English Idioms & Phrases 1

The phrase "stalking horse" can indeed be connected with politics. In politics, a stalking horse refers to a candidate who enters a race to gauge the strength of the other candidates or to conceal the true candidate's identity. This term is often used to describe a strategy employed by political parties to test the waters before officially announcing their preferred candidate. Therefore, the statement is true.

The phrase "to have a finger in every pie" means to be involved in and have influence over many different activities. This implies that the person is not only participating in various endeavors but also has the ability to exert control or authority over them. It suggests a level of versatility and power in being able to be involved in multiple areas simultaneously.

The word "crestfallen" means to feel disappointed or dejected. Since a rooster is known for its proud and confident demeanor, if it were to feel crestfallen, it would indicate that something has caused it to feel disappointed or downcast.

If someone is calm and in control of their emotions, they are often described as being as "cool as a cucumber." This phrase is commonly used to convey a sense of composure and tranquility. Cucumbers are known for their cooling and soothing properties, which may be why they are associated with being calm and collected. Therefore, the answer "cucumber" is a suitable description for someone who is calm and composed.

A watch dog can refer to both a person or group of people whose job is to protect the rights of people and a dog kept to guard property. In the first context, a watch dog is someone who monitors and advocates for the rights and well-being of individuals or a community. In the second context, a watch dog is a specific type of dog that is trained to protect a property or premises by alerting their owners to any potential threats or intruders.

The correct idiom for the given picture is "to make ends meet." This phrase means to manage one's income and expenses in order to have enough money to cover basic needs and expenses. It implies finding a way to balance one's finances and avoid financial difficulties or debt.

An "eager beaver" is a term used to describe someone who is very enthusiastic and works extremely hard. This phrase is often used to praise individuals who are eager to take on tasks and demonstrate a strong work ethic. The term "beaver" is used metaphorically to represent someone who is diligent and industrious, similar to the hardworking nature of a beaver. Overall, an "eager beaver" is someone who is highly motivated and dedicated to their work.

The correct pronunciation of "haute couture" is /əʊt.kuˈtjʊə/.