Competitive English Idioms and Phrases

Question 1

What does the idiom 'BITE THE BULLET' mean?

Accepted Answer

To endure a painful or difficult situation

Answer

'Bite the bullet' means to endure a painful or unpleasant situation that is unavoidable.

Question 2

The phrase 'BEAT AROUND THE BUSH' means:

Accepted Answer

To avoid coming to the main point

Answer

'Beat around the bush' means to avoid talking about what is important or to delay getting to the point.

Question 3

What does 'BREAK THE ICE' mean?

Accepted Answer

To do or say something to relieve tension in a social situation

Answer

'Break the ice' means to do or say something to relieve tension or awkwardness in a social situation.

Question 4

The idiom 'BURN THE MIDNIGHT OIL' means:

Accepted Answer

To work late into the night

Answer

'Burn the midnight oil' means to work late into the night, historically referring to working by oil-lamp light.

Question 5

What does 'COST AN ARM AND A LEG' mean?

Accepted Answer

To be extremely expensive

Answer

'Cost an arm and a leg' means to be very expensive.

Competitive English Practice Test