Vocabulary Idioms and Expressions

Question 1

What does 'break the ice' mean?

Accepted Answer

To initiate conversation in an awkward social situation

Answer

To break the ice means to do or say something to relieve tension and get people talking comfortably in a new social situation.

Question 2

What does 'bite the bullet' mean?

Accepted Answer

To endure a painful situation with courage

Answer

To bite the bullet means to face a difficult or unpleasant situation bravely, enduring the pain rather than avoiding it.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

It is your turn to make a decision or take action

Answer

This expression means it is now someone else's responsibility to take the next step or make a decision, borrowed from tennis/basketball.

Question 4

What does 'once in a blue moon' mean?

Accepted Answer

Very rarely; almost never

Answer

A blue moon is an astronomical rarity, so 'once in a blue moon' means something happens very infrequently.

Question 5

What does 'add insult to injury' mean?

Accepted Answer

To make a bad situation even worse by doing something additionally hurtful

Answer

To add insult to injury means to make an already bad situation worse, typically by saying something offensive after causing harm.

Vocabulary Practice Test