Idioms & Phrases — Set 8

Correct Answer: B. Main income or livelihood

'Bread and butter' refers to someone's main source of income or livelihood. It represents basic essentials needed to survive. The phrase is used to describe the fundamental business or activity that sustains someone financially.

Correct Answer: B. Something very easy to do

'A piece of cake' means something is very easy to accomplish. The pleasant and simple nature of eating cake is used metaphorically to describe easy tasks. The phrase suggests that accomplishing something requires minimal effort.

Correct Answer: B. Want both contradictory things simultaneously

'Have your cake and eat it too' describes wanting to enjoy two contradictory benefits simultaneously, which is impossible. Once you eat cake, you no longer have it. The phrase suggests unrealistic expectations of gaining incompatible advantages.

Correct Answer: B. Deserving your position and pay

'Worth your salt' means deserving your position, responsibility, or pay through competence and effort. The phrase comes from historical times when salt was valuable currency. It describes someone who is effective and deserves their compensation.

Correct Answer: B. Don't believe completely; view skeptically

'Take something with a grain of salt' means to view information skeptically or not believe it completely. It suggests treating claims with doubt rather than accepting them fully. The phrase advises cautious interpretation of questionable information.

Correct Answer: B. Flatter someone to gain advantage

'Butter someone up' means to flatter someone excessively to gain an advantage or favorable treatment. The smoothness of butter is used metaphorically to represent smooth flattery. The phrase describes manipulative use of compliments.

Correct Answer: B. Sedentary person who watches TV

'Couch potato' describes a sedentary person who spends excessive time watching television or being inactive. The potato metaphor suggests someone passive and inactive, resembling a potato. The phrase criticizes a lifestyle lacking physical activity and engagement.

Correct Answer: B. Reveal a secret or truth

'Spill the beans' means to reveal a secret or tell the truth unintentionally. Beans metaphorically represent secrets. The phrase suggests losing control and allowing information that should be hidden to become known.

Correct Answer: B. In a difficult or problematic situation

'In a pickle' means to be in a difficult or problematic situation with no easy solution. The metaphor compares being stuck in a difficult situation to being stuck in pickle brine. The phrase describes being in trouble or a predicament.

Correct Answer: B. Regret past events that cannot be changed

'Cry over spilled milk' means to regret past events or mistakes that cannot be undone or changed. Once milk is spilled, it's gone and crying doesn't help. The phrase advises accepting past mistakes and moving forward rather than dwelling on them.