Idiomatic Expressions Flashcards

What does the idiom 'bite the bullet' mean?

Answer: To endure a painful situation with courage

'Bite the bullet' means to endure a difficult or painful situation stoically, originating from soldiers biting a bullet during surgery.

If someone tells you to 'burn your bridges,' they are warning you not to:

Answer: Destroy future opportunities by acting rashly

'Burning your bridges' means permanently damaging relationships or eliminating future options through careless actions.

The phrase 'spill the beans' means to:

Answer: Accidentally reveal a secret

'Spill the beans' means to inadvertently or prematurely reveal confidential information.

What does 'under the weather' describe?

Answer: Feeling slightly ill

'Under the weather' is an idiom meaning to feel unwell or slightly sick.

When someone says 'the ball is in your court,' what do they mean?

Answer: It is now your responsibility to act

'The ball is in your court' means the next decision or action is the other person's responsibility.

What does the idiom 'break the ice' mean?

Answer: To reduce tension in a social situation

'Break the ice' means to initiate conversation or ease awkwardness in a social setting.

The expression 'on the fence' means someone is:

Answer: Undecided between two options

'On the fence' describes someone who is neutral or undecided about a particular issue.