The American English Idioms Quiz

The phrase "push my buttons" means to deliberately provoke or irritate someone, often by saying or doing something that is known to upset them. In this context, the speaker's sister called under the pretense of wanting to talk, but her real intention was to criticize the speaker's career choices, which is likely to provoke a negative reaction. The speaker realizes that their sister knows how to push their buttons and intends to avoid such situations in the future by not answering the phone.

The phrase "you could hear a pin drop" is used to describe a very quiet and silent environment. The phrase "the walls have ears" means that there may be people listening or eavesdropping on the conversation. Therefore, the correct answer suggests that the reason for not talking about the project loudly is because it is very quiet and any sound can be easily heard, and there is a possibility of someone overhearing the conversation.

The correct answer "costs an arm and a leg" suggests that the car is very expensive. The phrase "costs an arm and a leg" is an idiom used to describe something that is excessively costly. In this context, the speaker is acknowledging that the car is great but emphasizes the need for something more economical, indicating that the high cost of the car is a drawback.

The phrase "hands were tied" is an idiom that means someone is unable to act or make a decision due to external constraints or limitations. In this context, it suggests that the immigration official wanted to help but was unable to do so because of certain restrictions or regulations.

The phrase "set in stone" means that something is fixed or definite and cannot be changed. In this context, the speaker is saying that they have another appointment on Wednesday, but it is not set in stone, implying that they can potentially reschedule or adjust their plans if needed.

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The phrase "count me in" means that the person is willing to participate or be involved in something. In the given context, the speaker is expressing their availability and willingness to work on the software project. The phrase "keep me posted" means to keep the person informed or updated about any new developments or progress. Therefore, the correct answer "count me in … keep me posted" fits the situation perfectly, as it conveys the speaker's commitment to the project and their request to be informed about any updates.

Technology companies need to think outside the box and come up with innovative ideas in order to create new, state of the art devices that people will appreciate. Once these devices are created, they have to work out the kinks and make updates to ensure their functionality and performance are optimal.

The correct answer "water under the bridge … no hard feelings" means that the old issues between the narrator and their old friend have been resolved and forgiven. The phrase "water under the bridge" implies that the past conflicts or problems are now in the past and no longer important. The phrase "no hard feelings" indicates that there are no lingering negative emotions or grudges between the narrator and their old friend.

The phrase "close, but no cigar" is a common idiom used to describe a situation where someone comes very close to achieving a goal or success but ultimately falls short. In this context, it means that the speaker's best friend was very close to becoming a state representative but lost by 500 votes, indicating that they were just shy of achieving their goal.

The correct answer, "up in the air ... head in the clouds," means that someone's future plans are uncertain or undecided because they are not grounded in reality. This suggests that the person is not practical and tends to have their head filled with dreams and fantasies rather than practical considerations.

The phrase "keep your chin up" is commonly used to encourage someone to stay positive and optimistic in difficult situations. Similarly, the phrase "break a leg" is a well-known idiom used to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance. In this context, the speaker is reassuring the person that despite their worries about the presentation, they should maintain a positive attitude and wish them luck.

The phrase "Don't be a martyr" means not to suffer unnecessarily or sacrifice oneself for others. In this context, it implies that the person should not endure the pain and betrayal of their husband's repeated affairs. The phrase "the last straw" refers to the final event or action that causes someone to reach their limit and take decisive action. Therefore, the correct answer suggests that the person should not tolerate their husband's infidelity any longer and should leave him because this is the final and most significant betrayal.

Complaining to the director about work team issues would be "barking up the wrong tree" because the director is not interested in getting involved in coworker complaints. This phrase means that someone is pursuing a course of action or making an assumption that is unlikely to lead to the desired outcome or solution. In this case, complaining to the director would not address the work team issues and would not be the appropriate action to take.

This phrase means to discuss private or embarrassing matters in public. The sentence is advising someone not to do this at a family reunion, as it would be inappropriate and unnecessary to share personal problems with everyone present.

The phrase "second nature" means something that is so familiar or natural to someone that they can do it easily and without thinking. In this context, it means that teaching tennis comes naturally to the friend and they are very skilled at it. The phrase "down to earth" describes someone who is humble, practical, and easy to get along with. It suggests that the friend is approachable and friendly, making them a pleasant person to learn from.

The phrase "lighten up" means to become less serious or worried. In this context, it suggests that the person should not dwell on their loss and should try to have a more positive attitude. "Get back to the trenches" means to return to hard work or to resume a challenging task. So, the correct answer implies that the person should not let their depression hold them back and should instead focus on working hard and preparing for a new competition.

The phrase "out of the question" means that something is not possible or not allowed. In this context, it suggests that the request being made cannot be granted. The phrase "agree to disagree" means to accept that there is a difference of opinion and to stop trying to convince each other. So, the correct answer implies that the request cannot be fulfilled and it is necessary to accept that there is no point in discussing it further.

To become a great athlete, there is no easy or quick solution (no silver bullet). It requires dedication, hard work, and perseverance (blood, sweat, and tears).

This phrase means that although the person is physically present and appears to be alert, they are not mentally engaged or responsive. It suggests that the person lacks knowledge or understanding in areas outside of soccer, indicating a limited range of interests or expertise.

The correct answer is "on the dot ... touch base with me". This answer is the most appropriate because it matches the context of the sentence. "On the dot" means punctually or exactly at the specified time, which implies that she is very punctual. "Touch base with me" means to communicate or check in with someone, indicating that she is responsible and proactive in seeking guidance or clarification when needed.

The correct answer is "talking behind her back ... in the doghouse". This means that the man's wife is angry because he was speaking negatively about her when she was not present, and as a result, he is in trouble or facing consequences for his actions.

The phrase "drew a blank" means that the person was unable to recall or remember something, even though they should have known it. In this context, the person had studied and should have known the answer to the teacher's question, but they just forgot it. Therefore, "drew a blank" accurately describes the situation where the person's mind went blank and they couldn't recall the information they had studied.

He's a great mechanic. He can fix any type of engine because he's such a quick study. But he has a one track mind. He doesn't have a clue about anything besides cars.

The phrase "chip on his shoulder" means that someone is harboring a grudge or feeling resentful about something. In this context, the friend is angry because his father will not pay his college tuition, which suggests that he feels a sense of entitlement or bitterness about his father's decision. This aligns with the meaning of having a "chip on his shoulder."

When the person's mother came to visit, it was the perfect solution or remedy for their depression and lack of confidence in their new job as a manager. The mother's presence and support uplifted their spirits and provided the encouragement they needed to feel better and regain their confidence.

The phrase "play it by ear" means to make decisions or plans as events unfold, without making a fixed or predetermined plan. In this context, the speaker is suggesting that they should wait until Friday to decide whether they can go to the park or not, depending on the weather. They are open to adjusting their plans based on the circumstances, rather than making a fixed plan in advance.

The correct answer is "drags her feet ... jumps the gun". This phrase means that the new employee either takes too long to complete her work projects or rushes into them without proper planning. This inconsistency makes it difficult for the speaker to predict what will happen next.

Jim really got off track when he started talking about cell phone technology. The meeting was supposed to be about customer service. Yeah, that's putting it lightly! The way he was talking, you would think he didn't know what human beings are! This explanation suggests that Jim went off-topic and started discussing something unrelated to the main agenda of the meeting. The phrase "that's putting it lightly" emphasizes that Jim's deviation from the topic was significant and perhaps even exaggerated.

The phrase "hit the sack" is an idiom that means to go to bed or sleep. In this context, the person is tired and needs rest, so they decide to "hit the sack" and sleep on the decision of whether to accept the job offer with a low salary. By sleeping on it, they hope to gain clarity and make a decision in the morning.

The phrase "level with you" means to be honest and straightforward. The phrase "get ahead" means to succeed or make progress. The phrase "get your act together" means to organize oneself and improve one's behavior or performance. Therefore, the correct answer suggests that as a friend, the speaker is being honest and telling the person to improve themselves and their appearance in order to succeed.

The phrase "take what I said with a grain of salt" means to not fully believe or trust what someone has said. It suggests that the statement may not be entirely accurate or reliable. This expression originated from the idea that adding a grain of salt to a dish can enhance its flavor, implying that a small amount of skepticism can help to enhance one's judgment or understanding of a situation.

This phrase means that even though the person is facing difficulties in finding a job, they should not lose hope or become discouraged. Instead, they should adapt to the challenging and competitive nature of the job market and be prepared to face tough situations. The phrase "roll with the punches" means to be resilient and flexible in the face of adversity, while "dog eat dog world" refers to a highly competitive and ruthless environment.

The phrase "wine and dine" means to entertain someone lavishly, typically by providing them with food and drinks, in order to impress or build a good relationship with them. In the given context, the district manager is visiting, so the speaker is suggesting whether they should entertain her in this manner.

If you need some relaxation and rejuvenation, you should go to the beach. That's the best place to relax. The phrase "R and R" is commonly used to refer to rest and relaxation, making it the appropriate answer in this context.

The phrase "bite the bullet" means to face a difficult or unpleasant task. "Get cracking" means to start working on something energetically and efficiently. "Deliver the goods" means to complete a task successfully and produce the expected results. Therefore, the correct answer suggests that the speaker should face the difficult project, start working on it energetically, and ensure that they complete it successfully and on time.

If our website has too many bells and whistles, it might become annoying to some users. Therefore, we need to talk over each feature and choose the ones we need carefully. This means discussing and evaluating each feature to determine its necessity and potential impact on user experience.

The correct answer is "burnt his bridges ... leave well enough alone." This phrase means that the person has severed all ties and relationships with Microsoft in the past, making it unlikely for him to apply there again. The phrase "leave well enough alone" suggests that it is best to not take any further action or try to change the situation. In this context, it implies that the person should not attempt to reapply at Microsoft because of the negative history and bad reports in his file.

The question is asking for a phrase that can be used to convince or persuade someone to help with a new project, despite their busy schedule. "Twist your arm" is a commonly used idiom that means to persuade or pressure someone into doing something they may not initially want to do. In this context, it suggests that the speaker is asking for a favor or assistance, even though the person may be reluctant due to their busy schedule.

The phrase "it takes all kinds" is used to express that people have different personalities, behaviors, and abilities. In this context, it suggests that Mary's difficult behavior and work style may be tolerated because every workplace has a variety of employees with different strengths and weaknesses.