Idioms MCQ Test With Answers + PDF Exercise 09

To quake means to shake. If you are quaking in your boots, you are so afraid that you are shaking. Example: He was quaking in his boots before the exam.

Someone who is quick on the trigger reacts or responds very fast, sometimes too fast. The image is of someone who fires a gun quickly.

Uptake here means understanding. If you are quick on the uptake, you understand new ideas fast. Example: She's quick on the uptake, so explain it only once.

A mouse makes very little noise, so quiet as a mouse describes someone who is very quiet and shy, or timid. Not loud, which is the opposite.

People lift their eyebrows when they are surprised. If something raises eyebrows, it shocks or surprises people, often because they disapprove. Example: His strange clothes raised a few eyebrows. Not question something: the idiom describes the effect on other people, not the act of asking.

Rain or shine means in any weather, so in any situation: it will happen no matter what. Example: The market is open every Sunday, rain or shine.

To rattle off a list means to say things quickly, usually from memory. Example: She rattled off the names of all the players.

Razzle dazzle is a fancy display: noisy, colourful show or excitement meant to impress people. Example: the razzle dazzle of a Hollywood premiere.

Rear means back, so the rear end is the back part of something, such as a car. Informally it can also mean a person's bottom.

To ride out a storm or a difficult time means to survive it safely until it is over. Example: The company rode out the crisis. Not to finish successfully: the idiom is about getting through trouble, not completing a task.

Right and left (also left and right) means everywhere, all around, and often many times. Example: People were getting sick right and left. Not rarely: this means almost never, which is the opposite.

If a name or an idea rings a bell, it sounds familiar: you think you have heard it before. Example: His name rings a bell, but I can't remember him.

To rip into someone means to attack them, usually by criticising them strongly. Example: The coach ripped into the players after the game.

To run away with something means to take it and leave, so to steal it. Example: The cashier ran away with the money. Not borrow: borrowing means you will give it back.

Safe and sound means safe and not harmed. Example: The children came home safe and sound.

Same here means "me too", so the speaker is agreeing or saying he feels the same. Example: "I'm tired." "Same here."

Say the word means just tell me or give a sign, and I will do it at once. Example: If you need help, just say the word.

To screw up (informal) means to make a mess of something or make a bad mistake. Example: I screwed up the interview.

If you see eye to eye with someone, you agree with them. Example: We don't always see eye to eye on politics. Oppose is the opposite.

To set your sights on something means to aim for it, to decide you want to get it. Example: She has set her sights on a gold medal. Not look for: the idiom is about a goal, not searching.