Test Your Vocabulary (Idioms 1)

The phrase "down in the dumps" is an idiom that means feeling very sad or depressed. It is commonly used to describe someone's emotional state when they are feeling down or unhappy. In this context, the person has been feeling this way since their breakup, indicating that they are experiencing sadness or depression as a result of the end of their relationship.

The phrase "costs an arm and a leg" is an idiom that means something is very expensive. Therefore, the correct answer is "very expensive".

The phrase "one tough cookie" is used to describe someone who is strong and resilient. In this context, the fact that the grandmother can still play tennis at 76 suggests that she is physically fit and capable, indicating that she is a strong person.

The phrase "cash cow" is often used to describe a business or venture that generates a steady and significant amount of profit. In this context, the statement suggests that their cupcake business is highly profitable and brings in a lot of money easily.

The phrase "Quit pulling my leg!" is an idiomatic expression used to tell someone to stop joking or teasing. It implies that the person is not being serious and is just trying to play a prank or make a humorous remark. Therefore, the correct answer is "kidding / joking".

The phrase "bit off more than she can chew" means that Amy took on more responsibilities or tasks than she can handle. In this context, agreeing to handle two events in one week is overwhelming for her. It implies that the workload is excessive and beyond her capacity, indicating that it is "too much to handle."

This sentence means that there is no one who can compete with him in terms of singing ability tonight. It implies that he is far superior to any other singer present, making him the clear standout performer.

The phrase "bread and butter" is commonly used to refer to one's main source of income or livelihood. In this context, Janis relies on her little cake shop for her main source of income, indicating that it is her primary means of financial support. Therefore, the correct answer is "main source of income."

This phrase is often used to suggest that there is no need to worry or stress about a situation that may or may not happen in the future. Instead, it advises to focus on the present and only address the issue when it actually occurs. It implies that there is no benefit in wasting time or energy on something that may not even happen.

The phrase "when pigs fly" is used to express that something will never happen. In this context, the person is saying that she will never go out on a date with him. The phrase is often used to convey extreme improbability or impossibility, emphasizing the speaker's lack of interest or intention. Therefore, the correct answer is "never."

The phrase "spilled the beans" is an idiomatic expression that means revealing a secret or sharing confidential information. In this context, "the status of their relationship" is the secret being disclosed. Therefore, the correct answer is "tell the truth" as it accurately represents the act of revealing the undisclosed information about their relationship.

The phrase "jump on the bandwagon" means to join or participate in a popular trend or movement. In this context, the person decided to listen to K-Pop, which is a popular trend, indicating that they are joining in on the trend. Therefore, the correct answer is "join a popular trend."

The phrase "with flying colors" is often used to describe someone who has achieved great success or performed exceptionally well. In this context, it suggests that the person passed their licensure exam with excellent scores. The other options, such as lots of cheering, great expectations, and high emotions, do not directly relate to the achievement of passing the exam with excellent scores.

The explanation for the correct answer, "really low price," is that the woman obtained her jacket from the flea market at a very affordable cost. This implies that she paid significantly less than the usual market price for the item.

The correct answer is "wealthy". The phrase "well-heeled" is often used to describe someone who is wealthy or affluent. In this context, it suggests that the person has enough financial resources to afford multiple trips to Paris and Morocco.

The phrase "get the ball rolling" is an idiomatic expression that means to start something or initiate an activity. In this context, the speaker is saying that after having lunch together, they were able to start or initiate something successfully. The other options, such as "full stomach," "throw the ball around," and "leave the place together," do not convey the same meaning as starting something.

The phrase "put on the back burner" is an idiomatic expression that means to delay or postpone something. In this context, when the couple had a baby, their travel plans were delayed or postponed. Therefore, the best word that fits this meaning is "put on hold."

John is always worried during meetings because his boss is a loose cannon. This implies that the boss behaves in an unpredictable manner, causing John to be concerned about how the boss will react or behave during these meetings. The term "loose cannon" suggests that the boss is unpredictable and may act in unexpected or volatile ways, which aligns with the meaning of the word "unpredictable".

The phrase "hell bent" suggests a strong determination or resolve to achieve something, regardless of the consequences. This implies that the person is willing to take risks and act without considering the potential dangers or consequences. Therefore, the term "recklessly determined" accurately describes the person's mindset of being determined to win the first prize.

The phrase "scraping the bottom of the barrel" is an idiomatic expression that means reaching the lowest point or having no resources left. In this context, it suggests that the person is experiencing financial difficulties and has almost run out of money, indicating a desperate or dire situation. Therefore, the correct answer "very last or worst" accurately captures the meaning of the phrase in the given sentence.