CPE Idiomatic Expressions and Phrasal Verbs 2

Question 1

What does the phrasal verb 'look into' mean?

Accepted Answer

To investigate or examine something more closely

Answer

'Look into' means to investigate or examine a matter, often used in professional or academic contexts.

Question 2

Which sentence correctly uses the idiom 'to burn the midnight oil'?

Accepted Answer

She burned the midnight oil to finish her dissertation before the deadline.

Answer

'Burn the midnight oil' means to work late into the night, as correctly illustrated in C with someone finishing a dissertation.

Question 3

What does the phrasal verb 'fall through' mean?

Accepted Answer

To fail to happen or be completed as planned

Answer

'Fall through' means that a plan, deal, or arrangement fails to be completed or realized.

Question 4

The idiom 'to hit the nail on the head' means:

Accepted Answer

To describe or identify something with complete accuracy

Answer

'Hit the nail on the head' means to describe or identify exactly what is causing a situation or problem.

Question 5

Which option correctly completes the sentence: 'After years of struggling, the business finally _____ its competitors.'?

Accepted Answer

pulled ahead of

Answer

'Pull ahead of' means to move into a leading position, making it the correct choice for surpassing competitors.

CPE - Certificate of Proficiency in English Practice Test