Qualifying Exam For Instructors - Part 1 - Language Proficiency - Idioms

1. Alex was in a hurry so he wasn’t able to grab a bite before going to the office.

Brush his teeth

Get something to eat

Bite someone

Go to the dentist

The given correct answer is "get something to eat". This answer is supported by the statement in the question that Alex was in a hurry and wasn't able to grab a bite before going to the office. This implies that he needed to eat something but didn't have the time to do so.

Explanation

The given correct answer is "get something to eat". This answer is supported by the statement in the question that Alex was in a hurry and wasn't able to grab a bite before going to the office. This implies that he needed to eat something but didn't have the time to do so.

2. He has been down in the dumps ever since he lost his job.

Depressed

An alcoholic

Collecting garbage

Impatient

The phrase "down in the dumps" is an idiomatic expression that means feeling sad or depressed. The sentence also mentions that he lost his job, which can be a significant life event that leads to feelings of depression. Therefore, the correct answer is "depressed."

Explanation

The phrase "down in the dumps" is an idiomatic expression that means feeling sad or depressed. The sentence also mentions that he lost his job, which can be a significant life event that leads to feelings of depression. Therefore, the correct answer is "depressed."

3. We are encouraging Maggie to audition for the musical play and not hide her light under a bushel.

Hide a candle inside a box

Conceal or obscure her talents

Have no sense of responsibility

Stay inside the house

The phrase "hide her light under a bushel" is an idiom that means to conceal or obscure one's talents or abilities. In this context, the statement is encouraging Maggie to audition for the musical play and not to hide her talents. Therefore, the correct answer is "conceal or obscure her talents."

Explanation

The phrase "hide her light under a bushel" is an idiom that means to conceal or obscure one's talents or abilities. In this context, the statement is encouraging Maggie to audition for the musical play and not to hide her talents. Therefore, the correct answer is "conceal or obscure her talents."

4. A good soldier is one who doesn’t show the white feather in battle.

Wear a white shirt

Tell where the soldiers’ camp is

Forget to bring ammunition

Show signs of cowardice

A good soldier is someone who displays bravery and courage in battle. Showing the white feather is a symbol of cowardice, indicating that the soldier is afraid and unwilling to fight. Therefore, the correct answer is "show signs of cowardice".

Explanation

A good soldier is someone who displays bravery and courage in battle. Showing the white feather is a symbol of cowardice, indicating that the soldier is afraid and unwilling to fight. Therefore, the correct answer is "show signs of cowardice".

5. Sometimes I get bored listening to her because she keeps on harping on the same string.

Playing the harp

Singing out of tune

Saying something bad about others

Repeating the same topic

The phrase "harping on the same string" is an idiom that means to repeatedly talk about the same topic or issue. In this context, the speaker is expressing their boredom with someone who constantly brings up the same subject. The other options, such as playing the harp, singing out of tune, or saying something bad about others, do not accurately capture the meaning of the idiom or the speaker's sentiment.

Explanation

The phrase "harping on the same string" is an idiom that means to repeatedly talk about the same topic or issue. In this context, the speaker is expressing their boredom with someone who constantly brings up the same subject. The other options, such as playing the harp, singing out of tune, or saying something bad about others, do not accurately capture the meaning of the idiom or the speaker's sentiment.

6. Simon is determined to buy a new Jaguar even if it would cost him an arm and a leg.

Cause him to be paralyzed

Be very expensive

Terminate him from his job

Make him argue with someone

The phrase "cost him an arm and a leg" is an idiom that means something is very expensive. In this context, it suggests that Simon is willing to pay a high price for a new Jaguar, indicating that the correct answer is "be very expensive."

Explanation

The phrase "cost him an arm and a leg" is an idiom that means something is very expensive. In this context, it suggests that Simon is willing to pay a high price for a new Jaguar, indicating that the correct answer is "be very expensive."

7. Rodel is planning to enter law school because he wants to tread in the footsteps of his father.

Follow the example of

Walk closely behind

Surpass the accomplishment of

Avoid the mistakes of

The correct answer is "follow the example of". This means that Rodel wants to imitate or emulate his father's actions and choices, possibly because he admires his father's achievements or believes that his father's path in law school will lead to success.

Explanation

The correct answer is "follow the example of". This means that Rodel wants to imitate or emulate his father's actions and choices, possibly because he admires his father's achievements or believes that his father's path in law school will lead to success.

8. Jeremy is the head honcho of the new car company.

Top boss

First client

Role model

Endorser

The term "head honcho" is often used to refer to the person in charge or the top boss of a company. In this context, Jeremy is described as the head honcho of the new car company, indicating that he holds a high-ranking position and has significant authority and decision-making power within the organization. Therefore, the correct answer is "top boss."

Explanation

The term "head honcho" is often used to refer to the person in charge or the top boss of a company. In this context, Jeremy is described as the head honcho of the new car company, indicating that he holds a high-ranking position and has significant authority and decision-making power within the organization. Therefore, the correct answer is "top boss."

9. A true friend is someone who stands by you all the time and never leaves you in a lurch.

Refuses to lend money

Leaves one lying on the ground

Deserts a person in difficulty

Leaves without saying goodbye

A true friend is someone who remains loyal and supportive during difficult times, never abandoning or turning their back on you when you need them the most. They are there to provide comfort, help, and guidance when you are facing challenges or going through tough situations. They do not desert or abandon you when you are in difficulty, showing their true friendship and commitment to your well-being.

Explanation

A true friend is someone who remains loyal and supportive during difficult times, never abandoning or turning their back on you when you need them the most. They are there to provide comfort, help, and guidance when you are facing challenges or going through tough situations. They do not desert or abandon you when you are in difficulty, showing their true friendship and commitment to your well-being.