IELTS Idioms and Phrases MCQs

Q: 1. What does the idiom 'once in a blue moon' mean?

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Q: 2. If someone is 'over the moon', how are they feeling?

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Q: 3. If a task is described as 'a piece of cake', it means the task is:

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Q: 4. What does 'a blessing in disguise' refer to?

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Q: 5. What does it mean to 'bite the bullet'?

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Q: 6. If something 'costs an arm and a leg', it is:

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Q: 7. When someone says they are feeling 'under the weather', they mean:

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Q: 8. To 'beat around the bush' means:

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Q: 9. If you tell someone to 'break a leg' before a performance, you are:

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Q: 10. What does it mean to 'call it a day'?

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Category: Competitive Exams MCQDate: Published: October 17, 2026Posted by: MCQs Generator

1 min read

Achieving a Band 7.0 or higher in the IELTS Speaking and Writing modules requires an advanced command of the English language, evaluated under the “Lexical Resource” and “Grammatical Range and Accuracy” criteria. While idioms and figurative phrases are generally discouraged in formal Academic Writing Task 2 essays due to register constraints, they are highly valued in the IELTS Speaking test particularly in Parts 2 and 3 when used naturally and accurately in context. The following multiple-choice questions test your comprehension, figurative interpretation, and contextual application of common idioms and phrasal expressions tailored for top-tier IELTS performance.

1. What does the idiom 'once in a blue moon' mean?

a) Happening every night

b) Happening very rarely

c) A romantic event

d) An event that brings bad luck

Correct Answer: b) Happening very rarely

Explanation:

The phrase 'once in a blue moon' is used to describe an event that happens extremely rarely.

2. If someone is 'over the moon', how are they feeling?

a) Extremely happy

b) Very tired

c) Confused and lost

d) Angry about a situation

Correct Answer: a) Extremely happy

Explanation:

To be 'over the moon' means to be extremely pleased or happy about something.

3. If a task is described as 'a piece of cake', it means the task is:

a) Very delicious

b) Quite complicated

c) Very easy

d) Time-consuming

Correct Answer: c) Very easy

Explanation:

The idiom 'a piece of cake' refers to something that is very easy to do.

4. What does 'a blessing in disguise' refer to?

a) A good thing that seemed bad at first

b) A person who wears a mask

c) An obviously lucky event

d) A religious ceremony

Correct Answer: a) A good thing that seemed bad at first

Explanation:

'A blessing in disguise' is an apparent misfortune that eventually has good results.

5. What does it mean to 'bite the bullet'?

a) To eat something very hard

b) To endure a painful or difficult situation bravely

c) To run away from a dangerous situation

d) To speak very quickly

Correct Answer: b) To endure a painful or difficult situation bravely

Explanation:

To 'bite the bullet' means to face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage and resolve.

6. If something 'costs an arm and a leg', it is:

a) Very cheap

b) Physically dangerous

c) Extremely expensive

d) Free of charge

Correct Answer: c) Extremely expensive

Explanation:

This idiom is used to describe items or services that are very expensive.

7. When someone says they are feeling 'under the weather', they mean:

a) They are feeling slightly ill

b) They are enjoying the rain

c) They are very cold

d) They are depressed about the climate

Correct Answer: a) They are feeling slightly ill

Explanation:

Feeling 'under the weather' is a common idiom meaning to feel sick or unwell.

8. To 'beat around the bush' means:

a) To do gardening work

b) To avoid getting to the main point

c) To search for something lost

d) To act violently

Correct Answer: b) To avoid getting to the main point

Explanation:

When you 'beat around the bush', you are avoiding discussing the main topic directly.

9. If you tell someone to 'break a leg' before a performance, you are:

a) Wishing them bad luck

b) Telling them to be careful

c) Wishing them good luck

d) Threatening them

Correct Answer: c) Wishing them good luck

Explanation:

'Break a leg' is a theatrical idiom used to wish someone good luck before they go on stage.

10. What does it mean to 'call it a day'?

a) To name a specific date

b) To stop working on something

c) To work for 24 hours straight

d) To go to sleep early

Correct Answer: b) To stop working on something

Explanation:

To 'call it a day' means to stop what you are doing because you think you have done enough or do not want to do any more.

11. If a company 'cuts corners', they:

a) Produce round objects

b) Do something poorly or cheaply to save time or money

c) Make excellent and precise products

d) Expand their business globally

Correct Answer: b) Do something poorly or cheaply to save time or money

Explanation:

To 'cut corners' means to undertake something in what appears to be the easiest, quickest, or cheapest way, often harming the quality.

12. What does 'hang in there' mean?

a) To wait in line

b) To physically hold onto something

c) To not give up despite difficulties

d) To relax and do nothing

Correct Answer: c) To not give up despite difficulties

Explanation:

'Hang in there' is an expression of encouragement meaning to remain persistent and resolute.

13. To 'hit the nail on the head' means to:

a) Describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem

b) Perform manual labor efficiently

c) Make a loud noise

d) Hurt yourself accidentally

Correct Answer: a) Describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem

Explanation:

This idiom means to be exactly right about something or to state the exact truth.

14. If you 'let the cat out of the bag', you:

a) Adopt a new pet

b) Reveal a secret carelessly or by mistake

c) Lose something valuable

d) Clean up a mess

Correct Answer: b) Reveal a secret carelessly or by mistake

Explanation:

To 'let the cat out of the bag' means to disclose a secret, often accidentally.

15. What does 'miss the boat' mean?

a) To be late for a ship

b) To misunderstand a joke

c) To lose an opportunity by being too slow

d) To prefer flying over sailing

Correct Answer: c) To lose an opportunity by being too slow

Explanation:

If you 'miss the boat', you fail to take advantage of an opportunity because you do not act quickly enough.

16. If someone is 'pulling your leg', they are:

a) Trying to trip you

b) Teasing or joking with you

c) Asking for money

d) Dragging you somewhere

Correct Answer: b) Teasing or joking with you

Explanation:

To 'pull someone's leg' means to tell them something that is not true as a joke.

17. The phrase 'so far so good' means:

a) Things are progressing well up to this point

b) The distance traveled is excellent

c) Everything has gone perfectly and will stay that way

d) The project is completely finished

Correct Answer: a) Things are progressing well up to this point

Explanation:

'So far so good' is used to say that a situation has progressed satisfactorily up to the present moment.

18. You use 'speak of the devil' when:

a) You are talking about someone and they suddenly appear

b) You are discussing bad people

c) You swear accidentally

d) You encounter a dangerous situation

Correct Answer: a) You are talking about someone and they suddenly appear

Explanation:

This phrase is said when a person appears just after being mentioned.

19. What does 'the best of both worlds' describe?

a) Traveling to two different planets

b) A situation where you can enjoy the advantages of two different things

c) Being wealthy and famous

d) Having dual citizenship

Correct Answer: b) A situation where you can enjoy the advantages of two different things

Explanation:

This idiom means that you can enjoy two different opportunities at the same time.

20. If you say 'your guess is as good as mine', you mean:

a) We are both very smart

b) I have no idea

c) Let's make a bet

d) I know the answer but won't tell you

Correct Answer: b) I have no idea

Explanation:

This phrase is used to convey that you do not know the answer to a question, just like the person asking.

21. What does 'a penny for your thoughts' mean?

a) I will pay you to work for me

b) A way of asking someone what they are thinking about

c) Your ideas are worthless

d) I want to borrow some money

Correct Answer: b) A way of asking someone what they are thinking about

Explanation:

This phrase is used to ask someone who is being quiet what they are thinking about.

22. The proverb 'actions speak louder than words' means:

a) People who talk a lot do not do much

b) What you do is more important than what you say

c) Physical work is better than intellectual work

d) Shouting is not an effective way to communicate

Correct Answer: b) What you do is more important than what you say

Explanation:

This proverb emphasizes that people's intentions can be judged better by what they do than what they say.

23. If you are 'barking up the wrong tree', you are:

a) Looking in the wrong place or accusing the wrong person

b) Being very loud and obnoxious

c) Trying to climb a tree that is too tall

d) Speaking to someone who doesn't speak your language

Correct Answer: a) Looking in the wrong place or accusing the wrong person

Explanation:

To 'bark up the wrong tree' means to pursue a false lead or make a false assumption.

24. To 'burn the midnight oil' means to:

a) Waste valuable resources

b) Work or study late into the night

c) Start a fire accidentally

d) Cook food late at night

Correct Answer: b) Work or study late into the night

Explanation:

This idiom refers to staying awake late at night to work or study.

25. What does 'don't judge a book by its cover' mean?

a) Books should be read entirely before reviewing

b) You shouldn't judge someone or something based only on appearance

c) Ugly things are always valuable

d) Cover designs are usually misleading

Correct Answer: b) You shouldn't judge someone or something based only on appearance

Explanation:

This metaphorical phrase means you should not prejudge the worth or value of something by its outward appearance alone.

26. Being 'caught between a rock and a hard place' means:

a) Being trapped in a cave

b) Having to choose between two difficult or unpleasant options

c) Being very strong and determined

d) Experiencing physical pain

Correct Answer: b) Having to choose between two difficult or unpleasant options

Explanation:

This idiom describes a dilemma where one is faced with two equally difficult or unacceptable alternatives.

27. To 'cross that bridge when you come to it' means to:

a) Delay worrying about a problem until it actually happens

b) Travel across a river safely

c) Solve a problem immediately

d) Avoid making decisions forever

Correct Answer: a) Delay worrying about a problem until it actually happens

Explanation:

This idiom advises someone not to worry about a possible future problem until it actually arises.

28. Why shouldn't you 'cry over spilled milk'?

a) Because milk is cheap

b) Because it's useless to be upset about a mistake that cannot be fixed

c) Because crying makes a mess worse

d) Because you can always buy more

Correct Answer: b) Because it's useless to be upset about a mistake that cannot be fixed

Explanation:

To 'cry over spilled milk' means to express regret about something that has already happened and cannot be changed.

29. What does 'curiosity killed the cat' imply?

a) Cats are inherently dangerous animals

b) Being too inquisitive can lead you into trouble

c) Science experiments on animals are wrong

d) Asking questions is a good way to learn

Correct Answer: b) Being too inquisitive can lead you into trouble

Explanation:

This proverb is used to warn someone not to ask too many questions about something that doesn't concern them.

30. If you 'cut someone some slack', you:

a) Give them a piece of rope

b) Judge them very harshly

c) Treat them less strictly because they are having a difficult time

d) Stop being friends with them

Correct Answer: c) Treat them less strictly because they are having a difficult time

Explanation:

To 'cut someone some slack' means to not judge them as severely as usual because they are facing problems.

31. What does 'don't put all your eggs in one basket' mean?

a) Don't risk everything on a single venture or opportunity

b) Don't carry heavy things by yourself

c) Eat a varied diet

d) Be careful when shopping

Correct Answer: a) Don't risk everything on a single venture or opportunity

Explanation:

This idiom advises against concentrating all your resources, efforts, or hopes in one area, as you could lose everything.

32. The phrase 'every cloud has a silver lining' means:

a) It will rain soon

b) Rich people are happier

c) There is a positive aspect to every negative situation

d) Clouds are made of precious metals

Correct Answer: c) There is a positive aspect to every negative situation

Explanation:

This idiom means that you should never feel hopeless because difficult times always lead to better days.

33. To give someone a 'taste of their own medicine' means to:

a) Share your medication with them

b) Treat them as badly as they have treated you

c) Cook a meal for them

d) Show them forgiveness

Correct Answer: b) Treat them as badly as they have treated you

Explanation:

This phrase means to do the same bad thing to someone that they have done to you, so they know how it feels.

34. Going on a 'wild goose chase' means:

a) Engaging in a foolish, hopeless search for something

b) Going hunting in the wild

c) Following your dreams enthusiastically

d) Running very fast

Correct Answer: a) Engaging in a foolish, hopeless search for something

Explanation:

A 'wild goose chase' is an absurd or hopeless search for something that is unattainable.

35. What does it mean to 'hit the sack'?

a) To punch a bag

b) To go to bed in order to sleep

c) To get fired from a job

d) To harvest crops

Correct Answer: b) To go to bed in order to sleep

Explanation:

'Hit the sack' is an informal idiom meaning to go to bed.

36. The phrase 'ignorance is bliss' suggests that:

a) Uneducated people are always happy

b) Not knowing about a problem can keep you from worrying about it

c) Education brings sadness

d) You should ignore your friends

Correct Answer: b) Not knowing about a problem can keep you from worrying about it

Explanation:

This idiom means that if you do not know about something, you do not worry about it.

37. If someone says 'it takes two to tango', they mean:

a) Dancing is a difficult skill

b) Two people are needed to create a conflict or situation, so both are responsible

c) Couples are always happier than single people

d) You need a partner for everything in life

Correct Answer: b) Two people are needed to create a conflict or situation, so both are responsible

Explanation:

This phrase emphasizes that in certain situations, both parties involved must take responsibility.

38. To 'keep your chin up' means to:

a) Look at the sky

b) Remain cheerful in difficult circumstances

c) Have good posture

d) Act arrogantly

Correct Answer: b) Remain cheerful in difficult circumstances

Explanation:

'Keep your chin up' is an idiom used to encourage someone to stay positive in a tough situation.

39. What does it mean to 'kill two birds with one stone'?

a) To be extremely cruel

b) To complete two tasks with a single action

c) To fail at two things simultaneously

d) To be an excellent hunter

Correct Answer: b) To complete two tasks with a single action

Explanation:

This idiom refers to achieving two different goals with just one action.

40. If you 'leave no stone unturned', you:

a) Try every possible course of action in order to achieve something

b) Destroy everything in your path

c) Are very lazy and do not move anything

d) Work in construction

Correct Answer: a) Try every possible course of action in order to achieve something

Explanation:

To 'leave no stone unturned' means to do everything possible to find something or to solve a problem.

41. To 'let sleeping dogs lie' means to:

a) Allow pets to rest in the house

b) Avoid interfering in a situation that is currently causing no problems

c) Ignore someone who is telling a lie

d) Be lazy and stay in bed all day

Correct Answer: b) Avoid interfering in a situation that is currently causing no problems

Explanation:

This idiom advises against reviving an old argument or issue that has been forgotten.

42. When someone says 'to make a long story short', they are going to:

a) Tell a very long tale

b) Give you only the basic facts rather than a full explanation

c) Lie about what happened

d) Write a book

Correct Answer: b) Give you only the basic facts rather than a full explanation

Explanation:

This phrase is used to end an account of events quickly, providing just the conclusion or key points.

43. The phrase 'no pain, no gain' implies that:

a) Suffering is completely unnecessary

b) You have to work hard or suffer to achieve something worthwhile

c) Physical injury is required for wealth

d) Exercise is bad for you

Correct Answer: b) You have to work hard or suffer to achieve something worthwhile

Explanation:

This idiom means that progress or success requires hard work and sometimes suffering.

44. If you are 'on the ball', you are:

a) Standing on a round object

b) Alert, competent, and quick to understand things

c) Playing a sport very well

d) About to fall over

Correct Answer: b) Alert, competent, and quick to understand things

Explanation:

To be 'on the ball' means to be very attentive, responsive, and efficient.

45. Something that happens 'out of the blue' happens:

a) On a sunny day

b) Unexpectedly and without warning

c) In the ocean

d) When you are feeling sad

Correct Answer: b) Unexpectedly and without warning

Explanation:

'Out of the blue' is used to describe an event that occurs randomly or unexpectedly.

46. If you are told to 'pull yourself together', you need to:

a) Hug yourself

b) Regain control of your emotions and calm down

c) Put on warmer clothes

d) Gather your belongings

Correct Answer: b) Regain control of your emotions and calm down

Explanation:

To 'pull yourself together' means to calm down and behave normally after being upset or angry.

47. To 'rain on someone's parade' means to:

a) Cancel a public event due to bad weather

b) Spoil someone's plans or lessen their excitement

c) Throw water at someone

d) Celebrate enthusiastically

Correct Answer: b) Spoil someone's plans or lessen their excitement

Explanation:

This idiom means to prevent someone from enjoying an event or to spoil their plans.

48. A 'rule of thumb' is:

a) A broadly accurate guide or principle, based on experience rather than theory

b) A strict law that cannot be broken

c) A measurement using your hand

d) A physical punishment

Correct Answer: a) A broadly accurate guide or principle, based on experience rather than theory

Explanation:

A 'rule of thumb' refers to a practical and approximate way of doing or measuring something.

49. If two people 'see eye to eye', they:

a) Are the same height

b) Stare at each other angrily

c) Agree with each other completely

d) Are in love

Correct Answer: c) Agree with each other completely

Explanation:

To 'see eye to eye' with someone means to have the same opinion or to agree fully.

50. To 'spill the beans' means to:

a) Make a mess while eating

b) Reveal a secret

c) Waste food

d) Plant seeds in a garden

Correct Answer: b) Reveal a secret

Explanation:

To 'spill the beans' is an informal idiom meaning to disclose a secret or confidential information.

51. If you 'steal someone's thunder', you:

a) Take attention away from them by doing something impressive

b) Steal their ideas for a weather machine

c) Make a loud noise to scare them

d) Ruin their outdoor event

Correct Answer: a) Take attention away from them by doing something impressive

Explanation:

To 'steal someone's thunder' means to win praise for yourself by pre-empting someone else's attempt to impress.

52. To 'take something with a grain of salt' means to:

a) Make food taste better

b) Accept something as absolute truth

c) View something with skepticism and not take it literally

d) Complain about a situation bitterly

Correct Answer: c) View something with skepticism and not take it literally

Explanation:

This phrase advises one not to take a statement too seriously or to maintain a degree of skepticism.

53. What does a 'catch-22' situation refer to?

a) A game with 22 players

b) A paradoxical situation from which an individual cannot escape because of contradictory rules

c) A successful business venture

d) Being 22 years old

Correct Answer: b) A paradoxical situation from which an individual cannot escape because of contradictory rules

Explanation:

A 'catch-22' is a frustrating situation where you cannot do one thing until you do another, but you cannot do the second thing until you do the first.

54. If 'the ball is in your court', it means:

a) You are winning the game

b) It is your turn to make a decision or take action

c) You have been sued in a court of law

d) Someone threw a ball at you

Correct Answer: b) It is your turn to make a decision or take action

Explanation:

This idiom is used to tell someone that it is now their responsibility to take the next step.

55. What is 'the elephant in the room'?

a) An obvious problem or issue that people avoid discussing

b) A very large piece of furniture

c) A surprising guest at a party

d) A mess that needs to be cleaned up

Correct Answer: a) An obvious problem or issue that people avoid discussing

Explanation:

This phrase refers to an important or enormous topic, problem, or risk that is obvious to everyone but no one wants to talk about.

56. What does 'the last straw' refer to?

a) The final piece of hay in a barn

b) The last opportunity to succeed

c) The latest problem in a series of problems, which makes a situation impossible to tolerate

d) The only drinking tube left

Correct Answer: c) The latest problem in a series of problems, which makes a situation impossible to tolerate

Explanation:

'The last straw' is the final minor irritation that makes one lose patience with a situation.

57. The phrase 'there are other fish in the sea' is usually used to:

a) Encourage someone to go fishing

b) Comfort someone who has ended a romantic relationship by saying there are other potential partners

c) Warn someone about dangerous marine life

d) Explain biological diversity

Correct Answer: b) Comfort someone who has ended a romantic relationship by saying there are other potential partners

Explanation:

This idiom is commonly used to console someone who has just gone through a breakup.

58. To stick with someone 'through thick and thin' means:

a) Through changes in their weight

b) During both good and bad times

c) While walking through forests

d) Only when things are easy

Correct Answer: b) During both good and bad times

Explanation:

To support someone 'through thick and thin' means to remain loyal in all circumstances, both good and bad.

59. To 'throw caution to the wind' means to:

a) Act recklessly and without worrying about the risks

b) Check the weather forecast

c) Be extremely careful

d) Throw away dangerous items

Correct Answer: a) Act recklessly and without worrying about the risks

Explanation:

This idiom means to take a risk and stop worrying about the potential negative consequences.

60. The phrase 'time flies' means:

a) Insects that live for a short time

b) Time passes very quickly

c) You should throw a clock

d) Air travel is fast

Correct Answer: b) Time passes very quickly

Explanation:

'Time flies' is used to express how quickly time seems to pass.

61. To do something 'to make matters worse' means:

a) To fix a problem entirely

b) To complain about a situation

c) To do something that makes a bad situation even more difficult

d) To ask for help

Correct Answer: c) To do something that makes a bad situation even more difficult

Explanation:

This phrase is used to introduce an event that further complicates an already bad situation.

62. If you finish something 'under the wire', you finish it:

a) While hiding under a desk

b) Using a computer network

c) Just before the deadline

d) Without anyone noticing

Correct Answer: c) Just before the deadline

Explanation:

To do something 'under the wire' means to accomplish it at the very last possible moment.

63. If a plan is 'up in the air', it is:

a) Currently in flight

b) Undecided and uncertain

c) Highly successful

d) A secret plan

Correct Answer: b) Undecided and uncertain

Explanation:

When something is 'up in the air', it means that a decision has not yet been made.

64. To 'weather the storm' means to:

a) Predict the climate accurately

b) Experience heavy rain

c) Successfully deal with a very difficult problem

d) Stay indoors during bad weather

Correct Answer: c) Successfully deal with a very difficult problem

Explanation:

This idiom means to survive a difficult situation or crisis.

65. When someone says something will happen 'when pigs fly', they mean:

a) It will happen very soon

b) It will never happen

c) It is a scientific miracle

d) It will happen during a festival

Correct Answer: b) It will never happen

Explanation:

This humorous phrase is used to express that something is highly unlikely or impossible.

66. To 'wrap your head around' something means to:

a) Wear a hat or scarf

b) Succeed in understanding something complex

c) Hit your head accidentally

d) Ignore a difficult problem

Correct Answer: b) Succeed in understanding something complex

Explanation:

To 'wrap your head around' a concept means to finally understand or accept it.

67. If you say 'you can say that again', you are indicating that:

a) You did not hear the person properly

b) You completely agree with what was just said

c) You want the person to repeat themselves slower

d) You disagree strongly

Correct Answer: b) You completely agree with what was just said

Explanation:

This is an informal idiom used to express emphatic agreement.

68. To 'bite off more than you can chew' means to:

a) Eat too quickly

b) Take on a task that is way too big or difficult

c) Speak with your mouth full

d) Be overly aggressive in an argument

Correct Answer: b) Take on a task that is way too big or difficult

Explanation:

This idiom means trying to do something that is too difficult for you.

69. If you escape 'by the skin of your teeth', you escape:

a) With a large smile

b) Using dental equipment

c) Only just, by a very narrow margin

d) Without a single scratch

Correct Answer: c) Only just, by a very narrow margin

Explanation:

This idiom describes a situation where you only just manage to do or escape something.

70. To 'drive someone up the wall' means to:

a) Give someone a ride home

b) Make someone extremely angry or irritated

c) Help someone climb a physical barrier

d) Praise someone highly

Correct Answer: b) Make someone extremely angry or irritated

Explanation:

If someone drives you up the wall, they do something that greatly annoys you.

71. If you 'drop the ball', you:

a) Make a mistake or fail to do your job properly

b) Lose a sports match

c) Quit your job

d) Relax after working hard

Correct Answer: a) Make a mistake or fail to do your job properly

Explanation:

To 'drop the ball' means to make an error or miss an opportunity, often due to carelessness.

72. To go 'back to the drawing board' means to:

a) Start an art project

b) Start planning a completely new idea because the old one failed

c) Erase all memories of an event

d) Become a teacher

Correct Answer: b) Start planning a completely new idea because the old one failed

Explanation:

This phrase is used when an attempt fails, and it's time to start all over again from the beginning.

73. To 'hit the books' means to:

a) Destroy a library

b) Study hard

c) Drop a pile of heavy books

d) Read fiction for pleasure

Correct Answer: b) Study hard

Explanation:

'Hit the books' is a common colloquialism meaning to begin to study in a serious way.

74. To 'jump on the bandwagon' means to:

a) Join a musical parade

b) Join a popular trend or activity just because others are doing it

c) Travel by wagon

d) Protest against a popular idea

Correct Answer: b) Join a popular trend or activity just because others are doing it

Explanation:

This idiom refers to adopting a popular view or joining a trend only after it has become successful.

75. To 'keep an eye on' something means to:

a) Watch it carefully

b) Place your face very close to it

c) Ignore it completely

d) Steal it when no one is looking

Correct Answer: a) Watch it carefully

Explanation:

To 'keep an eye on' something or someone means to observe them closely or look after them.

76. If you 'lose your touch', you:

a) Suffer from numbness in your hands

b) Forget someone's phone number

c) Lose an ability or talent you once had

d) Become emotionally detached

Correct Answer: c) Lose an ability or talent you once had

Explanation:

To 'lose your touch' means you can no longer do something as well as you could before.

77. If a situation is 'out of the woods', it means:

a) Someone is lost in a forest

b) The danger or difficulty is over

c) Lumber has been harvested

d) A secret has been revealed

Correct Answer: b) The danger or difficulty is over

Explanation:

Being 'out of the woods' means that a critical or dangerous phase of a situation has passed.

78. To 'play it by ear' means to:

a) Learn to play a musical instrument without sheet music

b) Deal with a situation as it develops, rather than following a plan

c) Listen to a secret conversation

d) Ignore advice given by others

Correct Answer: b) Deal with a situation as it develops, rather than following a plan

Explanation:

This idiom means to decide how to deal with a situation as it develops rather than planning in advance.

79. To 'put your foot in your mouth' means to:

a) Perform gymnastics

b) Say something embarrassing, inappropriate, or offensive by accident

c) Eat food very quickly

d) Remain completely silent

Correct Answer: b) Say something embarrassing, inappropriate, or offensive by accident

Explanation:

This phrase refers to saying something foolish or embarrassing.

80. If something 'rings a bell', it:

a) Is time to go home

b) Sounds familiar, but you cannot quite remember the details

c) Is very loud and annoying

d) Requires immediate attention

Correct Answer: b) Sounds familiar, but you cannot quite remember the details

Explanation:

This idiom is used when a name, event, or word sounds familiar to you.

81. If you are 'sitting on the fence', you are:

a) Taking a break from walking

b) Refusing to take a side in a dispute or make a decision

c) Trespassing on private property

d) Waiting for a bus

Correct Answer: b) Refusing to take a side in a dispute or make a decision

Explanation:

To 'sit on the fence' means to delay making a decision or fail to choose between two alternatives.

82. To 'take a rain check' means to:

a) Verify the weather forecast

b) Politely decline an offer now, with the implication of accepting it later

c) Demand a refund for a canceled outdoor event

d) Carry an umbrella just in case

Correct Answer: b) Polititely decline an offer now, with the implication of accepting it later

Explanation:

This idiom is used to tell someone that you cannot accept an invitation now, but would like to do so at a later time.

83. To 'throw in the towel' means to:

a) Start a load of laundry

b) Admit defeat or quit something

c) Challenge someone to a fight

d) Take a shower

Correct Answer: b) Admit defeat or quit something

Explanation:

Originating from boxing, this idiom means to surrender, give up, or admit defeat.

84. To 'tie the knot' is an idiom that means to:

a) Secure a boat

b) Get married

c) Solve a complex puzzle

d) Finish a project successfully

Correct Answer: b) Get married

Explanation:

The phrase 'tie the knot' is a very common informal way to say 'get married'.

85. To 'turn a blind eye' means to:

a) Lose one's vision

b) Pretend not to notice something bad or illegal

c) Look away out of embarrassment

d) Focus deeply on a task

Correct Answer: b) Pretend not to notice something bad or illegal

Explanation:

If you turn a blind eye to something, you knowingly ignore a problem or bad behavior.

86. To 'sweep something under the rug' means to:

a) Clean the house thoroughly

b) Hide a problem or keep it a secret instead of dealing with it

c) Find lost money

d) Decorate a room

Correct Answer: b) Hide a problem or keep it a secret instead of dealing with it

Explanation:

This idiom means to conceal a problem or mistake in the hope that it will be forgotten.

87. If something is 'up to scratch', it is:

a) Itchy and uncomfortable

b) Meeting the required standard or quality

c) Ruined or damaged

d) A type of lottery ticket

Correct Answer: b) Meeting the required standard or quality

Explanation:

If work or performance is 'up to scratch', it is of an acceptable standard.

88. To 'walk on eggshells' means to:

a) Perform a magic trick

b) Be extremely careful with your words or actions so as not to offend someone

c) Make a huge mess in the kitchen

d) Walk barefoot outdoors

Correct Answer: b) Be extremely careful with your words or actions so as not to offend someone

Explanation:

This phrase refers to acting with great care and sensitivity around someone easily upset.

89. If news spreads by 'word of mouth', it spreads by:

a) Television advertisements

b) People telling each other in conversation

c) Written letters

d) Social media posts only

Correct Answer: b) People telling each other in conversation

Explanation:

Information spread by 'word of mouth' is passed verbally from person to person.

90. A 'drop in the ocean' refers to:

a) A tiny, insignificant amount compared to what is needed

b) A deep sea diving expedition

c) Tears shed over a sad movie

d) A large wave

Correct Answer: a) A tiny, insignificant amount compared to what is needed

Explanation:

This idiom describes an amount that is so small it will have little to no effect.

91. A 'hot potato' is an issue that is:

a) A popular food trend

b) Controversial and difficult to handle

c) Very easy to solve

d) Related to agriculture

Correct Answer: b) Controversial and difficult to handle

Explanation:

A 'hot potato' is an issue or situation that is awkward to deal with and causes a lot of disagreement.

92. Working 'against the clock' means:

a) Working while facing a wall

b) Rushing to finish something before a deadline

c) Trying to stop time

d) Working very slowly

Correct Answer: b) Rushing to finish something before a deadline

Explanation:

If you are working against the clock, you are trying very hard to finish something before a specific time.

93. If you tell someone you are 'all ears', you mean:

a) You are listening attentively

b) You have large ears

c) You cannot hear well

d) You are feeling nosy

Correct Answer: a) You are listening attentively

Explanation:

The idiom 'all ears' means to be fully listening and eager to hear what someone has to say.

94. To go 'back to square one' means:

a) To return to the very beginning of a process because the previous attempt failed

b) To play a board game

c) To move into a square house

d) To finish a task perfectly

Correct Answer: a) To return to the very beginning of a process because the previous attempt failed

Explanation:

This phrase means having to start something all over again from the beginning.

95. To 'break the ice' means to:

a) Destroy something cold

b) Make people feel more comfortable in a new situation

c) Start an argument with a stranger

d) Drink a cold beverage

Correct Answer: b) Make people feel more comfortable in a new situation

Explanation:

To 'break the ice' means to initiate conversation and ease tension in a social setting.

96. If someone is 'caught red-handed', they are:

a) Caught with paint on their hands

b) Caught in the act of doing something wrong or illegal

c) Caught blushing out of embarrassment

d) Praised for hard work

Correct Answer: b) Caught in the act of doing something wrong or illegal

Explanation:

To catch someone 'red-handed' means to discover them while they are in the middle of committing a crime or doing something wrong.

97. A person who is 'down to earth' is:

a) Very short in height

b) Practical, realistic, and unpretentious

c) Depressed or sad

d) Interested in geology

Correct Answer: b) Practical, realistic, and unpretentious

Explanation:

A 'down to earth' person is practical, sensible, and friendly without being arrogant.

98. To 'face the music' means to:

a) Go to a concert

b) Accept the unpleasant consequences of one's actions

c) Learn how to play an instrument

d) Stand confidently on a stage

Correct Answer: b) Accept the unpleasant consequences of one's actions

Explanation:

This idiom means to confront the negative results of your mistakes or actions.

99. To give someone the 'cold shoulder' means to:

a) Offer them a cold drink

b) Intentionally ignore them or show unfriendliness

c) Complain about the winter weather

d) Give them a massage

Correct Answer: b) Intentionally ignore them or show unfriendliness

Explanation:

Giving someone the 'cold shoulder' means deliberately ignoring them or being cold toward them.

100. Doing something 'in the heat of the moment' means doing it:

a) During the summer

b) Without thinking due to anger or excitement

c) While cooking a hot meal

d) After careful planning

Correct Answer: b) Without thinking due to anger or excitement

Explanation:

This phrase refers to actions taken impulsively while under the influence of strong emotions.

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State TET Exams Overview MCQs

State Teacher Eligibility Tests (State TETs) are mandatory qualifying examinations conducted by individual state examination boards across India to determine…

October 14, 2026

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