Idiomatic and Phrasal Expressions Flashcards

What does 'bite off more than you can chew' mean? (A) To eat too quickly during a meal (B) To take on more responsibility than you can handle (C) To speak carelessly in public (D) To be overly confident before a test

Answer: To take on more responsibility than you can handle

'Bite off more than you can chew' means to take on a task or responsibility that is too large or difficult to manage.

The phrase 'on the fence' in 'The committee was still on the fence about the new policy' means: (A) Physically positioned near a boundary (B) Undecided or neutral about something (C) Strongly opposed to an idea (D) Enthusiastic and ready to proceed

Answer: Undecided or neutral about something

'On the fence' means being undecided, neutral, or not yet committed to a particular position or viewpoint.

What is the meaning of 'the tip of the iceberg'? (A) The most dangerous part of a problem (B) A small, visible part of a much larger issue (C) The beginning of a cold weather operation (D) The top-ranking officer in a command

Answer: A small, visible part of a much larger issue

'The tip of the iceberg' refers to the small, visible portion of a much larger problem or situation, most of which is hidden or unknown.

Choose the best meaning of the phrasal verb 'fill in for someone.' (A) To complete paperwork on someone's behalf (B) To temporarily replace or substitute for someone (C) To provide information that someone is missing (D) To occupy an enemy position

Answer: To temporarily replace or substitute for someone

'Fill in for someone' is a phrasal verb meaning to temporarily take someone's place or do their job while they are absent.

What does 'break the ice' mean in a social or professional setting? (A) To destroy equipment in cold weather (B) To begin a difficult military operation (C) To initiate conversation and ease tension in an awkward situation (D) To violate a ceasefire agreement

Answer: To initiate conversation and ease tension in an awkward situation

'Break the ice' means to do or say something to relieve tension and make people feel comfortable, especially in a new social or professional situation.

The expression 'cost an arm and a leg' means: (A) To require physical sacrifice (B) To be extremely expensive (C) To cause serious injury (D) To demand a physical fitness test

Answer: To be extremely expensive

'Cost an arm and a leg' is an idiom meaning something is very expensive. Arms and legs are considered extremely valuable, so metaphorically losing them represents a very high price.