82 English Idioms and Expressions Tests

TESTS
82 English Idioms and Expressions Tests

Index ...................................................................................... Elementary Level 1. Adding Up ............................................................................... 2. Take it in .............................................................................. 3. Take it easy ............................................................................ 4. For Good ................................................................................ 5. In Control .............................................................................. 6. Out of Control .......................................................................... 7. All Agog ................................................................................ 8. Preposition Exercises ................................................................... 9. Animal Idioms ........................................................................... 10. Funny Idioms ........................................................................... 11. Expressing Emotions .................................................................... 12. Just keep it ........................................................................... Intermediate Level 1. Up to his ears .......................................................................... 2. Send the right message .................................................................. 3. A piece of cake ......................................................................... 4. Picking you up .......................................................................... 5. As happy as the day is long ............................................................. 6. Privacy ................................................................................. 7. Hold on ................................................................................. 8. Money to burn ........................................................................... 9. Go ahead ................................................................................ 10. Under my Skin .......................................................................... 11. Home Sweet Home ........................................................................ 12. No good ................................................................................ 13. On the Water ........................................................................... 14. British Idioms ......................................................................... 15. Expressions with cold .................................................................. 16. Way Idioms ............................................................................. 17. Idioms with come ....................................................................... 18. Common English Idioms .................................................................. 19. Idioms with Hand ....................................................................... 20. English Idioms and Phrases ............................................................. 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 1
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21. Expressions with make .................................................................. 22. Double Speak in Job Titles ............................................................. Advanced Level 1. English Animal Idioms ................................................................... 2. Hands on ................................................................................ 3. Lucky Alex .............................................................................. 4. How Mary fell in love ................................................................... 5. Call it a day ........................................................................... 6. Live up to .............................................................................. 7. English Grammar Prepositions ............................................................ 8. From Shakespeare originally ............................................................. 9. Water Expressions ....................................................................... 10. Cats, Dogs and Ducks ................................................................... 11. Losing It .............................................................................. 12. Splitting Hairs ........................................................................ 13. Squeaky Clean .......................................................................... 14. Word of Mouth .......................................................................... 15. Expressions and idioms with thin ....................................................... 16. Expressions with Top ................................................................... 17. Down to Earth .......................................................................... 18. Expressions with low ................................................................... 19. Hot expressions ........................................................................ 20. Comparisons with as .... as ............................................................ 21. Expressions with make .................................................................. 22. Egg expressions ........................................................................ 23. Idioms with prepositions ............................................................... 24. Idioms with phrasal verbs .............................................................. 25. Mark Idioms ............................................................................ 26. Retail Sales Expressions ............................................................... 27. American Slang Words (1) ............................................................... 28. American Slang Words (2) ............................................................... 29. American Slang Words (3) ............................................................... 30. American Slang Words (4) ............................................................... 31. American Slang Words (5) ............................................................... 32. American Slang Words (6) ............................................................... 33. American Slang Words (7) ............................................................... 34. American Slang Words (8) ............................................................... 35. American Slang Words (9) ............................................................... 36. American Slang Words (10) .............................................................. 37. American Slang Words (11) ..............................................................
38 39
40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76
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38. American Slang Words (12) .............................................................. 39. American Slang Words (13) .............................................................. 40. American Slang Words (14) .............................................................. 41. American Slang Words (15) .............................................................. 42. American Slang Words (16) .............................................................. 43. American Slang Words (17) .............................................................. 44. American Slang Words (18) .............................................................. 45. Clothing Idioms (1) .................................................................... 46. Clothing Idioms (2) .................................................................... 47. House/Building Idioms (1) .............................................................. 48. Food Idioms ............................................................................ Answer Keys ................................................................................ Elementary Level 1. Adding Up ............................................................................... 2. Take it in .............................................................................. 3. Take it easy ............................................................................ 4. For Good ................................................................................ 5. In Control .............................................................................. 6. Out of Control .......................................................................... 7. All Agog ................................................................................ 8. Preposition Exercises ................................................................... 9. Animal Idioms ........................................................................... 10. Funny Idioms ........................................................................... 11. Expressing Emotions .................................................................... 12. Just keep it ........................................................................... Intermediate Level 1. Up to his ears .......................................................................... 2. Send the right message .................................................................. 3. A piece of cake ......................................................................... 4. Picking you up .......................................................................... 5. As happy as the day is long ............................................................. 6. Privacy ................................................................................. 7. Hold on ................................................................................. 8. Money to burn ........................................................................... 9. Go ahead ................................................................................ 10. Under my Skin .......................................................................... 11. Home Sweet Home ........................................................................ 12. No good ................................................................................ 13. On the Water ........................................................................... 14. British Idioms .........................................................................
77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88
89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100
101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114
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15. Expressions with cold .................................................................. 16. Way Idioms ............................................................................. 17. Idioms with come ....................................................................... 18. Common English Idioms .................................................................. 19. Idioms with Hand ....................................................................... 20. English Idioms and Phrases ............................................................. 21. Expressions with make .................................................................. 22. Double Speak in Job Titles ............................................................. Advanced Level 1. English Animal Idioms ................................................................... 2. Hands on ................................................................................ 3. Lucky Alex .............................................................................. 4. How Mary fell in love ................................................................... 5. Call it a day ........................................................................... 6. Live up to .............................................................................. 7. English Grammar Prepositions ............................................................ 8. From Shakespeare originally ............................................................. 9. Water Expressions ....................................................................... 10. Cats, Dogs and Ducks ................................................................... 11. Losing It .............................................................................. 12. Splitting Hairs ........................................................................ 13. Squeaky Clean .......................................................................... 14. Word of Mouth .......................................................................... 15. Expressions and idioms with thin ....................................................... 16. Expressions with Top ................................................................... 17. Down to Earth .......................................................................... 18. Expressions with low ................................................................... 19. Hot expressions ........................................................................ 20. Comparisons with as .... as ............................................................ 21. Expressions with make .................................................................. 22. Egg expressions ........................................................................ 23. Idioms with prepositions ............................................................... 24. Idioms with phrasal verbs .............................................................. 25. Mark Idioms ............................................................................ 26. Retail Sales Expressions ............................................................... 27. American Slang Words (1) ............................................................... 28. American Slang Words (2) ............................................................... 29. American Slang Words (3) ............................................................... 30. American Slang Words (4) ............................................................... 31. American Slang Words (5) ...............................................................
115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122
123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153
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32. American Slang Words (6) ............................................................... 33. American Slang Words (7) ............................................................... 34. American Slang Words (8) ............................................................... 35. American Slang Words (9) ............................................................... 36. American Slang Words (10) .............................................................. 37. American Slang Words (11) .............................................................. 38. American Slang Words (12) .............................................................. 39. American Slang Words (13) .............................................................. 40. American Slang Words (14) .............................................................. 41. American Slang Words (15) .............................................................. 42. American Slang Words (16) .............................................................. 43. American Slang Words (17) .............................................................. 44. American Slang Words (18) .............................................................. 45. Clothing Idioms (1) .................................................................... 46. Clothing Idioms (2) .................................................................... 47. House/Building Idioms (1) .............................................................. 48. Food Idioms ............................................................................
154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170
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1.
elementary-1
English Idioms and Expressions / Elementary level # 1
Answers Index
Adding Up
Q1 I cannot understand why she did that, it really doesn't add up. (a) doesn't calculate (c) doesn't make sense Q2 (b) isn't mathematics (d) makes the wrong addition
All the students got high marks in the test but Mary stood out. (a) got a lot of marks (c) got very good marks (b) got higher marks than someone (d) got the most marks of all
Q3
He has sold his house and has no job and so now he has next to nothing. (a) he is unemployed (c) he has a few things (b) he has almost no money (d) he has nothing at all
Q4
As a newspaper reporter she always wanted to get information at first hand. (a) quickly (b) slowly (c) easily (d) directly
Q5
I think we can safely say now that we have got our money back, we are home and dry. (a) have not got wet (c) have been successful (b) have got no water (d) have got home dry
Q6
He is the man who owns all the land and is the big fish around here. (a) the fat man (b) the huge man (c) the important man (d) the enormous man
Q7
She never stops talking about herself and is full of herself. (a) is very fat (b) is too fat (c) is very full (d) is very conceited
Q8
You will not slip over because the floor is as dry as a bone. (a) completely hard (b) extremely flat (c) totally dry (d) completely cracked
Q9
He kept saying he didn't do it but in the end he said he had done it. (a) at the end (b) finally (c) at last (d) by the end
Q10 I know you are very sorry that you broke the pot but accidents will happen. (a) things will take place (c) things take place often (b) things do occur (d) things often go wrong
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2.
elementary-2
Answers Index
Take it in
Q1 I'm sorry I didn't take in what he said. (a) listen Q2 (b) hear (c) understand (d) note
I hope she gets through her exams next week. (a) passes (b) follows (c) takes (d) stands
Q3
What time do you get up in the morning? (a) leave home (b) start for work (c) finish off sleep (d) get out of bed
Q4
When you stop work, you can take up golf. (a) finish playing (b) start playing (c) stop playing (d) enjoy playing
Q5
Don't overdo it because you're very tired. (a) do a lot (b) do a little (c) do too little (d) do too much
Q6
When does your plane take off? (a) leave the ground (b) start to land (c) begin to arrive (d) finish landing
Q7
As a student she has just enough money to get by on. (a) live fully (b) live simply (c) live easily (d) live quietly
Q8
I don't know who wrote this note because I can't make out the signature. (a) discover (b) find (c) read (d) learn
Q9
We don't have enough money for a car so we make do with bicycles. (a) use many times (b) use instead (c) use sometimes (d) use always
Q10 What time do you get in after work? (a) have tea (b) eat supper (c) reach home (d) have a rest
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3.
elementary-3
Answers Index
Take it easy
Q1 I just want to stay at home and watch television and take it easy. (a) sleep Q2 (b) sit down (c) eat (d) relax
Am I allowed to smoke in here? (a) May I (b) Must I (c) Can I (d) Will I
Q3
Are you any good at cooking? (a) Can you cook sometimes (c) Can you cook well (b) Do you cook very often (d) Do you like cooking
Q4
When do you do the washing up? (a) clean the dishes (b) do the housework (c) wash the floor (d) clean the windows
Q5
She never shouts at her children. (a) makes conversation with (c) talks in a loud voice to (b) calls out to (d) speaks quickly to
Q6
We're fed up with the bad weather. (a) very tired of (b) full of (c) interested in (d) unhappy with
Q7
Don't forget to drop me a line when you're away. (a) telephone me (b) call me (c) write to me (d) send me a telegram
Q8
She had never been to Paris before. (a) heard of (b) read about (c) tried (d) visited
Q9
I'm afraid he has got it wrong. (a) said it incorrectly (b) did an error (c) did a mistake (d) made a mistake
Q10 When you come to the crossroads, you turn left. (a) look left (b) go to the left (c) find the left (d) keep to the left
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4.
elementary-4
Answers Index
For Good
Q1 You'll never see your money again because I'm afraid he's gone for good. (a) clearly Q2 (b) permanently (c) quickly (d) slowly
You've no need to worry I promise you they'll arrive on Thursday for sure. (a) absolutely (b) positively (c) definitively (d) definitely
Q3
They're very generous in that museum not only is the entrance fee reasonable but they give you a brochure for free. (a) at no cost (b) at little cost (c) at some cost (d) at low cost
Q4
Well, for starters I honestly think we should work out what all this work is going to cost. (a) to work for (b) to look at (c) to begin with (d) to work through
Q5
As you're a friend of mine, I won't charge you much in fact I'll do it for nothing. (a) at some charge (b) at little charge (c) at low charge (d) at no charge
Q6
I know it didn't look like that but the truth is they only did it for fun. (a) as a joke (b) as humour (c) as funny (d) as joking
Q7
I do recommend you take out an insurance policy on the house for your own peace of mind. (a) to stop you thinking (c) to stop you believing (b) to stop you worrying (d) to stop you sleeping
Q8
No wonder she's jumping for joy, she's just been given promotion. (a) very jumpy (b) very silly (c) very happy (d) very noisy
Q9
They decided to move away from the city to the countryside for the sake of the children. (a) speaking about (b) talking about (c) dreaming about (d) thinking about
Q10 The battleships were all waiting in the harbour ready for action. (a) prepared for war (c) prepared for something (b) prepared for anything (d) prepared for take off
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5.
elementary-5
Answers Index
In Control
Q1 They tried in vain to save enough money to buy a house and so finally they rented one. (a) without money Q2 (b) without trial (c) without success (d) without work
If you are in any doubt about the offer, please give me a ring. (a) at all unsure (b) at all happy (c) at all certain (d) at all sure
Q3
The children knew full well they were in danger skating because they had read the notice about the thin ice. (a) unhappy (b) uncertain (c) unclear (d) unsafe
Q4
Considering they are over 70 years old, you must admit they are in good shape. (a) fit (b) wealthy (c) clever (d) slow
Q5
Thanks to her regular workouts and sensible diet she certainly strikes me as in the pink. (a) in extreme health (b) in good health (c) in absolute health (d) in clear health
Q6
I'm sorry to say that he's in trouble again with the boss over being late for work so many times. (a) the boss is going to reprimand him (c) the boss is going to hit him (b) the boss is going to sack him (d) the boss is going to trouble him
Q7
What I really have in mind is a garden where there is very little to look after throughout the year. (a) think (b) believe (c) visualize (d) consider
Q8
Although Romeo and Juliet were deeply in love, they still managed to kill themselves. (a) loved each other often (c) loved each other most of the time (b) loved each other very much (d) loved each other mostly
Q9
I think you can stop worrying now because it's quite clear she's in command of the situation. (a) in control (b) in sight (c) in place (d) in view
Q10 In time when you've got used to the idea, you'll be pleased you did it. (a) At last (b) At first (c) At least (d) Eventually
10
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6.
elementary-6
Answers Index
Out of Control
Q1 If you don't tell the children the difference between right and wrong, they will soon be out of control. (a) well behaved Q2 (b) badly behaved (c) suddenly behaved (d) quickly behaved
If you think I'm going to parachute out of a plane for fun, you must be out of your mind. (a) mad (b) unsure (c) unusual (d) uncertain
Q3
Wait till they're out of sight, and then I'll show you what I'm buying them for Christmas. (a) unable to show (b) unable to find (c) unable to follow (d) unable to see
Q4
I'm very sorry but you're out of luck because we sold the last one about twenty minutes ago. (a) unhappy (b) unlucky (c) unable (d) undecided
Q5
Wait until they're out of earshot, then I tell you exactly what happened to them when they were on holiday. (a) unable to tell (b) unable to hear (c) unable to say (d) unable to speak
Q6
You have a limited number of minutes to answer the test and you've spent 3 minutes so you're out of time. (a) you've used up your time (c) you've used for your time (b) you've used in your time (d) you've used out your time
Q7
I'm afraid I'm not feeling too well at the moment because I've only walked a little way and I'm out of breath already. (a) I can't breathe slowly (c) I can't breathe fast (b) I can't breathe quickly (d) I can't breathe easily
Q8
There's a big notice up there which unfortunately we didn't see because it said 'out of bounds'. (a) keep through (b) keep out (c) keep on (d) keep in
Q9
I'm sorry to tell you that I can do nothing more for you because the situation is now out of my hands. (a) outside my sense (b) outside my feelings (c) outside my control (d) outside my belief
Q10 I'm awfully sorry but I I'll have to ask you to pay because I'm out of cash. (a) I have no cheque (b) I have no money (c) I have no card (d) I have no bank
11
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7.
elementary-7
Answers Index
All Agog
Q1 Unfortunately the cooker overheated and then exploded and so it really wasn't long before the whole house was alight. (a) in light Q2 (b) on fire (c) with fire (d) with light
After several days underground after the earthquake one child was pulled out alive. (a) still talking (b) still seeing (c) still trying (d) still living
Q3
They found that there was no possibility of work in their own country so they decided to try their luck abroad. (a) in another place (b) in another town (c) in another country (d) in another city
Q4
I must congratulate her on the way she has overcome all her problems and gone back to her old job to start anew. (a) beginning (b) once more (c) firstly (d) twice more
Q5
I've looked everywhere for my passport and can only assume it has gone astray. (a) got freed (b) got taken (c) got missed (d) got lost
Q6
When she told her parents that she had decided to get married, they were utterly taken aback. (a) surprised (b) returned (c) overturned (d) determined
Q7
There are no two ways about it because the crime that has been committed is really akin to murder. (a) keen on (b) good to (c) similar to (d) different to
Q8
So many good ideas abound in his mind, he finds it difficult to know where to start. (a) exist all over (c) exist in different parts (b) exist in large numbers (d) exist everywhere
Q9
I spent ages fixing the nail in the wall to put the picture up and then I stood back and found it was askew. (a) not straight (b) not clear (c) not definite (d) not pretty
Q10 We couldn't wait for them to come home after their holidays as we were all agog to hear what had happened. (a) very concerned (b) very prepared (c) very interested (d) very worried
12
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8.
elementary-8
Answers Index
Preposition Exercises
Q1 I'm sorry but that smells terrible because I'm afraid the meat is off. (a) has gone Q2 (b) is small (c) is bad (d) is dead
She just left him, said she was through with him and disappeared. (a) didn't want to see him again (c) didn't want to hear him again (b) didn't want to help him (d) didn't want to please him
Q3
I'm on for tonight if you want to go to the match. (a) I'm ready to help (b) I'm ready to cook (c) I'm ready to speak (d) I'm ready to go out
Q4
He's always interested in elections and is very much into politics. (a) very concerned about (c) very interested in (b) very worried about (d) very happy about
Q5
I believe that after all those arguments they agreed their marriage was over. (a) ended (b) finishing (c) ending (d) terminated
Q6
Between you and me, so don't tell anyone, I'm sure he'll lose the election. (a) In truth (b) In confidence (c) In fact (d) In conclusion
Q7
You won't have to wait too long because another bus will be along soon. (a) will drive (b) will travel (c) will arrive (d) will turn
Q8
By the way did you manage to see that film last night? (a) Conveniently (b) Actually (c) Clearly (d) Incidentally
Q9
It's quite clear to everyone that she's a socialist through and through. (a) from start to finish (c) from this to that (b) from here till then (d) from time to time
Q10 I honestly don't think I can make it tonight as I'm feeling a little under the weather. (a) cold (b) wet (c) unwell (d) upset
13
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9.
elementary-9
Answers Index
Animal Idioms
Q1 His wife never lets him do what he wants and as a result he leads a dog's life. (a) easts what he can (c) has an unhappy time Q2 A word of warning: don't let him make a monkey of you. (a) make you jump up and down (c) make you spend your money Q3 (b) make faces at you (d) make a fool of you (b) never sleeps (d) goes everywhere on foot
I would advise you to wait and see which way the cat jumps. (a) what develops (b) what goes (c) what comes (d) what falls
Q4
I don't honestly think he is capable of being polite as the leopard never changes his spots. (a) people always complain (c) people never change (b) people sometimes differ (d) people often shout
Q5
He's very greedy when it comes to eating and always takes the lion's share of the food. (a) last portion (b) smallest portion (c) first portion (d) largest portion
Q6
I really don't know how to explain it as I am completely foxed. (a) absolutely sure (c) absolutely confused (b) absolutely convinced (d) absolutely curious
Q7
Until he is more serious in his job and stops playing the goat, he won't get any more money. (a) arriving late all the time (c) making too much noise all the time (b) eating too much all the time (d) making jokes all the time
Q8
He never makes any silly mistakes because he's got too much horse sense. (a) common sense (b) nonsense (c) absolute sense (d) full sense
Q9
Charlie doesn't like getting too tired so he gets his assistant to do all the donkey work. (a) academic work (b) artwork (c) homework (d) hard work
Q10 He doesn't really go around with many people because he's a bit of a lone wolf. (a) single person (b) lonely person (c) unhappy person (d) simple person
14
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10.
elementary-10
Answers Index
Funny Idioms
Q1 You want to know why I've got a bee in my bonnet? (a) a headache (c) a problem on my mind Q2 Yes, tell me about it. I'm all ears. (a) listening carefully (c) listening quickly Q3 (b) listening quietly (d) listening completely (b) a fly in my head (d) a difficulty with my hair
You remember I told you about that car that cost me an arm and a leg? (a) a fair amount of money (c) a good amount of money (b) a small amount of money (d) a huge amount of money
Q4
The one you bought from the man you called the big cheese? (a) the man with big ears (c) the man with the yellow teeth (b) the man with the important job (d) the man with the big smile
Q5
Well, he's not that at all. He's a bird brain. (a) a fool (b) a criminal (c) a conman (d) a devil
Q6
You mean he's a bad egg? (a) a disgusting person (b) a dirty person (c) a stupid person (d) a dishonest person
Q7
Yes, exactly because the car is rubbish and I went round to his garage like a bull in a china shop in the show room. (a) shouting at him (c) running up to him (b) knocking everything over (d) hitting everybody
Q8
And when I reached his office I saw he was not really awake because he'd been having a cat nap. (a) a deep sleep (b) a long sleep (c) a short sleep (d) a big sleep
Q9
And really the only reason you were there was because you had a bone to pick with him? (a) you wanted to have a discussion with him (c) you wanted to have a talk with him (b) you wanted to have a chat with him (d) you wanted to have an argument with him
Q10 Yes, that's right. I got my money back and as a result I opened up a whole new can of worms because other people got their money back, too. (a) made a complete mess of his office (c) discovered some creatures on the carpet (b) exposed a lot of serious problems (d) revealed a lot of new paper work
15
PHOTOCOPIABLE
11.
elementary-11
Answers Index
Expressing Emotions
Q1 I can't stand it when you talk to me like that! Stop doing that! (a) want to fall (c) want to be disobedient Q2 I can't wait to hear about your English class. (a) am eager to Q3 (b) am late to (c) am indifferent (d) am happy to (b) feel like sitting down (d) despise
I am glad I was able to be there for my friend when her mom died. (a) to cry with (c) to visit (b) to offer support in time of need for (d) to travel with
Q4
You've got me head over heels! (a) angry at you (b) impatient (c) in love with you (d) disappointed
Q5
I love you bunches! (a) a little (b) a lot (c) too much (d) less than before
Q6
I wish I could trust you again, but all that you ever did to me was to let me down. (a) to make me cry (b) to make me angry (c) to despise me (d) to disappoint me
Q7
I love you from the bottom of my heart. (a) deeply (b) truly (c) madly (d) abundantly
Q8
The truth is that you don't care about me or my feelings. (a) are careful of (b) are perceptive (c) are inconsiderate (d) are selfish towards
Q9
I would like to apologize for what I said to you the other day. I was very insensitive to you. Will you forgive me? (a) compassionate (b) sympathetic (c) pathetic (d) harsh
Q10 It's taking a long time for Jenna to get over the death of her mom. (a) fall back from (b) recover from (c) regret (d) laugh of
16
PHOTOCOPIABLE
12.
elementary-12
Answers Index
Just keep it
Q1 Charlie's having a lot of problems with his business but at least he's keeping his head above water. (a) not drowning Q2 (b) keeping dry (c) managing to survive (d) trying to swim
That's the thing about Charlie even when things are really bad he doesn't panic and keeps his cool. (a) stays calm (c) uses a fan (b) turns on the air conditioning (d) puts ice on his head
Q3
In a situation like his of course the one thing you must do is keep the wolf from the door and try to find money to pay all the bills. (a) get rid of wild animals (c) make sure the door is locked (b) get enough money to live on (d) not let wild animals in
Q4
At least Charlie can manage that but he doesn't go telling everyone about his problem and keeps himself to himself. (a) talks to himself a lot (c) stays in a lot (b) doesn't go out much (d) doesn't talk about himself to others
Q5
Some of his friends are a bit worried about him because he doesn't seem so friendly to them as he used to be and keeps his distance. (a) doesn't let people get too close (c) decides how far to go (b) doesn't travel far (d) doesn't like travelling
Q6
The main thing that you have to admire him for is that he doesn't get into trouble and keeps his nose clean. (a) blows his nose a lot (c) sneezes often (b) behaves legally (d) breathes easily
Q7
It's surprising how few people knew that Charlie was having money problems but I suppose it was because he had kept it to himself. (a) looked after it (b) locked it up (c) held it tightly (d) kept it secret
Q8
His problem really was that he had tried very hard to be as successful as the rest of the people in his street by trying to keep up with the Joneses. (a) to remain on the same social level as his neighbours (c) to travel at the same speed as his neighbours (b) to run as fast as his neighbours (d) to reach the same place as his neighbours
Q9
When he confided in me, I promised Charlie that I wouldn't tell anybody about it and until now I have kept my word. (a) said what I did (b) said what I could (c) did what I said (d) did what I could
Q10 My only advice to Charlie was to keep his chin up and stop worrying. (a) try to hold his head straight (c) try not to look on the ground (b) try to be optimistic (d) try to remain upright
17
PHOTOCOPIABLE
13.
intermediate-1
English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 1
Answers Index
Up to his ears
Q1 He's up to his ears in work and cannot possibly see you now. (a) fully occupied with Q2 (b) very interested in (c) not involved with (d) concerned with
If you give me a hand, then I shall be able to finish more quickly. (a) take my hand (b) help me (c) take my fingers (d) pick me up
Q3
I prefer to talk to people face to face rather than to talk on the phone. (a) in person (b) facing them (c) looking at them (d) seeing them
Q4
The manager dismissed the new proposal out of hand and said that it was not at all practical. (a) quickly (b) utterly (c) directly (d) simply
Q5
As she is new to the job I would ask you to keep an eye on her for the time being. (a) look at (b) consider (c) check (d) observe
Q6
The opposition in parliament accused the government of playing games and refusing to accept the seriousness of the situation. (a) being light hearted (b) being heavy hearted (c) being down hearted (d) being faint hearted
Q7
He accused her of talking through her hat and refused to accept a word of what she said. (a) talking sense (b) talking straight (c) talking nonsense (d) talking tough
Q8
The police advised them to go down to the cellar in order to be out of harm's way. (a) away from the noise (b) inside the area (c) into safety (d) away from danger
Q9
I'd give my right arm if I could get tickets for that concert. (a) do absolutely anything (c) do something stupid (b) do something dangerous (d) do what you want
Q10 You can always rely on Fred to put his foot in it and come out with a remark like that. (a) tread on somebody (c) say something embarrassing (b) fall over (d) put on the wrong shoe
18
PHOTOCOPIABLE
14.
intermediate-2
Answers Index
Send the right message

Q1 This sort of behaviour sends the wrong message to young people. (a) delivers the incorrect letter (c) does not talk properly Q2 (b) fails to communicate (d) does not set a good example
The government are unveiling plans today for a new tax system. (a) are covering up (b) are revealing (c) are opening (d) are exposing
Q3
I hear what you are saying but I don't agree with you. (a) I understand what you mean (c) I am able to catch your words (b) I believe your words (d) I think you are right
Q4
You must admire the way she sticks to her guns. (a) she holds on to her pistol (c) she doesn't let her weapons go (b) she maintains her opinion (d) she refuses to shoot
Q5
I'm sorry I can't follow that, run that past me again. (a) explain that once more (c) try and catch me up (b) hurry up (d) come across
Q6
Keep your spirits up, it may not be as bad as you think. (a) Don't get depressed (c) Don't let the levels drop (b) Carry on drinking (d) Maintain the heights
Q7
I'm afraid he shot himself in the foot when he took that action. (a) he hurt himself (c) he made a bad mistake for himself (b) he injured himself (d) he damaged his body
Q8
Some people love scoring points when they are in an argument. (a) winning the game (c) taking the initiative (b) taking advantage (d) taking the trouble
Q9
There is absolutely no mileage in pursuing that sort of discussion. (a) no future (b) no interest (c) no distance (d) no time
Q10 He prefers to buy some more time by not deciding yet. (a) to pay a little longer (c) to pay a little later (b) to get a better price (d) to delay a little longer
19
PHOTOCOPIABLE
15.
intermediate-3
Answers Index
A piece of cake
Q1 You shouldn't worry about the exam because you have prepared well and you'll probably find it a piece of cake. (a) easy to digest Q2 (b) easy to read (c) easy to start (d) very easy
The trouble with you is that you are a bit selfish and your sole philosophy is to have your cake and eat it. (a) expect too much of life (c) spend your life eating (b) lead a life of pleasure (d) eat too much
Q3
When he heard that the necklace had been stolen, he dropped it like a hot potato. (a) he let it fall from his hands (c) he gave it to somebody else (b) he suddenly lost interest in it (d) he hid it in the fridge
Q4
He sits and watches TV all day and has turned into a veritable couch potato. (a) a good sleeper (b) an enthusiast (c) a very lazy person (d) a deep thinker
Q5
Thanks to you we're really in the soup now and I don't honestly know why I ever listen to you. (a) in an interesting situation (c) in an unusual situation (b) in deep trouble (d) in rough water
Q6
As he had been away from home for some years, they decided on his return to cook the fatted calf. (a) have a big celebration (c) employ a top chef (b) go out for a meal (d) eat as much as they liked
Q7
There's something very fishy about that story he told us because I can't quite get to the bottom of it. (a) to do with the sea (b) connected with fish (c) suspicious (d) strong smelling
Q8
Their mother always describes her twin sons as like two peas in a pod. (a) both round in shape (c) both saying the same thing (b) both full of fun (d) both looking exactly alike
Q9
After what he said and after what has happened he certainly seems to have got egg on his face. (a) have made a fool of himself (c) have said the wrong thing (b) have lost a lot of money (d) have made the wrong decision
Q10 He always took advice from his parents about being careful and never put all his eggs in one basket. (a) carried too much in one hand (c) decided to do anything dangerous (b) relied too much on one plan (d) planned anything exciting
20
PHOTOCOPIABLE
16.
intermediate-4
Answers Index
Picking you up
Q1 Nobody knows what's going on? (a) meaning Q2 (b) continuing (c) happening (d) taking
Don't worry we'll see you're all right. (a) look at you (b) look on you (c) look for you (d) look after you
Q3
What you need is something that will pick you up. (a) make you feel better (c) make you hold on better (b) make you stand better (d) make you stay on better
Q4
I simply can't stand sugar in my tea or coffee. (a) can't eat (b) can't drink (c) can't tolerate (d) can't allow
Q5
I have a feeling that she's taking you for a ride. (a) taking you in a car (b) pulling you along (c) trying to trick you (d) trying to push you
Q6
He's always got his nose in a book. (a) hiding (b) reading (c) studying (d) looking
Q7
I think you're asking too much of them as they are just children. (a) trying too much (b) saying too much (c) calling too much (d) expecting too much
Q8
If you want my opinion, I think this needs looking into. (a) examining (b) finding (c) searching (d) discovering
Q9
One fine day I expect everything will be clear to you. (a) On a summer's day (b) When the sun shines (c) In the end (d) Very soon
Q10 I think the time has come when you should put your toe in the water at least. (a) go for a swim (b) give it a try (c) feel the cold (d) give it a chance
21
PHOTOCOPIABLE
17.
intermediate-5
Answers Index
As happy as the day is long

Q1 I'm sure that he could make a better job of being prime minister any day of the week. (a) whatever the details (c) whatever the circumstances Q2 (b) whatever the time (d) whatever the week
Don't worry we pride ourselves on being helpful to all our customers and getting that booked for you is all in a day's work for us. (a) perfectly easy (b) perfectly simple (c) perfectly done (d) perfectly normal
Q3
Yes, we went away on holiday last week but it rained day in, day out. (a) every single day (b) every other day (c) every second day (d) every two days
Q4
I think the time has now come when we'll simply have to call it a day. (a) stop trying (b) stop thinking (c) stop working (d) stop going
Q5
You know what they said about radio that it had had its day but it's still going strong. (a) stopped being clever (c) stopped being heard (b) stopped being popular (d) stopped being good
Q6
That last comment of yours won the day because nobody could possibly argue with you after that. (a) assured us victory (c) assured us progress (b) assured us the answer (d) assured us agreement
Q7
We left the children playing in the park and they were as happy as the day is long. (a) reasonably happy (b) quite happy (c) very happy (d) always happy
Q8
They got engaged about two years ago and at long last they have named the day. (a) said when they are getting married (c) said why they are getting married (b) said where they are getting married (d) said if they are getting married.
Q9
I've been doing these exercises for two hours now and I think at long last I'm starting to see daylight. (a) see the answer to the problem (c) see the end of the task (b) see the reason for the work (d) see the problems in the answers
Q10 I knew once the car didn't start, saw it had a flat tyre and also that it had started to rain, that this was going to be one of those days. (a) a day when nothing goes right (c) a day when little goes right (b) a day when something goes wrong (d) a day when little goes wrong
22
PHOTOCOPIABLE
18.
intermediate-6
Answers Index
Privacy
Q1 If I were you, I'd tell her to go jump in the river. (a) learn to swim Q2 (b) get wet (c) go away (d) go fishing
I can't understand why he doesn't take the hint. (a) understand the point (c) understand the words (b) understand the speech (d) understand the talk
Q3
I should be grateful if you would let me keep myself to myself. (a) be quiet (b) be private (c) be lonely (d) be special
Q4
I wish they would stop poking their noses into our affairs. (a) sniffing around (b) discovering (c) interfering in (d) putting into
Q5
I get the impression that they think we've outstayed our welcome here. (a) remained longer (b) tried too long (c) waited too long (d) stayed too long
Q6
We asked him if he wanted to join us on the outing but he refused I think he's a bit of a lone wolf. (a) he prefers to be alone (c) he prefers certain people (b) he prefers small crowds (d) he prefers walking slowly
Q7
She looked straight through him as soon as he entered the room. (a) turned round (c) took no notice of him (b) looked carefully at him (d) didn't speak to him
Q8
Since the news broke about the disaster, he's been keeping a very low profile. (a) trying to look small (c) trying to be careful (b) trying to look casual (d) trying not to be seen
Q9
After the political scandal in the government no-one in the cabinet is prepared to put their head above the parapet. (a) show their head (b) raise their head (c) speak in public (d) speak in the air
Q10 If you really want to come out of this without too much damage, my advice is to play dumb. (a) speak stupidly (b) say nothing (c) say silly things (d) play the fool
23
PHOTOCOPIABLE
19.
intermediate-7
Answers Index
Hold on
Q1 The audience held their breath as the magician started to saw a woman half. (a) watched anxiously Q2 (b) stopped breathing (c) couldn't breathe (d) couldn't watch
The police officer called out to the driver to hold on until he arrived. (a) continue (b) listen (c) wait (d) attend
Q3
In the end she lost her temper and told her daughter to hold her tongue. (a) stand still (b) speak up (c) start speaking (d) be quiet
Q4
There's no need to change any of the regulations this year as the old ones will still hold good this year, too. (a) be finished (b) be all right (c) be necessary (d) be careful
Q5
I don't know what it is exactly but she seems to have some kind of hold over him. (a) control over (b) look over (c) trust over (d) belief over
Q6
He holds it against her that she never let him move house and start a new job. (a) trusts (b) persuades (c) knows (d) blames
Q7
I think your best plan is to hold off making a decision until you know if you have passed the examination. (a) delay (b) consider (c) stay (d) think
Q8
It was a very difficult race but the jockey held his own right until the end. (a) overtook the others (c) did better than the others (b) did as well as the others (d) tried to beat the others
Q9
Once he starts to talk about his favourite subject, he will hold forth until he is stopped. (a) speak loudly (b) speak quickly (c) speak endlessly (d) speak slowly
Q10 The trouble is that whenever he's with strangers he always holds in his feelings. (a) shows (b) restricts (c) tells (d) allows
24
PHOTOCOPIABLE
20.
intermediate-8
Answers Index
Money to burn
Q1 Money is the root of all evil, so what's the point of earning a lot? (a) bad for your health (c) the reason for health Q2 (b) the cause of greed (d) the cause of wickedness
In my opinion money talks and the little people are totally ignored. (a) rich people speak a lot (c) rich people have too much money (b) rich people have influence (d) rich people are not silent
Q3
She's a really happy woman now because for once she's in the money. (a) spending a lot of money (c) got money to spend (b) spending money quickly (d) got a little money
Q4
For my money I would sooner go on a cruise than sit all day on the beach. (a) In my circumstances (b) In my opinion (c) In my situation (d) In my time
Q5
He has very little to do but he gets well paid and agrees it's money for jam. (a) difficult money (b) hard money (c) good money (d) easy money
Q6
I think she should stop talking about it and put her money where her mouth is. (a) give money for talking too much (b) take money out of her mouth and be quiet (c) give money for something she says she believes in (d) give money for talking a lot about nothing
Q7
If you want to find some help with your project ask him because he's got money to burn. (a) he spends money slowly (c) he spends money wisely (b) he spends money foolishly (d) he hardly spends money
Q8
As soon as he had won the lottery, he went crazy and started spending money like water. (a) spending money freely (c) spending money on swimming (b) spending money at sea (d) spending money consistently
Q9
When you consider all the advantages you've gained I think you'll admit you had a good run for your money. (a) a lot of trouble with your money (c) a lot of time with your money (b) to chase after your money (d) a lot of benefit from your money
Q10 She's made it clear that we don't need to worry because money is no object. (a) money is not important (c) money is not clear (b) money is not definite (d) money is not available
25
PHOTOCOPIABLE
21.
intermediate-9
Answers Index
Go ahead
Q1 I'm sorry that looks awful those two colours don't go together. (a) smash Q2 (b) crash (c) clash (d) hash
After what you've gone through, I'm sure you need a holiday. (a) felt (b) sensed (c) acted (d) experienced
Q3
We won't go into that now but I don't think we can avoid the subject much longer. (a) discuss (b) enter (c) introduce (d) interrupt
Q4
He's gone right down in my estimation now that I've heard what he has done to his family. (a) I think often of him (c) I don't think at all of him (b) I think a lot of him (d) I don't think much of him
Q5
My advice to you is to make your mind up before it's too late and simply go for it. (a) take the opportunity soon (c) take the opportunity now (b) take the opportunity fairly (d) take the opportunity slowly
Q6
I'm afraid you've left that food too long out of the fridge and now it's gone off. (a) become flat (b) become rotten (c) become rich (d) become stale
Q7
There were so many members of the political party who had gone against the leader that he resigned. (a) insisted (b) invited (c) apposed (d) opposed
Q8
Don't wait for me because I can't come yet so you go ahead and I'll join you later. (a) go before me (b) go in front of me (c) go forwards me (d) go by me
Q9
If petrol prices go up any more, I shall have to use a bicycle. (a) ascend (b) raise (c) increase (d) develop
Q10 I'm sorry I interrupted you, please go on from where I so rudely stopped you. (a) continue (b) stop (c) speak (d) finish
26
PHOTOCOPIABLE
22.
intermediate-10
Answers Index
Under my Skin
Q1 It was late at night, the wind was howling and when she heard the knock on the door, she almost jumped out of her skin. (a) was pleased Q2 (b) was terrified (c) was asleep (d) was delighted
As they only had a few minutes to get to the station, they ran all the way and finally caught the train by the skin of their teeth. (a) just in time (b) just for time (c) just on time (d) just by time
Q3
There's something about him I just can't stand and he really gets under my skin. (a) pushes me (b) presses me (c) treats me (d) annoys me
Q4
I wouldn't do that but you do whatever you like, as it's no skin off my nose. (a) it's no good to me (c) it's not clear to me (b) it's not important to me (d) it's not bad for me
Q5
It doesn't matter what you say to her I promise you, she's got a very thick skin. (a) she's not affected by criticism (c) she's not devoted to criticism (b) she's not interested in criticism (d) she's not governed by criticism
Q6
He looked at her and in the words of Frank Sinatra said: 'I've got you under my skin'. (a) I'm very pleased with you (c) I'm very attracted to you (b) I'm very proud of you (d) I'm very surprised by you
Q7
It was simply a case of running away or being killed and we decided to run to save our skins. (a) to stay away (b) to stay dry (c) to stay clear (d) to stay alive
Q8
Be very careful what you say to Georgina about her new hairstyle; remember she has a very thin skin. (a) she is very sensible (c) she is very feeling (b) she is very sensitive (d) she is very sensing
Q9
I think the horse had been neglected for months and not been given enough to eat because it was just skin and bones. (a) very thin (b) very old (c) very tired (d) very hungry
Q10 They say there's a very rare book in that pile of old books for sale so keep your eyes skinned. (a) look slowly (b) look easily (c) look quickly (d) look carefully
27
PHOTOCOPIABLE
23.
intermediate-11
Answers Index
Home Sweet Home

Q1 You must have lost your marbles if you're seriously considering buying that house. (a) be serious Q2 (b) be crazy (c) be adventurous (d) be happy
If you don't mind me saying so I think you're a bit over the top, aren't you? (a) you're exaggerating a bit (c) you're laughing a bit (b) you're joking a little (d) you're describing a little
Q3
All right then if you like I'll put my cards on the table. (a) I'll tell you a story (c) I'll tell you something (b) I'll tell you what to do (d) I'll tell you my honest opinion
Q4
I'd appreciate that. Go on, I'm all ears. (a) I can hear what you're saying (c) I am listening to you (b) I am listening very carefully (d) I can't hear a word
Q5
Well in the first place all the windows are broken, which is a real pain in the neck. (a) a bad ache (b) a serious ache (c) a serious problem (d) a bad shock
Q6
Yes, I agree but at the same time it's not the end of the world. (a) worth worrying about (c) worth looking at (b) worth talking about (d) worth speaking about
Q7
Then of course there is that huge crack in one of the outer walls, that'll cost you an arm and a leg to repair. (a) a little money (b) a sum of money (c) some money (d) a lot of money
Q8
You have a point but then I can deal with that in the fullness of time. (a) in a little while (b) eventually (c) quite soon (d) sometimes
Q9
Finally there's one thing you can't just sweep under the carpet and that is the missing roof! (a) forget (b) remember (c) ignore (d) interpret
Q10 I can see there are no flies on you but you must admit it is very cheap. (a) you're not clear (b) you're not easy (c) you're not clever (d) you're not stupid
28
PHOTOCOPIABLE
24.
intermediate-12
Answers Index
No good
Q1 They're not getting away with it! They must pay for what they have done. (a) They won't come back (c) They won't do it again Q2 I'm not putting up with that! She must do as I say. (a) I disagree Q3 (b) I confirm (c) I object (d) I resist (b) They won't succeed (d) They won't go again
I made it absolutely clear that he could on no account expect a pay rise this year. (a) in this way (b) in some way (c) in that way (d) in no way
Q4
They asked me whether I would accept a discount instead of a new machine. No chance, I said. (a) Unlikely (b) Improbable (c) Impossible (d) Untrue
Q5
We invited her to come to our party in the hope of putting things right but she wouldn't wear it. (a) rejected (b) refused (c) repeated (d) reclined
Q6
I honestly don't know how you do it because personally I couldn't cope. (a) would be unable to manage (c) would be unable to hold (b) would be unable to stay (d) would be unable to handle
Q7
This happens every time I start the engine up. I tell you I can't be doing with it. (a) I find it difficult (c) I find it stupid (b) I find it irritating (d) I find it hard
Q8
This is now the third time I've had to phone up and complain and I've reached the stage where I can see no end to it. (a) I don't know where I'm going (c) I don't know why it's happening (b) I don't know what I'm doing (d) I don't know when it will finish
Q9
It's no good shouting at me like that I'm doing the best I can. (a) It's a waste of time (c) It's a waste of money (b) It's a waste of space (d) It's a waste of doing
Q10 You'll get yourself in no end of trouble if you persist in refusing to pay those taxes. (a) a certain amount (b) a big amount (c) a huge amount (d) a special amount
29
PHOTOCOPIABLE
25.
intermediate-13
Answers Index
On the Water
Q1 As usual he left it to the last moment and as a consequence he missed the boat. (a) didn't take advantage of the situation (c) didn't take advantage of the fare Q2 (b) didn't take advantage of the opportunity (d) didn't take advantage of the date
I'm sorry to tell you that you've burnt your boats now and so you won't be able to go back. (a) your current situation cannot be reversed (c) your current situation cannot be retaken (b) your current situation cannot be repeated (d) your current situation cannot be restyled
Q3
I told her I understood exactly what she was feeling as we were both after all in the same boat. (a) in a similar case (c) in a similar take (b) in a similar find (d) in a similar situation
Q4
No matter how smoothly things are running, you can always rely on Charlie to rock the boat. (a) spoil something (b) spoil anything (c) spoil everything (d) spoil nothing
Q5
We were all a bit worried about the new manager because we heard that she liked to run a tight ship. (a) be well organized (b) be well disposed (c) be well received (d) be well placed
Q6
Although they were a couple well into their 80's everything in their house was always shipshape. (a) very old (b) very neat (c) very fresh (d) very clean
Q7
Everybody imagined that there was a big romance between the two of them but it turned out they were merely ships that pass in the night. (a) strangers meeting quietly (c) strangers meeting once (b) strangers meeting softly (d) strangers meeting nightly
Q8
Sadly it never happened but she was absolutely sure her ship would come in one day and she could buy that house in the country. (a) she would be famous (b) she would be free (c) she would be happy (d) she would be rich
Q9
In view of his change in fortune he decided to push the boat out and hold a big party. (a) spend a lot of money (c) spend a lot of effort (b) spend a lot of time (d) spend a lot of energy
Q10 Once you've read the instruction book, you'll probably find it's plain sailing. (a) accurate (b) active (c) straightforward (d) intelligent
30
PHOTOCOPIABLE
26.
intermediate-14
Answers Index
British Idioms
Q1 I had quite a shock last night. I ran into an old flame of mine. (a) a bright light (c) a former girlfriend Q2 I suppose she was the apple of your eye at the time. (a) your favourite fruit (c) your favourite person Q3 (b) your favourite meal (d) your favourite book (b) a brilliant person (d) sparkling personality
Yes, I suppose she was but she'd changed so. She was all skin and bone. (a) very thin (b) very mean (c) very fat (d) very poor
Q4
And I suppose you didn't panic and were as cool as a cucumber? (a) very bored (b) very calm (c) very rude (d) very stupid
Q5
Well I didn't have an axe to grind as far as she's concerned. (a) a straight reason for getting involved (c) a personal reason for getting involved (b) a clever reason for getting involved (d) a simple reason for getting involved
Q6
You mean there was no bad blood between the two of you? (a) no hostile feelings (c) no strange feelings (b) no interested feelings (d) no funny feelings
Q7
No, not really except she did get angry sometimes but her bark was worse than her bite. (a) not as stupid as she sounded (c) not as tall as she looked (b) not as dangerous as she seemed (d) not as clear as she appeared
Q8
Was she going anywhere or was she at a loose end? (a) doing nothing particular (c) doing lots of lazy things (b) doing something special (d) doing many casual things
Q9
Not really. Funny thing is I asked her out and she didn't bat an eyelid. What I want to know is whether I did the right thing. (a) didn't answer me (c) didn't help me (b) didn't look at me (d) didn't show any reaction
Q10 I can't help you there my friend. The ball is in your court. (a) You must look out (b) You must decide (c) You must try harder (d) You must accept
31
PHOTOCOPIABLE
27.
intermediate-15
Answers Index
Expressions with cold

Q1 The way he murdered his victims in a slow, painful way was really cold-blooded. (a) without feeling Q2 (b) without sense (c) without heat (d) without warmth
Whenever they met, she would always manage to cold shoulder him and turn the other way. (a) freeze (b) dampen (c) ignore (d) defeat
Q3
Unfortunately he breaks into a cold sweat when he sees her, can't think straight and doesn't know what to do. (a) shivers (b) turns cold (c) gets lost (d) panics
Q4
I'm afraid I'm getting cold feet about this scheme as I'm not sure it's such a good idea. (a) worried about (b) deals about (c) feelings about (d) thoughts about
Q5
All right he got some money for his troubles but not very much and really it was cold comfort to him. (a) little fuss (b) little peace (c) little consolation (d) little trust
Q6
It's difficult to describe him because he doesn't really say or do much he's what you might call a cold fish. (a) a suspicious person (b) an impassive person (c) a feeling person (d) a lazy person
Q7
Every day we get cold calls on the phone from total strangers trying to sell you something. (a) unfriendly calls (b) unusual calls (c) unfair calls (d) unwanted calls
Q8
You never really know where you are with her as she just blows hot and cold. (a) keeps talking (c) keeps changing her mood (b) keeps taking things (d) keeps testing
Q9
They refused to let her into their circle of friends and left her out in the cold. (a) all alone (b) without heat (c) all ready (d) all cold
Q10 You know he won't approve as he always pours cold water on any new ideas. (a) dislikes (b) detracts (c) deceives (d) disapproves of
32
PHOTOCOPIABLE
28.
intermediate-16
Answers Index
Way Idioms
Q1 By the way are you thinking of going on holiday? (a) Incidentally Q2 (b) However (c) Naturally (d) Nevertheless
If I'm in your way, I'll leave the room. (a) I'm confusing you (b) I'm trying you (c) I'm hindering you (d) I'm finding you
Q3
Every investor is really pleased because profits are way up this year. (a) have gone up some (c) have gone up moderately (b) have gone up gradually (d) have gone up hugely
Q4
As your house is on our way, we'll give you a lift home if you like. (a) on our trip (b) on our route (c) on our excursion (d) on our crossing
Q5
At the moment plans are under way and the work should be finished next year. (a) in progress (b) in the middle (c) in order (d) in control
Q6
We don't usually allow refunds but once in a way we agree. (a) often (b) directly (c) frequently (d) occasionally
Q7
The army commander was very concerned about his troops and would never allow them to be in harm's way. (a) in fights (b) in battle (c) in combat (d) in danger
Q8
You'll just have to make a decision. You can't have it both ways. (a) benefit by cancelling two vertical views (c) benefit by agreeing to two similar views (b) benefit by agreeing to two opposite views (d) benefit by agreeing to two average views
Q9
In view of the considerable opposition the members agreed to give way. (a) yield (b) sustain (c) suspect (d) volunteer
Q10 She left school and immediately started to make her own way without help from her family. (a) find her living (b) try her living (c) earn her living (d) hold her living
33
PHOTOCOPIABLE
29.
intermediate-17
Answers Index
Idioms with come

Q1 Come again? Sorry, I didn't hear what you said. (a) Return it to me (c) Can you repeat that Q2 (b) Speak louder, please (d) Can you come back
Your mom is going to come down hard on you if you don't clean your room now. (a) reprimand (b) reward (c) exonerate (d) assist
Q3
New evidence came to light at the end of the trial. (a) was hidden (b) was sheathed (c) was concealed (d) was revealed
Q4
Robert Koch was the first person to come up with a medicine to help in the treatment of Tuberculosis. (a) eradicate (b) discover (c) vindicate (d) reveal
Q5
My dream of having my own house has finally come true. (a) happened (b) become a fairy tale (c) surfaced (d) been revealed
Q6
A lot of people from the office I work at came down with the flu this past week. (a) spread (b) dominated (c) got sick with (d) got healed from
Q7
In the end, it all comes down to the fact that you don't really care about me. (a) intercedes to (b) interferes to (c) conspires to (d) is because of
Q8
When my boss asked me to come to his office this morning, little did I know I was coming in for some harsh comments. (a) going to go through (b) going to make (c) going to profess (d) going to interpret
Q9
I was turning into the left lane when a car came out of nowhere and hit me. (a) stopped right in front of me (c) spun over (b) suddenly appeared (d) fell off a truck
Q10 I need to come to terms with myself. (a) have a dialogue (c) stop disappointing (b) discuss (d) objectively and entirely confront and understand
34
PHOTOCOPIABLE
30.
intermediate-18
Answers Index
Common English Idioms

Q1 Tom told Andrea that giant turtles had escaped from the city zoo and were eating only left-handed people. It wasn't until she saw the smirk on his face that Andrea noticed he was just pulling her leg. (a) trying to hurt her (c) making fun of her Q2 (b) fooling her (d) trying to make her fall
Why should she stick her neck out for them? They never helped her with anything. (a) ask for money (b) stand up (c) take a big risk (d) lie
Q3
I am so mad at my boyfriend. We were supposed to have a date last night at the park but he stood me up. (a) didn't come (c) took me somewhere else (b) forgot (d) pretended he didn't know
Q4
It seems like something has been eating at John lately. He's just not the same person any more. (a) changing (c) confusing (b) challenging (d) bothering and upsetting
Q5
I have a feeling in my gut that one of the employees is giving information about his boss to another company. (a) strong fear (c) slight hint (b) really strong instinct (d) a lot of proof
Q6
Andrew and Ana have been dating each other for so long that I think it's about time they got hitched. (a) moved in together (c) got married (b) went on a honeymoon (d) met each other's parents
Q7
Bob's mom jumped down his throat when she saw his report card from school. (a) was thrilled with him (c) was angry with him (b) was annoyed with him (d) was happy for him
Q8
It turns me off when guys dont respect my boundaries. (a) makes me completely lose interest (c) makes me sorry (b) makes me angry (d) regrets me
Q9
Ever since Melanie won the Miss Universe Competition, her telephone has been ringing off the hook. (a) broken (c) ringing constantly (b) cut off (d) ringing every now and then
Q10 I think George and Lisa would make a great couple. We should try to hook them up. (a) separate them (c) make them buy one another presents (b) make them hug one another (d) get them together
35
PHOTOCOPIABLE
31.
intermediate-19
Answers Index
Idioms with Hand

Q1 We need to do something about it! This situation is getting out of hand! (a) too big Q2 (b) too organized (c) out of control (d) out of order
Now the grandparents have the children on their hands. (a) in their care (b) in trouble (c) spanked (d) to obey them
Q3
This last year, my company has made money hand over fist! (a) with a lot of struggle (c) poorly (b) at a huge rate (d) distribution
Q4
As soon as he laid his hands on all that money, he donated part of it to charitable institutions. (a) stole (b) scattered (c) released (d) took possession of
Q5
The beginning of a new generation of computer software is at hand. (a) imminent (c) current (b) remote (d) in someone's possession
Q6
Do we have enough people on hand to help us move our stuff into the house? (a) nearby (b) available (c) indisposed (d) confident
Q7
The FBI told the local police that their case was off their hands. The investigation was now a Federal matter. (a) lost by them (c) out of their jurisdiction (b) improvised by them (d) out of their control
Q8
Jane Williams is a very good investigative reporter, you've got to hand it to her. (a) give her credit (c) give a promotion to her (b) give a present to her (d) forgive her
Q9
Honey, can you hand me the car key, please? It's right next to you on the table. (a) take to me (b) make a copy of (c) give me (d) find me
Q10 Learning a foreign language goes hand in hand with International Business. (a) tossed from one hand to another (c) individually (b) in different directions (d) together
36
PHOTOCOPIABLE
32.
intermediate-20
Answers Index
English Idioms and Phrases

Q1 You have to raise your voice a little when talking to him. He's a little hard of hearing. (a) stubborn (c) deaf Q2 (b) quiet when he speaks (d) distracted
I went to a real nice restaurant yesterday. The food cost was cheap and they served a lot of food. I had to ask for a doggy bag because I couldn't eat the whole thing. (a) package to store left over food so the person can take it home (c) special order where you get smaller meal sizes (b) dog bowl so you can give the rest of the food to your dog (d) kid's meal
Q3
Fabian was a doormat. No wonder his classmates were always giving him a hard time. (a) snob (b) geek (c) coward (d) chubby boy
Q4
I invited a friend to go to a street market by my house where they served some real good Japanese food. My friend's mom wanted to pay for her daughter's meal, but I insisted on paying for both our meals myself, her mom finally said: Ok, as long as we go Dutch next time. (a) I pay for your meal (c) you let me drive you there (b) you take me with you (d) we divide the costs
Q5
So, is everything plain as a pikestaff? Oh, yes indeed sir! (a) clean (b) clear (c) messy (d) in position
Q6
We are having a pot-luck dinner at Tim's house tomorrow. Everybody is invited! (a) dinner where everybody brings something to eat (c) dinner where only soup is served (b) dinner where everybody chips in (d) dinner where people eat and play games at the same time
Q7
I need everybody's help. The wedding is tomorrow and we haven't even started with the decorations yet. We have no time to lose. (a) been procrastinating (c) extra time (b) to remember what time it is (d) to start right now
Q8
Just keep your wig on. Everything is going to be alright, okay? (a) hold your wig so it won't fall off (c) calm down (b) get another hair cut (d) throw a fit
Q9
Kyle was saved by the bell when his sister walked in and asked him to take her to ballet practice. (a) rescued from an unwanted situation (c) obligated to comply (b) detained from his duty (d) obliged to cooperate
Q10 I would stay away from that guy if I were you, he has a screw loose. (a) is dangerous (b) is annoying (c) is a flirt (d) is crazy
37
PHOTOCOPIABLE
33.
intermediate-21
Answers Index
Expressions with make

Q1 Everybody thought Jane and Elliot were a happy couple, but it was all just make believe. (a) modesty Q2 (b) pretending (c) reality (d) denial
I've been working hard for the last few months trying to make ends meet, but something I'm not even expecting always comes up and I have to pay for it. (a) make enough money to pay for expenses (c) meet my family's needs (b) survive (d) make good business
Q3
Man's first walk on the moon made history. (a) was forgotten (c) was unheard of (b) is only talked about in history books (d) was meaningful enough to influence history
Q4
You can make people's day just by telling them how important they are to you. (a) displease people (c) give people great pleasure (b) resent people (d) antipathize people
Q5
If I had a chance to go to Paris, I would make the most of it. (a) be satisfied with (c) go there as soon as possible (b) take great advantage of (d) drawback from
Q6
Charity made a scene at the club when she saw her boyfriend dancing with another girl. (a) played a role (b) had a fight (c) hid herself (d) acted like a fool
Q7
So, George... Have you made up your mind where you want to go for your internship? (a) decided (b) conjured up (c) told your mom (d) postponed
Q8
Now it makes sense to me why you moved out of that house. (a) I am intrigued (b) I understand (c) it frustrates me (d) it concerns
Q9
Ana finally made it. She is an excellent doctor. (a) failed (b) receded (c) succeeded (d) blew it
Q10 Mom, can you tell Todd to stop making fun of me? (a) mocking (b) lying to (c) flattering (d) flirting with
38
PHOTOCOPIABLE
34.
intermediate-22
Answers Index
Double Speak in Job Titles

Q1 The school custodian was the main suspect of the girl's disappearance. (a) principal Q2 (b) teacher (c) janitor (d) receptionist
Linda got a job as an executive assistant in a Law Firm. (a) a manager (b) a business partner (c) clerk (d) secretary
Q3
Celebrities are usually surrounded by their personal protection specialists. (a) fans (b) bodyguards (c) lawyers (d) reporters
Q4
George is in the food business now. He is an Executive Snack Route Consultant. (a) a restaurant cheff (c) a chief (b) a potato chip delivery truck driver (d) a waiter
Q5
I have always wanted to be an esthetician. (a) a hairdresser (b) a plastic surgeon (c) an artist (d) top model
Q6
My mom used to work at a hospital as a patient care assistant. (a) a psychologist (b) a social worker (c) a nurse (d) a general surgeon
Q7
Bob used to work as a media courier during school summer breaks when he was a kid, now he has his own newspaper. (a) a reporter from the school newspaper (c) a newspaper delivery boy (b) a newspaper seller boy (d) a television news announcer
Q8
Some places in New York have advertised on the newspaper they needed part-time career associate scanning professionals. (a) check-out clerks (b) door greeters (c) store supervisors (d) grocery baggers
Q9
The day before Carol's wedding, her bridesmaids went to see a nail technician. (a) a professional who designs fake nails (c) a person who sells nails (b) a specialist in nail diseases (d) a manicurist
Q10 The meteorologist said on TV that it is supposed to rain all day tomorrow. (a) astronomer (c) fortune teller (b) television weatherman (d) TV anchor
39
PHOTOCOPIABLE
35.
advanced-1
English Idioms and Expressions / Advanced level # 1
Answers Index
English Animal Idioms

Q1 There are times when you must decide and take the bull by the horns. (a) make the right decision (c) make a bold decision Q2 (b) make the wrong decision (d) make a final decision
He leads a dog's life really because his freedom is always curtailed. (a) never knows what to do (c) never goes out (b) sometimes does something wrong (d) never does what he wants
Q3
No-one ever mentions him because he's regarded as the black sheep of the family. (a) the one with a sense of humour (c) the one who is always late (b) the one with a bad reputation (d) the one who never washes
Q4
I shouldn't go outside without a raincoat because it's raining cats and dogs. (a) it's just started to rain (c) it's raining very heavily (b) it's going to rain (d) it's raining a little
Q5
You shouldn't sign there I think he's about to make a monkey out of you. (a) to make a fool of you (c) to make you feel stupid (b) to make you lose money (d) to make you lose interest
Q6
It's a lovely house and very big but nobody uses it so it's a bit of a white elephant. (a) something very beautiful and useful (c) something very cheap and useless (b) something very big and useful (d) something very expensive and useless
Q7
When the business folded, he took the lion's share of the assets. (a) the easiest part (b) the smallest part (c) the biggest part (d) the only part
Q8
Without my glasses I can't see where I'm going in fact I'm as blind as a bat. (a) very short sighted (b) very long sighted (c) very far sighted (d) very clear sighted
Q9
I get very irritated sometimes because they're always up with the lark and I like to lie in. (a) up very easily (b) up very early (c) up very often (d) up very noisily
Q10 I would advise you to do that as well and in that way you'll kill two birds with one stone. (a) get things done twice (c) get two things done at the same time (b) get something done two times (d) get two things done twice
40
PHOTOCOPIABLE
36.
advanced-2
Answers Index
Hands on
Q1 The opposition party dismissed the government's proposal out of hand. (a) without further consideration (c) without thinking Q2 (b) with some hesitation (d) with reluctance
Since she started work on the stock exchange she has been making money hand over fist. (a) in moderation (b) in large quantities (c) to a certain extent (d) to some extent
Q3
They have lost all their money and now lead a sort of hand to mouth existence. (a) impoverished (b) simplified (c) leisurely (d) indifferent
Q4
It's no good asking anybody in that shop to help you because they won't lift a finger. (a) show you the way (c) take your order (b) carry your goods (d) do anything at all for you
Q5
In the obituary about the millionaire all his enterprises were listed and it looked as if he had had a finger in every pie. (a) a control over many activities (c) an interference in many activities (b) an involvement in many activities (d) a belief in many activities
Q6
I've just bought a brand new car with all the latest gadgets and quite honestly it has cost me an arm and a leg. (a) a reasonable amount of money (c) a huge amount of money (b) a fair amount of money (d) a good deal of money
Q7
I don't want to have to twist your arm but I hope you realize that your refusal to comply could be harmful. (a) allow you to agree (b) force you to agree (c) beg you to agree (d) ask you to agree
Q8
Have a look at the benefits that the society can offer you and then you may feel like dipping your toe in the water. (a) deciding to try membership straightaway (c) deciding to try membership for a year (b) deciding to try membership quite soon (d) deciding to try membership for a trial
Q9
If you do join a political party then you are expected to toe the line on every occasion. (a) say what you like (c) follow your conscience (b) stick to the rules (d) speak your mind
Q10 I wouldn't say I never see eye to eye with my employers but sometimes they can make extraordinary demands. (a) totally side (b) totally work (c) totally agree (d) totally disagree
41
PHOTOCOPIABLE
37.
advanced-3
Answers Index
Lucky Alex
Q1 Alex had lost a lot of money and as a consequence was feeling down in the dumps. (a) lonely Q2 (b) miserable (c) uncomfortable (d) uneasy
He had given in to a longstanding weakness of his and pinned his hopes on the favourite winning the race. (a) made a wish about (c) made a promise (b) tried his luck with (d) put a lot of faith in
Q3
This horse in all honesty didn't have a snowball's chance in hell of winning. (a) a chance in a million (c) a chance of success (b) a chance worth taking (d) a chance of a lifetime
Q4
Alex said he had had a dream about the horse winning but most people regarded this story with a pinch of salt. (a) with enthusiasm (b) with caution (c) with care (d) with luck
Q5
What happened was that the stupid animal took fright halfway through the course and without batting an eyelid decided to go back to the start. (a) taking a chance (b) turning round (c) looking (d) worrying at all
Q6
As far as Alex was concerned this was the last straw and he vowed he would never risk money on a horse ever again. (a) the final decision (b) the final moment (c) the final disaster (d) the final occasion
Q7
The trouble was that he didn't have a bean not even enough to pay for the fare home. (a) didn't have a wallet (c) didn't have any change (b) didn't have a penny (d) didn't have a ticket
Q8
He decided he would swallow his pride and try and hitchhike. (a) take his medicine (c) not worry what people thought (b) take no interest in other people (d) forget about himself
Q9
Fortunately it wasn't long before he got a lift with an old man who had a heart of gold and gave him some money. (a) was very generous (b) was very wise (c) was very old (d) was very ill
Q10 He told him to invest it wisely, which Alex did. He bought a ticket for the lottery and his ship came home because he won the jackpot. (a) his mind changed (b) his opinion changed (c) his luck changed (d) his views changed
42
PHOTOCOPIABLE
38.
advanced-4
Answers Index
How Mary fell in love

Q1 Most people like to come home after work and put their feet up. (a) take their socks off (c) relax Q2 (b) take their shoes off (d) sit down
Mary was exactly the same as everybody else but this particular night she wanted to let her hair down. (a) wash her hair (c) really enjoy herself (b) comb her hair (d) really comb her hair
Q3
She put her favourite CD on and turned it up full blast. (a) to complete volume (b) to exact volume (c) to fine volume (d) to maximum volume
Q4
As soon as she had done that, all hell was let loose. (a) there was loud hum (c) there was a huge noise (b) there was sound of thunder (d) there was an enormous flame
Q5
Her next door neighbour soon got fed up to the back teeth with the noise. (a) grew hungry with (b) grew angry with (c) grew mad about (d) grew very tired of
Q6
He started hammering on the adjoining wall but Mary carried on regardless. (a) took little interest (c) took not the slightest notice (b) took some notice (d) took the most interest
Q7
In the end her neighbour decided to speak his mind. (a) say exactly what he thought (c) say a few words (b) have a chat (d) express a point of view
Q8
Although he had never met her, he was determined to read her the riot act. (a) tell her off (b) tell her a story (c) tell her straight (d) tell her the truth
Q9
Mary opened the door and as soon as they saw each other they fell head over heels in love with each other. (a) quickly (b) utterly (c) easily (d) slowly
Q10 A few months later they decided to knock down the adjoining wall and now everything in the garden is lovely. (a) the flowers are growing (c) everything is growing (b) everything is perfect (d) everything is flowering
43
PHOTOCOPIABLE
39.
advanced-5
Answers Index
Call it a day
Q1 I take my hat off to all those people who worked hard to get the contract. (a) respect Q2 (b) encourage (c) congratulate (d) welcome
Some of you worked on until the small hours to make it a successful project. (a) it was dark outside (c) it was late in the evening (b) it was early in the morning (d) it was late in the day
Q3
I'm sure sometimes you all wanted to call it a day and go home. (a) stop work (b) start work (c) continue working (d) do it later
Q4
The important thing is that as soon as you saw the advantages, you got your teeth stuck into it. (a) started to eat (c) got very interested in (b) wanted to swallow (d) wanted to digest
Q5
I'm also very proud of the way you stuck to your guns. (a) wouldn't go away (b) wouldn't give up (c) wouldn't shoot (d) wouldn't fire
Q6
There are times in life when it's very important to keep your chin up. (a) be smart (b) be careful (c) be brave (d) be cheerful
Q7
There are of course those who very easily throw in the towel. (a) give up (b) give into (c) give over (d) give out
Q8
We can best describe someone like that as a person who is weak-kneed. (a) having no resolution (c) having no ideas (b) having no support (d) having no legs
Q9
It only remains for me to express my admiration for all those of you who stayed at your posts. (a) waited for your letters (c) remained loyal (b) kept your letters (d) stayed waiting
Q10 I must not forget either all those very important people, without whom none of us could operate, who work behind the scenes. (a) in the dark (b) at the back (c) in the evenings (d) in the background
44
PHOTOCOPIABLE
40.
advanced-6
Answers Index
Live up to
Q1 Frank was an old soldier and lived through many wars. (a) seen Q2 (b) tasted (c) enjoyed (d) experienced
He had joined the army as a young man because he wanted to live it up a bit. (a) see the world (c) have a good time (b) experience the discipline (d) learn new skills
Q3
He wanted excitement and travel and the army lived up to its reputation. (a) came up to (b) came near to (c) went near (d) went beyond
Q4
He certainly travelled and there was plenty of excitement, which made it possible for him to live out his dream. (a) show (b) find (c) follow (d) name
Q5
He also managed to live off his pay without any problems. (a) put up with (b) exist easily on (c) just get by on (d) take care of
Q6
He lived on the simple food provided by the army. (a) ate only (b) digested (c) consumed (d) just managed
Q7
For some years he lived in because he liked to be among his comrades. (a) stayed in bed (b) stayed in barracks (c) stayed indoors (d) stayed behind
Q8
He never really enjoyed living out. (a) staying in other accommodation (c) staying alone (b) staying away from home (d) waiting outside
Q9
He never did anything wrong and so he didn't have to live down any bad reputation. (a) make others remember (c) make others recall (b) make others forget (d) make others listen
Q10 He lived out his final days in a small cottage overlooking the barracks. (a) numbered (b) endured (c) counted (d) ended
45
PHOTOCOPIABLE
41.
advanced-7
Answers Index
English Grammar Prepositions

Q1 What are you up to? (a) trying now Q2 What are you into? (a) capable of Q3 I'm off on Monday. (a) having a holiday Q4 (b) having an extra day (c) having a long day (d) having a short day (b) proud of (c) familiar with (d) interested in (b) doing now (c) achieving now (d) starting now
Are you in on the latest developments? (a) kept informed about (b) kept attached to (c) kept told about (d) kept written to
Q5
You're on next. (a) It's your opportunity (c) It's your time (b) It's your moment (d) It's your turn
Q6
Are you in on Tuesdays? (a) at home (b) in touch (c) in the house (d) in the area
Q7
I'm certainly up for it. (a) willing to try (b) ready to take (c) wanting a chance (d) keen to go
Q8
You should know that I'm all for it. (a) completely taken with (c) in complete agreement with (b) wholly interested in (d) in complete satisfaction with
Q9
I'm through with that company. (a) completed with (b) finished with (c) tired of (d) sick of
Q10 I'm after a new car. (a) searching for (b) looking for (c) aiming for (d) trying for
46
PHOTOCOPIABLE
42.
advanced-8
Answers Index
From Shakespeare originally

Q1 When he heard that he had lost his job, it was cold comfort to learn that he could keep his car. (a) a lot of help Q2 (b) some help (c) a little help (d) little help
The selection of candidates was done in a hit or miss manner so that nobody knew why they were chosen. (a) friendly (b) happy (c) easy (d) casual
Q3
She had got herself in a pickle by trying to please everyone at the same time. (a) into confusion (b) into trouble (c) into difficulties (d) into problems
Q4
I'm afraid that my poor old car has finally breathed its last. (a) stopped working (b) stopped trying (c) stopped flying (d) stopped turning
Q5
You're living in a fool's paradise if you think they're going to pay you for nothing. (a) under an illusion (b) under a dream (c) under a cloud (d) under a delusion
Q6
It was a total mystery as apparently there was neither rhyme nor reason why he did it. (a) no logical reason (c) no particular reason (b) no real reason (d) no special reason
Q7
There is clearly a sea change in the way people now look at crime today. (a) a little change (b) a huge change (c) a fine change (d) a small change
Q8
They looked everywhere for the lost passport but it seems to have vanished into thin air. (a) disappeared slowly (c) disappeared completely (b) disappeared gradually (d) disappeared quickly
Q9
When it comes to a crisis, Charles is a tower of strength. (a) very tall (b) very reliable (c) very strong (d) very trusting
Q10 Whenever he has been treated badly, he always demands his pound of flesh. (a) total recompense (b) total satisfaction (c) total agreement (d) total acceptance
47
PHOTOCOPIABLE
43.
advanced-9
Answers Index
Water Expressions
Q1 Charlie's in hot water again, he forgot to lock up last night. (a) in the bath Q2 (b) very wet (c) in the shower (d) in trouble
Forget it, that's water under the bridge now. (a) best forgotten (b) best learnt (c) best understood (d) best remembered
Q3
That's always the trouble if she doesn't like it, she simply throws cold water on it. (a) washes it completely (c) cleans it completely (b) discourages it completely (d) drowns it completely
Q4
You must realize the gravity of the situation because you are in deep water now. (a) an embarrassing situation (c) a serious situation (b) a stupid situation (d) a strange situation
Q5
He is like a fish out of water whenever he goes to a party. (a) feels uncomfortable (b) feels dry (c) feels thirsty (d) feels silly
Q6
Don't ever lend him money, he spends it like water. (a) very slowly (b) very often (c) very freely (d) very carefully
Q7
We think in the present circumstances the best policy is to tread water for a while. (a) take sudden steps (c) take little action (b) take quick decisions (d) take firm action
Q8
My original plan has been so watered down that I don't recognize it now. (a) reduced in importance (c) made more fluid (b) increased in size (d) made much clearer
Q9
Your ideas are usually sound but this one won't hold water, I'm afraid. (a) float (b) be practical (c) stay up (d) sink
Q10 He'll be all right soon because any criticism is usually like water off a duck's back to him. (a) of no importance (b) of some importance (c) of great importance (d) of such importance
48
PHOTOCOPIABLE
44.
advanced-10
Answers Index
Cats, Dogs and Ducks

Q1 You will be in a very difficult situation now that he's let the cat out of the bag. (a) told a story Q2 (b) let the animal go (c) revealed the truth (d) told a lie
If I were you, I would not raise the subject again and my best advice is to let sleeping dogs lie. (a) leave the dogs alone (c) not say any more (b) not touch the dogs (d) keep away from the dogs
Q3
Remember if you go into that meeting without being prepared with some answers, you will simply be a sitting duck. (a) a bird with no wings (c) a steady aim (b) a ready target (d) a sick animal
Q4
I'm afraid he didn't take my advice and they made him look a complete fool because he was unrepared and he ended up a dead duck. (a) a person with no feelings (c) a person with no future (b) a person with no problems (d) a person with no ideas
Q5
Mind you as I have said many times before I don't know how he's lasted so long in the job because he's always been the lame duck in the team. (a) the lazy person (c) the slow person (b) the inefficient person (d) the wrong person
Q6
The older generation always maintains that in their day things were better and nowadays the country is going to the dogs. (a) is having a good time (c) is losing its standards (b) is becoming lazy (d) is becoming weaker
Q7
If you're unsure about which way the cat is going to jump, I suggest you hang on for a bit longer. (a) how much it will cost (c) how you can succeed (b) when your turn comes (d) what will happen next
Q8
There is no need to apologize about your remarks as I can assure you it's like water off a duck's back to me. (a) of some concern (b) of a little concern (c) of little concern (d) of less concern
Q9
Once more he is in the doghouse but I couldn't possibly tell you why. (a) out of the way (b) out of favour (c) out of order (d) out of trouble
Q10 As so many people are coming to a party at their house, they're running around preparing food like scalded cats. (a) in a nervous state (c) in a hurried state (b) in a delighted state (d) in a hilarious state
49
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45.
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Answers Index
Losing It
Q1 The one thing a public figure hates is when he loses face in front of all his admirers. (a) loses good looks Q2 (b) loses photos (c) loses respect (d) loses expressions
At the crucial moment the climber lost her nerve and had to be brought down the mountain. (a) became excited (b) became concerned (c) became scared (d) became upset
Q3
The latest opinion polls show that the government is losing ground to the opposition party. (a) losing its time (c) losing its votes (b) losing its opinion (d) losing its advantage
Q4
There was a time when everybody would believe her totally but after this episode I'm afraid she's losing her touch. (a) losing her skill (b) losing her mind (c) losing her contact (d) losing her friends
Q5
Under the new pay agreement many employees feel that they are losing out on allowances. (a) at a deficit (b) at a disadvantage (c) at a problem (d) at a difficulty
Q6
I'm afraid that kind of humour is totally lost on him so you'll have to explain it more simply. (a) without effect (b) without reason (c) without sense (d) without impression
Q7
After only a few weeks as a teacher of very badly behaved children she realized she was losing her grip. (a) losing her point (b) losing her purpose (c) losing her control (d) losing her feelings
Q8
He suddenly started shouting and screaming and people could plainly see that he had lost his cool. (a) become angry (b) become rude (c) become stupid (d) become loud
Q9
I've tried very hard indeed to understand your argument step by step but I must confess I've now lost the thread. (a) I now can't follow the answer (c) I now can't follow the reason (b) I now can't follow the point (d) I now can't follow the reasoning
Q10 After the traffic accident she lost her head and drove the car into a brick wall. (a) behaved strangely (b) behaved foolishly (c) behaved oddly (d) behaved quietly
50
PHOTOCOPIABLE
46.
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Answers Index
Splitting Hairs
Q1 We told him to keep his hair on because he was getting angrier and angrier. (a) to stand still Q2 (b) to remain calm (c) to speak quietly (d) to sit down
I can't really explain it but the moment she walks into the room and asks me a question she gets in my hair. (a) pulls my hair (b) terrifies me (c) criticizes me (d) irritates me
Q3
Now that he's passed his exams and got his qualifications he's decided to let his hair down. (a) behave informally (b) behave noisily (c) behave easily (d) behave fully
Q4
When I opened the door and saw this white figure in front of me, it really made my hair stand on end. (a) upset me (b) disappointed me (c) terrified me (d) surprised me
Q5
After the boss had given her the sack, she just walked out of the office without turning a hair. (a) showing some feeling (c) showing a little feeling (b) showing no feeling at all (d) showing a lot of feeling
Q6
Quite frankly you're splitting hairs. Does it matter whether it's the past simple or the perfect tense? (a) arguing about small points (c) aruing about grammar (b) arguing about tenses (d) arguing about grammatical points
Q7
I saw him last November and since then I have seen neither hide nor hair of him. (a) seen little of him (c) not seen him at all (b) seen him once or twice (d) not seen much of him
Q8
Don't worry if she doesn't say much because she says she's having a bad hair day. (a) she's experiencing a lot of problems (c) she's doing too much (b) she's discovering horrible things (d) she's been eating too much
Q9
I was really scared when I saw him because he was tearing his hair out about the new management decision. (a) extremely excited (b) extremely worried (c) extremely angry (d) extremely depressed
Q10 They were very lucky they didn't get themselves killed because they came within a hair's breadth of falling down the mountain. (a) very near to (b) very nearer to (c) very nearly to (d) very next to
51
PHOTOCOPIABLE
47.
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Answers Index
Squeaky Clean
Q1 The auditors made a thorough check on all aspects of the company and decided to give it a clean bill of health. (a) confirm it was satisfactory (c) believe it was clean Q2 (b) decide it was hygienic (d) agree it was organized
Now that all the problems have been sorted out he is able to go back to work with a clean slate. (a) making no more mess (c) making a fresh start (b) making things clean (d) making things up
Q3
After a great deal of questioning he decided to come clean and tell the truth. (a) agree (b) decide (c) admit (d) confess
Q4
The enquiry into allegations of fraud against the minister proved in the end that her hands were clean. (a) she was willing (b) she was busy (c) she was innocent (d) she was careful
Q5
With the appointment of a new director it was decided to make a clean sweep and create a new board of governors. (a) remove all obstacles (c) remove all symbols (b) remove all chairs (d) remove all problems
Q6
Some of the members of the board are under some suspicion but he is regarded as Mr Clean. (a) well mannered (b) trustworthy (c) punctual (d) tidy
Q7
I was taken to the cleaners well and truly last week: I saw the same computer for sale today at half the price I paid. (a) lost some money (b) lost a lot of money (c) lost too much money (d) lost more money
Q8
We tried to catch the thief who'd snatched the handbag but he showed us a clean pair of heels. (a) lost his shoes (b) fell over his shoes (c) ran away quickly (d) picked up his shoes
Q9
At the end of a lengthy police investigation he emerged as squeaky clean. (a) totally clean (b) totally free (c) totally tired (d) totally innocent
Q10 After several hours of cleaning the children had made the kitchen clean as a whistle before their parents came home. (a) spotless (b) pure (c) tidy (d) neat
52
PHOTOCOPIABLE
48.
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Answers Index
Word of Mouth
Q1 I give you my word it will never happen again. (a) say Q2 (b) speak (c) promise (d) agree
She had to eat her words when it turned out that she had chosen the wrong horse in the race. (a) admit she was hungry (c) admit she was sorry (b) admit she was thirsty (d) admit she was wrong
Q3
They had words last night so be prepared for miserable faces this morning. (a) fought (b) shouted (c) quarrelled (d) screamed
Q4
You can always rely on that company because they keep their word whatever happens. (a) do what they like (b) do what they say (c) say what they do (d) do what they want
Q5
They spend very little on advertising and tend to get new work through word of mouth. (a) recommendation (b) gossip (c) hearsay (d) sayings
Q6
You can see that he's deeply in love with her because he hangs on her every word. (a) listens silently to everything she says (c) listens quickly to everything she says (b) listens eagerly to everything she says (d) listens quietly to everything she says
Q7
From the word go we could tell at the interview she was the ideal candidate for the job. (a) Quickly (b) Suddenly (c) Straightaway (d) Clearly
Q8
Remember as soon as you feel able to continue with walk, say the word. (a) let me know (b) let me hear (c) let me go (d) let me tell
Q9
I can only repeat that I want you to wait until Tuesday before you tell her, remember mum's the word. (a) don't tell mum (c) don't say anything (b) don't speak aloud (d) don't answer anything
Q10 I couldn't agree with you more, to be honest you've taken the words out of my mouth. (a) said what I wanted to hear (c) said what I wanted to know (b) said what I wanted to say (d) said what I wanted to learn
53
PHOTOCOPIABLE
49.
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Answers Index
Expressions and idioms with thin

Q1 He worries too much about his appearance and now he says he's going thin on top. (a) going crazy Q2 (b) going mad (c) going bald (d) going deaf
She lost her job last year and since then she's been having a thin time of it. (a) finding it difficult without friends (c) finding it difficult without support (b) finding it difficult without help (d) finding it difficult without money
Q3
He really must start eating properly because at the moment he's as thin as a rake. (a) very thin (b) very tired (c) very sleepy (d) very light
Q4
If you know of a good plumber, let me know as they're a bit thin on the ground around here. (a) difficult to see (b) difficult to find (c) difficult to know (d) difficult to pay
Q5
Although he only asked me to lend him EUR 5, I could see this was the thin end of the wedge. (a) start of something financial (c) start of something worse (b) start of something easy (d) start of something difficult
Q6
Since we put that advertisement in the local newspapers, replies have been coming in thick and fast. (a) quickly in large numbers (c) quickly in small numbers (b) slowly in small numbers (d) slowly in large numbers
Q7
You'll be lucky if you get more than two words out of him because I'm afraid he's as thick as two short planks. (a) very quiet (b) very slow (c) very wooden (d) very stupid
Q8
They've settled their argument at long last and now they're as thick as thieves. (a) very clever (b) very friendly (c) very careful (d) very cautious
Q9
In view of the way she behaved I thought it was a bit thick when she asked him to apologize to her. (a) more than I could wish (c) more than I could stand (b) more than I could believe (d) more than I could follow
Q10 There are certain members in the party who will stand by their leader through thick and thin. (a) whatever the times (c) whatever the day (b) whatever the climate (d) whatever the difficulties
54
PHOTOCOPIABLE
50.
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Answers Index
Expressions with Top

Q1 He's always worried about his appearance and now he's concerned because he's going thin on top. (a) losing his hair (c) losing his popularity Q2 (b) losing his memory (d) losing his strength
When the accident happened, all he could think about was attracting attention and he started calling out at the top of his voice. (a) as quickly as possible (c) as clearly as possible (b) as freely as possible (d) as loudly as possible
Q3
Off the top of my head I would say it's going to cost more than twice what you have budgeted for. (a) At a careful calculation (c) At a near calculation (b) At a simple calculation (d) At a rough calculation
Q4
It's certainly not difficult to see who's top dog around here theses days. (a) the most arrogant person (c) the most important person (b) the most popular person (d) the most unusual person
Q5
Since she won the lottery last week she's been feeling on top of the world. (a) very proud (b) very happy (c) very excited (d) very wealthy
Q6
Many politicians like to impress the votes but a few of them go over the top sometimes in their speeches. (a) exaggerate (b) irritate (c) antagonize (d) magnify
Q7
For the first time in ages I actually slept like a top last night. (a) very quickly (b) very slowly (c) very often (d) very soundly
Q8
Students usually take on paid employment during the vacation to top up their grants. (a) stay with (b) keep to (c) add to (d) get to
Q9
Her mother was very snobbish and didn't like the idea of her daughter marrying someone who was not out of the top drawer. (a) of great wealth (c) of considerable education (b) of high social standing (d) of great intellectual ability
Q10 It had been a terrible day for him and when he learned finally that he had lost his job, he simply blew his top. (a) lost his temper (b) lost his nerve (c) lost his courage (d) lost his respect
55
PHOTOCOPIABLE
51.
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Answers Index
Down to Earth
Q1 Poor Charlie has been down in the dumps since he learned that he's lost his job. (a) miserable Q2 (b) angry (c) furious (d) uneasy
I think we've had our fun and now it's time we got down to the idea of earning some money. (a) began slowly to consider (c) began seriously to consider (b) began easily to consider (d) began frankly to consider
Q3
As soon as they heard the news that one of their fellow workers had been given the sack, they all downed tools. (a) went home (b) stopped working (c) stopped talking (d) worked slowly
Q4
She always talks down to me as if I'm not worth consideration. (a) speaks softly (c) speaks condescendingly (b) speaks quickly (d) speaks continuously
Q5
In contrast to her husband she's a very down-to-earth sort of person who manages to control his wild ideas. (a) cynical (b) boring (c) clever (d) practical
Q6
He's certainly picked himself up since we last saw him when he was clearly down-at-heel. (a) loudly dressed (b) shabbily dressed (c) strangely dressed (d) oddly dressed
Q7
I invested all my money in that failed company and now I find my whole investment has gone down the drain. (a) has been overtaken (b) has been confirmed (c) has been wasted (d) has been confused
Q8
You can use special symbols in your emails if you want to show you're down in the mouth. (a) decided (b) definite (c) deflated (d) depressed
Q9
Let's put it like this you made the decision and so it's down to you as to what happens next. (a) your responsibility (b) your concern (c) your turn (d) your thought
Q10 They've had enough of the bad climate and high taxes here and have gone to live down under. (a) in America (b) in China (c) in Australia (d) in India
56
PHOTOCOPIABLE
52.
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Answers Index
Expressions with low

Q1 If you like, I can give you a summary and the low-down when we next meet. (a) information Q2 (b) history (c) numbers (d) account
It's the fashion now to write the first letter of your name not in capitals but in lower case. (a) tidy letters (b) tiny letters (c) small letters (d) few letters
Q3
She's usually very fit and healthy and that's why we were surprised to learn she was laid low. (a) tired (b) serious (c) unhappy (d) unwell
Q4
On account of his unpopularity the politician decided to lie low for a few weeks. (a) keep out of the shops (c) keep out of the rain (b) keep away from the public (d) keep out of the show
Q5
In the 19th century in big houses the people who lived below stairs were the servants. (a) under the floor (b) at the bottom (c) in the basement (d) under the stairs
Q6
From the critical comments the journalist was making, it was clear he had a low opinion of the country's leader. (a) didn't talk much about (c) didn't hear much from (b) didn't see much of (d) didn't think much of
Q7
We knew that he was dishonest but we didn't imagine he would sink so low as to steal from his own family. (a) behave so disgracefully (c) behave so clearly (b) behave so stupidly (d) behave so fully
Q8
We wanted to cheer you up as we'd heard you were feeling a bit low. (a) rather angry (b) rather depressed (c) rather uneasy (d) rather strange
Q9
I recommend you take out your loan now to take advantage of the low interest rate. (a) reduced (b) quick (c) special (d) fixed
Q10 If you invest in the financial markets you must expect the lows as well as the highs in the income. (a) benefits (b) stages (c) decreases (d) changes
57
PHOTOCOPIABLE
53.
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Answers Index
Hot expressions
Q1 They just sit around, discuss nothing in particular and just produce a lot of hot air. (a) dry heat Q2 (b) funny remarks (c) empty talk (d) simple facts
As soon as they heard the news, they didn't hesitate and drove hotfoot to the hospital. (a) very quickly (b) on horseback (c) in a sports car (d) by taxi
Q3
He can never wait for the next issue of his favourite magazine and likes to get a copy that's hot off the press. (a) nice and clean (b) not cold (c) smells good (d) just printed
Q4
I'm not quite sure how to handle the problem at the moment as it's not easy to explain a sort of hot potato. (a) strange situation (b) delicate situation (c) grand situation (d) big situation
Q5
Whenever there was a hot spot that needed covering, the paper always sent their most experienced reporter. (a) warm zone (b) sunny zone (c) foreign zone (d) war zone
Q6
He'd only been in his new job three days when he found himself in hot water for something he'd done wrong. (a) in danger (b) in security (c) in trouble (d) in force
Q7
Have you seen that long queue outside the supermarket? Whatever they're selling is going like hot cakes. (a) selling very slowly (c) selling very strangely (b) selling very often (d) selling very well
Q8
In order to provide training for the staff in the department everyone had to do a turn in the hot seat. (a) experience responsibility (c) experience hard work (b) experience pleasure (d) experience boredom
Q9
I thought he was going to burst with anger because he was getting very hot under the collar. (a) very silly (b) very happy (c) very angry (d) very loud
Q10 The one thing you mustn't do is be late because the boss is very hot on punctuality. (a) strict about (b) funny about (c) worried about (d) good about
58
PHOTOCOPIABLE
54.
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Answers Index
Comparisons with as .... as

Q1 After a good night's sleep she woke feeling as fresh as a daisy. (a) quiet and still Q2 (b) bright and cheerful (c) nice and clean (d) sure and confident
It was a serious operation but he made a complete recovery and was soon as fit as a fiddle. (a) in careful health (b) in easy health (c) in quiet health (d) in good health
Q3
When she left school, she found she could do what she liked and be as free as air. (a) totally free (b) quite free (c) almost free (d) somewhat free
Q4
Suddenly the car leant to one side and when he got out, he saw there was no air in one tyre that was as flat as a pancake. (a) a little flat (b) completely flat (c) slightly flat (d) practically flat
Q5
The baby sitter had no problem with the children because they were as good as gold the whole evening. (a) very quiet (b) well spoken (c) well behaved (d) very clean
Q6
He wanted to make sure that his car looked good and so he made sure it was as clean as a whistle before he sold it. (a) spotty (b) spotted (c) spotting (d) spotless
Q7
The one thing you could be sure of was that he would not behave in a normal way he was in fact as daft as a brush. (a) completely swept (b) completely mad (c) completely brushed (d) completely strange
Q8
We really didn't expect to see him at all that night but then suddenly he appeared as large as life. (a) looking big (b) looking fat (c) in person (d) in fact
Q9
You could always rely on her because in any situation she stayed as steady as a rock. (a) totally dependable (b) totally still (c) totally motionless (d) totally stiff
Q10 As he was as strong as a horse, he was able to lift the carriage up and let the trapped man out. (a) very agile (b) very strong (c) very short (d) very small
59
PHOTOCOPIABLE
55.
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Answers Index

Q1 Their big ambition in life was to choose the right moment to sell their shares ad then make a killing. (a) take it easy Q2 (b) make plans (c) make a lot of money (d) make schemes
They've tried hard to increase their profits in the business but so far are making little headway. (a) not really progressing (c) not really processing (b) not really proceeding (d) not really professing
Q3
The shock was so great it made your hair stand up on end. (a) consoled you (b) controlled you (c) freed you (d) frightened you
Q4
I reckon when they sold that lovely big house it must have made them a mint. (a) provided them with a huge bucket of money (c) provided them with a huge box of money (b) provided them with a huge sum of money (d) provided them with a huge tin of money
Q5
Ignore his comments it's not really that bad, he's simply making a mountain out of a molehill. (a) exercising (b) energizing (c) exaggerating (d) entertaining
Q6
We've lost a lot of money and have little income and so we're finding it difficult to make ends meet. (a) examine (b) contribute (c) convene (d) survive
Q7
I'll make no bones about it and tell you exactly what I think. (a) come straight to the point (c) come straight to the road (b) come straight to the end (d) come straight to the angle
Q8
It seems a sound project with potential and so I advise you to make a pitch for it. (a) make a suggestion for it (c) make an offer for it (b) make an idea for it (d) make a throw for it
Q9
If I were you, I would stop worrying about it and simply make hay while you can. (a) have humour (b) have fun (c) have comic (d) have sense
Q10 Don't take too much notice of what he's saying, he's just making waves. (a) making a fuss (b) making a noise (c) making a sound (d) making a story
60
PHOTOCOPIABLE
56.
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Answers Index
Egg expressions
Q1 I'm pretty certain but perhaps I wouldn't go as far as saying I'm as sure as eggs is eggs. (a) fairly sure Q2 (b) quite sure (c) reasonably sure (d) absolutely sure
I know you didn't exactly push him into accepting the offer but you must admit you did egg him on. (a) did force him (b) did enable him (c) did encourage him (d) did send him
Q3
You've always stood by him in all his bad habits but underneath I think he's a bad egg. (a) smelly person (b) worthless person (c) difficult person (d) stupid person
Q4
First he agreed and then he disagreed. The result was he ended up with egg on his face. (a) looking foolish (b) looking serious (c) looking dirty (d) looking old
Q5
You've got to learn to diversify and not put all your eggs in one basket. (a) to have lots of ideas (c) to rely on just one scheme (b) to overload your basket (d) to carry too many things
Q6
She wasn't really successful in her first stage play. In fact you could say she laid an egg. (a) she made a good impression (c) she fell over on stage (b) she forgot her lines (d) she gave an embarrassing performance
Q7
It was a bit like teaching his grandmother to suck eggs when the young director was showing the veteran actress how to act. (a) teaching someone who was more experienced than he (c) teaching someone who was more stupid than he (b) teaching someone who was younger than he (d) teaching someone who was more willing than he
Q8
They told her to put some money aside each month so she would have a little nest egg. (a) a special account (b) a savings account (c) a full account (d) a money account
Q9
We all advised him to make sure he got payment and didn't take eggs for money. (a) accept just a note for money (c) accept just a promise of money (b) accept just a business card for money (d) just a handshake for money
Q10 You'll need all your tact in this situation and you'll have to tread on eggs. (a) be very quiet (b) be very sensitive (c) be very sleepy (d) be very athletic
61
PHOTOCOPIABLE
57.
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Answers Index
Idioms with prepositions

Q1 It's a far cry from those days long ago when you could leave your front door unlocked. (a) a long shout away Q2 (b) a long time since (c) a long way before (d) a long time before
I wish you would stop talking and hear me out. (a) let me go across (c) let me carry on listening (b) let me listen to you (d) let me finish speaking
Q3
There's no saying you couldn't pass your exam if you really tried. (a) There's a possibility (c) It's not impossible (b) It's not possible (d) It's impossible
Q4
We haven't seen him for ages but he turns up once in a blue moon. (a) very rarely (b) sometimes (c) occasionally (d) frequently
Q5
It's like hitting your head against a brick wall trying to get him to see sense because he takes no notice. (a) very painful (b) almost impossible (c) almost damaging (d) very hurtful
Q6
He's got it into his head that we think he's stupid but we really don't. (a) He seriously contemplates (c) He seriously wonders (b) He seriously ponders (d) He seriously believes
Q7
We thought it would all go off very well but in the end it turned out to be a damp squib. (a) wet thing (b) failure (c) lot of rain (d) complaint
Q8
I know you're keen but I don't want you to jump the gun. Just relax. (a) fire the bullet (b) shoot the target (c) start too soon (d) shoot too soon
Q9
Count to ten before you say anything and don't blow your top. (a) eat too quickly (b) speak too quickly (c) lose your way (d) lose your temper
Q10 It's like talking to a brick wall because you never get an answer from her. (a) there's nobody there (c) there's a lot there (b) there's something there (d) there's anything there
62
PHOTOCOPIABLE
58.
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Answers Index
Idioms with phrasal verbs

Q1 You certainly couldn't call him modest because he's always blowing his own trumpet. (a) saying how fit he is (c) saying how clever he is Q2 (b) saying how healthy he is (d) saying how tall he is
You can always rely on him to throw a spanner in the works and suddenly everything stops. (a) make things go wrong (c) make things go quickly (b) make things go slowly (d) make things go right
Q3
He tried and tried and tried but in the end he decided the time had come to throw in the towel. (a) stop running (b) stop looking (c) stop laughing (d) stop trying
Q4
My advice is to stop worrying about it and put your best foot forward. (a) make a step (b) make an effort (c) make a start (d) make a try
Q5
We've had a lovely time and walked a long way but I think it's time to call it a day. (a) halt (b) cease (c) stop (d) end
Q6
I just can't open this tin at all and I always find this type of container a pain in the neck. (a) really annoying (b) really rough (c) really crude (d) really strong
Q7
To be honest he leads a dog's life because he works all the time and has no friends. (a) a lazy life (b) a miserable life (c) an eager life (d) a long life
Q8
The one thing you can be sure of is that whatever the situation she'll put her foot in it and embarrass everyone. (a) commit a fast blunder (c) commit a social blunder (b) commit an easy blunder (d) commit a sociable blunder
Q9
That sort of joke never makes people laugh and on this occasion it went down like a lead balloon. (a) very quickly (b) very soundly (c) very noisily (d) very badly
Q10 Before the meeting officially starts I'd like to flag up one or two points. (a) finish (b) mention (c) tell (d) say
63
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Answers Index
Mark Idioms
Q1 He's not really doing anything serious at the moment because he's just marking time until he finds a proper job. (a) waiting for the right start (c) waiting for the right opportunity Q2 (b) waiting for the easy life (d) waiting for the easy start
You mark my words you do as I say and you'll be all right. (a) attend me carefully (c) understand me carefully (b) listen to me carefully (d) follow me carefully
Q3
The dancers were marked down in the competition because the man fell over half way through. (a) lost marks (b) failed marks (c) took marks (d) caught marks
Q4
There wasn't much time to waste and in order to secure a place, you had to be quick off the mark. (a) ready in the queue (c) be first in the queue (b) aware in the queue (d) be along in the queue
Q5
When you look back over her lifetime you can see that she will have made her mark. (a) be seen (b) be remembered (c) be noted (d) be told
Q6
From an early age he was marked out to become leader of his party. (a) created (b) fostered (c) treated (d) destined
Q7
They were very fussy about their products and any item not up to the mark was discarded. (a) of a fair standard (c) of a high standard (b) of a reasonable standard (d) of a hard standard
Q8
Take no notice of what he said because his comments are beside the mark. (a) irrelevant (b) disregarding (c) distasteful (d) disturbing
Q9
As they were very slow off the mark, they missed some of the good bargains. (a) not sure on time (b) not clear on time (c) not fine on time (d) not ready on time
Q10 Pay attention. The race is about to begin. On your marks, get ready, start. (a) Try prepared (b) Act prepared (c) Be prepared (d) Go prepared
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Retail Sales Expressions

Q1 I went to BuyLots and bought a computer on hire purchase. (a) payment in cash Q2 (b) discount payment (c) payment plan (d) price increase
The best time to go shopping in the USA is the day after Thanksgiving, because all stores mark down their prices. (a) reduce (b) boost (c) raise (d) hike
Q3
Nowadays, lots of people purchase products over the Internet. (a) sell (b) give away (c) buy (d) ship
Q4
It's really important to keep a receipt of the products you buy in case you need to return or exchange them. (a) record (b) proof of purchase (c) profit (d) coupon
Q5
When I first moved to the USA and didn't have a bank account, I used money orders to pay my rent. (a) order of payment issued by a bank (c) personal check (b) dollar bills (d) debit card
Q6
Thanks for buying at Build-a-Monster, your product will be shipped in 1 to 2 business days. Have a nice day! (a) received (b) withdrawn (c) purchased (d) mailed
Q7
My son would love to have a Buzz Lightmonth toy for his birthday. Do you have any at your store? Sorry, ma'am. They are out of stock. (a) bankrupt (b) broken (c) not available (d) stacked
Q8
Excuse me, sir. I would like my money back on these shoes, please. They don't fit me. Sorry, ma'am. We can't do that. (a) a forfeit (b) a reimburse (c) a fine (d) a retain
Q9
Melinda bought a Plasma TV with a one year warranty. (a) guarantee (b) invalidation (c) vintage (d) release
Q10 Mr. Thompson only buys things that are in a sale. (a) uneconomical (b) priceless (c) inexpensive (d) overpriced
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American Slang Words (1)

Q1 I feel really good about this class. I'm going to ace the exam tomorrow. (a) fail Q2 (b) do well or excel in (c) play cards during
His mom was really bent out of shape because he got home late last night. (a) angry (b) happy (c) physically unhealthy
Q3
Johnny has a really big mouth. You can't tell him anything or the whole world will know about it. (a) talkative nature and doesn't keep secrets well (c) large smile (b) big appetite
Q4
Our manager made a big stink about the slight decrease in sales last month. (a) large party (b) big fuss (c) big meal
Q5
Richard received a large inheritance last year but he blew all of his money on silly things and now he's broke. (a) spent all of his money (b) ripped all of his money (c) saved all of his money
Q6
Kathy was ready to blow a fuse when she found out someone stole her patent idea. (a) blow out a candle (b) go to the fuse box (c) lose her temper
Q7
The college students went out to a club last night and got bombed because the school year ended. (a) got drunk (b) went to sleep (c) got up early
Q8
The class went bonkers as soon as the teacher left the room. (a) acted in a wild, crazy manner (c) went to work (b) went to sleep
Q9
Christie fell down and got a boo-boo on her arm so she cried until her mother picked her up. (a) milk bottle (b) bruise (c) large, deep cut
Q10 If Randy doesn't get with it, he'll fail the entire school year. (a) become aware of his situation (c) anger his professors (b) get together with his friends soon
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Q1 Lauren moved to Los Angeles to become an actress. Now, she's working as a waitress and waiting for a lucky break. (a) a broken limb (c) a great opportunity to further her career Q2 I don't have any money on me. Can I borrow a buck? (a) female deer Q3 (b) male duck (c) dollar (b) an inheritance settlement
Rowan is really depressed about the break-up. She always looks so bummed. (a) sad and apathetic (b) happy (c) furious
Q4
Jeff really wanted to play at the basketball game last night but his coach benched him for bad behavior this past week. (a) forced him to clean the benches (c) forced him to be a cheerleader (b) forced him to sit and watch the game
Q5
I can't wait for our vacation next month. I'm going to sit on the beach to catch some rays. (a) go for a swim (b) get a drink (c) get a suntan
Q6
I'm so tired. I'm going home to catch some z's. I'll call you tomorrow. (a) get a suntan (b) get some money (c) get some sleep
Q7
He'll never go for that. It's too expensive and he's so chintzy. (a) stingy (b) showy (c) depressed
Q8
We went to the Grand Buffet this past weekend. They have really good food and I can't wait to chow down. (a) eat a lot (b) spend a lot (c) drive fast
Q9
Don't let him con you. He's only using you because he wants you to give him some money. (a) swindle or manipulate (b) teach (c) humor
Q10 Dean has turned into such a coach potato. He sits in front of the TV all night long. (a) a lazy person (b) an active person (c) a funny person
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Q1 Why don't you crackthat bottle of wine so we can start celebrating your promotion. (a) smash that bottle Q2 (b) open that bottle (c) buy that bottle
Sally had poor study habits so she had to cram for her chemistry exam. (a) cheat (c) study in a relaxed fashion (b) study really hard in a short period of time
Q3
Tanya's job is really cushy. She gets a lot of time off and doesn't work very hard at all. (a) good with great benefits (b) difficult and stressful (c) laborious
Q4
Notre Dame is going to cream the other team because they're strong and well-organized this year. (a) lose to (b) defeat (c) tie
Q5
The food was so good. Now, can you ask for the bill so we can see what the damage is? (a) cost of the meal (c) cost of dessert (b) cost of damaging the property
Q6
I don't want to come to this club ever again. It's always dead. (a) too busy and there's no room to sit down (c) gloomy but exciting (b) boring and there aren't many patrons
Q7
Don't worry. Her husband will pay for the meal. He has deep pockets. (a) no money (b) long trousers or pants (c) a lot of money
Q8
That movie was really dirty. I don't think the kids should watch it. (a) sexually explicit (c) unclean with many untidy scenes (b) violent
Q9
Karen ditched her little sister so we could go to the year-end party. (a) got rid of (b) brought along (c) got drunk with
Q10 I don't want to hang out with Tom anymore. He's become a real drag. (a) boring and negative person (c) funny person (b) exciting and positive person
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Q1 Christine got an earful when she got home last night. Her parents lectured her about breaking curfews for more than an hour. (a) an outpour of anger and complaints (c) a talk about ears Q2 (b) a talk about her ear infection medicine
Normally, drug addicts need a fix in order to cope with their day once they are addicted to a particular drug. (a) dose of something they strongly crave (c) chip (b) thing that is easily repaired
Q3
People say Lana is really flaky so she can't handle important projects at work. (a) unconventional and odd (b) responsible (c) dishonest
Q4
When he saw the giant wheel at the fair, he instantly had a flashback reminiscent of his childhood. (a) radio (c) song (b) memory of a past incident
Q5
My husband and I want to go watch that new flick. We heard it's pretty good. (a) movie/film (b) new restaurant (c) video game
Q6
Laura flipped out when she heard about the tornado that hit her hometown. (a) got really upset (b) fell down (c) bent over backwards
Q7
Some people say that my teacher is a foxy lady. (a) cunning (b) red-haired (c) physically attractive
Q8
That vacation package to Puerto Vallarta was a freebie when I bought the cruise line vacation package that starts out in Fort Lauderdale. (a) a bonus received without cost/charge (c) a discounted pair of shoes (b) an object we throw to each other at the park
Q9
The computer system we use at work has a glitch in it so we couldn't do any of our work today. The technician will be in tomorrow to fix it for us. (a) traffic signal (b) minor malfunction (c) small rip or tear
Q10 Carmen told me the joke three times but I still didn't get it. She has a very different sense of humor. (a) understood the joke (c) told the joke (b) didn't understand the joke
69
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Answers Index

Q1 I got into art and writing when I was a child. (a) was highly interested in Q2 (b) avoided (c) stole
Sharon went bananas when she found out that she won a large shopping spree. (a) was depressed (b) was overly excited (c) was sensitive
Q3
Jim thinks Las Vegas hotels are pretty glitzy. (a) colorful (b) extravagant and showy (c) dull and boring
Q4
Karrie went to bat for her co-worker last week. Now, her boss wants to fire both of them. (a) went to a great show (b) went to a lively game (c) showed active support
Q5
Laura got a big promotion last month and now the whole thing has gone to her head. (a) given her a migraine headache (c) physically made her head larger (b) made her conceited and overconfident
Q6
After the tragic accident, Tyler went to pieces. (a) was emotionally shattered (c) went to see his family (b) moved to a rural area
Q7
I really goofed up at work this week. Now, I have to work overtime, without pay, to fix it. (a) made a careless and silly mistake (c) made a lot of friends (b) made a lot of money
Q8
Simon is notorious for goofing off at work. (a) doing a great job (c) being idle and wasting time (b) working overtime
Q9
Tim just spent thirty grand on a new car last week. (a) thousand dollars (b) dollars (c) cents
Q10 Our boss told Kevin to use his gourd to solve the problem. (a) use his garden (b) arts and crafts (c) use his brain
70
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Q1 A lot of students at the high school across the street smoke grass during lunch hour. (a) smoke cigarettes Q2 (b) smoke marijuana (c) smoke cigars
Cathy is really happy at her new job. It's pure gravy. (a) a really frustrating place (c) lucrative and easy (b) a job with great cafeteria gravy
Q3
I don't want that sandwich. It looks gross. (a) disgusting (b) expensive (c) really delicious
Q4
Where should we go for some good grub? (a) drinks (b) food (c) insects
Q5
You've been very lazy this past semester. Now, you have to really pull your socks up if you want to graduate in June. (a) work hard (b) wear nice clothes (c) be nice to the teachers
Q6
My roommate usually looks pretty grubby when she goes out. (a) unclean and sloppy (b) neat and boring (c) fashionable
Q7
It takes a lot of guts to stand up for what you believe in; especially when your opinion is not a popular one. (a) happiness (b) courage (c) stamina
Q8
I don't like your jacket. It looks a little grungy. (a) fashionable (b) dirty (c) dated
Q9
That road was really hairy. We should take another route next time. (a) scenic (b) boring (c) dangerous
Q10 We have to sit down and hammer out an agreement before the end of the week. (a) possibly work on (b) quickly work out (c) pay for
71
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Q1 Due to her nervous breakdown last year, Maggie has decided to hang up her nursing career. (a) quit Q2 (b) continue (c) begin
Can you hang on please? I have to switch phones. (a) hold this phone in your hands (c) wait a moment (b) hang up
Q3
I like your friend. I got a really good vibe from her. (a) dance routine (b) recipe (c) feeling
Q4
The neighbors across the street seem like they have it all together. (a) are mentally unstable (b) are rich and snobby (c) are financially stable
Q5
Your new project was a hit at the meeting on Friday. (a) a success (b) a funny routine (c) a silly proposal
Q6
Oh, you don't know. He is history because he was always late for work. (a) was a great teacher (b) was fired (c) was unhealthy
Q7
Those kids look high. I think they were smoking pot earlier. (a) intoxicated on drugs or alcohol (c) depressed (b) confident
Q8
The gang members holed up for nearly three weeks because they are wanted on three counts of armed robbery. (a) dug a hole (b) bought extra ammunition (c) hid
Q9
I don't know what to say. You'll have to speak with the head honcho about that. (a) boss (b) secretary (c) gangster
Q10 In order to succeed in the stock market, you have to be hungry and business savvy. (a) famished (c) poor (b) eager and highly motivated
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Q1 Lisa has a very hyper son and she meets with his teacher a lot. (a) overly active Q2 (b) overly jealous (c) overzealous
You really have to hustle if you want to meet the deadline. (a) work at a steady pace (c) slow down and take your time (b) work hard and fast
Q3
Those colors are really in right now. A lot of people are using those shades in their homes. (a) boring (b) stylish (c) neutral
Q4
She wears too much makeup and very revealing clothing. She looks like a hooker at times. (a) humble person (b) prostitute (c) business woman
Q5
She's hot. A lot of guys at school like her. (a) furious (b) serious (c) very attractive
Q6
She's a very intense person. I think she needs to relax more. (a) serious (b) angry (c) funny
Q7
Don really got himself into a jam this time. He needs help. (a) problematic situation (b) band (c) business
Q8
Isaac hung around with the wrong crowd and I'm afraid for him because he's in too deep now. (a) in the deep end of the pool (c) seriously and deeply involved (b) underground
Q9
In the past, people used to jerk me around more. Nowadays, I put my foot down a lot more. (a) physically pull me around (c) shout at me (b) cause problems for me
Q10 Some of the girls at school like the jocks. (a) athletic guys (b) funny guys (c) smart guys
73
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Answers Index

Q1 I've had to go for an hour. Where's the john? (a) cafeteria Q2 (b) hotel (c) bathroom
Kyle is in a lot of trouble. He's a junkie and was caught stealing money last week. (a) drug addict (b) untidy person (c) junk collector
Q3
He just started his new job so he's still pretty green. (a) funny (b) naive (c) strong
Q4
I know you're nervous but you have to keep your cool right now. (a) stay out of the sun (b) stay calm (c) get a cold drink
Q5
I get a kick out my little nephew. He's a cute and funny little guy. (a) enjoy (b) don't like (c) get annoyed with
Q6
Sandra is always falling and hurting herself. She's such a klutz. (a) irritating person (b) enjoyable person (c) clumsy person
Q7
This exotic meal is really good so don't knock it until you try it. (a) don't judge or criticize (c) don't give it away (b) don't throw it in the garbage
Q8
Emma was really skinny as a child but now she's a knockout. (a) comedian (b) boxer (c) very attractive person
Q9
John's classmate continually teased him until John gave him a knuckle sandwich in the fourth grade. (a) a bologna sandwich (b) a punch in the face (c) a chicken sandwich
Q10 I don't like to walk around after dusk because of the kooks that seem to emerge at that time. (a) weird people (b) coyotes (c) nice people
74
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70.
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Answers Index

Q1 I really like my brother-in-law because he's so laid-back. (a) sleepy Q2 (b) active (c) relaxed and calm
That story Greg told us is pretty lame. He's always late and he has a million excuses for his behavior. (a) great (b) inadequate (c) hurtful
Q3
Some men use a lot of lines to pick up girls at night clubs. (a) persuasive and complementary words (c) money (b) dance moves
Q4
Sophie exercises every day but she still can't get rid of those love handles. (a) rolls of fat around her stomach (c) suitors (b) rolls and donuts for breakfast
Q5
Whenever Tom begins a new job, he keeps to himself, at first, because he doesn't want to make any waves. (a) cause property damage (b) cause any problems (c) make any food
Q6
Bette plays a mean game of hockey. She's in the female league and is the top-scorer. (a) highly-skilled (b) overly aggressive (c) weak
Q7
When Steven sold the rights to his unique and useful product, he made megabucks. (a) a lot of deer (b) a lot of money (c) a small amount of money
Q8
Last month, Tim and Sherri maxed-out their credit cards because he was laid-off earlier this year. (a) reached the credit limits of (c) cut up (b) paid off
Q9
Beth needs to mellow out or she'll have a heart attack soon. (a) relax more (b) eat more (c) be more active
Q10 At work, a meltdown has taken place between the management and the workers. (a) an ice cream break (c) communication breakdown or collapse (b) a strong relationship
75
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Q1 My boss gave me a lot of mickey mouse work to do recently. I wish he would challenge me more. (a) silly and not useful Q2 (b) cartoon (c) fun
Ted is going to make a move on Sandra at the party next week. (a) try to seduce (b) make a business move for (c) speak to
Q3
That movie we saw last night was pretty mushy. Did you like it? (a) very emotional and tender (c) violent (b) stupid
Q4
I think that dresser is pretty neat. I wish I could build something like that. (a) big (b) old (c) good
Q5
There are a lot of negatives about the new management team. (a) good things (c) film and developing costs (b) bad things
Q6
I'll leave the frozen dinner out for you and then you can nuke it when you get home. (a) heat it in the microwave (b) heat it in the oven (c) toast it
Q7
Most of my colleagues in the office think that Sarah is nuts. (a) a good person (b) crazy and unstable (c) crazy about squirrels
Q8
Can you pick me up after work? Sure, it's no sweat. (a) really a big problem (b) no problem (c) really expensive
Q9
I love your new pad. The location is great as well. (a) home (b) park (c) store
Q10 My new worker means well but sometimes he can be a pain in the neck. (a) hurtful (b) annoying (c) pleasant
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Q1 Tom is a party animal so he throws a lot of parties at his house. (a) loves to party and have a good time (c) doesn't like people Q2 (b) loves animals
Simon tried to seduce Nicole but she told him to get his paws off of her. (a) lips (b) feet (c) hands
Q3
Josephine works long hours for peanuts. She's going to ask for a raise soon. (a) a lot of money (b) not a lot of money (c) food
Q4
Rowan was completely pickled at the party on Friday. (a) sour (b) drunk (c) depressed
Q5
I'm not worried about the exam next week. It's going to be a piece of cake. (a) easy (b) difficult (c) fun
Q6
Laura's mother told her not to make a pig of herself at the dinner party this coming weekend. (a) to eat too much (b) to laugh too much (c) to talk too much
Q7
I'm starving. Let's get some pizza and pig out tonight. (a) drink a lot of alcohol (b) eat a lot of food (c) smoke cigarettes
Q8
We've been driving for a long time so we need to make a pit stop soon. (a) stop and go to the bathroom (c) clean the car (b) change the tires
Q9
Mathew usually drinks a lot and this weekend was no exception. He was plastered! (a) tired (b) sad (c) intoxicated
Q10 We've been working too hard lately. I'm pooped! (a) very happy (b) very excited (c) very tired
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Q1 Joanne wanted to pop her co-worker because of the insulting comments she made. (a) criticize Q2 (b) hug (c) hit
You paid last time. Dinner is on me this time. (a) is free because I want to pay for it (c) was filling and I don't feel well (b) is expensive so I want you to pay for it
Q3
I'm going to recommend my cousin for the legal advice you need. He's a real pro and he'll give you the information you need. (a) amateur (b) professional (c) lawyer
Q4
Are you psyched up about your role in the play on the weekend? We've been rehearsing for months and I can't believe the big night is almost here. (a) mentally prepared for (b) feeling sad about (c) happy about
Q5
Our boss lost it recently. He threatened to kill his family and now he's awaiting his trial in jail. (a) had a mental breakdown (b) misplaced his money (c) behaved well
Q6
She behaved very badly on the weekend. In fact, I think she's psycho and needs medical attention. (a) mentally ill (b) emotionally sound (c) physically ill
Q7
I'm not feeling well. I think I have food poisoning and I feel like I'm going to puke. (a) fall down (b) sleep (c) vomit
Q8
Well, I had a great time tonight but I think I'm going to push-off now. (a) leave (b) have a drink (c) stay a while
Q9
Tim's subordinate is very disruptive at meetings so it's hard to tell who the quarterback is most days. (a) football player (b) lead or boss (c) secretary
Q10 Sean needs to make a quick buck this month because he doesn't have enough money to cover his rent check. (a) easy money (b) an agreement (c) an effort
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Q1 The teenagers next door make a lot of racket when their parents are out of town. (a) play a lot of tennis Q2 (b) eat a lot of food (c) make a lot of noise
I'm so tired. I have to rack out for a while. (a) sleep (b) drink some coffee (c) eat something
Q3
Let's meet on Friday. We need to rap about some things. (a) talk (b) learn (c) decide
Q4
You've been living in that rat hole forever. When are you going to move into a nicer place? (a) old and run down home (b) small house (c) apartment
Q5
At work, there are some raw employees who think they can just do whatever they want. (a) natural (b) new (c) seasoned
Q6
Our supervisor reamed him out on Monday because his work is not acceptable. (a) yelled at him (b) smiled at him (c) told him to go home
Q7
The bank is threatening to repo Liam's car because he's late on his payments. (a) refund (b) repossess (c) redesign
Q8
That sitcom is a riot. My whole family watches it on Thursday evenings. (a) very funny (b) very serious (c) very violent
Q9
I really dislike road hogs. They think they own the road. (a) people who aren't courteous and take up much of the roadway (c) people who walk their dogs on roadways (b) people who don't like roadways
Q10 Can I have a scotch on the rocks please? (a) in a tall glass (b) with soda (c) with ice
79
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Q1 Kevin and his family have had a rough time since the recent stock market crash. (a) easy time Q2 (b) hard time (c) a lot to do
My professor lost his hair and now he wears a rug. (a) wig (b) coat (c) hat
Q3
There are a lot of rug rats in our neighborhood. (a) rodents (b) cats (c) children
Q4
My baby sister rules the house. She's so spoiled! (a) dominates (b) cleans (c) occupies
Q5
We renovated our entire house and now we've run out of gas so the outdoor patio area will have to wait until we recover. (a) lost our momentum (b) lost our money (c) lost our car
Q6
I've been working all day so I'm going to hit the sack early tonight. (a) church (b) pack (c) sleep
Q7
Most pyramid schemes seem like big scams to me. (a) deceptive acts (b) honest acts (c) worthy acts
Q8
The little boy was so hungry that he scarfed down his food in about twenty seconds. (a) quickly ate (b) stored (c) slowly ate
Q9
Some young people think they can screw around at work and get paid for it. They are in for a big surprise. (a) waste time (b) use tools (c) work hard
Q10 Tom's boss warned him that if he screws up one more time, he's going to fire him for good. (a) wastes time (c) doesn't get along with his co-workers (b) makes a mistake
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Q1 Ken is a very sharp guy. He learns things very quickly. (a) mean Q2 (b) intelligent (c) funny
I didn't succeed the first time but I'm willing to give it another shot. (a) try (b) look (c) purchase
Q3
My boss quickly shot down the idea I suggested at the meeting. He didn't even consider it for a moment. (a) agreed with (b) bought (c) disagreed with
Q4
The armed robbers were quickly apprehended and then thrown in the slammer. (a) prison (b) cold (c) work camp
Q5
Heather was smashed at last year's Christmas party. Everyone is wondering if she'll do it again this year. (a) intoxicated (b) happy (c) depressed
Q6
A loud noise spooked the horse and it quickly started galloping down the path. (a) stampeded (b) frightened (c) shot
Q7
My husband loves to eat spuds. He could eat them all day long. (a) tomatoes (b) potatoes (c) apples
Q8
I'm not impressed with the progress. The whole process stinks. (a) is disgusting (b) smells bad (c) is good
Q9
When the officer arrested the young boy, he asked him for a straight answer. (a) correct (b) honest (c) regular
Q10 My new job is really stressing me out. I think I'm going to look for a new one as soon as possible. (a) upsetting me (b) emphasizing teamwork (c) enlightening
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Q1 I don't like my boss. I want to tell him to take a hike. (a) walk around a park Q2 (b) go jogging (c) leave
I feel like such a sucker. An acquaintance talked me into a pyramid scheme and I lost all of my savings. (a) gullible person (b) generous person (c) smart person
Q3
When Tim was on vacation, he was taken for a lot of money at a hotel casino. He'll never learn. (a) stole (b) lost (c) made
Q4
I've been at the office a lot lately. I'm just taking care of business. (a) having a good time (b) doing what I have to do (c) starting a new business
Q5
Marcel just bought some new threads at that trendy store downtown. (a) sewing material (b) sewing thread (c) clothes
Q6
I got into an accident on the weekend and my car was totaled. (a) damaged beyond repair (b) salvageable (c) slightly damaged
Q7
We went to a flea market and everything was up for grabs at good prices. (a) stolen (b) taken (c) available
Q8
I'm so tired of renovating. I just want to veg out tonight. (a) do nothing and relax (b) eat vegetables (c) drink some tea
Q9
I got a really good vibe from that guy. Let's call him again. (a) dance routine (b) compact disk (c) feeling
Q10 Why do you always carry that wad around when everyone else uses debit cards these days? (a) bundle of money (b) big piece of chewing gum (c) backpack
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Q1 The gang leader told his followers to waste their rivals on the weekend. They are all wanted criminals now. (a) kill Q2 (b) compete against (c) drink alcohol with
Do you think I could borrow your wheels? I have an important appointment this afternoon. (a) tires (b) keys (c) car
Q3
My cousin is a computer whiz. He maintains my system for me. (a) wizard (b) repairman (c) salesman
Q4
I have to drink some coffee so I can get wired before the big exam. (a) am crazy (b) am intoxicated (c) be very alert
Q5
Oh, stop being such a wuss. The bridge isn't even that high. (a) show-off (b) wimp (c) boaster
Q6
My niece said her food was yukky. (a) bad (b) good (c) salty
Q7
I can't do one more thing right now. I'm spent. (a) broke (b) exhausted (c) hungry
Q8
Who's up for some pizza? (a) Who wants (b) Who bought (c) Who made
Q9
The door is in good shape. But, it does have a nick in the lower left corner. (a) large hole (b) small scratch or dent (c) huge defect
Q10 Nukes are very dangerous weapons. They could destroy mankind for good. (a) Microwaves (b) Nuclear weapons (c) Machine guns
83
PHOTOCOPIABLE
79.
advanced-45
Answers Index
Clothing Idioms (1)

Q1 That little boy has ants in his pants. (a) washed his clothes Q2 (b) plays in the dirt (c) cannot sit still
My teacher told me to buckle down this term. (a) wear a seatbelt (b) put a lot of effort into (c) sit down
Q3
Bruce's last comment hit below the belt. (a) was unfair and cowardly (b) was unfashionable (c) was cheerful and fair
Q4
At the meeting on Friday, the assistant manager made a silly, off-the-cuff comment. (a) angry and hurtful (c) unprepared and spontaneous (b) intelligent and well thought out
Q5
I think her new boyfriend is a wolf in sheep's clothing. (a) a person who wears animal skins (c) pretending to be dangerous (b) pretending to be nice but is really dangerous
Q6
Bill's wife is mutton dressed as lamb. (a) dresses too young for her age (c) dresses in a very casual manner (b) dresses too old for her age
Q7
Aurora was dressed to kill this weekend. (a) wore her worst clothes (b) wore out-of-date clothes (c) wore her best clothes
Q8
This information is very important. Keep it under your hat. (a) Don't tell anyone (c) Write it down and put it into a hat (b) Tell everyone
Q9
Many people don't want their dirty linen aired in public. (a) to have their dirty clothes drying on a clothes line (c) to speak in public (b) to have their private affairs talked about in public
Q10 Sierra's dress fits her like a glove. (a) fits her very well (b) is too big (c) is too short
84
PHOTOCOPIABLE
80.
advanced-46
Answers Index
Clothing Idioms (2)

Q1 The new nightclub was bursting at the seams this past weekend. (a) caught fire Q2 (b) was very busy (c) collapsed
Joseph went to Reno and lost his shirt last month. (a) lost his favorite shirt (b) lost his mind (c) lost all of his money
Q3
Kevin is always broke because money burns a hole in his pockets. (a) he spends his money quickly (c) he gives all of his money to charity (b) he has holes in his pockets
Q4
Keep your shirt on! I'm going to tell you everything. (a) Don't take your clothes off (c) Don't sell your clothes (b) Don't lose your temper
Q5
Jeff just lost his job. I wouldn't want to be in his shoes right now. (a) to be in his position (b) to take his shoes (c) to go for a walk
Q6
However, when I asked him about his situation he told me not to worry because he has a card up his sleeve. (a) he has a poker game tonight (c) he has reserve plans that he stored and are available for future use (b) he has future gambling plans
Q7
Well, it's time to roll up our sleeves! (a) work hard (b) wash our clothes (c) eat
Q8
After all these years, Teresa still hasn't seen her husband in his birthday suit. (a) in a three piece suit (b) in his good Sunday suit (c) naked
Q9
Tara wears the pants in her household. (a) is the boss (b) washes the clothes (c) doesn't like dresses
Q10 Will told his friend to zip it up or else! (a) keep a secret strictly confidential (c) drive faster (b) put his coat on
85
PHOTOCOPIABLE
81.
advanced-47
Answers Index
House/Building Idioms (1)

Q1 The news about the tragic terrorist acts hit us like a ton of bricks. (a) didn't really affect us much (c) physically fell on our heads Q2 (b) strongly affected us
My wife got really mad at me on the weekend and now I'm in the doghouse. (a) living with the dog (b) in prison (c) in trouble
Q3
My mother left for Europe on Friday. She asked me to hold the fort while she's away. (a) be the temporary manager (b) build a house (c) leave the house
Q4
I don't like that joke. It hit a little too close to home. (a) was closely related to my inner feelings (c) was stupid (b) was very mean
Q5
I always tell my friend to make herself at home when she comes over. (a) act like my home is her home (c) build herself a house (b) clean my house
Q6
The restaurant owner was so happy and he announced that all drinks were on the house. (a) should be served outside (c) were free and paid for by the owner/restaurant (b) should be served warm
Q7
The comedian was really funny. He brought the house down on the weekend. (a) received a lot of applause and praise (c) tore down the old theater in order to build a new one (b) got fired
Q8
Our neighbors talk about everyone but they don't realize that if you live in a glass house, you shouldn't throw stones. (a) you shouldn't judge others when you do the same things they do (c) you shouldn't throw rocks at anyone (b) you shouldn't build a glass house because it is too delicate
Q9
When his father came home and saw the mess, he hit the roof and grounded his son for one month. (a) was somewhat disasppointed (c) punched the ceiling (b) was enraged
Q10 Megan doesn't like her run-of-the-mill job. (a) regular or ordinary (b) difficult or challenging (c) pulp mill
86
PHOTOCOPIABLE
82.
advanced-48
Answers Index
Food Idioms
Q1 I knew when Sandra told the lie that she would be eating her words later. (a) talking in the cafeteria (c) hungry Q2 Everyone knows that our math teacher is out to lunch. (a) behaves in a crazy manner (c) is not here because he's having lunch Q3 (b) went to have lunch early (b) admitting to her untrue claims
Jonathon asks for too much at work. He really wants to have his cake and wants to eat it too. (a) eat cake at work (c) have extra privileges at work without giving up anything in return (b) throw parties at work
Q4
Is it time for our coffee break? (a) work meeting (b) short break from work (c) workshop
Q5
I love to sit around and chew the fat with old friends. (a) eat fast food (b) eat slowly (c) talk or chat
Q6
Nancy was forced to eat humble pie when the manager caught her in a lie. (a) admit her mistake and humbly apologize (c) eat alone (b) eat bad tasting pie
Q7
The new girl is always sucking up to the boss. Last week, she bought his son a new pair of designer shoes. (a) suggesting new ideas (c) speaking her mind (b) trying to gain favor by being really nice
Q8
Lilly is so skinny but she eats like a horse. (a) has a large appetite (c) eats horse meat (b) has no manners when she eats
Q9
Whenever Taylor invites a girl out to dinner, they go Dutch. He likes it that way. (a) share Dutch food (c) share the bill (b) talk about the Dutch culture
Q10 Sally made her famous chocolate chip cookies from scratch. (a) using prepared dough from a box (c) without the use of sugar or any other sweeteners (b) without using prepared ingredients of any kind
87
PHOTOCOPIABLE
ANSWER
KEYS
Index
English Idioms and Expressions

(Answer Keys)
88
PHOTOCOPIABLE
1.
elementary-1
English Idioms and Expressions / Elementary level # 1 (Answer Keys)
Questions Index
Adding Up
A1 I cannot understand why she did that, it really doesn't make sense. answer: (c) doesn't make sense A2 All the students got high marks in the test but Mary got the most marks of all. answer: (d) got the most marks of all A3 He has sold his house and has no job and so now he has almost no money. answer: (b) he has almost no money A4 As a newspaper reporter she always wanted to get information directly. answer: (d) directly A5 I think we can safely say now that we have got our money back, we are have been successful. answer: (c) have been successful A6 He is the man who owns all the land and is the important man around here. answer: (c) the important man A7 She never stops talking about herself and is is very conceited. answer: (d) is very conceited A8 You will not slip over because the floor is totally dry. answer: (c) totally dry A9 He kept saying he didn't do it but finally he said he had done it. answer: (b) finally A10 I know you are very sorry that you broke the pot but things do occur. answer: (b) things do occur
89
PHOTOCOPIABLE
2.
elementary-2
Questions Index
Take it in
A1 I'm sorry I didn't understand what he said. answer: (c) understand A2 I hope she passes her exams next week. answer: (a) passes A3 What time do you get out of bed in the morning? answer: (d) get out of bed A4 When you stop work, you can start playing golf. answer: (b) start playing A5 Don't do too much because you're very tired. answer: (d) do too much A6 When does your plane leave the ground? answer: (a) leave the ground A7 As a student she has just enough money to live simply. answer: (b) live simply A8 I don't know who wrote this note because I can't read the signature. answer: (c) read A9 We don't have enough money for a car so we use instead bicycles. answer: (b) use instead A10 What time do you reach home after work? answer: (c) reach home
90
PHOTOCOPIABLE
3.
elementary-3
Questions Index
Take it easy
A1 I just want to stay at home and watch television and relax. answer: (d) relax A2 May I smoke in here? answer: (a) May I A3 Can you cook well? answer: (c) Can you cook well A4 When do you clean the dishes? answer: (a) clean the dishes A5 She never talks in a loud voice to her children. answer: (c) talks in a loud voice to A6 We're very tired of the bad weather. answer: (a) very tired of A7 Don't forget to write to me when you're away. answer: (c) write to me A8 She had never visited Paris before. answer: (d) visited A9 I'm afraid he has made a mistake. answer: (d) made a mistake A10 When you come to the crossroads, you go to the left. answer: (b) go to the left
91
PHOTOCOPIABLE
4.
elementary-4
Questions Index
For Good
A1 You'll never see your money again because I'm afraid he's gone permanently. answer: (b) permanently A2 You've no need to worry I promise you they'll arrive on Thursday definitely. answer: (d) definitely A3 They're very generous in that museum not only is the entrance fee reasonable but they give you a brochure at no cost. answer: (a) at no cost A4 Well, to begin with I honestly think we should work out what all this work is going to cost. answer: (c) to begin with A5 As you're a friend of mine, I won't charge you much in fact I'll do it at no charge. answer: (d) at no charge A6 I know it didn't look like that but the truth is they only did it as a joke. answer: (a) as a joke A7 I do recommend you take out an insurance policy on the house to stop you worrying. answer: (b) to stop you worrying A8 No wonder she's very happy, she's just been given promotion. answer: (c) very happy A9 They decided to move away from the city to the countryside thinking about the children. answer: (d) thinking about A10 The battleships were all waiting in the harbour prepared for war. answer: (a) prepared for war
92
PHOTOCOPIABLE
5.
elementary-5
Questions Index
In Control
A1 They tried without success to save enough money to buy a house and so finally they rented one. answer: (c) without success A2 If you are at all unsure about the offer, please give me a ring. answer: (a) at all unsure A3 The children knew full well they were unsafe skating because they had read the notice about the thin ice. answer: (d) unsafe A4 Considering they are over 70 years old, you must admit they are fit. answer: (a) fit A5 Thanks to her regular workouts and sensible diet she certainly strikes me as in good health. answer: (b) in good health A6 I'm sorry to say that the boss is going to reprimand him over being late for work so many times. answer: (a) the boss is going to reprimand him A7 What I really visualize is a garden where there is very little to look after throughout the year. answer: (c) visualize A8 Although Romeo and Juliet loved each other very much, they still managed to kill themselves. answer: (b) loved each other very much A9 I think you can stop worrying now because it's quite clear she's in control of the situation. answer: (a) in control A10 Eventually when you've got used to the idea, you'll be pleased you did it. answer: (d) Eventually
93
PHOTOCOPIABLE
6.
elementary-6
Questions Index
Out of Control
A1 If you don't tell the children the difference between right and wrong, they will soon be badly behaved. answer: (b) badly behaved A2 If you think I'm going to parachute out of a plane for fun, you must be mad. answer: (a) mad A3 Wait till they're unable to see, and then I'll show you what I'm buying them for Christmas. answer: (d) unable to see A4 I'm very sorry but you're unlucky because we sold the last one about twenty minutes ago. answer: (b) unlucky A5 Wait until they're unable to hear, then I tell you exactly what happened to them when they were on holiday. answer: (b) unable to hear A6 You have a limited number of minutes to answer the test and you've spent 3 minutes so you've used up your time. answer: (a) you've used up your time A7 I'm afraid I'm not feeling too well at the moment because I've only walked a little way and I can't breathe easily already. answer: (d) I can't breathe easily A8 There's a big notice up there which unfortunately we didn't see because it said keep out. answer: (b) keep out A9 I'm sorry to tell you that I can do nothing more for you because the situation is now outside my control. answer: (c) outside my control A10 I'm awfully sorry but I I'll have to ask you to pay because I have no money. answer: (b) I have no money
94
PHOTOCOPIABLE
7.
elementary-7
Questions Index
All Agog
A1 Unfortunately the cooker overheated and then exploded and so it really wasn't long before the whole house was on fire. answer: (b) on fire A2 After several days underground after the earthquake one child was pulled out still living. answer: (d) still living A3 They found that there was no possibility of work in their own country so they decided to try their luck in another country. answer: (c) in another country A4 I must congratulate her on the way she has overcome all her problems and gone back to her old job to start once more. answer: (b) once more A5 I've looked everywhere for my passport and can only assume it has gone got lost. answer: (d) got lost A6 When she told her parents that she had decided to get married, they were utterly surprised. answer: (a) surprised A7 There are no two ways about it because the crime that has been committed is really similar to murder. answer: (c) similar to A8 So many good ideas exist in large numbers in his mind, he finds it difficult to know where to start. answer: (b) exist in large numbers A9 I spent ages fixing the nail in the wall to put the picture up and then I stood back and found it was not straight. answer: (a) not straight A10 We couldn't wait for them to come home after their holidays as we were very interested to hear what had happened. answer: (c) very interested
95
PHOTOCOPIABLE
8.
elementary-8
Questions Index
Preposition Exercises
A1 I'm sorry but that smells terrible because I'm afraid the meat is bad. answer: (c) is bad A2 She just left him, said she didn't want to see him again and disappeared. answer: (a) didn't want to see him again A3 I'm ready to go out tonight if you want to go to the match. answer: (d) I'm ready to go out A4 He's always interested in elections and is very interested in politics. answer: (c) very interested in A5 I believe that after all those arguments they agreed their marriage was ended. answer: (a) ended A6 In confidence, so don't tell anyone, I'm sure he'll lose the election. answer: (b) In confidence A7 You won't have to wait too long because another bus will arrive soon. answer: (c) will arrive A8 Incidentally did you manage to see that film last night? answer: (d) Incidentally A9 It's quite clear to everyone that she's a socialist from start to finish. answer: (a) from start to finish A10 I honestly don't think I can make it tonight as I'm feeling a little unwell. answer: (c) unwell
96
PHOTOCOPIABLE
9.
elementary-9
Questions Index
Animal Idioms
A1 His wife never lets him do what he wants and as a result he has an unhappy time. answer: (c) has an unhappy time A2 A word of warning: don't let him make a fool of you. answer: (d) make a fool of you A3 I would advise you to wait and see what develops. answer: (a) what develops A4 I don't honestly think he is capable of being polite as people never change. answer: (c) people never change A5 He's very greedy when it comes to eating and always takes the largest portion. answer: (d) largest portion A6 I really don't know how to explain it as I am absolutely confused. answer: (c) absolutely confused A7 Until he is more serious in his job and stops making jokes all the time, he won't get any more money. answer: (d) making jokes all the time A8 He never makes any silly mistakes because he's got too much common sense. answer: (a) common sense A9 Charlie doesn't like getting too tired so he gets his assistant to do all the hard work. answer: (d) hard work A10 He doesn't really go around with many people because he's a bit of a lonely person. answer: (b) lonely person
97
PHOTOCOPIABLE
10.
elementary-10
Questions Index
Funny Idioms
A1 You want to know why I've got a problem on my mind? answer: (c) a problem on my mind A2 Yes, tell me about it. I'm listening carefully. answer: (a) listening carefully A3 You remember I told you about that car that cost me a huge amount of money? answer: (d) a huge amount of money A4 The one you bought from the man you called the man with the important job? answer: (b) the man with the important job A5 Well, he's not that at all. He's a fool. answer: (a) a fool A6 You mean he's a dishonest person? answer: (d) a dishonest person A7 Yes, exactly because the car is rubbish and I went round to his garage knocking everything over in the show room. answer: (b) knocking everything over A8 And when I reached his office I saw he was not really awake because he'd been having a short sleep. answer: (c) a short sleep A9 And really the only reason you were there was because you wanted to have an argument with him? answer: (d) you wanted to have an argument with him A10 Yes, that's right. I got my money back and as a result I exposed a lot of serious problems because other people got their money back, too. answer: (b) exposed a lot of serious problems
98
PHOTOCOPIABLE
11.
elementary-11
Questions Index
Expressing Emotions
A1 I despise it when you talk to me like that! Stop doing that! answer: (d) despise A2 I am eager to to hear about your English class. answer: (a) am eager to A3 I am glad I was able to offer support in time of need for my friend when her mom died. answer: (b) to offer support in time of need for A4 You've got me in love with you! answer: (c) in love with you A5 I love you a lot! answer: (b) a lot A6 I wish I could trust you again, but all that you ever did to me was to disappoint me. answer: (d) to disappoint me A7 I love you deeply. answer: (a) deeply A8 The truth is that you are inconsiderate me or my feelings. answer: (c) are inconsiderate A9 I would like to apologize for what I said to you the other day. I was very harsh to you. Will you forgive me? answer: (d) harsh A10 It's taking a long time for Jenna recover from the death of her mom. answer: (b) recover from
99
PHOTOCOPIABLE
12.
elementary-12
Questions Index
Just keep it
A1 Charlie's having a lot of problems with his business but at least he's managing to survive. answer: (c) managing to survive A2 That's the thing about Charlie even when things are really bad he doesn't panic and stays calm. answer: (a) stays calm A3 In a situation like his of course the one thing you must do is get enough money to live on and try to find money to pay all the bills. answer: (b) get enough money to live on A4 At least Charlie can manage that but he doesn't go telling everyone about his problem and doesn't talk about himself to others. answer: (d) doesn't talk about himself to others A5 Some of his friends are a bit worried about him because he doesn't seem so friendly to them as he used to be and doesn't let people get too close. answer: (a) doesn't let people get too close A6 The main thing that you have to admire him for is that he doesn't get into trouble and behaves legally. answer: (b) behaves legally A7 It's surprising how few people knew that Charlie was having money problems but I suppose it was because he had kept it secret. answer: (d) kept it secret A8 His problem really was that he had tried very hard to be as successful as the rest of the people in his street by trying to remain on the same social level as his neighbours. answer: (a) to remain on the same social level as his neighbours A9 When he confided in me, I promised Charlie that I wouldn't tell anybody about it and until now I did what I said. answer: (c) did what I said A10 My only advice to Charlie was to try to be optimistic and stop worrying. answer: (b) try to be optimistic
100
PHOTOCOPIABLE
13.
intermediate-1
English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 1 (Answer Keys)
Questions Index
Up to his ears
A1 He's fully occupied with work and cannot possibly see you now. answer: (a) fully occupied with A2 If you help me, then I shall be able to finish more quickly. answer: (b) help me A3 I prefer to talk to people in person rather than to talk on the phone. answer: (a) in person A4 The manager dismissed the new proposal utterly and said that it was not at all practical. answer: (b) utterly A5 As she is new to the job I would ask you to observe on her for the time being. answer: (d) observe A6 The opposition in parliament accused the government of being light hearted and refusing to accept the seriousness of the situation. answer: (a) being light hearted A7 He accused her of talking nonsense and refused to accept a word of what she said. answer: (c) talking nonsense A8 The police advised them to go down to the cellar in order to be away from danger. answer: (d) away from danger A9 I'd do absolutely anything if I could get tickets for that concert. answer: (a) do absolutely anything A10 You can always rely on Fred to say something embarrassing and come out with a remark like that. answer: (c) say something embarrassing
101
PHOTOCOPIABLE
14.
intermediate-2
Questions Index
Send the right message

A1 This sort of behaviour does not set a good example to young people. answer: (d) does not set a good example A2 The government are revealing plans today for a new tax system. answer: (b) are revealing A3 I understand what you mean but I don't agree with you. answer: (a) I understand what you mean A4 You must admire the way she maintains her opinion. answer: (b) she maintains her opinion A5 I'm sorry I can't follow that, explain that once more. answer: (a) explain that once more A6 Don't get depressed, it may not be as bad as you think. answer: (a) Don't get depressed A7 I'm afraid he made a bad mistake for himself when he took that action. answer: (c) he made a bad mistake for himself A8 Some people love taking advantage when they are in an argument. answer: (b) taking advantage A9 There is absolutely no future in pursuing that sort of discussion. answer: (a) no future A10 He prefers to delay a little longer by not deciding yet. answer: (d) to delay a little longer
102
PHOTOCOPIABLE
15.
intermediate-3
Questions Index
A piece of cake
A1 You shouldn't worry about the exam because you have prepared well and you'll probably find it very easy. answer: (d) very easy A2 The trouble with you is that you are a bit selfish and your sole philosophy is to expect too much of life. answer: (a) expect too much of life A3 When he heard that the necklace had been stolen, he suddenly lost interest in it. answer: (b) he suddenly lost interest in it A4 He sits and watches TV all day and has turned into a very lazy person. answer: (c) a very lazy person A5 Thanks to you we're really in deep trouble now and I don't honestly know why I ever listen to you. answer: (b) in deep trouble A6 As he had been away from home for some years, they decided on his return to have a big celebration. answer: (a) have a big celebration A7 There's something suspicious about that story he told us because I can't quite get to the bottom of it. answer: (c) suspicious A8 Their mother always describes her twin sons as both looking exactly alike. answer: (d) both looking exactly alike A9 After what he said and after what has happened he certainly seems to have made a fool of himself. answer: (a) have made a fool of himself A10 He always took advice from his parents about being careful and never relied too much on one plan. answer: (b) relied too much on one plan
103
PHOTOCOPIABLE
16.
intermediate-4
Questions Index
Picking you up
A1 Nobody knows what's happening? answer: (c) happening A2 Don't worry we'll look after you. answer: (d) look after you A3 What you need is something that will make you feel better. answer: (a) make you feel better A4 I simply can't tolerate sugar in my tea or coffee. answer: (c) can't tolerate A5 I have a feeling that she's trying to trick you. answer: (c) trying to trick you A6 He's always reading. answer: (b) reading A7 I think you're expecting too much of them as they are just children. answer: (d) expecting too much A8 If you want my opinion, I think this needs examining. answer: (a) examining A9 In the end I expect everything will be clear to you. answer: (c) In the end A10 I think the time has come when you should give it a chance at least. answer: (d) give it a chance
104
PHOTOCOPIABLE
17.
intermediate-5
Questions Index
As happy as the day is long

A1 I'm sure that he could make a better job of being prime minister whatever the circumstances. answer: (c) whatever the circumstances A2 Don't worry we pride ourselves on being helpful to all our customers and getting that booked for you is perfectly normal for us. answer: (d) perfectly normal A3 Yes, we went away on holiday last week but it rained every single day. answer: (a) every single day A4 I think the time has now come when we'll simply have to stop working. answer: (c) stop working A5 You know what they said about radio that it had stopped being popular but it's still going strong. answer: (b) stopped being popular A6 That last comment of yours assured us victory because nobody could possibly argue with you after that. answer: (a) assured us victory A7 We left the children playing in the park and they were very happy. answer: (c) very happy A8 They got engaged about two years ago and at long last they have said when they are getting married. answer: (a) said when they are getting married A9 I've been doing these exercises for two hours now and I think at long last I'm starting to see the end of the task. answer: (c) see the end of the task A10 I knew once the car didn't start, saw it had a flat tyre and also that it had started to rain, that this was going to be a day when nothing goes right. answer: (a) a day when nothing goes right
105
PHOTOCOPIABLE
18.
intermediate-6
Questions Index
Privacy
A1 If I were you, I'd tell her to go away. answer: (c) go away A2 I can't understand why he doesn't understand the point. answer: (a) understand the point A3 I should be grateful if you would let me be private. answer: (b) be private A4 I wish they would stop interfering in our affairs. answer: (c) interfering in A5 I get the impression that they think we've stayed too long here. answer: (d) stayed too long A6 We asked him if he wanted to join us on the outing but he refused I think he prefers to be alone. answer: (a) he prefers to be alone A7 She took no notice of him as soon as he entered the room. answer: (c) took no notice of him A8 Since the news broke about the disaster, he's been trying not to be seen. answer: (d) trying not to be seen A9 After the political scandal in the government no-one in the cabinet is prepared to speak in public. answer: (c) speak in public A10 If you really want to come out of this without too much damage, my advice is to say nothing. answer: (b) say nothing
106
PHOTOCOPIABLE
19.
intermediate-7
Questions Index
Hold on
A1 The audience watched anxiously as the magician started to saw a woman half. answer: (a) watched anxiously A2 The police officer called out to the driver to wait until he arrived. answer: (c) wait A3 In the end she lost her temper and told her daughter to be quiet. answer: (d) be quiet A4 There's no need to change any of the regulations this year as the old ones will still be all right this year, too. answer: (b) be all right A5 I don't know what it is exactly but she seems to have some kind of control over him. answer: (a) control over A6 He blames her that she never let him move house and start a new job. answer: (d) blames A7 I think your best plan is to delay making a decision until you know if you have passed the examination. answer: (a) delay A8 It was a very difficult race but the jockey did as well as the others right until the end. answer: (b) did as well as the others A9 Once he starts to talk about his favourite subject, he will speak endlessly until he is stopped. answer: (c) speak endlessly A10 The trouble is that whenever he's with strangers he always restricts his feelings. answer: (b) restricts
107
PHOTOCOPIABLE
20.
intermediate-8
Questions Index
Money to burn
A1 Money is the cause of wickedness, so what's the point of earning a lot? answer: (d) the cause of wickedness A2 In my opinion rich people have influence and the little people are totally ignored. answer: (b) rich people have influence A3 She's a really happy woman now because for once she's got money to spend. answer: (c) got money to spend A4 In my opinion I would sooner go on a cruise than sit all day on the beach. answer: (b) In my opinion A5 He has very little to do but he gets well paid and agrees it's easy money. answer: (d) easy money A6 I think she should stop talking about it and give money for something she says she believes in. answer: (c) give money for something she says she believes in A7 If you want to find some help with your project ask him because he spends money foolishly. answer: (b) he spends money foolishly A8 As soon as he had won the lottery, he went crazy and started spending money freely. answer: (a) spending money freely A9 When you consider all the advantages you've gained I think you'll admit you had a lot of benefit from your money. answer: (d) a lot of benefit from your money A10 She's made it clear that we don't need to worry because money is not important. answer: (a) money is not important
108
PHOTOCOPIABLE
21.
intermediate-9
Questions Index
Go ahead
A1 I'm sorry that looks awful those two colours clash. answer: (c) clash A2 After what you've experienced, I'm sure you need a holiday. answer: (d) experienced A3 We won't discuss that now but I don't think we can avoid the subject much longer. answer: (a) discuss A4 I don't think much of him now that I've heard what he has done to his family. answer: (d) I don't think much of him A5 My advice to you is to make your mind up before it's too late and simply take the opportunity now. answer: (c) take the opportunity now A6 I'm afraid you've left that food too long out of the fridge and now it's become rotten. answer: (b) become rotten A7 There were so many members of the political party who had opposed the leader that he resigned. answer: (d) opposed A8 Don't wait for me because I can't come yet so you go before me and I'll join you later. answer: (a) go before me A9 If petrol prices increase any more, I shall have to use a bicycle. answer: (c) increase A10 I'm sorry I interrupted you, please continue from where I so rudely stopped you. answer: (a) continue
109
PHOTOCOPIABLE
22.
intermediate-10
Questions Index
Under my Skin
A1 It was late at night, the wind was howling and when she heard the knock on the door, she was terrified. answer: (b) was terrified A2 As they only had a few minutes to get to the station, they ran all the way and finally caught the train just in time. answer: (a) just in time A3 There's something about him I just can't stand and he really annoys me. answer: (d) annoys me A4 I wouldn't do that but you do whatever you like, as it's not important to me. answer: (b) it's not important to me A5 It doesn't matter what you say to her I promise you, she's not affected by criticism. answer: (a) she's not affected by criticism A6 He looked at her and in the words of Frank Sinatra said: 'I'm very attracted to you'. answer: (c) I'm very attracted to you A7 It was simply a case of running away or being killed and we decided to run to stay alive. answer: (d) to stay alive A8 Be very careful what you say to Georgina about her new hairstyle; remember she is very sensitive. answer: (b) she is very sensitive A9 I think the horse had been neglected for months and not been given enough to eat because it was very thin. answer: (a) very thin A10 They say there's a very rare book in that pile of old books for sale so look carefully. answer: (d) look carefully
110
PHOTOCOPIABLE
23.
intermediate-11
Questions Index
Home Sweet Home

A1 You must be crazy if you're seriously considering buying that house. answer: (b) be crazy A2 If you don't mind me saying so I think you're exaggerating a bit, aren't you? answer: (a) you're exaggerating a bit A3 All right then if you like I'll tell you my honest opinion. answer: (d) I'll tell you my honest opinion A4 I'd appreciate that. Go on, I am listening very carefully. answer: (b) I am listening very carefully A5 Well in the first place all the windows are broken, which is a serious problem. answer: (c) a serious problem A6 Yes, I agree but at the same time it's not worth worrying about. answer: (a) worth worrying about A7 Then of course there is that huge crack in one of the outer walls, that'll cost you a lot of money to repair. answer: (d) a lot of money A8 You have a point but then I can deal with that eventually. answer: (b) eventually A9 Finally there's one thing you can't just ignore and that is the missing roof! answer: (c) ignore A10 I can see you're not stupid but you must admit it is very cheap. answer: (d) you're not stupid
111
PHOTOCOPIABLE
24.
intermediate-12
Questions Index
No good
A1 They won't succeed! They must pay for what they have done. answer: (b) They won't succeed A2 I object! She must do as I say. answer: (c) I object A3 I made it absolutely clear that he could in no way expect a pay rise this year. answer: (d) in no way A4 They asked me whether I would accept a discount instead of a new machine. Impossible, I said. answer: (c) Impossible A5 We invited her to come to our party in the hope of putting things right but she refused. answer: (b) refused A6 I honestly don't know how you do it because personally I would be unable to manage. answer: (a) would be unable to manage A7 This happens every time I start the engine up. I tell you I find it irritating. answer: (b) I find it irritating A8 This is now the third time I've had to phone up and complain and I've reached the stage where I don't know when it will finish. answer: (d) I don't know when it will finish A9 It's a waste of time shouting at me like that I'm doing the best I can. answer: (a) It's a waste of time A10 You'll get yourself in a huge amount of trouble if you persist in refusing to pay those taxes. answer: (c) a huge amount
112
PHOTOCOPIABLE
25.
intermediate-13
Questions Index
On the Water
A1 As usual he left it to the last moment and as a consequence he didn't take advantage of the opportunity. answer: (b) didn't take advantage of the opportunity A2 I'm sorry to tell you that your current situation cannot be reversed now and so you won't be able to go back. answer: (a) your current situation cannot be reversed A3 I told her I understood exactly what she was feeling as we were both after all in a similar situation. answer: (d) in a similar situation A4 No matter how smoothly things are running, you can always rely on Charlie to spoil everything. answer: (c) spoil everything A5 We were all a bit worried about the new manager because we heard that she liked to be well organized. answer: (a) be well organized A6 Although they were a couple well into their 80's everything in their house was always very neat. answer: (b) very neat A7 Everybody imagined that there was a big romance between the two of them but it turned out they were merely strangers meeting once. answer: (c) strangers meeting once A8 Sadly it never happened but she was absolutely sure she would be rich one day and she could buy that house in the country. answer: (d) she would be rich A9 In view of his change in fortune he decided to spend a lot of money and hold a big party. answer: (a) spend a lot of money A10 Once you've read the instruction book, you'll probably find it's straightforward. answer: (c) straightforward
113
PHOTOCOPIABLE
26.
intermediate-14
Questions Index
British Idioms
A1 I had quite a shock last night. I ran into a former girlfriend of mine. answer: (c) a former girlfriend A2 I suppose she was your favourite person at the time. answer: (c) your favourite person A3 Yes, I suppose she was but she'd changed so. She was very thin. answer: (a) very thin A4 And I suppose you didn't panic and were very calm? answer: (b) very calm A5 Well I didn't have a personal reason for getting involved as far as she's concerned. answer: (c) a personal reason for getting involved A6 You mean there was no hostile feelings between the two of you? answer: (a) no hostile feelings A7 No, not really except she did get angry sometimes but not as dangerous as she seemed. answer: (b) not as dangerous as she seemed A8 Was she going anywhere or was she doing nothing particular? answer: (a) doing nothing particular A9 Not really. Funny thing is I asked her out and she didn't show any reaction. What I want to know is whether I did the right thing. answer: (d) didn't show any reaction A10 I can't help you there my friend. You must decide. answer: (b) You must decide
114
PHOTOCOPIABLE
27.
intermediate-15
Questions Index
Expressions with cold

A1 The way he murdered his victims in a slow, painful way was really without feeling. answer: (a) without feeling A2 Whenever they met, she would always manage to ignore him and turn the other way. answer: (c) ignore A3 Unfortunately he panics when he sees her, can't think straight and doesn't know what to do. answer: (d) panics A4 I'm afraid I'm getting worried about this scheme as I'm not sure it's such a good idea. answer: (a) worried about A5 All right he got some money for his troubles but not very much and really it was little consolation to him. answer: (c) little consolation A6 It's difficult to describe him because he doesn't really say or do much he's what you might call an impassive person. answer: (b) an impassive person A7 Every day we get unwanted calls on the phone from total strangers trying to sell you something. answer: (d) unwanted calls A8 You never really know where you are with her as she keeps changing her mood. answer: (c) keeps changing her mood A9 They refused to let her into their circle of friends and left her all alone. answer: (a) all alone A10 You know he won't approve as he always disapproves of any new ideas. answer: (d) disapproves of
115
PHOTOCOPIABLE
28.
intermediate-16
Questions Index
Way Idioms
A1 Incidentally are you thinking of going on holiday? answer: (a) Incidentally A2 If I'm hindering you, I'll leave the room. answer: (c) I'm hindering you A3 Every investor is really pleased because profits have gone up hugely this year. answer: (d) have gone up hugely A4 As your house is on our route, we'll give you a lift home if you like. answer: (b) on our route A5 At the moment plans are in progress and the work should be finished next year. answer: (a) in progress A6 We don't usually allow refunds but occasionally we agree. answer: (d) occasionally A7 The army commander was very concerned about his troops and would never allow them to be in in danger. answer: (d) in danger A8 You'll just have to make a decision. You can't benefit by agreeing to two opposite views. answer: (b) benefit by agreeing to two opposite views A9 In view of the considerable opposition the members agreed to yield. answer: (a) yield A10 She left school and immediately started to earn her living without help from her family. answer: (c) earn her living
116
PHOTOCOPIABLE
29.
intermediate-17
Questions Index
Idioms with come

A1 Can you repeat that? Sorry, I didn't hear what you said. answer: (c) Can you repeat that A2 Your mom is going to reprimand you if you don't clean your room now. answer: (a) reprimand A3 New evidence was revealed at the end of the trial. answer: (d) was revealed A4 Robert Koch was the first person to discover a medicine to help in the treatment of Tuberculosis. answer: (b) discover A5 My dream of having my own house has finally happened. answer: (a) happened A6 A lot of people from the office I work at got sick with the flu this past week. answer: (c) got sick with A7 In the end, it all is because of the fact that you don't really care about me. answer: (d) is because of A8 When my boss asked me to come to his office this morning, little did I know I was going to go through some harsh comments. answer: (a) going to go through A9 I was turning into the left lane when a car suddenly appeared and hit me. answer: (b) suddenly appeared A10 I need to objectively and entirely confront and understand myself. answer: (d) objectively and entirely confront and understand
117
PHOTOCOPIABLE
30.
intermediate-18
Questions Index
Common English Idioms

A1 Tom told Andrea that giant turtles had escaped from the city zoo and were eating only left-handed people. It wasn't until she saw the smirk on his face that Andrea noticed he was just fooling her. answer: (b) fooling her A2 Why should she take a big risk for them? They never helped her with anything. answer: (c) take a big risk A3 I am so mad at my boyfriend. We were supposed to have a date last night at the park but he didn't come. answer: (a) didn't come A4 It seems like something has been bothering and upsetting John lately. He's just not the same person any more. answer: (d) bothering and upsetting A5 I have a really strong instinct that one of the employees is giving information about his boss to another company. answer: (b) really strong instinct A6 Andrew and Ana have been dating each other for so long that I think it's about time they got married. answer: (c) got married A7 Bob's mom was angry with him when she saw his report card from school. answer: (c) was angry with him A8 It makes me completely lose interest when guys dont respect my boundaries. answer: (a) makes me completely lose interest A9 Ever since Melanie won the Miss Universe Competition, her telephone has been ringing constantly. answer: (c) ringing constantly A10 I think George and Lisa would make a great couple. We should try to get them together. answer: (d) get them together
118
PHOTOCOPIABLE
31.
intermediate-19
Questions Index
Idioms with Hand

A1 We need to do something about it! This situation is getting out of control! answer: (c) out of control A2 Now the grandparents have the children in their care. answer: (a) in their care A3 This last year, my company has made money at a huge rate! answer: (b) at a huge rate A4 As soon as he took possession of all that money, he donated part of it to charitable institutions. answer: (d) took possession of A5 The beginning of a new generation of computer software is imminent. answer: (a) imminent A6 Do we have enough people available to help us move our stuff into the house? answer: (b) available A7 The FBI told the local police that their case was out of their jurisdiction. The investigation was now a Federal matter. answer: (c) out of their jurisdiction A8 Jane Williams is a very good investigative reporter, you've got to give her credit. answer: (a) give her credit A9 Honey, can you give me the car key, please? It's right next to you on the table. answer: (c) give me A10 Learning a foreign language goes together with International Business. answer: (d) together
119
PHOTOCOPIABLE
32.
intermediate-20
Questions Index
English Idioms and Phrases

A1 You have to raise your voice a little when talking to him. He's a little deaf. answer: (c) deaf A2 I went to a real nice restaurant yesterday. The food cost was cheap and they served a lot of food. I had to ask for a package to store left over food so the person can take it home because I couldn't eat the whole thing. answer: (a) package to store left over food so the person can take it home A3 Fabian was a coward. No wonder his classmates were always giving him a hard time. answer: (c) coward A4 I invited a friend to go to a street market by my house where they served some real good Japanese food. My friend's mom wanted to pay for her daughter's meal, but I insisted on paying for both our meals myself, her mom finally said: Ok, as long as we we divide the costs next time. answer: (d) we divide the costs A5 So, is everything clear? Oh, yes indeed sir! answer: (b) clear A6 We are having a dinner where everybody brings something to eat at Tim's house tomorrow. Everybody is invited! answer: (a) dinner where everybody brings something to eat A7 I need everybody's help. The wedding is tomorrow and we haven't even started with the decorations yet. We have to start right now. answer: (d) to start right now A8 Just calm down. Everything is going to be alright, okay? answer: (c) calm down A9 Kyle was rescued from an unwanted situation when his sister walked in and asked him to take her to ballet practice. answer: (a) rescued from an unwanted situation A10 I would stay away from that guy if I were you, he is crazy. answer: (d) is crazy
120
PHOTOCOPIABLE
33.
intermediate-21
Questions Index

A1 Everybody thought Jane and Elliot were a happy couple, but it was all just pretending. answer: (b) pretending A2 I've been working hard for the last few months trying to make enough money to pay for expenses, but something I'm not even expecting always comes up and I have to pay for it. answer: (a) make enough money to pay for expenses A3 Man's first walk on the moon was meaningful enough to influence history. answer: (d) was meaningful enough to influence history A4 You can give people great pleasure just by telling them how important they are to you. answer: (c) give people great pleasure A5 If I had a chance to go to Paris, I would take great advantage of it. answer: (b) take great advantage of A6 Charity acted like a fool at the club when she saw her boyfriend dancing with another girl. answer: (d) acted like a fool A7 So, George... Have you decided where you want to go for your internship? answer: (a) decided A8 Now I understand why you moved out of that house. answer: (b) I understand A9 Ana finally succeeded. She is an excellent doctor. answer: (c) succeeded A10 Mom, can you tell Todd to stop mocking me? answer: (a) mocking
121
PHOTOCOPIABLE
34.
intermediate-22
Questions Index
Double Speak in Job Titles

A1 The school janitor was the main suspect of the girl's disappearance. answer: (c) janitor A2 Linda got a job as secretary in a Law Firm. answer: (d) secretary A3 Celebrities are usually surrounded by their bodyguards. answer: (b) bodyguards A4 George is in the food business now. He is a potato chip delivery truck driver. answer: (b) a potato chip delivery truck driver A5 I have always wanted to be a hairdresser. answer: (a) a hairdresser A6 My mom used to work at a hospital as a nurse. answer: (c) a nurse A7 Bob used to work as a newspaper delivery boy during school summer breaks when he was a kid, now he has his own newspaper. answer: (c) a newspaper delivery boy A8 Some places in New York have advertised on the newspaper they needed part-time check-out clerks. answer: (a) check-out clerks A9 The day before Carol's wedding, her bridesmaids went to see a a manicurist. answer: (d) a manicurist A10 The television weatherman said on TV that it is supposed to rain all day tomorrow. answer: (b) television weatherman
122
PHOTOCOPIABLE
35.
advanced-1
English Idioms and Expressions / Advanced level # 1 (Answer Keys)
Questions Index
English Animal Idioms

A1 There are times when you must decide and make a bold decision. answer: (c) make a bold decision A2 He never does what he wants really because his freedom is always curtailed. answer: (d) never does what he wants A3 No-one ever mentions him because he's regarded as the one with a bad reputation. answer: (b) the one with a bad reputation A4 I shouldn't go outside without a raincoat because it's raining very heavily. answer: (c) it's raining very heavily A5 You shouldn't sign there I think he's about to make a fool of you. answer: (a) to make a fool of you A6 It's a lovely house and very big but nobody uses it so it's something very expensive and useless. answer: (d) something very expensive and useless A7 When the business folded, he took the biggest part of the assets. answer: (c) the biggest part A8 Without my glasses I can't see where I'm going in fact I'm very short sighted. answer: (a) very short sighted A9 I get very irritated sometimes because they're always up very early and I like to lie in. answer: (b) up very early A10 I would advise you to do that as well and in that way you'll get two things done at the same time. answer: (c) get two things done at the same time
123
PHOTOCOPIABLE
36.
advanced-2
Questions Index
Hands on
A1 The opposition party dismissed the government's proposal without further consideration. answer: (a) without further consideration A2 Since she started work on the stock exchange she has been making money in large quantities. answer: (b) in large quantities A3 They have lost all their money and now lead a sort of impoverished existence. answer: (a) impoverished A4 It's no good asking anybody in that shop to help you because they won't do anything at all for you. answer: (d) do anything at all for you A5 In the obituary about the millionaire all his enterprises were listed and it looked as if he had had an involvement in many activities. answer: (b) an involvement in many activities A6 I've just bought a brand new car with all the latest gadgets and quite honestly it has cost me a huge amount of money. answer: (c) a huge amount of money A7 I don't want to have to force you to agree but I hope you realize that your refusal to comply could be harmful. answer: (b) force you to agree A8 Have a look at the benefits that the society can offer you and then you may feel like deciding to try membership for a trial. answer: (d) deciding to try membership for a trial A9 If you do join a political party then you are expected to stick to the rules on every occasion. answer: (b) stick to the rules A10 I wouldn't say I never totally agree with my employers but sometimes they can make extraordinary demands. answer: (c) totally agree
124
PHOTOCOPIABLE
37.
advanced-3
Questions Index
Lucky Alex
A1 Alex had lost a lot of money and as a consequence was feeling miserable. answer: (b) miserable A2 He had given in to a longstanding weakness of his and put a lot of faith in on the favourite winning the race. answer: (d) put a lot of faith in A3 This horse in all honesty didn't have a a chance in a million of winning. answer: (a) a chance in a million A4 Alex said he had had a dream about the horse winning but most people regarded this story with caution. answer: (b) with caution A5 What happened was that the stupid animal took fright halfway through the course and without worrying at all decided to go back to the start. answer: (d) worrying at all A6 As far as Alex was concerned this was the final disaster and he vowed he would never risk money on a horse ever again. answer: (c) the final disaster A7 The trouble was that he didn't have a penny not even enough to pay for the fare home. answer: (b) didn't have a penny A8 He decided he would not worry what people thought and try and hitchhike. answer: (c) not worry what people thought A9 Fortunately it wasn't long before he got a lift with an old man who was very generous and gave him some money. answer: (a) was very generous A10 He told him to invest it wisely, which Alex did. He bought a ticket for the lottery and his luck changed because he won the jackpot. answer: (c) his luck changed
125
PHOTOCOPIABLE
38.
advanced-4
Questions Index
How Mary fell in love

A1 Most people like to come home after work and relax. answer: (c) relax A2 Mary was exactly the same as everybody else but this particular night she wanted to really enjoy herself. answer: (c) really enjoy herself A3 She put her favourite CD on and turned it up to maximum volume. answer: (d) to maximum volume A4 As soon as she had done that, there was a huge noise. answer: (c) there was a huge noise A5 Her next door neighbour soon grew very tired of the noise. answer: (d) grew very tired of A6 He started hammering on the adjoining wall but Mary took not the slightest notice. answer: (c) took not the slightest notice A7 In the end her neighbour decided to say exactly what he thought. answer: (a) say exactly what he thought A8 Although he had never met her, he was determined to tell her off. answer: (a) tell her off A9 Mary opened the door and as soon as they saw each other they fell utterly in love with each other. answer: (b) utterly A10 A few months later they decided to knock down the adjoining wall and now everything is perfect. answer: (b) everything is perfect
126
PHOTOCOPIABLE
39.
advanced-5
Questions Index
Call it a day
A1 I congratulate all those people who worked hard to get the contract. answer: (c) congratulate A2 Some of you worked on until it was early in the morning to make it a successful project. answer: (b) it was early in the morning A3 I'm sure sometimes you all wanted to stop work and go home. answer: (a) stop work A4 The important thing is that as soon as you saw the advantages, you got very interested in it. answer: (c) got very interested in A5 I'm also very proud of the way you wouldn't give up. answer: (b) wouldn't give up A6 There are times in life when it's very important to be cheerful. answer: (d) be cheerful A7 There are of course those who very easily give up. answer: (a) give up A8 We can best describe someone like that as a person who is having no resolution. answer: (a) having no resolution A9 It only remains for me to express my admiration for all those of you who remained loyal. answer: (c) remained loyal A10 I must not forget either all those very important people, without whom none of us could operate, who work in the background. answer: (d) in the background
127
PHOTOCOPIABLE
40.
advanced-6
Questions Index
Live up to
A1 Frank was an old soldier and experienced many wars. answer: (d) experienced A2 He had joined the army as a young man because he wanted to have a good time a bit. answer: (c) have a good time A3 He wanted excitement and travel and the army came up to its reputation. answer: (a) came up to A4 He certainly travelled and there was plenty of excitement, which made it possible for him to follow his dream. answer: (c) follow A5 He also managed to exist easily on his pay without any problems. answer: (b) exist easily on A6 He ate only the simple food provided by the army. answer: (a) ate only A7 For some years stayed in barracks in because he liked to be among his comrades. answer: (b) stayed in barracks A8 He never really enjoyed staying in other accommodation. answer: (a) staying in other accommodation A9 He never did anything wrong and so he didn't have to make others forget any bad reputation. answer: (b) make others forget A10 He ended his final days in a small cottage overlooking the barracks. answer: (d) ended
128
PHOTOCOPIABLE
41.
advanced-7
Questions Index
English Grammar Prepositions

A1 What are you doing now? answer: (b) doing now A2 What are you interested in? answer: (d) interested in A3 I'm having a holiday on Monday. answer: (a) having a holiday A4 Are you kept informed about the latest developments? answer: (a) kept informed about A5 It's your turn. answer: (d) It's your turn A6 Are you at home on Tuesdays? answer: (a) at home A7 I'm certainly willing to try it. answer: (a) willing to try A8 You should know that I'm in complete agreement with it. answer: (c) in complete agreement with A9 I'm finished with that company. answer: (b) finished with A10 I'm looking for a new car. answer: (b) looking for
129
PHOTOCOPIABLE
42.
advanced-8
Questions Index
From Shakespeare originally

A1 When he heard that he had lost his job, it was little help to learn that he could keep his car. answer: (d) little help A2 The selection of candidates was done in a casual manner so that nobody knew why they were chosen. answer: (d) casual A3 She had got herself into difficulties by trying to please everyone at the same time. answer: (c) into difficulties A4 I'm afraid that my poor old car has finally stopped working. answer: (a) stopped working A5 You're living in a under a delusion if you think they're going to pay you for nothing. answer: (d) under a delusion A6 It was a total mystery as apparently there was no logical reason why he did it. answer: (a) no logical reason A7 There is clearly a huge change in the way people now look at crime today. answer: (b) a huge change A8 They looked everywhere for the lost passport but it seems to have disappeared completely. answer: (c) disappeared completely A9 When it comes to a crisis, Charles is very reliable. answer: (b) very reliable A10 Whenever he has been treated badly, he always demands his total recompense. answer: (a) total recompense
130
PHOTOCOPIABLE
43.
advanced-9
Questions Index
Water Expressions
A1 Charlie's in trouble again, he forgot to lock up last night. answer: (d) in trouble A2 Forget it, that's best forgotten now. answer: (a) best forgotten A3 That's always the trouble if she doesn't like it, she discourages it completely. answer: (b) discourages it completely A4 You must realize the gravity of the situation because you are in a serious situation now. answer: (c) a serious situation A5 He feels uncomfortable whenever he goes to a party. answer: (a) feels uncomfortable A6 Don't ever lend him money, he spends it very freely. answer: (c) very freely A7 We think in the present circumstances the best policy is to take little action for a while. answer: (c) take little action A8 My original plan has been so reduced in importance that I don't recognize it now. answer: (a) reduced in importance A9 Your ideas are usually sound but this one won't be practical, I'm afraid. answer: (b) be practical A10 He'll be all right soon because any criticism is usually of no importance to him. answer: (a) of no importance
131
PHOTOCOPIABLE
44.
advanced-10
Questions Index
Cats, Dogs and Ducks

A1 You will be in a very difficult situation now that he's revealed the truth. answer: (c) revealed the truth A2 If I were you, I would not raise the subject again and my best advice is to not say any more. answer: (c) not say any more A3 Remember if you go into that meeting without being prepared with some answers, you will simply be a ready target. answer: (b) a ready target A4 I'm afraid he didn't take my advice and they made him look a complete fool because he was unrepared and he ended up a person with no future. answer: (c) a person with no future A5 Mind you as I have said many times before I don't know how he's lasted so long in the job because he's always been the inefficient person in the team. answer: (b) the inefficient person A6 The older generation always maintains that in their day things were better and nowadays the country is losing its standards. answer: (c) is losing its standards A7 If you're unsure about what will happen next, I suggest you hang on for a bit longer. answer: (d) what will happen next A8 There is no need to apologize about your remarks as I can assure you it's of little concern to me. answer: (c) of little concern A9 Once more he is out of favour but I couldn't possibly tell you why. answer: (b) out of favour A10 As so many people are coming to a party at their house, they're running around preparing food in a nervous state. answer: (a) in a nervous state
132
PHOTOCOPIABLE
45.
advanced-11
Questions Index
Losing It
A1 The one thing a public figure hates is when he loses respect in front of all his admirers. answer: (c) loses respect A2 At the crucial moment the climber became scared and had to be brought down the mountain. answer: (c) became scared A3 The latest opinion polls show that the government is losing its advantage to the opposition party. answer: (d) losing its advantage A4 There was a time when everybody would believe her totally but after this episode I'm afraid she's losing her skill. answer: (a) losing her skill A5 Under the new pay agreement many employees feel that they are at a disadvantage on allowances. answer: (b) at a disadvantage A6 I'm afraid that kind of humour is totally without effect him so you'll have to explain it more simply. answer: (a) without effect A7 After only a few weeks as a teacher of very badly behaved children she realized she was losing her control. answer: (c) losing her control A8 He suddenly started shouting and screaming and people could plainly see that he had become angry. answer: (a) become angry A9 I've tried very hard indeed to understand your argument step by step but I must confess I now can't follow the reasoning. answer: (d) I now can't follow the reasoning A10 After the traffic accident she behaved foolishly and drove the car into a brick wall. answer: (b) behaved foolishly
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Questions Index
Splitting Hairs
A1 We told him to remain calm because he was getting angrier and angrier. answer: (b) to remain calm A2 I can't really explain it but the moment she walks into the room and asks me a question she irritates me. answer: (d) irritates me A3 Now that he's passed his exams and got his qualifications he's decided to behave informally. answer: (a) behave informally A4 When I opened the door and saw this white figure in front of me, it really terrified me. answer: (c) terrified me A5 After the boss had given her the sack, she just walked out of the office showing no feeling at all. answer: (b) showing no feeling at all A6 Quite frankly you're arguing about small points. Does it matter whether it's the past simple or the perfect tense? answer: (a) arguing about small points A7 I saw him last November and since then I have not seen him at all. answer: (c) not seen him at all A8 Don't worry if she doesn't say much because she says she's experiencing a lot of problems. answer: (a) she's experiencing a lot of problems A9 I was really scared when I saw him because he was extremely angry about the new management decision. answer: (c) extremely angry A10 They were very lucky they didn't get themselves killed because they came very near to falling down the mountain. answer: (a) very near to
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Questions Index
Squeaky Clean
A1 The auditors made a thorough check on all aspects of the company and decided to confirm it was satisfactory. answer: (a) confirm it was satisfactory A2 Now that all the problems have been sorted out he is able to go back to work making a fresh start. answer: (c) making a fresh start A3 After a great deal of questioning he decided to confess and tell the truth. answer: (d) confess A4 The enquiry into allegations of fraud against the minister proved in the end that she was innocent. answer: (c) she was innocent A5 With the appointment of a new director it was decided to remove all obstacles and create a new board of governors. answer: (a) remove all obstacles A6 Some of the members of the board are under some suspicion but he is regarded as trustworthy. answer: (b) trustworthy A7 I lost a lot of money well and truly last week: I saw the same computer for sale today at half the price I paid. answer: (b) lost a lot of money A8 We tried to catch the thief who'd snatched the handbag but he ran away quickly. answer: (c) ran away quickly A9 At the end of a lengthy police investigation he emerged as totally innocent. answer: (d) totally innocent A10 After several hours of cleaning the children had made the kitchen spotless before their parents came home. answer: (a) spotless
135
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Questions Index
Word of Mouth
A1 I promise it will never happen again. answer: (c) promise A2 She had to admit she was wrong when it turned out that she had chosen the wrong horse in the race. answer: (d) admit she was wrong A3 They quarrelled last night so be prepared for miserable faces this morning. answer: (c) quarrelled A4 You can always rely on that company because they do what they say whatever happens. answer: (b) do what they say A5 They spend very little on advertising and tend to get new work through recommendation. answer: (a) recommendation A6 You can see that he's deeply in love with her because he listens eagerly to everything she says. answer: (b) listens eagerly to everything she says A7 Straightaway we could tell at the interview she was the ideal candidate for the job. answer: (c) Straightaway A8 Remember as soon as you feel able to continue with walk, let me know. answer: (a) let me know A9 I can only repeat that I want you to wait until Tuesday before you tell her, remember don't say anything. answer: (c) don't say anything A10 I couldn't agree with you more, to be honest you've said what I wanted to say. answer: (b) said what I wanted to say
136
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Questions Index
Expressions and idioms with thin

A1 He worries too much about his appearance and now he says he's going bald. answer: (c) going bald A2 She lost her job last year and since then she's been finding it difficult without money. answer: (d) finding it difficult without money A3 He really must start eating properly because at the moment he's very thin. answer: (a) very thin A4 If you know of a good plumber, let me know as they're a bit difficult to find around here. answer: (b) difficult to find A5 Although he only asked me to lend him EUR 5, I could see this was the start of something worse. answer: (c) start of something worse A6 Since we put that advertisement in the local newspapers, replies have been coming in quickly in large numbers. answer: (a) quickly in large numbers A7 You'll be lucky if you get more than two words out of him because I'm afraid he's very stupid. answer: (d) very stupid A8 They've settled their argument at long last and now they're very friendly. answer: (b) very friendly A9 In view of the way she behaved I thought it was more than I could stand when she asked him to apologize to her. answer: (c) more than I could stand A10 There are certain members in the party who will stand by their leader whatever the difficulties. answer: (d) whatever the difficulties
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Questions Index
Expressions with Top

A1 He's always worried about his appearance and now he's concerned because he's losing his hair. answer: (a) losing his hair A2 When the accident happened, all he could think about was attracting attention and he started calling out as loudly as possible. answer: (d) as loudly as possible A3 At a rough calculation I would say it's going to cost more than twice what you have budgeted for. answer: (d) At a rough calculation A4 It's certainly not difficult to see who's the most important person around here theses days. answer: (c) the most important person A5 Since she won the lottery last week she's been feeling very happy. answer: (b) very happy A6 Many politicians like to impress the votes but a few of them exaggerate sometimes in their speeches. answer: (a) exaggerate A7 For the first time in ages I actually slept very soundly last night. answer: (d) very soundly A8 Students usually take on paid employment during the vacation to add to their grants. answer: (c) add to A9 Her mother was very snobbish and didn't like the idea of her daughter marrying someone who was not of high social standing. answer: (b) of high social standing A10 It had been a terrible day for him and when he learned finally that he had lost his job, he simply lost his temper. answer: (a) lost his temper
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Questions Index
Down to Earth
A1 Poor Charlie has been miserable since he learned that he's lost his job. answer: (a) miserable A2 I think we've had our fun and now it's time we began seriously to consider the idea of earning some money. answer: (c) began seriously to consider A3 As soon as they heard the news that one of their fellow workers had been given the sack, they all stopped working. answer: (b) stopped working A4 She always speaks condescendingly to me as if I'm not worth consideration. answer: (c) speaks condescendingly A5 In contrast to her husband she's a very practical sort of person who manages to control his wild ideas. answer: (d) practical A6 He's certainly picked himself up since we last saw him when he was clearly shabbily dressed. answer: (b) shabbily dressed A7 I invested all my money in that failed company and now I find my whole investment has been wasted. answer: (c) has been wasted A8 You can use special symbols in your emails if you want to show you're depressed. answer: (d) depressed A9 Let's put it like this you made the decision and so it's your responsibility as to what happens next. answer: (a) your responsibility A10 They've had enough of the bad climate and high taxes here and have gone to live in Australia. answer: (c) in Australia
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Questions Index
Expressions with low

A1 If you like, I can give you a summary and the information when we next meet. answer: (a) information A2 It's the fashion now to write the first letter of your name not in capitals but in small letters. answer: (c) small letters A3 She's usually very fit and healthy and that's why we were surprised to learn she was unwell. answer: (d) unwell A4 On account of his unpopularity the politician decided to keep away from the public for a few weeks. answer: (b) keep away from the public A5 In the 19th century in big houses the people who lived in the basement were the servants. answer: (c) in the basement A6 From the critical comments the journalist was making, it was clear he didn't think much of the country's leader. answer: (d) didn't think much of A7 We knew that he was dishonest but we didn't imagine he behave so disgracefully as to steal from his own family. answer: (a) behave so disgracefully A8 We wanted to cheer you up as we'd heard you were feeling rather depressed. answer: (b) rather depressed A9 I recommend you take out your loan now to take advantage of the reduced interest rate. answer: (a) reduced A10 If you invest in the financial markets you must expect the decreases as well as the highs in the income. answer: (c) decreases
140
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Questions Index
Hot expressions
A1 They just sit around, discuss nothing in particular and just produce empty talk. answer: (c) empty talk A2 As soon as they heard the news, they didn't hesitate and drove very quickly to the hospital. answer: (a) very quickly A3 He can never wait for the next issue of his favourite magazine and likes to get a copy that's just printed. answer: (d) just printed A4 I'm not quite sure how to handle the problem at the moment as it's not easy to explain a sort of delicate situation. answer: (b) delicate situation A5 Whenever there was a war zone that needed covering, the paper always sent their most experienced reporter. answer: (d) war zone A6 He'd only been in his new job three days when he found himself in in trouble for something he'd done wrong. answer: (c) in trouble A7 Have you seen that long queue outside the supermarket? Whatever they're selling is selling very well. answer: (d) selling very well A8 In order to provide training for the staff in the department everyone had to experience responsibility. answer: (a) experience responsibility A9 I thought he was going to burst with anger because he was getting very angry. answer: (c) very angry A10 The one thing you mustn't do is be late because the boss is very strict about punctuality. answer: (a) strict about
141
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Questions Index
Comparisons with as .... as

A1 After a good night's sleep she woke feeling bright and cheerful. answer: (b) bright and cheerful A2 It was a serious operation but he made a complete recovery and was soon in good health. answer: (d) in good health A3 When she left school, she found she could do what she liked and be totally free. answer: (a) totally free A4 Suddenly the car leant to one side and when he got out, he saw there was no air in one tyre that was completely flat. answer: (b) completely flat A5 The baby sitter had no problem with the children because they were well behaved the whole evening. answer: (c) well behaved A6 He wanted to make sure that his car looked good and so he made sure it was spotless before he sold it. answer: (d) spotless A7 The one thing you could be sure of was that he would not behave in a normal way he was in fact completely mad. answer: (b) completely mad A8 We really didn't expect to see him at all that night but then suddenly he appeared in person. answer: (c) in person A9 You could always rely on her because in any situation she stayed totally dependable. answer: (a) totally dependable A10 As he was very strong, he was able to lift the carriage up and let the trapped man out. answer: (b) very strong
142
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Questions Index

A1 Their big ambition in life was to choose the right moment to sell their shares ad then make a lot of money. answer: (c) make a lot of money A2 They've tried hard to increase their profits in the business but so far are not really progressing. answer: (a) not really progressing A3 The shock was so great it frightened you. answer: (d) frightened you A4 I reckon when they sold that lovely big house it must have provided them with a huge sum of money. answer: (b) provided them with a huge sum of money A5 Ignore his comments it's not really that bad, he's simply exaggerating. answer: (c) exaggerating A6 We've lost a lot of money and have little income and so we're finding it difficult to survive. answer: (d) survive A7 I'll come straight to the point and tell you exactly what I think. answer: (a) come straight to the point A8 It seems a sound project with potential and so I advise you to make an offer for it. answer: (c) make an offer for it A9 If I were you, I would stop worrying about it and simply have fun while you can. answer: (b) have fun A10 Don't take too much notice of what he's saying, he's just making a fuss. answer: (a) making a fuss
143
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Questions Index
Egg expressions
A1 I'm pretty certain but perhaps I wouldn't go as far as saying I'm absolutely sure. answer: (d) absolutely sure A2 I know you didn't exactly push him into accepting the offer but you must admit you did encourage him. answer: (c) did encourage him A3 You've always stood by him in all his bad habits but underneath I think he's a worthless person. answer: (b) worthless person A4 First he agreed and then he disagreed. The result was he ended up looking foolish. answer: (a) looking foolish A5 You've got to learn to diversify and not to rely on just one scheme. answer: (c) to rely on just one scheme A6 She wasn't really successful in her first stage play. In fact you could say she she gave an embarrassing performance. answer: (d) she gave an embarrassing performance A7 It was a bit like teaching someone who was more experienced than he when the young director was showing the veteran actress how to act. answer: (a) teaching someone who was more experienced than he A8 They told her to put some money aside each month so she would have a savings account. answer: (b) a savings account A9 We all advised him to make sure he got payment and didn't accept just a promise of money. answer: (c) accept just a promise of money A10 You'll need all your tact in this situation and you'll have to be very sensitive. answer: (b) be very sensitive
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Questions Index
Idioms with prepositions

A1 It's a long time since those days long ago when you could leave your front door unlocked. answer: (b) a long time since A2 I wish you would stop talking and let me finish speaking. answer: (d) let me finish speaking A3 It's not impossible you couldn't pass your exam if you really tried. answer: (c) It's not impossible A4 We haven't seen him for ages but he turns up very rarely. answer: (a) very rarely A5 It's almost impossible trying to get him to see sense because he takes no notice. answer: (b) almost impossible A6 He seriously believes that we think he's stupid but we really don't. answer: (d) He seriously believes A7 We thought it would all go off very well but in the end it turned out to be a failure. answer: (b) failure A8 I know you're keen but I don't want you to start too soon. Just relax. answer: (c) start too soon A9 Count to ten before you say anything and don't lose your temper. answer: (d) lose your temper A10 It's like there's nobody there because you never get an answer from her. answer: (a) there's nobody there
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Questions Index
Idioms with phrasal verbs

A1 You certainly couldn't call him modest because he's always saying how clever he is. answer: (c) saying how clever he is A2 You can always rely on him to make things go wrong and suddenly everything stops. answer: (a) make things go wrong A3 He tried and tried and tried but in the end he decided the time had come to stop trying. answer: (d) stop trying A4 My advice is to stop worrying about it and make an effort. answer: (b) make an effort A5 We've had a lovely time and walked a long way but I think it's time to stop. answer: (c) stop A6 I just can't open this tin at all and I always find this type of container really annoying. answer: (a) really annoying A7 To be honest he leads a miserable life because he works all the time and has no friends. answer: (b) a miserable life A8 The one thing you can be sure of is that whatever the situation she'll commit a social blunder and embarrass everyone. answer: (c) commit a social blunder A9 That sort of joke never makes people laugh and on this occasion it went down very badly. answer: (d) very badly A10 Before the meeting officially starts I'd like to mention one or two points. answer: (b) mention
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Questions Index
Mark Idioms
A1 He's not really doing anything serious at the moment because he's just waiting for the right opportunity until he finds a proper job. answer: (c) waiting for the right opportunity A2 You listen to me carefully you do as I say and you'll be all right. answer: (b) listen to me carefully A3 The dancers were lost marks in the competition because the man fell over half way through. answer: (a) lost marks A4 There wasn't much time to waste and in order to secure a place, you had to be be first in the queue. answer: (c) be first in the queue A5 When you look back over her lifetime you can see that she will be remembered. answer: (b) be remembered A6 From an early age he was destined to become leader of his party. answer: (d) destined A7 They were very fussy about their products and any item not of a high standard was discarded. answer: (c) of a high standard A8 Take no notice of what he said because his comments are irrelevant. answer: (a) irrelevant A9 As they were not ready on time, they missed some of the good bargains. answer: (d) not ready on time A10 Pay attention. The race is about to begin. Be prepared, get ready, start. answer: (c) Be prepared
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Questions Index
Retail Sales Expressions

A1 I went to BuyLots and bought a computer on payment plan. answer: (c) payment plan A2 The best time to go shopping in the USA is the day after Thanksgiving, because all stores reduce their prices. answer: (a) reduce A3 Nowadays, lots of people buy products over the Internet. answer: (c) buy A4 It's really important to keep a proof of purchase of the products you buy in case you need to return or exchange them. answer: (b) proof of purchase A5 When I first moved to the USA and didn't have a bank account, I used order of payment issued by a bank to pay my rent. answer: (a) order of payment issued by a bank A6 Thanks for buying at Build-a-Monster, your product will be mailed in 1 to 2 business days. Have a nice day! answer: (d) mailed A7 My son would love to have a Buzz Lightmonth toy for his birthday. Do you have any at your store? Sorry, ma'am. They are not available. answer: (c) not available A8 Excuse me, sir. I would like a reimburse on these shoes, please. They don't fit me. Sorry, ma'am. We can't do that. answer: (b) a reimburse A9 Melinda bought a Plasma TV with a one year guarantee. answer: (a) guarantee A10 Mr. Thompson only buys things that are inexpensive. answer: (c) inexpensive
148
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Questions Index

A1 I feel really good about this class. I'm going to do well or excel in the exam tomorrow. answer: (b) do well or excel in A2 His mom was really angry because he got home late last night. answer: (a) angry A3 Johnny has a really talkative nature and doesn't keep secrets well. You can't tell him anything or the whole world will know about it. answer: (a) talkative nature and doesn't keep secrets well A4 Our manager made a big fuss about the slight decrease in sales last month. answer: (b) big fuss A5 Richard received a large inheritance last year but he spent all of his money on silly things and now he's broke. answer: (a) spent all of his money A6 Kathy was ready to lose her temper when she found out someone stole her patent idea. answer: (c) lose her temper A7 The college students went out to a club last night and got drunk because the school year ended. answer: (a) got drunk A8 The class acted in a wild, crazy manner as soon as the teacher left the room. answer: (a) acted in a wild, crazy manner A9 Christie fell down and got a bruise on her arm so she cried until her mother picked her up. answer: (b) bruise A10 If Randy doesn't become aware of his situation, he'll fail the entire school year. answer: (a) become aware of his situation
149
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Questions Index

A1 Lauren moved to Los Angeles to become an actress. Now, she's working as a waitress and waiting for a great opportunity to further her career. answer: (c) a great opportunity to further her career A2 I don't have any money on me. Can I borrow a dollar? answer: (c) dollar A3 Rowan is really depressed about the break-up. She always looks so sad and apathetic. answer: (a) sad and apathetic A4 Jeff really wanted to play at the basketball game last night but his coach forced him to sit and watch the game for bad behavior this past week. answer: (b) forced him to sit and watch the game A5 I can't wait for our vacation next month. I'm going to sit on the beach to get a suntan. answer: (c) get a suntan A6 I'm so tired. I'm going home to get some sleep. I'll call you tomorrow. answer: (c) get some sleep A7 He'll never go for that. It's too expensive and he's so stingy. answer: (a) stingy A8 We went to the Grand Buffet this past weekend. They have really good food and I can't wait to eat a lot. answer: (a) eat a lot A9 Don't let him swindle or manipulate you. He's only using you because he wants you to give him some money. answer: (a) swindle or manipulate A10 Dean has turned into such a lazy person. He sits in front of the TV all night long. answer: (a) a lazy person
150
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Questions Index

A1 Why don't you open that bottle of wine so we can start celebrating your promotion. answer: (b) open that bottle A2 Sally had poor study habits so she had to study really hard in a short period of time for her chemistry exam. answer: (b) study really hard in a short period of time A3 Tanya's job is really good with great benefits. She gets a lot of time off and doesn't work very hard at all. answer: (a) good with great benefits A4 Notre Dame is going to defeat the other team because they're strong and well-organized this year. answer: (b) defeat A5 The food was so good. Now, can you ask for the bill so we can see what the cost of the meal is? answer: (a) cost of the meal A6 I don't want to come to this club ever again. It's always boring and there aren't many patrons. answer: (b) boring and there aren't many patrons A7 Don't worry. Her husband will pay for the meal. He has a lot of money. answer: (c) a lot of money A8 That movie was really sexually explicit. I don't think the kids should watch it. answer: (a) sexually explicit A9 Karen got rid of her little sister so we could go to the year-end party. answer: (a) got rid of A10 I don't want to hang out with Tom anymore. He's become a real boring and negative person. answer: (a) boring and negative person
151
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Questions Index

A1 Christine got an outpour of anger and complaints when she got home last night. Her parents lectured her about breaking curfews for more than an hour. answer: (a) an outpour of anger and complaints A2 Normally, drug addicts need a dose of something they strongly crave in order to cope with their day once they are addicted to a particular drug. answer: (a) dose of something they strongly crave A3 People say Lana is really unconventional and odd so she can't handle important projects at work. answer: (a) unconventional and odd A4 When he saw the giant wheel at the fair, he instantly had a memory of a past incident reminiscent of his childhood. answer: (b) memory of a past incident A5 My husband and I want to go watch that new movie/film. We heard it's pretty good. answer: (a) movie/film A6 Laura got really upset when she heard about the tornado that hit her hometown. answer: (a) got really upset A7 Some people say that my teacher is a physically attractive lady. answer: (c) physically attractive A8 That vacation package to Puerto Vallarta was a bonus received without cost/charge when I bought the cruise line vacation package that starts out in Fort Lauderdale. answer: (a) a bonus received without cost/charge A9 The computer system we use at work has a minor malfunction in it so we couldn't do any of our work today. The technician will be in tomorrow to fix it for us. answer: (b) minor malfunction A10 Carmen told me the joke three times but I still didn't understand the joke. She has a very different sense of humor. answer: (b) didn't understand the joke
152
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Questions Index

A1 I was highly interested in art and writing when I was a child. answer: (a) was highly interested in A2 Sharon was overly excited when she found out that she won a large shopping spree. answer: (b) was overly excited A3 Jim thinks Las Vegas hotels are pretty extravagant and showy. answer: (b) extravagant and showy A4 Karrie showed active support for her co-worker last week. Now, her boss wants to fire both of them. answer: (c) showed active support A5 Laura got a big promotion last month and now the whole thing made her conceited and overconfident. answer: (b) made her conceited and overconfident A6 After the tragic accident, Tyler was emotionally shattered. answer: (a) was emotionally shattered A7 I really made a careless and silly mistake at work this week. Now, I have to work overtime, without pay, to fix it. answer: (a) made a careless and silly mistake A8 Simon is notorious for being idle and wasting time at work. answer: (c) being idle and wasting time A9 Tim just spent thirty thousand dollars on a new car last week. answer: (a) thousand dollars A10 Our boss told Kevin to use his brain to solve the problem. answer: (c) use his brain
153
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Questions Index

A1 A lot of students at the high school across the street smoke marijuana during lunch hour. answer: (b) smoke marijuana A2 Cathy is really happy at her new job. It's lucrative and easy. answer: (c) lucrative and easy A3 I don't want that sandwich. It looks disgusting. answer: (a) disgusting A4 Where should we go for some good food? answer: (b) food A5 You've been very lazy this past semester. Now, you have to really work hard if you want to graduate in June. answer: (a) work hard A6 My roommate usually looks pretty unclean and sloppy when she goes out. answer: (a) unclean and sloppy A7 It takes a lot of courage to stand up for what you believe in; especially when your opinion is not a popular one. answer: (b) courage A8 I don't like your jacket. It looks a little dirty. answer: (b) dirty A9 That road was really dangerous. We should take another route next time. answer: (c) dangerous A10 We have to sit down and quickly work out an agreement before the end of the week. answer: (b) quickly work out
154
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Questions Index

A1 Due to her nervous breakdown last year, Maggie has decided to quit her nursing career. answer: (a) quit A2 Can you wait a moment please? I have to switch phones. answer: (c) wait a moment A3 I like your friend. I got a really good feeling from her. answer: (c) feeling A4 The neighbors across the street seem like they are financially stable. answer: (c) are financially stable A5 Your new project was a success at the meeting on Friday. answer: (a) a success A6 Oh, you don't know. He was fired because he was always late for work. answer: (b) was fired A7 Those kids look intoxicated on drugs or alcohol. I think they were smoking pot earlier. answer: (a) intoxicated on drugs or alcohol A8 The gang members hid for nearly three weeks because they are wanted on three counts of armed robbery. answer: (c) hid A9 I don't know what to say. You'll have to speak with the boss about that. answer: (a) boss A10 In order to succeed in the stock market, you have to be eager and highly motivated and business savvy. answer: (b) eager and highly motivated
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Questions Index

A1 Lisa has a very overly active son and she meets with his teacher a lot. answer: (a) overly active A2 You really have to work hard and fast if you want to meet the deadline. answer: (b) work hard and fast A3 Those colors are really stylish right now. A lot of people are using those shades in their homes. answer: (b) stylish A4 She wears too much makeup and very revealing clothing. She looks like a prostitute at times. answer: (b) prostitute A5 She's very attractive. A lot of guys at school like her. answer: (c) very attractive A6 She's a very serious person. I think she needs to relax more. answer: (a) serious A7 Don really got himself into a problematic situation this time. He needs help. answer: (a) problematic situation A8 Isaac hung around with the wrong crowd and I'm afraid for him because he's seriously and deeply involved now. answer: (c) seriously and deeply involved A9 In the past, people used to cause problems for me more. Nowadays, I put my foot down a lot more. answer: (b) cause problems for me A10 Some of the girls at school like the athletic guys. answer: (a) athletic guys
156
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Questions Index

A1 I've had to go for an hour. Where's the bathroom? answer: (c) bathroom A2 Kyle is in a lot of trouble. He's a drug addict and was caught stealing money last week. answer: (a) drug addict A3 He just started his new job so he's still pretty naive. answer: (b) naive A4 I know you're nervous but you have to stay calm right now. answer: (b) stay calm A5 I enjoy my little nephew. He's a cute and funny little guy. answer: (a) enjoy A6 Sandra is always falling and hurting herself. She's such a clumsy person. answer: (c) clumsy person A7 This exotic meal is really good so don't judge or criticize until you try it. answer: (a) don't judge or criticize A8 Emma was really skinny as a child but now she's a very attractive person. answer: (c) very attractive person A9 John's classmate continually teased him until John gave him a punch in the face in the fourth grade. answer: (b) a punch in the face A10 I don't like to walk around after dusk because of the weird people that seem to emerge at that time. answer: (a) weird people
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70.
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Questions Index

A1 I really like my brother-in-law because he's so relaxed and calm. answer: (c) relaxed and calm A2 That story Greg told us is pretty inadequate. He's always late and he has a million excuses for his behavior. answer: (b) inadequate A3 Some men use a lot of persuasive and complementary words to pick up girls at night clubs. answer: (a) persuasive and complementary words A4 Sophie exercises every day but she still can't get rid of those rolls of fat around her stomach. answer: (a) rolls of fat around her stomach A5 Whenever Tom begins a new job, he keeps to himself, at first, because he doesn't want to cause any problems. answer: (b) cause any problems A6 Bette plays a highly-skilled game of hockey. She's in the female league and is the top-scorer. answer: (a) highly-skilled A7 When Steven sold the rights to his unique and useful product, he made a lot of money. answer: (b) a lot of money A8 Last month, Tim and Sherri reached the credit limits of their credit cards because he was laid-off earlier this year. answer: (a) reached the credit limits of A9 Beth needs to relax more or she'll have a heart attack soon. answer: (a) relax more A10 At work, a communication breakdown or collapse has taken place between the management and the workers. answer: (c) communication breakdown or collapse
158
PHOTOCOPIABLE
71.
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Questions Index

A1 My boss gave me a lot of silly and not useful work to do recently. I wish he would challenge me more. answer: (a) silly and not useful A2 Ted is going to try to seduce Sandra at the party next week. answer: (a) try to seduce A3 That movie we saw last night was pretty very emotional and tender. Did you like it? answer: (a) very emotional and tender A4 I think that dresser is pretty good. I wish I could build something like that. answer: (c) good A5 There are a lot of bad things about the new management team. answer: (b) bad things A6 I'll leave the frozen dinner out for you and then you can heat it in the microwave when you get home. answer: (a) heat it in the microwave A7 Most of my colleagues in the office think that Sarah is crazy and unstable. answer: (b) crazy and unstable A8 Can you pick me up after work? Sure, it's no problem. answer: (b) no problem A9 I love your new home. The location is great as well. answer: (a) home A10 My new worker means well but sometimes he can be annoying. answer: (b) annoying
159
PHOTOCOPIABLE
72.
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Questions Index

A1 Tom loves to party and have a good time so he throws a lot of parties at his house. answer: (a) loves to party and have a good time A2 Simon tried to seduce Nicole but she told him to get his hands off of her. answer: (c) hands A3 Josephine works long hours for not a lot of money. She's going to ask for a raise soon. answer: (b) not a lot of money A4 Rowan was completely drunk at the party on Friday. answer: (b) drunk A5 I'm not worried about the exam next week. It's going to be easy. answer: (a) easy A6 Laura's mother told her not to eat too much at the dinner party this coming weekend. answer: (a) to eat too much A7 I'm starving. Let's get some pizza and eat a lot of food tonight. answer: (b) eat a lot of food A8 We've been driving for a long time so we need to stop and go to the bathroom soon. answer: (a) stop and go to the bathroom A9 Mathew usually drinks a lot and this weekend was no exception. He was intoxicated! answer: (c) intoxicated A10 We've been working too hard lately. I'm very tired! answer: (c) very tired
160
PHOTOCOPIABLE
73.
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Questions Index

A1 Joanne wanted to hit her co-worker because of the insulting comments she made. answer: (c) hit A2 You paid last time. Dinner is free because I want to pay for it this time. answer: (a) is free because I want to pay for it A3 I'm going to recommend my cousin for the legal advice you need. He's a real professional and he'll give you the information you need. answer: (b) professional A4 Are you mentally prepared for your role in the play on the weekend? We've been rehearsing for months and I can't believe the big night is almost here. answer: (a) mentally prepared for A5 Our boss had a mental breakdown recently. He threatened to kill his family and now he's awaiting his trial in jail. answer: (a) had a mental breakdown A6 She behaved very badly on the weekend. In fact, I think she's mentally ill and needs medical attention. answer: (a) mentally ill A7 I'm not feeling well. I think I have food poisoning and I feel like I'm going to vomit. answer: (c) vomit A8 Well, I had a great time tonight but I think I'm going to leave now. answer: (a) leave A9 Tim's subordinate is very disruptive at meetings so it's hard to tell who the lead or boss is most days. answer: (b) lead or boss A10 Sean needs to make easy money this month because he doesn't have enough money to cover his rent check. answer: (a) easy money
161
PHOTOCOPIABLE
74.
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Questions Index

A1 The teenagers next door make a lot of noise when their parents are out of town. answer: (c) make a lot of noise A2 I'm so tired. I have to sleep for a while. answer: (a) sleep A3 Let's meet on Friday. We need to talk about some things. answer: (a) talk A4 You've been living in that old and run down home forever. When are you going to move into a nicer place? answer: (a) old and run down home A5 At work, there are some new employees who think they can just do whatever they want. answer: (b) new A6 Our supervisor yelled at him on Monday because his work is not acceptable. answer: (a) yelled at him A7 The bank is threatening to repossess Liam's car because he's late on his payments. answer: (b) repossess A8 That sitcom is very funny. My whole family watches it on Thursday evenings. answer: (a) very funny A9 I really dislike people who aren't courteous and take up much of the roadway. They think they own the road. answer: (a) people who aren't courteous and take up much of the roadway A10 Can I have a scotch with ice please? answer: (c) with ice
162
PHOTOCOPIABLE
75.
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Questions Index

A1 Kevin and his family have had a hard time since the recent stock market crash. answer: (b) hard time A2 My professor lost his hair and now he wears a wig. answer: (a) wig A3 There are a lot of children in our neighborhood. answer: (c) children A4 My baby sister dominates the house. She's so spoiled! answer: (a) dominates A5 We renovated our entire house and now we've lost our momentum so the outdoor patio area will have to wait until we recover. answer: (a) lost our momentum A6 I've been working all day so I'm going to sleep early tonight. answer: (c) sleep A7 Most pyramid schemes seem like big deceptive acts to me. answer: (a) deceptive acts A8 The little boy was so hungry that he quickly ate his food in about twenty seconds. answer: (a) quickly ate A9 Some young people think they can waste time at work and get paid for it. They are in for a big surprise. answer: (a) waste time A10 Tom's boss warned him that if he makes a mistake one more time, he's going to fire him for good. answer: (b) makes a mistake
163
PHOTOCOPIABLE
76.
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Questions Index

A1 Ken is a very intelligent guy. He learns things very quickly. answer: (b) intelligent A2 I didn't succeed the first time but I'm willing to give it another try. answer: (a) try A3 My boss quickly disagreed with the idea I suggested at the meeting. He didn't even consider it for a moment. answer: (c) disagreed with A4 The armed robbers were quickly apprehended and then thrown in prison. answer: (a) prison A5 Heather was intoxicated at last year's Christmas party. Everyone is wondering if she'll do it again this year. answer: (a) intoxicated A6 A loud noise frightened the horse and it quickly started galloping down the path. answer: (b) frightened A7 My husband loves to eat potatoes. He could eat them all day long. answer: (b) potatoes A8 I'm not impressed with the progress. The whole process is disgusting. answer: (a) is disgusting A9 When the officer arrested the young boy, he asked him for a honest answer. answer: (b) honest A10 My new job is really upsetting me. I think I'm going to look for a new one as soon as possible. answer: (a) upsetting me
164
PHOTOCOPIABLE
77.
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Questions Index

A1 I don't like my boss. I want to tell him to leave. answer: (c) leave A2 I feel like such a gullible person. An acquaintance talked me into a pyramid scheme and I lost all of my savings. answer: (a) gullible person A3 When Tim was on vacation, he lost a lot of money at a hotel casino. He'll never learn. answer: (b) lost A4 I've been at the office a lot lately. I'm just doing what I have to do. answer: (b) doing what I have to do A5 Marcel just bought some new clothes at that trendy store downtown. answer: (c) clothes A6 I got into an accident on the weekend and my car was damaged beyond repair. answer: (a) damaged beyond repair A7 We went to a flea market and everything was up available at good prices. answer: (c) available A8 I'm so tired of renovating. I just want to do nothing and relax tonight. answer: (a) do nothing and relax A9 I got a really good feeling from that guy. Let's call him again. answer: (c) feeling A10 Why do you always carry that bundle of money around when everyone else uses debit cards these days? answer: (a) bundle of money
165
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78.
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Questions Index

A1 The gang leader told his followers to kill their rivals on the weekend. They are all wanted criminals now. answer: (a) kill A2 Do you think I could borrow your car? I have an important appointment this afternoon. answer: (c) car A3 My cousin is a computer wizard. He maintains my system for me. answer: (a) wizard A4 I have to drink some coffee so I can be very alert before the big exam. answer: (c) be very alert A5 Oh, stop being such a wimp. The bridge isn't even that high. answer: (b) wimp A6 My niece said her food was bad. answer: (a) bad A7 I can't do one more thing right now. I'm exhausted. answer: (b) exhausted A8 Who wants some pizza? answer: (a) Who wants A9 The door is in good shape. But, it does have a small scratch or dent in the lower left corner. answer: (b) small scratch or dent A10 Nuclear weapons are very dangerous weapons. They could destroy mankind for good. answer: (b) Nuclear weapons
166
PHOTOCOPIABLE
79.
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Questions Index
Clothing Idioms (1)

A1 That little boy cannot sit still. answer: (c) cannot sit still A2 My teacher told me to put a lot of effort into this term. answer: (b) put a lot of effort into A3 Bruce's last comment was unfair and cowardly. answer: (a) was unfair and cowardly A4 At the meeting on Friday, the assistant manager made a silly, unprepared and spontaneous comment. answer: (c) unprepared and spontaneous A5 I think her new boyfriend is pretending to be nice but is really dangerous. answer: (b) pretending to be nice but is really dangerous A6 Bill's wife dresses too young for her age. answer: (a) dresses too young for her age A7 Aurora wore her best clothes this weekend. answer: (c) wore her best clothes A8 This information is very important. Don't tell anyone. answer: (a) Don't tell anyone A9 Many people don't want to have their private affairs talked about in public. answer: (b) to have their private affairs talked about in public A10 Sierra's dress fits her very well. answer: (a) fits her very well
167
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80.
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Questions Index
Clothing Idioms (2)

A1 The new nightclub was very busy this past weekend. answer: (b) was very busy A2 Joseph went to Reno and lost all of his money last month. answer: (c) lost all of his money A3 Kevin is always broke because he spends his money quickly. answer: (a) he spends his money quickly A4 Don't lose your temper! I'm going to tell you everything. answer: (b) Don't lose your temper A5 Jeff just lost his job. I wouldn't want to be in his position. answer: (a) to be in his position A6 However, when I asked him about his situation he told me not to worry because he has reserve plans that he stored and are available for future use. answer: (c) he has reserve plans that he stored and are available for future use A7 Well, it's time to work hard! answer: (a) work hard A8 After all these years, Teresa still hasn't seen her husband naked. answer: (c) naked A9 Tara is the boss in her household. answer: (a) is the boss A10 Will told his friend to keep a secret strictly confidential or else! answer: (a) keep a secret strictly confidential
168
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81.
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Questions Index
House/Building Idioms (1)

A1 The news about the tragic terrorist acts strongly affected us. answer: (b) strongly affected us A2 My wife got really mad at me on the weekend and now I'm in trouble. answer: (c) in trouble A3 My mother left for Europe on Friday. She asked me to be the temporary manager while she's away. answer: (a) be the temporary manager A4 I don't like that joke. It was closely related to my inner feelings. answer: (a) was closely related to my inner feelings A5 I always tell my friend to act like my home is her home when she comes over. answer: (a) act like my home is her home A6 The restaurant owner was so happy and he announced that all drinks were free and paid for by the owner/restaurant. answer: (c) were free and paid for by the owner/restaurant A7 The comedian was really funny. He received a lot of applause and praise on the weekend. answer: (a) received a lot of applause and praise A8 Our neighbors talk about everyone but they don't realize that you shouldn't judge others when you do the same things they do. answer: (a) you shouldn't judge others when you do the same things they do A9 When his father came home and saw the mess, he was enraged and grounded his son for one month. answer: (b) was enraged A10 Megan doesn't like her regular or ordinary job. answer: (a) regular or ordinary
169
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82.
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Questions Index
Food Idioms
A1 I knew when Sandra told the lie that she would be admitting to her untrue claims later. answer: (b) admitting to her untrue claims A2 Everyone knows that our math teacher behaves in a crazy manner. answer: (a) behaves in a crazy manner A3 Jonathon asks for too much at work. He really wants to have extra privileges at work without giving up anything in return. answer: (c) have extra privileges at work without giving up anything in return A4 Is it time for our short break from work? answer: (b) short break from work A5 I love to sit around and talk or chat with old friends. answer: (c) talk or chat A6 Nancy was forced to admit her mistake and humbly apologize when the manager caught her in a lie. answer: (a) admit her mistake and humbly apologize A7 The new girl is always trying to gain favor by being really nice to the boss. Last week, she bought his son a new pair of designer shoes. answer: (b) trying to gain favor by being really nice A8 Lilly is so skinny but she has a large appetite. answer: (a) has a large appetite A9 Whenever Taylor invites a girl out to dinner, they share the bill. He likes it that way. answer: (c) share the bill A10 Sally made her famous chocolate chip cookies without using prepared ingredients of any kind. answer: (b) without using prepared ingredients of any kind
170
PHOTOCOPIABLE

82 English Idioms and Expressions Tests

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82 English Idioms and Expressions Tests

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82 English Idioms and Expressions Tests

115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122

English Idioms and Expressions / Elementary level # 1

English Idioms and Expressions / Elementary level # 2

English Idioms and Expressions / Elementary level # 3

English Idioms and Expressions / Elementary level # 4

English Idioms and Expressions / Elementary level # 5

English Idioms and Expressions / Elementary level # 6

English Idioms and Expressions / Elementary level # 7

English Idioms and Expressions / Elementary level # 8

English Idioms and Expressions / Elementary level # 9

English Idioms and Expressions / Elementary level # 10

English Idioms and Expressions / Elementary level # 11

English Idioms and Expressions / Elementary level # 12

English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 1

English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 2

Send the right message

English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 3

English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 4

English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 5

As happy as the day is long

English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 6

English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 7

English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 8

English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 9

English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 10

English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 11

Home Sweet Home

English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 12

English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 13

English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 14

English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 15

Expressions with cold

English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 16

English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 17

Idioms with come

English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 18

Common English Idioms

English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 19

Idioms with Hand

English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 20

English Idioms and Phrases

English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 21

Expressions with make

English Idioms and Expressions / Intermediate level # 22

Double Speak in Job Titles

English Idioms and Expressions / Advanced level # 1

English Animal Idioms

English Idioms and Expressions / Advanced level # 2

English Idioms and Expressions / Advanced level # 3

English Idioms and Expressions / Advanced level # 4

How Mary fell in love

English Idioms and Expressions / Advanced level # 5

English Idioms and Expressions / Advanced level # 6

English Idioms and Expressions / Advanced level # 7

English Grammar Prepositions

English Idioms and Expressions / Advanced level # 8

From Shakespeare originally

English Idioms and Expressions / Advanced level # 9

English Idioms and Expressions / Advanced level # 10

Cats, Dogs and Ducks

English Idioms and Expressions / Advanced level # 11

English Idioms and Expressions / Advanced level # 12