Idiom Challenge

Idioms challenge! worksheet A

Exercise 1

Read the definitions (1(7) below of some idioms. For each definition, two of the expressions (a(c) have been invented, but one is the correct idiom. Can you
identify it?

1. a problem that spoils what would otherwise be a good situation, or makes it difficult
a) a fly in the ointment
b) a fox in the field
c) a wasp on the apple

2. If people in a group (for example a company or a political party) all have the same information and are all thinking the same way, they are:
a) on the same page
b) in the same shoe
c) waving the same flag

3. If an event or activity has been happening for some time and is going very well and very actively, you can say that it is:
a) with a full bottle
b) in full swing
c) on full dancing

4. If you think something is a good idea but is going to be difficult to do, or if somebody advises you to do something that is difficult but tries to make it sound easy, you could say:
a) “Fine to say, but not so fine to do.”
b) “Easier said than done.”
c) “Better in the air than on the ground.”

5. to do something that you have promised to do or are expected to do
a) deliver the goods
b) wrap the gifts
c) butter the bread

6. something that is a cheaper and inferior version of something else (x), or somebody who is less impressive, popular, or talented than somebody similar (x) is:
a) a bag lady’s x
b) a poor man’s x
c) a stupid boy’s x

7. A situation in which people compete fiercely, think only of themselves, and will do anything to be successful, can be described as:
a) cat eat cat
b) eagle eat eagle
c) dog eat dog
Idioms challenge! worksheet B
Exercise 2

Now choose the correct answer (a, b, or c) for each of the questions below.

1. What does “a happy medium” mean?
a) a way of doing things that is a good compromise between two extremes
b) a person who doesn’t mind not being able to do things very well
c) a person who doesn’t realize how badly they have done something, and therefore isn’t embarrassed

2. What do you do if you “dig your heels in”?
a) You refuse to do something even though others are trying to persuade you.
b) You don’t have enough energy to do something.
c) You try your best to be helpful toward other people.

3. What is an “acid test”?
a) A scary situation that makes a person stronger afterwards
b) A situation in which somebody has to eat something that tastes very bad (in order to be polite, for example)
c) An event or situation that proves how good or effective something is

4. What does it mean if you “keep your ear to the ground”?
a) You are trying not to draw attention to yourself.
b) You are paying attention to a situation and trying to stay informed (especially if there are rumors about that situation).
c) You are refusing to listen to what other people are saying.

5. What does it mean if something is a “nail in the coffin” of somebody or something?
a) It is one in a series of events that harms them and leads to their inevitable failure.
b) It is something that improves their chances of success.
c) It is a situation that reduces their freedom.

6. What does it mean if a person “calls a spade a spade”?
a) They don’t have much imagination.
b) They say very frankly and directly what they think about something or somebody, not caring if this might be considered rude or inappropriate.
c) They frequently say things that lead to them becoming embarrassed in social situations.

7. What does it mean if a person wants to “have their cake and eat it too”?
a) They are very impatient.
b) They are not only greedy (usually with regard to money or possessions) but don’t mind letting other