Idioms & Phrases — Set 17

Correct Answer: B. Score excellently on test

'Ace the test' means to score excellently on a test or examination, getting the highest grade. Ace represents the highest card in many games. The phrase describes exceptional academic performance and mastery of tested material.

Correct Answer: B. Extremely fearful and timid person

'Afraid of your own shadow' describes an extremely fearful, timid, and cowardly person who fears even harmless things. The shadow metaphor represents something that poses no actual threat. The phrase emphasizes excessive fearfulness and lack of courage.

Correct Answer: B. Someone whose values and interests match yours

'After my own heart' describes someone whose values, interests, and personality align closely with your own. The heart metaphor represents core values and feelings. The phrase suggests finding kindred spirits or people you genuinely connect with.

Correct Answer: B. Succeed despite unfavorable circumstances

'Against the odds' means to succeed or achieve despite unfavorable circumstances or low probability of success. The odds metaphor represents statistical likelihood. The phrase describes overcoming seemingly impossible challenges.

Correct Answer: B. Deliberately treat someone with coolness or neglect

'Give the cold shoulder' means to deliberately treat someone with coolness, rudeness, or neglect, often as punishment. The cold shoulder metaphor represents emotional distance and rejection. The phrase describes intentional social exclusion.

Correct Answer: B. Fail dramatically or spectacularly

'Go down in flames' means to fail dramatically, spectacularly, or catastrophically. The flames metaphor represents visible, dramatic destruction. The phrase describes public or memorable failure.

Correct Answer: B. Wait, slow down, or delay action

'Hold your horses' means to wait, slow down, or delay action when someone is rushing. The horses metaphor represents forward momentum. The phrase advises patience and careful deliberation before proceeding.

Correct Answer: B. The native or official language of a region

'Language of the land' refers to the native or official language of a particular region or country. The land metaphor emphasizes geographical connection and cultural identity. The phrase describes the primary linguistic identity of a place.

Correct Answer: B. Profit greatly from deception or luck

'Laugh all the way to the bank' means to profit greatly or succeed financially, often through deception, luck, or unconventional means. The bank metaphor represents financial gain. The phrase suggests deriving satisfaction from unexpected wealth.

Correct Answer: B. Avoid reopening old conflicts or issues

'Let sleeping dogs lie' means to avoid reopening old conflicts, problems, or painful issues best left alone. The dogs metaphor represents past troubles that should remain undisturbed. The phrase advises against unnecessarily bringing up difficult topics.