Idioms & Phrases — Set 20

Correct Answer: B. The lesson or principle to be learned

'Moral of the story' refers to the lesson or principle to be learned from an event, story, or experience. The phrase suggests extracting wisdom from narrative. It describes the underlying teaching or takeaway from situations.

Correct Answer: B. Influential people creating change

'Movers and shakers' describes influential people who create significant change and drive progress. The movement metaphor represents dynamic action and impact. The phrase refers to prominent figures with power to affect outcomes and shape events.

Correct Answer: B. Making progress; leaving past behind

'Moving forward' metaphorically means making progress and leaving the past behind. The motion metaphor represents advancement and growth. The phrase suggests emotional or situational progress toward better circumstances.

Correct Answer: B. Complicate or obscure a situation

'Muddy the waters' means to complicate or obscure a situation, making it harder to understand. The turbid water metaphor represents confusion and lack of clarity. The phrase describes intentional or accidental obscuring of facts or truth.

Correct Answer: B. Keep quiet; don't tell anyone

'Mum's the word' means to keep quiet about something and not tell anyone. Mum possibly relates to mumble or silence. The phrase asks for discretion and confidentiality regarding information or secrets.

Correct Answer: B. Very naive or gullible

'Must have been born yesterday' suggests someone is very naive, gullible, or inexperienced. The birth metaphor represents extreme youth and innocence. The phrase criticizes someone for lacking experience and being easily fooled.

Correct Answer: B. Express sympathy and compassion

'My heart goes out to you' expresses sympathy, compassion, and emotional support for someone's difficult situation. The heart metaphor represents emotional connection and caring. The phrase conveys deep understanding and support.

Correct Answer: B. Ultimate complexity and incomprehensibility

'Mystery of mysteries' describes something of ultimate complexity and incomprehensibility. The repetition emphasizes the profound nature of the unknown. The phrase suggests something defying explanation or understanding despite investigation.

Correct Answer: B. Complete truth without concealment

'Naked truth' means complete truth without concealment, embellishment, or distortion. The naked metaphor represents exposure and vulnerability. The phrase describes unvarnished facts presented honestly and directly.

Correct Answer: B. Barely avoiding danger or disaster

'Narrow escape' describes barely avoiding danger, disaster, or harm by a small margin. The narrow metaphor suggests a close call with minimal separation from danger. The phrase emphasizes luck or skill in avoiding serious consequences.