1.
You look a little down in the dumps.
Correct Answer
C. You look sad.
Explanation
The phrase "in the dumps" is an idiom that means feeling sad or depressed. The statement "You look a little down in the dumps" implies that the person appears sad or unhappy. Therefore, the correct answer is "You look sad."
2.
He comes across as a military commander.
Correct Answer
A. He acts like a military commander.
Explanation
The given correct answer suggests that the person in question exhibits behavior and characteristics similar to that of a military commander. This implies that his actions, demeanor, and way of conducting himself resemble those of someone in a position of authority and leadership within the military.
3.
Just cheer up and stick with a positive attitude.
Correct Answer
D. Feel better and maintain positive thoughts.
Explanation
The answer "Feel better and maintain positive thoughts" is the most appropriate because it directly aligns with the initial statement "Just cheer up and stick with a positive attitude." It emphasizes the importance of feeling better and actively choosing to have positive thoughts. The other options mention smiling, thinking "up," or using a positivity stick, but they do not address the aspect of feeling better or maintaining positive thoughts as directly as the correct answer does.
4.
He makes me feel like everything is over my head.
Correct Answer
B. He makes me feel like I cannot understand anything.
Explanation
The correct answer is "He makes me feel like I cannot understand anything." This is because the phrase "over my head" is often used to describe something that is too difficult or complex to comprehend. Therefore, when the person in question makes the speaker feel like everything is over their head, it implies that they are unable to understand anything.
5.
It has been one thing after another lately.
Correct Answer
D. Things have happened close together in time.
Explanation
The phrase "one thing after another" suggests a series of events occurring in quick succession. This implies that multiple things have been happening close together in time.
6.
Maybe it will even chance my luck, knock on wood.
Correct Answer
C. Maybe it will change my luck. I knock on wood to give myself luck.
Explanation
The correct answer is "Maybe it will change my luck. I knock on wood to give myself luck." This answer correctly identifies the reason for knocking on wood as a superstitious belief in bringing good luck. The other options either incorrectly suggest that someone else is knocking, or that knocking on a door will change luck, or that knocking on wood multiple times will increase luck.
7.
Please give it a rest.
Correct Answer
A. Please stop talking about that topic.
Explanation
The correct answer is "Please stop talking about that topic." because it directly addresses the request to stop discussing a specific subject. The other options suggest actions like laying down or pulling out a futon, which are unrelated to the request to stop talking about the topic.
8.
I think I stand a change of getting that job.
Correct Answer
C. I think I might get that job.
Explanation
The correct answer is "I think I might get that job." This is because the phrase "stand a chance" means to have a possibility or likelihood of achieving something. In the given sentence, the speaker expresses their belief that they have a possibility of getting the job.
9.
I'm sticking to the new diet.
Correct Answer
D. I'm obeying the new diet.
Explanation
The correct answer is "I'm obeying the new diet." The phrase "sticking to" is used metaphorically here to mean following or adhering to something, in this case, the new diet. The other options do not convey the same meaning and are unrelated to the concept of following a diet.
10.
This weather leaves a lot to be desired.
Correct Answer
B. I don't like this weather.
Explanation
The correct answer is "I don't like this weather" because it expresses a personal dislike for the weather. The other options describe the weather but do not convey any personal opinion or preference.
11.
We need to get our ducks in a row.
Correct Answer
C. We need to get organized.
Explanation
The phrase "get our ducks in a row" is an idiomatic expression that means to get organized or to have things in order. It does not literally refer to getting ducks and lining them up or hurrying up like ducks flying. Therefore, the correct answer is "We need to get organized."
12.
Thanks for taking a rain check.
Correct Answer
A. Thanks for agreeing to postpone our appointment.
Explanation
The phrase "taking a rain check" is commonly used to politely decline an invitation or request for the present moment, with the intention of accepting it at a later time. In this case, the speaker is expressing gratitude to the person for agreeing to postpone their appointment, indicating that they appreciate their flexibility and understanding.
13.
For the record, I think two of our people aren't pulling their weight.
Correct Answer
D. In my opinion, two of our people are not doing their fair share of work.
Explanation
The correct answer is "In my opinion, two of our people are not doing their fair share of work." This answer aligns with the statement made in the question that "two of our people aren't pulling their weight." It suggests that these individuals are not contributing as much as they should be and are not fulfilling their responsibilities adequately.
14.
We don't want our team to come under fire.
Correct Answer
D. We don't want our team to get public criticism.
Explanation
The correct answer is "We don't want our team to get public criticism." This answer aligns with the given statement that the team does not want to come under fire. "Public criticism" implies negative feedback or judgment from the public, which can be damaging to the team's reputation or morale. The other options, such as getting destroyed, assaulted, or dying in smoke and flames, are extreme and unrelated to the original statement.
15.
For crying out loud!
Correct Answer
C. I am frustrated!
Explanation
The phrase "For crying out loud!" is an expression of frustration or exasperation. The subsequent statements in the text, such as "I am crying!" and "I am seriously depressed!", further reinforce the idea of frustration and distress. Therefore, the most suitable explanation for the given correct answer is "I am frustrated!" as it aligns with the overall tone and context of the text.
16.
Which of the following idioms means "to reveal a secret"?
Correct Answer
A. Spill the beans
Explanation
The idiom "spill the beans" means to reveal a secret or divulge information that was meant to be kept confidential. It implies an accidental or careless act of revealing something that should have remained hidden. The origin of the idiom is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in ancient Greece, where voting was done by placing beans in jars. If a jar was accidentally spilled, the secret votes would be revealed.
17.
I won't beat around the bush.
Correct Answer
B. I won't avoid the subject.
Explanation
The phrase "beat around the bush" is an idiom that means to avoid or delay discussing something directly. The given answer, "I won't avoid the subject," aligns with the meaning of the idiom. It indicates that the speaker will not avoid or evade discussing the topic at hand.
18.
You and what army!
Correct Answer
D. That's impossible!
Explanation
This phrase is often used to express disbelief or skepticism towards a statement or situation. It implies that the situation being discussed is highly unlikely or improbable. In this context, it suggests that the idea of someone having an army behind them is so unlikely that it is deemed impossible.
19.
Wow, it's raining cats and dogs outside!
Correct Answer
D. It's raining very hard!
Explanation
The phrase "raining cats and dogs" is an idiom that means it is raining heavily. Therefore, the correct answer "It's raining very hard!" accurately reflects the meaning of the idiom.
20.
His bark is worse than his bite.
Correct Answer
C. He yells, but he does not do mean things.
Explanation
This phrase means that someone may appear to be aggressive or threatening, but they are actually not harmful or dangerous. The person in question may yell or act tough, but they do not follow through with any harmful actions.