Idioms and Proverbs

Question 1

spread the word

Answer 1

to tell many people some kind of information.

• I need to spread the word that the meeting is canceled for this afternoon.

Question 2

as easy as pie

a piece of cake

Answer 2

means “very easy”.

He said it is a difficult problem, but I don’t agree. It seems as easy as pie to me!

Question 3

be sick and tired of

Answer 3

means “I hate” (also “can’t stand”)

Example: I’m sick and tired of doing nothing but work. Let’s go out tonight and have fun.

Question 4

bend over backwards

Answer 4

means “try very hard” (maybe too much!)

Example: He bent over backwards to please his new wife, but she never seemed satisfied.

Question 5

bite off more than one can chew

Answer 5

means “take responsibility for more than one can manage”
Example: John is so far behind in his studies. Besides classes, he plays sports and works at a part-time job. It seems he has bitten off more than he can chew.

Question 6

broke

Answer 6

means “to have no money”

Example: I have to borrow some money from my Dad. Right now, I’m broke.

Question 7

change one’s mind

Answer 7

means “decide to do something different from what had been decided earlier”
Example: I was planning to work late tonight, but I changed my mind. I’ll do extra work on the weekend instead.

Question 8

Cut it out!

Answer 8

means “stop doing something bad”

Example: That noise is really annoying. Cut it out!

Question 9

drop someone a line

Answer 9

means “send a letter or email to someone”

Example: It was good to meet you and I hope we can see each other again. Drop me a line when you have time.

Question 10

figure something out

Answer 10

means “come to understand a problem”

Example: I don’t understand how to do this problem. Take a look at it. Maybe you can figure it out.

Question 11

fill in for someone

Answer 11

means “do their work while they are away”

Example: While I was away from the store, my brother filled in for me.

Question 12

in ages

Answer 12

means “for a very long time”

Example: Have you seen Joe recently? I haven’t seen him in ages.

Question 13

give someone a hand

Answer 13

means “help”

Example: I want to move this desk to the next room. Can you give me a hand?

Question 14

hit the hay

Answer 14

means “go to bed” (also “hit the sack”)

Example: It’s after 12 o’clock. I think it’s time to hit the hay.

Question 15

in the black

Answer 15

means “the business is making money, it is profitable”

Example: Our business is really improving. We’ve been in the black all year.

Question 16

in the red

Answer 16

means “the business is losing money, it is unprofitable”

Example: Business is really going poorly these days. We’ve been in the red for the past three months.

Question 17

in the nick of time

Answer 17

means “not too late, but very close!”

Example: I got to the drugstore just in the nick of time. It’s a good thing, because I really need this medicine!

Question 18

keep one’s chin up

Answer 18

means “remain brave and keep on trying”

Example: I know things have been difficult for you recently, but keep your chin up. It will get better soon.

Question 19

know something like the back of your hand

Answer 19

means “know something very, very well”

Example: If you get lost, just ask me for directions. I know this part of town like the back of my hand

Question 20

once in a while

Answer 20

means “sometimes, not very often”
Example: Have you been to the new movie theater? No, I only see movies once in a while. I usually stay home and watch TV.

Question 21

sharp

Answer 21

means “exactly at a that time”

Example: I’ll meet you at 9 o’clock sharp. If you’re late, we’ll be in trouble!

Question 22

sleep on it

Answer 22

means “think about something before making a decision”

Example: That sounds like a good deal, but I’d like to sleep on it before I give you my final decision.

Question 23

take it easy

Answer 23

means “relax”

Example: I don’t have any special plans for the summer. I think I’ll just take it easy.

Question 24

to get the ball rolling

Answer 24

means “start something, especially something big”

Example: We need to get this project started as soon as possible. I’m hoping you will help me get the ball rolling.

Question 25

up to the minute

Answer 25

means “the most recent information”

Example: I wish I knew more about what is happening in the capital city. We need more up to the minute news.

Question 26

twenty-four/seven

Answer 26

means “every minute of every day, all the time”

Example: You can access our web site 24/7. It’s very convenient!