American Idioms - List Two

Question 1

Break the ice

Answer 1

To initiate conversation or friendship

Question 2

Caught between a rock and a hard place

Answer 2

Facing a difficult decision or situation

Question 3

Cross that bridge when you come to it

Answer 3

Deal with a problem when it arises

Question 4

Don’t count your chickens before they hatch

Answer 4

Don’t rely on something that hasn’t happened yet

Question 5

Get a taste of your own medicine

Answer 5

Experience something you’ve inflicted on others

Question 6

Hit the nail on the head

Answer 6

To describe something accurately

Question 7

Jump the gun

Answer 7

Act prematurely or hastily

Question 8

Keep your chin up

Answer 8

Stay positive in a difficult situation

Question 9

Let the cat out of the bag

Answer 9

To reveal a secret

Question 10

A penny saved is a penny earned

Answer 10

Saving money is just as important as earning it

Question 11

Actions speak louder than words

Answer 11

Behavior reveals true intentions

Question 12

At the drop of a hat

Answer 12

Without hesitation or delay

Question 13

Burn bridges

Answer 13

To ruin relationships, especially intentionally

Question 14

Cut to the chase

Answer 14

To get to the point quickly

Question 15

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket

Answer 15

Don’t risk everything on a single opportunity

Question 16

Every cloud has a silver lining

Answer 16

There’s something good in every bad situation

Question 17

Go down like a lead balloon

Answer 17

Fail to be well received or accepted

Question 18

Hit the jackpot

Answer 18

To be extremely successful or fortunate

Question 19

In hot water

Answer 19

In trouble or facing difficulties

Question 20

Jump on the bandwagon

Answer 20

To join a popular trend or activity

Question 21

Kick the bucket

Answer 21

To die

Question 22

Let the chips fall where they may

Answer 22

To let things happen without interference

Question 23

Off the top of my head

Answer 23

Without careful thought or consideration

Question 24

Put all your eggs in one basket

Answer 24

To risk everything on a single opportunity

Question 25

The ball is in your court

Answer 25

It’s your decision or responsibility

Question 26

Bite the bullet

Answer 26

To endure a painful situation or task

Question 27

Cold turkey

Answer 27

Suddenly stopping an addictive behavior or habit

Question 28

Don’t cry over spilled milk

Answer 28

Don’t worry about past mistakes

Question 29

Get off on the wrong foot

Answer 29

To start a relationship or interaction poorly

Question 30

Hit the ground running

Answer 30

To start something with great speed or success

Question 31

In the same boat

Answer 31

In the same situation or predicament

Question 32

Keep it under wraps

Answer 32

To keep something secret

Question 33

Leave no stone unturned

Answer 33

To search thoroughly for something

Question 34

Make a mountain out of a molehill

Answer 34

To exaggerate a minor problem

Question 35

Play devil’s advocate

Answer 35

To argue the opposing viewpoint for the sake of debate

Question 36

Put your best foot forward

Answer 36

To make a good impression

Question 37

The straw that broke the camel’s back

Answer 37

The final event causing failure or collapse

Question 38

A wolf in sheep’s clothing

Answer 38

Someone who appears harmless but is actually dangerous

Question 39

Break a leg

Answer 39

Good luck (especially in a performance)

Question 40

Cut corners

Answer 40

To do something in the easiest or cheapest way

Question 41

Don’t judge a book by its cover

Answer 41

Don’t form an opinion based on appearance

Question 42

Get a leg up

Answer 42

To gain an advantage

Question 43

Hit the road

Answer 43

To leave, to start a journey

Question 44

Let sleeping dogs lie

Answer 44

To leave things as they are

Question 45

Miss the boat

Answer 45

To miss an opportunity

Question 46

Pull someone’s leg

Answer 46

To tease or joke with someone in a friendly way

Question 47

The early bird catches the worm

Answer 47

Acting early brings success

Question 48

A penny for your thoughts

Answer 48

Asking someone what they are thinking