FREE CELPIP Vocabulary: Idiomatic Expressions Questions and Answers

Question 1

A manager, speaking to her team, says, "I know no one is happy about the new weekend shifts, but we're going to have to bite the bullet for the next couple of months to meet the deadline."

What does the manager mean?

Accepted Answer

They will need to accept a difficult situation.

Answer

They will be rewarded later for their hard work.

Answer

They should eat something before their shift.

Answer

They will have to work without complaining.

Question 2

During a team meeting, Mark suggested that the recent drop in sales was due to a new competitor's aggressive marketing campaign. His boss, Sarah, replied, "You really hit the nail on the head, Mark. That's exactly what our analysis shows."

What does Sarah mean by her reply to Mark?

Accepted Answer

She believes Mark has identified the problem precisely.

Answer

She is warning Mark to be more careful with his words.

Answer

She thinks Mark's comment was hurtful.

Answer

She wants Mark to provide a more detailed analysis.

Question 3

Your colleague sends you a text message that says, "I won't be in the office today. I'm feeling a bit under the weather."

What is your colleague telling you?

Accepted Answer

They are feeling slightly ill.

Answer

They are feeling sad about the bad weather.

Answer

They have too much work to do.

Answer

They are worried about an upcoming storm.

Question 4

After looking at several apartments for rent in downtown Toronto, Amir told his friend, "Finding a decent place that doesn't cost an arm and a leg is almost impossible."

What does Amir mean?

Accepted Answer

He thinks most available apartments are extremely expensive.

Answer

He is worried about the physical danger of living downtown.

Answer

He is looking for a place that is fully furnished.

Answer

He is having trouble finding an apartment with enough space.

Question 5

My sister lives in Vancouver and I live in Halifax, so I only get to see her once in a blue moon.

The phrase 'once in a blue moon' means:

Accepted Answer

Very rarely.

Answer

Only when the sky is clear.

Answer

Every month.

Answer

During a specific holiday.

Question 6

In which of the following sentences is the idiom 'spill the beans' used correctly?

Accepted Answer

Please don't spill the beans about the surprise party; it's supposed to be a secret.

Answer

He was so clumsy that he managed to spill the beans all over the clean floor.

Answer

The farmer was happy to spill the beans into the silo after a long harvest.

Answer

If you want to make a good chili, you have to spill the beans into the pot at the right time.

A manager, speaking to her team, says, "I know no one is happy about the new weekend shifts, but we're going to have to bite the bullet for the next couple of months to meet the deadline."What does the manager mean?

A manager, speaking to her team, says, "I know no one is happy about the new weekend shifts, but we're going to have to bite the bullet for the next couple of months to meet the deadline."
What does the manager mean?