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

'Bring about' means to cause something to happen, and only option B uses it in a context of causing a result.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

To endure a painful or difficult situation with courage

Answer

'Bite the bullet' means to stoically endure a painful or difficult situation rather than avoid it.

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

'Come across' meaning to encounter unexpectedly is correctly used in B, where an old letter is discovered by chance.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

To accidentally reveal a secret

Answer

'Let the cat out of the bag' means to accidentally disclose information that was meant to be kept secret.

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

'Put off' meaning to postpone is correctly used in C, where a meeting is delayed to a later date.

CPE - Certificate of Proficiency in English Practice Test