IEO Idioms & Phrases 2

Question 1

What does the idiom 'the ball is in your court' mean?

Accepted Answer

The decision or next action is up to you

Answer

'The ball is in your court' means it is now the other person's responsibility to take the next step or make a decision.

Question 2

What does 'barking up the wrong tree' mean?

Accepted Answer

Looking in the wrong place or blaming the wrong person

Answer

'Barking up the wrong tree' means pursuing a mistaken or misguided course of action.

Question 3

The idiom 'burn the midnight oil' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Working or studying late into the night

Answer

'Burn the midnight oil' means to work or study very late at night, originally by the light of an oil lamp.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

To reveal a secret that was supposed to be kept

Answer

'Let the cat out of the bag' means to accidentally or carelessly reveal a secret.

Question 5

What is the meaning of 'on the fence'?

Accepted Answer

Unsure or uncommitted about a decision

Answer

'On the fence' means unable to make a decision or choose a side; being neutral or indecisive.

IEO - International English Olympiad Practice Test