CPE Idiomatic Expressions and Phrasal Verbs

Question 1

Which sentence correctly uses the phrasal verb 'bring about' to mean 'to cause something to happen'?

Accepted Answer

The new policy brought about significant changes in the workplace.

Answer

She brought about the cookies from the oven.

Answer

He brought about his friend to the party.

Answer

They brought about the car to the garage.

Question 2

What does the idiom 'to bite the bullet' mean?

Accepted Answer

To endure a painful or difficult situation with courage

Answer

To eat something extremely hard or crunchy

Answer

To fire a weapon recklessly

Answer

To make a hasty, impulsive decision

Question 3

In which sentence is 'come across' used correctly to mean 'to find or encounter unexpectedly'?

Accepted Answer

He came across an old letter while cleaning the attic.

Answer

She came across the finish line in first place.

Answer

They came across the bridge to reach the other side.

Answer

We came across the border without any problems.

Question 4

What does the idiom 'let the cat out of the bag' mean?

Accepted Answer

To accidentally reveal a secret

Answer

To release a trapped animal from a container

Answer

To make a planned surprise announcement

Answer

To cause chaos and confusion in a situation

Question 5

Which sentence correctly uses 'put off' to mean 'to postpone or delay'?

Accepted Answer

They put off the meeting until next week.

Answer

She put off her coat before entering the house.

Answer

The strong smell put off everyone in the room.

Answer

He put off a great performance on stage.

Question 6

What is the meaning of the idiom 'to cost an arm and a leg'?

Accepted Answer

To be extremely expensive

Answer

To cause serious physical harm to someone

Answer

To require a great deal of physical effort or labor

Answer

To be priceless in emotional or sentimental terms

Question 7

In the sentence 'The new manager really rubbed her colleagues up the wrong way,' what does the underlined phrase mean?

Accepted Answer

She irritated or annoyed her colleagues.

Answer

She gave her colleagues unsolicited physical massages.

Answer

She accidentally offended her colleagues with a physical gesture.

Answer

She disagreed with her colleagues about the direction of a project.