Idioms & Phrases — Set 5

Correct Answer: B. Reveal a secret or spoil a surprise

'Let the cat out of the bag' means to reveal a secret or spoil a surprise unintentionally. The cat metaphorically represents a secret kept hidden. Once released, like a cat from a bag, the secret cannot be easily put back.

Correct Answer: B. Raining very heavily

'Raining cats and dogs' means it's raining very heavily. Despite the literal image, it doesn't involve actual animals. The phrase is used to describe intense rainfall that is unusually heavy and continuous.

Correct Answer: B. Competitive and ruthless environment

'A dog-eat-dog world' describes a highly competitive and ruthless environment where people or entities do whatever it takes to succeed. The phrase suggests intense competition where individuals prioritize their own interests. It indicates a cutthroat competitive atmosphere.

Correct Answer: B. Deteriorate or decline in quality

'Go to the dogs' means to deteriorate or decline in quality or condition. It suggests something is getting worse over time. The phrase can apply to institutions, relationships, or personal circumstances that are failing or declining.

Correct Answer: B. Pursuing the wrong goal or approach

'Barking up the wrong tree' means pursuing the wrong goal or blaming the wrong person. It comes from hunting where a dog might bark at a tree where its prey isn't. The phrase suggests wasting effort on the wrong target or approach.

Correct Answer: B. A short sleep or rest

'A cat nap' refers to a short sleep or rest, usually just a few minutes. It comes from the observation that cats sleep frequently for short periods throughout the day. The term is used to describe brief moments of rest taken during daily activities.

Correct Answer: B. A space is very small or cramped

'Not enough room to swing a cat' describes a very small or cramped space where there's barely enough room to move around. It's an exaggeration illustrating how confined a space is. The phrase suggests extreme lack of space and crowding.

Correct Answer: B. The hottest days of summer

'Dog days' refers to the hottest days of summer. The term comes from the heliacal rising of the star Sirius, called the Dog Star, which occurs during summer. The phrase is used to describe oppressively hot weather periods.

Correct Answer: B. A futile or fruitless pursuit

'A wild goose chase' means a futile or fruitless pursuit of something that cannot be caught. It refers to chasing something that is impossible to attain. The phrase suggests wasting time and effort on something that is ultimately pointless.

Correct Answer: B. Dishonest or mischievous activity

'Monkey business' refers to dishonest, mischievous, or deceptive activity. It suggests foolish or untrustworthy behavior. The phrase is used to indicate suspicious or questionable conduct that should be avoided or investigated.