Idioms MCQ Test With Answers + PDF Exercise 07

If someone means business, they are serious and determined to do what they say. Example: The new manager means business: no more late arrivals.

To mark time means to be idle: you wait and do nothing useful until something happens. Example: I'm just marking time until my new job starts.

To make up your mind means to decide. Example: I can't make up my mind which dress to buy.

Something that happens as a matter of course is done as a rule, routinely and without special thought. Example: Passports are checked as a matter of course.

To make off with something means to steal it and run away quickly. Example: The thief made off with her handbag.

To make believe means to pretend, often in a game. Example: The children made believe they were pirates.

If you are mixed up, you are confused and can't think clearly. Not lost, which is about not knowing where you are.

If something makes sense, it seems reasonable or is easy to understand. Example: Your plan makes sense to me.

To make a difference is to matter, or to have an important effect. Example: Your help really made a difference.

To nail something down means to finalize it, to settle it clearly and completely. Example: We need to nail down the details of the contract.

In this neck of the woods is an informal way to say around here, in this area. Example: Good restaurants are rare in this neck of the woods.

Never mind means don't worry about it; it's not important. Example: "I forgot your book." "Never mind."

No doubt expresses certainty: something is certainly true. Example: No doubt he'll be late again. Not maybe, which shows the speaker is unsure.

To nose around is to explore or look around a place, often out of curiosity. Example: I caught him nosing around in my office.

No sweat is informal and means it's easy to do or no problem. Example: "Can you help me move this?" "No sweat!"

If you are no spring chicken, you aren't young any more. Example: My grandfather is no spring chicken, but he still runs every day. Not aren't energetic, because the idiom is about age, not energy.

To nip something in the bud means to prevent it at the start, to stop a problem before it grows. Example: Teachers try to nip bad behaviour in the bud.

To be neck and neck means to be exactly even in a race or competition. Example: The two runners were neck and neck until the finish.

If your name is mud, you are in trouble and people are angry with you. Example: If I forget her birthday again, my name will be mud.

To be of age means to be old enough by law to do something, such as vote or marry. Example: You can vote when you come of age.