CELSA Idiomatic Expressions 2

Question 1

What does the idiom 'bite the bullet' mean?

Accepted Answer

To endure a painful situation with courage

Answer

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

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Destroy future opportunities by acting rashly

Answer

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

Question 3

The phrase 'spill the beans' means to:

Accepted Answer

Accidentally reveal a secret

Answer

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

Question 4

What does 'under the weather' describe?

Accepted Answer

Feeling slightly ill

Answer

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

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

It is now your responsibility to act

Answer

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

(CELSA) Combined English Language Skills Assessment Practice Test