Idioms and Phrases - Solved Questions and Answers

Last Updated : 02 Sep, 2025

Idioms are figurative expressions with hidden meanings, while phrases are word groups that function as grammatical units

Idioms and Phrases questions and answers are provided below for you to learn and practice.

Directions (Q.1-10): In each of the following questions, fill in the blanks with the correct idioms or phrases given in the options.

Question 1: We thought the new product launch would be a huge success, but it turned out to be __________.
A. Damp squib
B. The apple of my eye
C. The ball is in your court
D. A shot in the dark

Answer: A. A damp squib

Explanation: A "damp squib" refers to something that fails to live up to expectations, just like the product launch here.

Question 2: After months of training, she finally ran her first marathon and felt like she had __________.
A. Let the cat out of the bag
B. Hit the nail on the head
C. Bitten off more than she could chew
D. Crossed the finish line

Answer: D. Crossed the finish line

Explanation: "Crossed the finish line" is a fitting expression after completing a marathon, implying success.

Question 3: I had to take the day off work because I was _________.
A. Barking up the wrong tree
B. In hot water
C. Burning the midnight oil
D. Feeling blue

Answer: D. Feeling blue

Explanation: "Feeling blue" means feeling sad or depressed, which is a reason to take time off work.

Question 4: I'm not sure if I should take this job offer. I'm afraid I might be __________.
A. Burning the candle at both ends
B. Breaking a leg
C. Cutting corners
D. Biting the hand that feeds me

Answer: C. Cutting corners

Explanation: "Cutting corners" means to take shortcuts, possibly compromising quality. It fits with the idea of making a risky decision.

Question 5: I don't want to jump to conclusions, but I think my roommate might be __________.
A. Pulling my leg
B. Two-faced
C. Barking up the wrong tree
D. A bull in a china shop

Answer: B. Two-faced

Explanation: "Two-faced" refers to someone who is deceitful or hypocritical, which fits the suspicion of jumping to conclusions.

Question 6: I don't know how I'm going to finish this project on time. I feel like I'm __________.
A. Between a rock and a hard place
B. On cloud nine
C. A fish out of water
D. A diamond in the rough

Answer: A. Between a rock and a hard place

Explanation: "Between a rock and a hard place" means facing a difficult decision with no easy solution, which fits the situation of struggling to complete a project.

Question 7: I've been studying for this exam for months, so I'm hoping to __________.
A. Hit the ground running
B. Have a field day
C. Be a dark horse
D. Have a lot on my plate

Answer: A. Hit the ground running

Explanation: "Hit the ground running" means to start something with great energy and speed, which fits after months of preparation.

Question 8: I don't think we should hire him. He seems like __________.
A. A fish out of water
B. The black sheep of the family
C. A wolf in sheep's clothing
D. The apple of my eye

Answer: C. A wolf in sheep's clothing

Explanation: "A wolf in sheep's clothing" describes someone who pretends to be harmless or good, but is actually dangerous or deceptive.

Question 9: The company's new CEO has really turned things around. It's like a __________.
A. Bolt from the blue
B. A mare’s nest
C. A shot in the arm
D. A storm in a teacup

Answer: C. A shot in the arm

Explanation: "A shot in the arm" means something that has a positive, revitalizing effect, which fits the situation of the CEO turning things around.

Question 10: I'm sorry, but I can't help you with your project. I'm already __________.
A. Burning the candle at both ends
B. A diamond in the rough
C. Cutting corners
D. Spreading myself too thin

Answer: D. Spreading myself too thin

Explanation: "Spreading myself too thin" means taking on too many tasks or responsibilities, which is why the person can't help with the project.

Question 11: The new employee was a real __________, fitting in perfectly with the team.
A. Fish out of water
B. Square peg in a round hole
C. Breath of fresh air
D. Jack of all trades

Answer: C. Breath of fresh air

Explanation: "A breath of fresh air" means someone or something new and refreshing, which fits the new employee fitting in well.

Question 12: After working for hours without a break, John was really __________.
A. On cloud nine
B. Running on empty
C. In hot water
D. Under the weather

Answer: B. Running on empty

Explanation: "Running on empty" means being exhausted, which fits after working for hours without rest.

Question 13: When the CEO announced the merger, it was __________ for the company's future.
A. The last straw
B. A game changer
C. A wild goose chase
D. A shot in the dark

Answer: B. A game changer

Explanation: "A game changer" refers to something that significantly alters the course of events, which fits the CEO's announcement.

Question 14: When the manager heard the news, it __________ to her entire strategy.
A. Went over like a lead balloon
B. Fell through the cracks
C. Put the cat among the pigeons
D. Hit the nail on the head

Answer:  C. Put the cat among the pigeons

Explanation: "Put the cat among the pigeons" means causing confusion or disruption, which fits with the news disrupting the manager's strategy.

Question 15: She really has __________ when it comes to organizing events, everything runs so smoothly.
A. A green thumb
B. An eye for detail
C. A way with words
D. A silver tongue

Answer: B. An eye for detail

Explanation: "An eye for detail" means being attentive and precise, which fits someone who is good at organizing events.

Question 16: He’s always in the office working late. He’s really __________.
A. Burning the midnight oil
B. A wet blanket
C. A wolf in sheep’s clothing
D. A piece of cake

Answer:  A. Burning the midnight oil

Explanation: "Burning the midnight oil" means working late into the night, which fits the person working in the office late.

Question 17: When they were told they had to rework the project, they felt like they had __________.
A. Been given a free rein
B. Hit a brick wall
C. Made a mountain out of a molehill
D. Walked on air

Answer:  B. Hit a brick wall

Explanation: "Hit a brick wall" means facing an obstacle or challenge that is difficult to overcome, which fits the situation of having to rework the project.

Question 18: I was surprised when Jane showed up at the party; she’s usually very __________.
A. The life of the party
B. A wallflower
C. A sitting duck
D. A bird in the hand