at the moment he's as thin as a rake.
(a) very thin (b) very tired (c) very sleepy (d) very light

Q4 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 (b) difficult to find (c) difficult to know (d) difficult to pay

Q5 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 (b) start of something easy
(c) start of something worse (d) start of something difficult

Q6 Since we put that advertisement in the local newspapers, replies have been coming in thick and fast.
(a) quickly in large numbers (b) slowly in small numbers
(c) quickly in small numbers (d) slowly in large numbers

Q7 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 (b) very slow (c) very wooden (d) very stupid

Q8 They've settled their argument at long last and now they're as thick as thieves.
(a) very clever (b) very friendly (c) very careful (d) very cautious

Q9 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 (b) more than I could believe
(c) more than I could stand (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 (b) whatever the climate
(c) whatever the day (d) whatever the difficulties


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50.
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 (b) losing his memory
(c) losing his popularity (d) losing his strength

Q2 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 (b) as freely as possible
(c) as clearly as possible (d) as loudly as possible

Q3 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 (b) At a simple calculation
(c) At a near calculation (d) At a rough calculation

Q4 It's certainly not difficult to see who's top dog around here theses days.
(a) the most arrogant person (b) the most popular person
(c) the most important person (d) the most unusual person

Q5 Since she won the lottery last week she's been feeling on top of the world.
(a) very proud (b) very happy (c) very excited (d) very wealthy

Q6 Many politicians like to impress the votes but a few of them go over the top sometimes in their speeches.
(a) exaggerate (b) irritate (c) antagonize (d) magnify

Q7 For the first time in ages I actually slept like a top last night.
(a) very quickly (b) very slowly (c) very often (d) very soundly

Q8 Students usually take on paid employment during the vacation to top up their grants.
(a) stay with (b) keep to (c) add to (d) get to

Q9 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 (b) of high social standing
(c) of considerable education (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 (b) lost his nerve (c) lost his courage (d) lost his respect


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51.
Down to Earth

Q1 Poor Charlie has been down in the dumps since he learned that he's lost his job.
(a) miserable (b) angry (c) furious (d) uneasy

Q2 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 (b) began easily to consider
(c) began seriously to consider (d) began frankly to consider

Q3 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 (b) stopped working (c) stopped talking (d) worked slowly

Q4 She always talks down to me as if I'm not worth consideration.
(a) speaks softly (b) speaks quickly
(c) speaks condescendingly (d) speaks continuously

Q5 In contrast to her husband she's a very down-to-earth sort of person who manages to control his wild ideas.
(a) cynical (b) boring (c) clever (d) practical

Q6 He's certainly picked himself up since we last saw him when he was clearly down-at-heel.
(a) loudly dressed (b) shabbily dressed (c) strangely dressed (d) oddly dressed

Q7 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 (b) has been confirmed (c) has been wasted (d) has been confused

Q8 You can use special symbols in your emails if you want to show you're down in the mouth.
(a) decided (b) definite (c) deflated (d) depressed

Q9 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 (b) in China (c) in Australia (d) in India


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52.
Expressions with low

Q1 If you like, I can give you a summary and the low-down when we next meet.
(a) information (b) history (c) numbers (d) account

Q2 It's the fashion now to write the first letter of your name not in capitals but in lower case.
(a) tidy letters (b) tiny letters (c) small letters (d) few letters

Q3 She's usually very fit and healthy and that's why we were surprised to learn she was laid low.
(a) tired (b) serious (c) unhappy (d) unwell

Q4 On account of his unpopularity the politician decided to lie low for a few weeks.
(a) keep out of the shops (b) keep away from the public
(c) keep out of the rain (d) keep out of the show

Q5 In the 19th century in big houses the people who lived below stairs were the servants.
(a) under the floor (b) at the bottom (c) in the basement (d) under the stairs

Q6 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 (b) didn't see much of
(c) didn't hear much from (d) didn't think much of

Q7 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 (b) behave so stupidly
(c) behave so clearly (d) behave so fully

Q8 We wanted to cheer you up as we'd heard you were feeling a bit low.
(a) rather angry (b) rather depressed (c) rather uneasy (d) rather strange

Q9 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 (b) stages (c) decreases (d) changes


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53.
Hot expressions

Q1 They just sit around, discuss nothing in particular and just produce a lot of hot air.
(a) dry heat (b) funny remarks (c) empty talk (d) simple facts

Q2 As soon as they heard the news, they didn't hesitate and drove hotfoot to the hospital.
(a) very quickly (b) on horseback (c) in a sports car (d) by taxi

Q3 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 (b) not cold (c) smells good (d) just printed

Q4 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 (b) delicate situation (c) grand situation (d) big situation

Q5 Whenever there was a hot spot that needed covering, the paper always sent their most experienced reporter.
(a) warm zone (b) sunny zone (c) foreign zone (d) war zone

Q6 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 (b) in security (c) in trouble (d) in force

Q7 Have you seen that long queue outside the supermarket? Whatever they're selling is going like hot cakes.
(a) selling very slowly (b) selling very often
(c) selling very strangely (d) selling very well

Q8 In order to provide training for the staff in the department everyone had to do a turn in the hot seat.
(a) experience responsibility (b) experience pleasure
(c) experience hard work (d) experience boredom

Q9 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 (b) funny about (c) worried about (d) good about


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54.
Comparisons with as .... as

Q1 After a good night's sleep she woke feeling as fresh as a daisy.
(a) quiet and still (b) bright and cheerful (c) nice and clean (d) sure and confident

Q2 It was a serious operation but he made a complete recovery and was soon as fit as a fiddle.
(a) in careful health (b) in easy health (c) in quiet health (d) in good health

Q3 When she left school, she found she could do what she liked and be as free as air.
(a) totally free (b) quite free (c) almost free (d) somewhat free

Q4 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 (b) completely flat (c) slightly flat (d) practically flat

Q5 The baby sitter had no problem with the children because they were as good as gold the whole evening.
(a) very quiet (b) well spoken (c) well behaved (d) very clean

Q6 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 (b) spotted (c) spotting (d) spotless

Q7 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 (b) completely mad (c) completely brushed (d) completely strange

Q8 We really didn't expect to see him at all that night but then suddenly he appeared as large as life.
(a) looking big (b) looking fat (c) in person (d) in fact

Q9 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 (b) very strong (c) very short (d) very small


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55.

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 (b) make plans (c) make a lot of money (d) make schemes

Q2 They've tried hard to increase their profits in the business but so far are making little headway.
(a) not really progressing (b) not really proceeding
(c) not really processing (d) not really professing

Q3 The shock was so great it made your hair stand up on end.
(a) consoled you (b) controlled you (c) freed you (d) frightened you

Q4 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 (b) provided them with a huge sum of money
(c) provided them with a huge box of money (d) provided them with a huge tin of money

Q5 Ignore his comments it's not really that bad, he's simply making a mountain out of a molehill.
(a) exercising (b) energizing (c) exaggerating (d) entertaining

Q6 We've lost a lot of money and have little income and so we're finding it difficult to make ends meet.
(a) examine (b) contribute (c) convene (d) survive

Q7 I'll make no bones about it and tell you exactly what I think.
(a) come straight to the point (b) come straight to the end
(c) come straight to the road (d) come straight to the angle

Q8 It seems a sound project with potential and so I advise you to make a pitch for it.
(a) make a suggestion for it (b) make an idea for it
(c) make an offer for it (d) make a throw for it

Q9 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 (b) making a noise (c) making a sound (d) making a story


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56.
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 (b) quite sure (c) reasonably sure (d) absolutely sure

Q2 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 (b) did enable him (c) did encourage him (d) did send him

Q3 You've always stood by him in all his bad habits but underneath I think he's a bad egg.
(a) smelly person (b) worthless person (c) difficult person (d) stupid person

Q4 First he agreed and then he disagreed. The result was he ended up with egg on his face.
(a) looking foolish (b) looking serious (c) looking dirty (d) looking old

Q5 You've got to learn to diversify and not put all your eggs in one basket.
(a) to have lots of ideas (b) to overload your basket
(c) to rely on just one scheme (d) to carry too many things

Q6 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 (b) she forgot her lines
(c) she fell over on stage (d) she gave an embarrassing performance

Q7 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 (b) teaching someone who was younger than he
than he (d) teaching someone who was more willing 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 (b) a savings account (c) a full account (d) a money account

Q9 We all advised him to make sure he got payment and didn't take eggs for money.
(a) accept just a note for money (b) accept just a business card for money
(c) accept just a promise of 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 (b) be very sensitive (c) be very sleepy (d) be very athletic


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57.
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 (b) a long time since (c) a long way before (d) a long time before

Q2 I wish you would stop talking and hear me out.
(a) let me go across (b) let me listen to you
(c) let me carry on listening (d) let me finish speaking

Q3 There's no saying you couldn't pass your exam if you really tried.
(a) There's a possibility (b) It's not possible
(c) It's not impossible (d) It's impossible

Q4 We haven't seen him for ages but he turns up once in a blue moon.
(a) very rarely (b) sometimes (c) occasionally (d) frequently

Q5 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 (b) almost impossible (c) almost damaging (d) very hurtful

Q6 He's got it into his head that we think he's stupid but we really don't.
(a) He seriously contemplates (b) He seriously ponders
(c) He seriously wonders (d) He seriously believes

Q7 We thought it would all go off very well but in the end it turned out to be a damp squib.
(a) wet thing (b) failure (c) lot of rain (d) complaint

Q8 I know you're keen but I don't want you to jump the gun. Just relax.
(a) fire the bullet (b) shoot the target (c) start too soon (d) shoot too soon

Q9 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 (b) there's something there
(c) there's a lot there (d) there's anything there


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58.
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 (b) saying how healthy he is
(c) saying how clever he is (d) saying how tall he is

Q2 You can always rely on him to throw a spanner in the works and suddenly everything stops.
(a) make things go wrong (b) make things go slowly
(c) make things go quickly (d) make things go right

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 (b) stop looking (c) stop laughing (d) stop trying

Q4 My advice is to stop worrying about it and put your best foot forward.
(a) make a step (b) make an effort (c) make a start (d) make a try

Q5 We've had a lovely time and walked a long way but I think it's time to call it a day.
(a) halt (b) cease (c) stop (d) end

Q6 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 (b) really rough (c) really crude (d) really strong

Q7 To be honest he leads a dog's life because he works all the time and has no friends.
(a) a lazy life (b) a miserable life (c) an eager life (d) a long life

Q8 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 (b) commit an easy blunder
(c) commit a social blunder (d) commit a sociable blunder

Q9 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 (b) mention (c) tell (d) say


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59.
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 (b) waiting for the easy life
(c) waiting for the right opportunity (d) waiting for the easy start

Q2 You mark my words you do as I say and you'll be all right.
(a) attend me carefully (b) listen to me carefully
(c) understand me carefully (d) follow me carefully

Q3 The dancers were marked down in the competition because the man fell over half way through.
(a) lost marks (b) failed marks (c) took marks (d) caught marks

Q4 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 (b) aware in the queue
(c) be first in the queue (d) be along in the queue

Q5 When you look back over her lifetime you can see that she will have made her mark.
(a) be seen (b) be remembered (c) be noted (d) be told

Q6 From an early age he was marked out to become leader of his party.
(a) created (b) fostered (c) treated (d) destined

Q7 They were very fussy about their products and any item not up to the mark was discarded.
(a) of a fair standard (b) of a reasonable standard
(c) of a high standard (d) of a hard standard

Q8 Take no notice of what he said because his comments are beside the mark.
(a) irrelevant (b) disregarding (c) distasteful (d) disturbing

Q9 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 (b) Act prepared (c) Be prepared (d) Go prepared


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60.
Retail Sales Expressions

Q1 I went to BuyLots and bought a computer on hire purchase.
(a) payment in cash (b) discount payment (c) payment plan (d) price increase

Q2 The best time to go shopping in the USA is the day after Thanksgiving, because all stores mark down their
prices.
(a) reduce (b) boost (c) raise (d) hike

Q3 Nowadays, lots of people purchase products over the Internet.
(a) sell (b) give away (c) buy (d) ship

Q4 It's really important to keep a receipt of the products you buy in case you need to return or exchange them.
(a) record (b) proof of purchase (c) profit (d) coupon

Q5 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 (b) dollar bills
(c) personal check (d) debit card

Q6 Thanks for buying at Build-a-Monster, your product will be shipped in 1 to 2 business days. Have a nice day!
(a) received (b) withdrawn (c) purchased (d) mailed

Q7 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 (b) broken (c) not available (d) stacked

Q8 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 (b) a reimburse (c) a fine (d) a retain

Q9 Melinda bought a Plasma TV with a one year warranty.
(a) guarantee (b) invalidation (c) vintage (d) release

Q10 Mr. Thompson only buys things that are in a sale.
(a) uneconomical (b) priceless (c) inexpensive (d) overpriced


advanced-27
61.
American Slang Words (1)

Q1 I feel really good about this class. I'm going to ace the exam tomorrow.
(a) fail (b) do well or excel in (c) play cards during

Q2 His mom was really bent out of shape because he got home late last night.
(a) angry (b) happy (c) physically unhealthy

Q3 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 (b) big appetite
(c) large smile

Q4 Our manager made a big stink about the slight decrease in sales last month.
(a) large party (b) big fuss (c) big meal

Q5 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 (b) ripped all of his money (c) saved all of his money

Q6 Kathy was ready to blow a fuse when she found out someone stole her patent idea.
(a) blow out a candle (b) go to the fuse box (c) lose her temper

Q7 The college students went out to a club last night and got bombed because the school year ended.
(a) got drunk (b) went to sleep (c) got up early

Q8 The class went bonkers as soon as the teacher left the room.
(a) acted in a wild, crazy manner (b) went to sleep
(c) went to work

Q9 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 (b) get together with his friends soon
(c) anger his professors


advanced-28
62.

Q1 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 (b) an inheritance settlement
(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 (b) male duck (c) dollar

Q3 Rowan is really depressed about the break-up. She always looks so bummed.
(a) sad and apathetic (b) happy (c) furious

Q4 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 (b) forced him to sit and watch the game
(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 (b) get a drink (c) get a suntan

Q6 I'm so tired. I'm going home to catch some z's. I'll call you tomorrow.
(a) get a suntan (b) get some money (c) get some sleep

Q7 He'll never go for that. It's too expensive and he's so chintzy.
(a) stingy (b) showy (c) depressed

Q8 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 (b) spend a lot (c) drive fast

Q9 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 (b) an active person (c) a funny person


advanced-29
63.

Q1 Why don't you crackthat bottle of wine so we can start celebrating your promotion.
(a) smash that bottle (b) open that bottle (c) buy that bottle

Q2 Sally had poor study habits so she had to cram for her chemistry exam.
(a) cheat (b) study really hard in a short period of time
(c) study in a relaxed fashion

Q3 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 (b) difficult and stressful (c) laborious

Q4 Notre Dame is going to cream the other team because they're strong and well-organized this year.
(a) lose to (b) defeat (c) tie

Q5 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 (b) cost of damaging the property
(c) cost of dessert

Q6 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 (b) boring and there aren't many patrons
(c) gloomy but exciting

Q7 Don't worry. Her husband will pay for the meal. He has deep pockets.
(a) no money (b) long trousers or pants (c) a lot of money

Q8 That movie was really dirty. I don't think the kids should watch it.
(a) sexually explicit (b) violent
(c) unclean with many untidy scenes

Q9 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 (b) exciting and positive person
(c) funny person


advanced-30
64.

Q1 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 (b) a talk about her ear infection medicine
(c) a talk about ears

Q2 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 (b) thing that is easily repaired
(c) chip

Q3 People say Lana is really flaky so she can't handle important projects at work.
(a) unconventional and odd (b) responsible (c) dishonest

Q4 When he saw the giant wheel at the fair, he instantly had a flashback reminiscent of his childhood.
(a) radio (b) memory of a past incident
(c) song

Q5 My husband and I want to go watch that new flick. We heard it's pretty good.
(a) movie/film (b) new restaurant (c) video game

Q6 Laura flipped out when she heard about the tornado that hit her hometown.
(a) got really upset (b) fell down (c) bent over backwards

Q7 Some people say that my teacher is a foxy lady.
(a) cunning (b) red-haired (c) physically attractive

Q8 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 (b) an object we throw to each other at the park
(c) a discounted pair of shoes

Q9 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 (b) didn't understand the joke
(c) told the joke


advanced-31
65.

Q1 I got into art and writing when I was a child.
(a) was highly interested in (b) avoided (c) stole

Q2 Sharon went bananas when she found out that she won a large shopping spree.
(a) was depressed (b) was overly excited (c) was sensitive

Q3 Jim thinks Las Vegas hotels are pretty glitzy.
(a) colorful (b) extravagant and showy (c) dull and boring

Q4 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 (b) went to a lively game (c) showed active support

Q5 Laura got a big promotion last month and now the whole thing has gone to her head.
(a) given her a migraine headache (b) made her conceited and overconfident
(c) physically made her head larger

Q6 After the tragic accident, Tyler went to pieces.
(a) was emotionally shattered (b) moved to a rural area
(c) went to see his family

Q7 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 (b) made a lot of money
(c) made a lot of friends

Q8 Simon is notorious for goofing off at work.
(a) doing a great job (b) working overtime
(c) being idle and wasting time

Q9 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 (b) arts and crafts (c) use his brain


advanced-32
66.

Q1 A lot of students at the high school across the street smoke grass during lunch hour.
(a) smoke cigarettes (b) smoke marijuana (c) smoke cigars

Q2 Cathy is really happy at her new job. It's pure gravy.
(a) a really frustrating place (b) a job with great cafeteria gravy
(c) lucrative and easy

Q3 I don't want that sandwich. It looks gross.
(a) disgusting (b) expensive (c) really delicious

Q4 Where should we go for some good grub?
(a) drinks (b) food (c) insects

Q5 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 (b) wear nice clothes (c) be nice to the teachers

Q6 My roommate usually looks pretty grubby when she goes out.
(a) unclean and sloppy (b) neat and boring (c) fashionable

Q7 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 (b) courage (c) stamina

Q8 I don't like your jacket. It looks a little grungy.
(a) fashionable (b) dirty (c) dated

Q9 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 (b) quickly work out (c) pay for


advanced-33
67.

Q1 Due to her nervous breakdown last year, Maggie has decided to hang up her nursing career.
(a) quit (b) continue (c) begin

Q2 Can you hang on please? I have to switch phones.
(a) hold this phone in your hands (b) hang up
(c) wait a moment

Q3 I like your friend. I got a really good vibe from her.
(a) dance routine (b) recipe (c) feeling

Q4 The neighbors across the street seem like they have it all together.
(a) are mentally unstable (b) are rich and snobby (c) are financially stable

Q5 Your new project was a hit at the meeting on Friday.
(a) a success (b) a funny routine (c) a silly proposal

Q6 Oh, you don't know. He is history because he was always late for work.
(a) was a great teacher (b) was fired (c) was unhealthy

Q7 Those kids look high. I think they were smoking pot earlier.
(a) intoxicated on drugs or alcohol (b) confident
(c) depressed

Q8 The gang members holed up for nearly three weeks because they are wanted on three counts of armed
robbery.
(a) dug a hole (b) bought extra ammunition (c) hid

Q9 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 (b) eager and highly motivated
(c) poor


advanced-34
68.

Q1 Lisa has a very hyper son and she meets with his teacher a lot.
(a) overly active (b) overly jealous (c) overzealous

Q2 You really have to hustle if you want to meet the deadline.
(a) work at a steady pace (b) work hard and fast
(c) slow down and take your time

Q3 Those colors are really in right now. A lot of people are using those shades in their homes.
(a) boring (b) stylish (c) neutral

Q4 She wears too much makeup and very revealing clothing. She looks like a hooker at times.
(a) humble person (b) prostitute (c) business woman

Q5 She's hot. A lot of guys at school like her.
(a) furious (b) serious (c) very attractive

Q6 She's a very intense person. I think she needs to relax more.
(a) serious (b) angry (c) funny

Q7 Don really got himself into a jam this time. He needs help.
(a) problematic situation (b) band (c) business

Q8 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 (b) underground
(c) seriously and deeply involved

Q9 In the past, people used to jerk me around more. Nowadays, I put my foot down a lot more.
(a) physically pull me around (b) cause problems for me
(c) shout at me

Q10 Some of the girls at school like the jocks.
(a) athletic guys (b) funny guys (c) smart guys


advanced-35
69.

Q1 I've had to go for an hour. Where's the john?
(a) cafeteria (b) hotel (c) bathroom

Q2 Kyle is in a lot of trouble. He's a junkie and was caught stealing money last week.
(a) drug addict (b) untidy person (c) junk collector

Q3 He just started his new job so he's still pretty green.
(a) funny (b) naive (c) strong

Q4 I know you're nervous but you have to keep your cool right now.
(a) stay out of the sun (b) stay calm (c) get a cold drink

Q5 I get a kick out my little nephew. He's a cute and funny little guy.
(a) enjoy (b) don't like (c) get annoyed with

Q6 Sandra is always falling and hurting herself. She's such a klutz.
(a) irritating person (b) enjoyable person (c) clumsy person

Q7 This exotic meal is really good so don't knock it until you try it.
(a) don't judge or criticize (b) don't throw it in the garbage
(c) don't give it away

Q8 Emma was really skinny as a child but now she's a knockout.
(a) comedian (b) boxer (c) very attractive person

Q9 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 (b) coyotes (c) nice people


advanced-36
70.

Q1 I really like my brother-in-law because he's so laid-back.
(a) sleepy (b) active (c) relaxed and calm

Q2 That story Greg told us is pretty lame. He's always late and he has a million excuses for his behavior.
(a) great (b) inadequate (c) hurtful

Q3 Some men use a lot of lines to pick up girls at night clubs.
(a) persuasive and complementary words (b) dance moves
(c) money

Q4 Sophie exercises every day but she still can't get rid of those love handles.
(a) rolls of fat around her stomach (b) rolls and donuts for breakfast
(c) suitors

Q5 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 (b) cause any problems (c) make any food

Q6 Bette plays a mean game of hockey. She's in the female league and is the top-scorer.
(a) highly-skilled (b) overly aggressive (c) weak

Q7 When Steven sold the rights to his unique and useful product, he made megabucks.
(a) a lot of deer (b) a lot of money (c) a small amount of money

Q8 Last month, Tim and Sherri maxed-out their credit cards because he was laid-off earlier this year.
(a) reached the credit limits of (b) paid off
(c) cut up

Q9 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 (b) a strong relationship
(c) communication breakdown or collapse


advanced-37
71.

Q1 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 (b) cartoon (c) fun

Q2 Ted is going to make a move on Sandra at the party next week.
(a) try to seduce (b) make a business move for (c) speak to

Q3 That movie we saw last night was pretty mushy. Did you like it?
(a) very emotional and tender (b) stupid
(c) violent

Q4 I think that dresser is pretty neat. I wish I could build something like that.
(a) big (b) old (c) good

Q5 There are a lot of negatives about the new management team.
(a) good things (b) bad things
(c) film and developing costs

Q6 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 (b) heat it in the oven (c) toast it

Q7 Most of my colleagues in the office think that Sarah is nuts.
(a) a good person (b) crazy and unstable (c) crazy about squirrels

Q8 Can you pick me up after work? Sure, it's no sweat.
(a) really a big problem (b) no problem (c) really expensive

Q9 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 (b) annoying (c) pleasant


advanced-38
72.

Q1 Tom is a party animal so he throws a lot of parties at his house.
(a) loves to party and have a good time (b) loves animals
(c) doesn't like people

Q2 Simon tried to seduce Nicole but she told him to get his paws off of her.
(a) lips (b) feet (c) hands

Q3 Josephine works long hours for peanuts. She's going to ask for a raise soon.
(a) a lot of money (b) not a lot of money (c) food

Q4 Rowan was completely pickled at the party on Friday.
(a) sour (b) drunk (c) depressed

Q5 I'm not worried about the exam next week. It's going to be a piece of cake.
(a) easy (b) difficult (c) fun

Q6 Laura's mother told her not to make a pig of herself at the dinner party this coming weekend.
(a) to eat too much (b) to laugh too much (c) to talk too much

Q7 I'm starving. Let's get some pizza and pig out tonight.
(a) drink a lot of alcohol (b) eat a lot of food (c) smoke cigarettes

Q8 We've been driving for a long time so we need to make a pit stop soon.
(a) stop and go to the bathroom (b) change the tires
(c) clean the car

Q9 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 (b) very excited (c) very tired


advanced-39
73.

Q1 Joanne wanted to pop her co-worker because of the insulting comments she made.
(a) criticize (b) hug (c) hit

Q2 You paid last time. Dinner is on me this time.
(a) is free because I want to pay for it (b) is expensive so I want you to pay for it
(c) was filling and I don't feel well

Q3 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 (b) professional (c) lawyer

Q4 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 (b) feeling sad about (c) happy about

Q5 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 (b) misplaced his money (c) behaved well

Q6 She behaved very badly on the weekend. In fact, I think she's psycho and needs medical attention.
(a) mentally ill (b) emotionally sound (c) physically ill

Q7 I'm not feeling well. I think I have food poisoning and I feel like I'm going to puke.
(a) fall down (b) sleep (c) vomit

Q8 Well, I had a great time tonight but I think I'm going to push-off now.
(a) leave (b) have a drink (c) stay a while

Q9 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 (b) an agreement (c) an effort


advanced-40
74.

Q1 The teenagers next door make a lot of racket when their parents are out of town.
(a) play a lot of tennis (b) eat a lot of food (c) make a lot of noise

Q2 I'm so tired. I have to rack out for a while.
(a) sleep (b) drink some coffee (c) eat something

Q3 Let's meet on Friday. We need to rap about some things.
(a) talk (b) learn (c) decide

Q4 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 (b) small house (c) apartment

Q5 At work, there are some raw employees who think they can just do whatever they want.
(a) natural (b) new (c) seasoned

Q6 Our supervisor reamed him out on Monday because his work is not acceptable.
(a) yelled at him (b) smiled at him (c) told him to go home

Q7 The bank is threatening to repo Liam's car because he's late on his payments.
(a) refund (b) repossess (c) redesign

Q8 That sitcom is a riot. My whole family watches it on Thursday evenings.
(a) very funny (b) very serious (c) very violent

Q9 I really dislike road hogs. They think they own the road.
(a) people who aren't courteous and take up much of (b) people who don't like roadways
the roadway
(c) people who walk their dogs on roadways

Q10 Can I have a scotch on the rocks please?
(a) in a tall glass (b) with soda (c) with ice


advanced-41
75.

Q1 Kevin and his family have had a rough time since the recent stock market crash.
(a) easy time (b) hard time (c) a lot to do

Q2 My professor lost his hair and now he wears a rug.
(a) wig (b) coat (c) hat

Q3 There are a lot of rug rats in our neighborhood.
(a) rodents (b) cats (c) children

Q4 My baby sister rules the house. She's so spoiled!
(a) dominates (b) cleans (c) occupies

Q5 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 (b) lost our money (c) lost our car

Q6 I've been working all day so I'm going to hit the sack early tonight.
(a) church (b) pack (c) sleep

Q7 Most pyramid schemes seem like big scams to me.
(a) deceptive acts (b) honest acts (c) worthy acts

Q8 The little boy was so hungry that he scarfed down his food in about twenty seconds.
(a) quickly ate (b) stored (c) slowly ate

Q9 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 (b) makes a mistake
(c) doesn't get along with his co-workers


advanced-42
76.

Q1 Ken is a very sharp guy. He learns things very quickly.
(a) mean (b) intelligent (c) funny

Q2 I didn't succeed the first time but I'm willing to give it another shot.
(a) try (b) look (c) purchase

Q3 My boss quickly shot down the idea I suggested at the meeting. He didn't even consider it for a moment.
(a) agreed with (b) bought (c) disagreed with

Q4 The armed robbers were quickly apprehended and then thrown in the slammer.
(a) prison (b) cold (c) work camp

Q5 Heather was smashed at last year's Christmas party. Everyone is wondering if she'll do it again this year.
(a) intoxicated (b) happy (c) depressed

Q6 A loud noise spooked the horse and it quickly started galloping down the path.
(a) stampeded (b) frightened (c) shot

Q7 My husband loves to eat spuds. He could eat them all day long.
(a) tomatoes (b) potatoes (c) apples

Q8 I'm not impressed with the progress. The whole process stinks.
(a) is disgusting (b) smells bad (c) is good

Q9 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 (b) emphasizing teamwork (c) enlightening


advanced-43
77.

Q1 I don't like my boss. I want to tell him to take a hike.
(a) walk around a park (b) go jogging (c) leave

Q2 I feel like such a sucker. An acquaintance talked me into a pyramid scheme and I lost all of my savings.
(a) gullible person (b) generous person (c) smart person

Q3 When Tim was on vacation, he was taken for a lot of money at a hotel casino. He'll never learn.
(a) stole (b) lost (c) made

Q4 I've been at the office a lot lately. I'm just taking care of business.
(a) having a good time (b) doing what I have to do (c) starting a new business

Q5 Marcel just bought some new threads at that trendy store downtown.
(a) sewing material (b) sewing thread (c) clothes

Q6 I got into an accident on the weekend and my car was totaled.
(a) damaged beyond repair (b) salvageable (c) slightly damaged

Q7 We went to a flea market and everything was up for grabs at good prices.
(a) stolen (b) taken (c) available

Q8 I'm so tired of renovating. I just want to veg out tonight.
(a) do nothing and relax (b) eat vegetables (c) drink some tea

Q9 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 (b) big piece of chewing gum (c) backpack


advanced-44
78.

Q1 The gang leader told his followers to waste their rivals on the weekend. They are all wanted criminals now.
(a) kill (b) compete against (c) drink alcohol with

Q2 Do you think I could borrow your wheels? I have an important appointment this afternoon.
(a) tires (b) keys (c) car

Q3 My cousin is a computer whiz. He maintains my system for me.
(a) wizard (b) repairman (c) salesman

Q4 I have to drink some coffee so I can get wired before the big exam.
(a) am crazy (b) am intoxicated (c) be very alert

Q5 Oh, stop being such a wuss. The bridge isn't even that high.
(a) show-off (b) wimp (c) boaster

Q6 My niece said her food was yukky.
(a) bad (b) good (c) salty

Q7 I can't do one more thing right now. I'm spent.
(a) broke (b) exhausted (c) hungry

Q8 Who's up for some pizza?
(a) Who wants (b) Who bought (c) Who made

Q9 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 (b) Nuclear weapons (c) Machine guns


advanced-45
79.
Clothing Idioms (1)

Q1 That little boy has ants in his pants.
(a) washed his clothes (b) plays in the dirt (c) cannot sit still

Q2 My teacher told me to buckle down this term.
(a) wear a seatbelt (b) put a lot of effort into (c) sit down

Q3 Bruce's last comment hit below the belt.
(a) was unfair and cowardly (b) was unfashionable (c) was cheerful and fair

Q4 At the meeting on Friday, the assistant manager made a silly, off-the-cuff comment.
(a) angry and hurtful (b) intelligent and well thought out
(c) unprepared and spontaneous

Q5 I think her new boyfriend is a wolf in sheep's clothing.
(a) a person who wears animal skins (b) pretending to be nice but is really dangerous
(c) pretending to be dangerous

Q6 Bill's wife is mutton dressed as lamb.
(a) dresses too young for her age (b) dresses too old for her age
(c) dresses in a very casual manner

Q7 Aurora was dressed to kill this weekend.
(a) wore her worst clothes (b) wore out-of-date clothes (c) wore her best clothes

Q8 This information is very important. Keep it under your hat.
(a) Don't tell anyone (b) Tell everyone
(c) Write it down and put it into a hat

Q9 Many people don't want their dirty linen aired in public.
(a) to have their dirty clothes drying on a clothes line (b) to have their private affairs talked about in public
(c) to speak in public

Q10 Sierra's dress fits her like a glove.
(a) fits her very well (b) is too big (c) is too short


advanced-46
80.
Clothing Idioms (2)

Q1 The new nightclub was bursting at the seams this past weekend.
(a) caught fire (b) was very busy (c) collapsed

Q2 Joseph went to Reno and lost his shirt last month.
(a) lost his favorite shirt (b) lost his mind (c) lost all of his money

Q3 Kevin is always broke because money burns a hole in his pockets.
(a) he spends his money quickly (b) he has holes in his pockets
(c) he gives all of his money to charity

Q4 Keep your shirt on! I'm going to tell you everything.
(a) Don't take your clothes off (b) Don't lose your temper
(c) Don't sell your clothes

Q5 Jeff just lost his job. I wouldn't want to be in his shoes right now.
(a) to be in his position (b) to take his shoes (c) to go for a walk

Q6 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 (b) he has future gambling plans
(c) he has reserve plans that he stored and are
available for future use

Q7 Well, it's time to roll up our sleeves!
(a) work hard (b) wash our clothes (c) eat

Q8 After all these years, Teresa still hasn't seen her husband in his birthday suit.
(a) in a three piece suit (b) in his good Sunday suit (c) naked

Q9 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 (b) put his coat on
(c) drive faster


advanced-47
81.
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 (b) strongly affected us
(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 (b) in prison (c) in trouble

Q3 My mother left for Europe on Friday. She asked me to hold the fort while she's away.
(a) be the temporary manager (b) build a house (c) leave the house

Q4 I don't like that joke. It hit a little too close to home.
(a) was closely related to my inner feelings (b) was very mean
(c) was stupid

Q5 I always tell my friend to make herself at home when she comes over.
(a) act like my home is her home (b) clean my house
(c) build herself a house

Q6 The restaurant owner was so happy and he announced that all drinks were on the house.
(a) should be served outside (b) should be served warm
(c) were free and paid for by the owner/restaurant

Q7 The comedian was really funny. He brought the house down on the weekend.
(a) received a lot of applause and praise (b) got fired
(c) tore down the old theater in order to build a new
one

Q8 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 (b) you shouldn't build a glass house because it is too
things they do delicate
(c) you shouldn't throw rocks at anyone

Q9 When his father came home and saw the mess, he hit the roof and grounded his son for one month.
(a) was somewhat disasppointed (b) was enraged
(c) punched the ceiling

Q10 Megan doesn't like her run-of-the-mill job.
(a) regular or ordinary (b) difficult or challenging (c) pulp mill


advanced-48
82.
Food Idioms

Q1 I knew when Sandra told the lie that she would be eating her words later.
(a) talking in the cafeteria (b) admitting to her untrue claims
(c) hungry

Q2 Everyone knows that our math teacher is out to lunch.
(a) behaves in a crazy manner (b) went to have lunch early
(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 (b) throw parties at work
(c) have extra privileges at work without giving up
anything in return

Q4 Is it time for our coffee break?
(a) work meeting (b) short break from work (c) workshop

Q5 I love to sit around and chew the fat with old friends.
(a) eat fast food (b) eat slowly (c) talk or chat

Q6 Nancy was forced to eat humble pie when the manager caught her in a lie.
(a) admit her mistake and humbly apologize (b) eat bad tasting pie
(c) eat alone

Q7 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 (b) trying to gain favor by being really nice
(c) speaking her mind

Q8 Lilly is so skinny but she eats like a horse.
(a) has a large appetite (b) has no manners when she eats
(c) eats horse meat

Q9 Whenever Taylor invites a girl out to dinner, they go Dutch. He likes it that way.
(a) share Dutch food (b) talk about the Dutch culture
(c) share the bill

Q10 Sally made her famous chocolate chip cookies from scratch.
(a) using prepared dough from a box (b) without using prepared ingredients of any kind
(c) without the use of sugar or any other sweeteners


KEYS
ANSWER
Index

English Idioms and Expressions
(Answer Keys)


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


elementary-2
2.
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


elementary-3
3.
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


elementary-4
4.
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


elementary-5
5.
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


elementary-6
6.
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


elementary-7
7.
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


elementary-8
8.
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


elementary-9
9.
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


elementary-10
10.
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


elementary-11
11.
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


elementary-12
12.
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


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


intermediate-2
14.
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


intermediate-3
15.
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


intermediate-4
16.
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


intermediate-5
17.
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


intermediate-6
18.
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


intermediate-7
19.
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


intermediate-8
20.
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


intermediate-9
21.
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


intermediate-10
22.
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


intermediate-11
23.
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


intermediate-12
24.
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


intermediate-13
25.
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


intermediate-14
26.
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.

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


intermediate-15
27.
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


intermediate-16
28.
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


intermediate-17
29.
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


intermediate-18
30.
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


intermediate-19
31.
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


intermediate-20
32.
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


intermediate-21
33.

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


intermediate-22
34.
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


advanced-1
35.
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


advanced-2
36.
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


advanced-3
37.
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


advanced-4
38.
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


advanced-5
39.
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


advanced-6
40.
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


advanced-7
41.
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


advanced-8
42.
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


advanced-9
43.
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


advanced-10
44.
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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45.
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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46.
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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47.
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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48.
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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49.
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.

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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50.
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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51.
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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52.
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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53.
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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54.
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


advanced-21
55.

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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56.
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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57.
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


advanced-24
58.
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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59.
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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60.
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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61.

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


advanced-28
62.

A1 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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63.

A1 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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64.

A1 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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65.

A1 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


advanced-32
66.

A1 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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67.

A1 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


advanced-34
68.

A1 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


advanced-35
69.

A1 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


advanced-36
70.

A1 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


advanced-37
71.

A1 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


advanced-38
72.

A1 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


advanced-39
73.

A1 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


advanced-40
74.

A1 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


advanced-41
75.

A1 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


advanced-42
76.

A1 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


advanced-43
77.

A1 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


advanced-44
78.

A1 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


advanced-45
79.
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


advanced-46
80.
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


advanced-47
81.
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


advanced-48
82.
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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