Idioms MCQ Test With Answers + PDF Exercise 08

Off the hook means you are free from a problem, blame or duty. Example: The police found the real thief, so Tom was off the hook.

Something that is old hat is not new or fresh any more. It is old-fashioned or too familiar. Example: Those phone games are old hat now.

To be of service means to be useful or helpful to someone. Example: Can I be of service? means Can I help you?

Once in a blue moon means very rarely, almost never. Example: I only eat fast food once in a blue moon.

To be on edge means to be nervous, worried or easily upset. Example: She was on edge before her exam.

On time means at the right time, not late. Example: The train arrived on time.

To be out like a light means to fall asleep very quickly. Example: He was so tired that he was out like a light.

A machine that is out of order is broken and doesn't work. Example: The lift is out of order, so take the stairs.

To be out of shape means to be unfit, not in good physical condition. Example: I'm out of shape, so I get tired when I run.

To pack someone off means to send them away, often quickly. Example: They packed the children off to their grandparents for the summer.

A pain in the neck is a person or thing that is annoying or bothersome. Example: Filling in these forms is a pain in the neck.

To pair off means to put people or things together in twos, in pairs. Example: The teacher paired off the students for the speaking task.

If something is par for the course, it is typical, or what you expect, usually something a little bad. Example: Delays are par for the course on this road.

To part with something means to give it away or be separated from it, often unwillingly. Example: She didn't want to part with her old car.

To pass over someone or something means to ignore them or not choose them. Example: He was passed over for promotion. Not overtake, which means to go past another car.

Pint-size (or pint-sized) means very small. Example: a pint-size puppy.

To pop up means to appear suddenly, often when you don't expect it. Example: An advert popped up on my screen.

To pull off something means to succeed in doing something difficult. Example: Nobody thought we could win, but we pulled it off.

To put down a protest or rebellion means to crush or stop it by force. Example: The army put down the revolt. Not encourage or excite, which is the opposite.

On the QT (from 'quiet') means secret, done quietly. Example: He told me the news on the QT.