ESOL ESOL Idioms and Expressions

Question 1

What does the US English idiom 'break a leg' mean?

Accepted Answer

Good luck

Answer

Hurt yourself physically

Answer

Run away quickly

Answer

Stop working

Question 2

If someone says 'it's raining cats and dogs,' what do they mean?

Accepted Answer

It is raining very heavily

Answer

Animals are falling from the sky

Answer

The weather is slightly cloudy

Answer

It is snowing outside

Question 3

What does 'bite the bullet' mean in American English?

Accepted Answer

Endure a difficult or painful situation bravely

Answer

Eat something sharp

Answer

Shoot a weapon

Answer

Quit your job

Question 4

If a coworker says 'let's get the ball rolling,' what are they suggesting?

Accepted Answer

Start or begin a project or task

Answer

Play a game together

Answer

Throw something around the office

Answer

End the workday early

Question 5

What does 'under the weather' mean in everyday US English?

Accepted Answer

Feeling sick or unwell

Answer

Standing in the rain

Answer

Working outdoors

Answer

Enjoying sunny weather

Question 6

What does it mean when someone says 'hit the nail on the head'?

Accepted Answer

Say or do something exactly right

Answer

Do carpentry work

Answer

Miss an opportunity

Answer

Arrive early