Cultural Context & Idiomatic Expressions Flashcards

Someone says, 'He's barking up the wrong tree.' This idiom means he is:

Answer: Pursuing the wrong solution or person

'Barking up the wrong tree' means making a wrong assumption or pursuing the wrong course.

At a US party, the host says, 'Make yourself at home!' The guest should understand this means:

Answer: Relax and feel comfortable without ceremony

'Make yourself at home' invites guests to relax and act comfortably.

Which sentence uses 'costs an arm and a leg' correctly?

Answer: That luxury car costs an arm and a leg.

'Costs an arm and a leg' means something is extremely expensive.

When a US colleague says, 'Let's touch base next week,' they are suggesting:

Answer: A brief check-in or follow-up conversation

'Touch base' is a common business idiom meaning to make brief contact or follow up.

The expression 'elephant in the room' refers to:

Answer: An obvious problem everyone is avoiding

'Elephant in the room' means an obvious issue that people are ignoring or reluctant to discuss.

In American dining culture, when a server asks 'How is everything tasting?' the expected response is usually:

Answer: A brief, polite reply like 'Great, thank you!'

A polite, brief positive response is the culturally expected reply to this common server check-in.

Someone says they 'hit the nail on the head.' They mean someone:

Answer: Said or identified something exactly right

'Hit the nail on the head' means to describe or identify something with complete accuracy.