Idioms & Phrases — Set 15

Correct Answer: B. Calm and unflustered in dangerous situations

'Ice in your veins' describes someone who remains calm, cool, and unflustered in dangerous or stressful situations. The ice metaphor represents coldness and lack of emotional reaction. The phrase describes remarkable composure.

Correct Answer: B. Additional benefit or pleasant surprise

'Icing on the cake' describes an additional benefit or pleasant surprise added to something already good. The icing enhances the cake's appeal. The phrase suggests something extra that makes something already good even better.

Correct Answer: B. If something applies to you, accept it

'If the shoe fits' suggests that if something applies to you or describes you accurately, then you should accept it. The shoe metaphor represents suitability. The phrase encourages accepting criticism if it's justified.

Correct Answer: B. Operating at a financial loss

'In the red' describes operating at a financial loss or owing money. Accountants historically used red ink to show losses and black for profits. The phrase indicates negative financial status.

Correct Answer: B. In serious trouble or difficulty

'In hot water' means to be in serious trouble or facing difficulty. The heat metaphor represents discomfort and danger. The phrase describes being in a problematic or dangerous situation.

Correct Answer: B. It's obvious and doesn't need explanation

'It goes without saying' means something is so obvious it doesn't need to be explicitly stated. The phrase suggests the idea is self-evident and universally understood. It indicates that explanation is unnecessary.

Correct Answer: B. Help someone remember something

'Jog your memory' means to help someone remember something they've forgotten. The jog metaphor suggests gently stimulating the mind. The phrase describes prompting someone's recollection of information.

Correct Answer: B. Join popular trend without original thought

'Jump on the bandwagon' means to join a popular trend or movement without original thinking. The bandwagon metaphor refers to following the crowd. The phrase criticizes mindless conformity to popular opinion.

Correct Answer: B. Act prematurely before proper time

'Jump the gun' means to act prematurely before the proper time or signal. The gun metaphor comes from racing where starting before the starting gun is cheating. The phrase describes acting too quickly or impatiently.

Correct Answer: B. Strong and enthusiastic interest

'Keen interest' describes strong and enthusiastic interest in something. Keen means sharp and intense. The phrase suggests passionate, focused attention on a topic.