Languages › English as a Second Language Idiomatic Phrases Quiz for Advanced Learners Do you understand these common idiomatic phrases? Describing People. Creative / DigitalVision / Getty Images English as a Second Language Pronunciation & Conversation Vocabulary Writing Skills Reading Comprehension Grammar Business English Resources for Teachers By Kenneth Beare Kenneth Beare English as a Second Language (ESL) Expert TESOL Diploma, Trinity College London M.A., Music Performance, Cologne University of Music B.A., Vocal Performance, Eastman School of Music Kenneth Beare is an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher and course developer with over three decades of teaching experience. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on March 06, 2017 1. Jack has egg ______ because he couldn't remember how to spell "Batman"! on his teeth on his face on his shirt on his fingers Correct Wrong have egg on your face = be embarrassed by a serious mistake you make 2. As the maestro lifted his baton the theater was so still you could hear _____. his heartbeat a pin drop bird wings the drum beating Correct Wrong so still you could hear a pin drop = extremely silent, with no noise whatsoever 3. I don't agree with you, but your idea certainly gives me food _____. for fun for consider for thought for thinking Correct Wrong food for though = information that you should think about 4. I think I understand the nuts and _____ of the operation. screws hammer nails bolts Correct Wrong nuts and bolts = the details of something 5. I'm afraid hip hop isn't my cup of _____. tea java coffee wine Correct Wrong to not be my cup of tea = an activity or something that you don't like 6. Just a moment... I've got the answer on the ____ of my tongue. top tap tip back Correct Wrong have something on the tip of my tongue = almost remember something, but not be able to remember 7. Look, I will pay you back. Would you please call the ____?! hunters off tigers off dogs off apes off Correct Wrong call the dogs off = get people who are trying to attack or force something to stop doing an action 8. Ever since he married Jane, he's had a new ____ on life. rent lease title loan Correct Wrong have a new lease on life = have a completely new feeling about your life 9. Oh, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. I guess I really put my _____ in my mouth. foot hand elbow knee Correct Wrong put your foot in your mouth = say something that you shouldn't have said 10. I'll be back in the twinkling of ____. an eye a lighting bolt a smile a laugh Correct Wrong in the twinkling of an eye = immediately, very soon 11. My friend is as ________ these days. He never gets time to relax. busy as a ant busy as a bee busy as children busy as sheep Correct Wrong busy as a bee = extremely busy with many responsibilities 12. You need to _____ for this problem. It requires a lot of concentration. place your thinking cap wear some good clothes put on your thinking cap put on your helmet Correct Wrong put on your thinking cap = concentrate on a question with great intent 13. Franklin went from ______ in his life. He started with nothing and ended up a very rich person. rags to riches riches to rags bad to better good to best Correct Wrong go from rags to riches = go from being very poor to becoming rich 14. My boss __________ at work because it was my first week. played me the ropes asked me the ropes showed me the ropes told me the ropes Correct Wrong show someone the ropes = explain how something works to someone 15. I'm sure the situation will improve. It will _______. work out for the better work out for the best work into the best work out of the best Correct Wrong work out for the best = despite having difficulties the final result is a good result Idiomatic Phrases Quiz for Advanced Learners You got: % Correct. You Must Be Fluent! You know your English!. Andrew Rich / Vetta / Getty Images Congratulations! You obviously speak English very well because you know these expressions. Keep studying English and you'll be fluent in no time - if you aren't already fluent. Keep up the good work. A good way to learn these expressions is with short stories that teach idioms and expressions in context. Share Your Results Idiomatic Phrases Quiz for Advanced Learners You got: % Correct. Well done! You've done well on your lessons. Anton Violin / Moment / Getty Images You understand a number of the most common idiomatic expressions in English, so good work! However, there are a lot of these expressions, so keep studying and you'll continue to improve your understanding of these common phrases. It's a good idea to start with these idioms and expression resources. Share Your Results Idiomatic Phrases Quiz for Advanced Learners You got: % Correct. Idiomatic Expressions are Difficult! Keep working on your studies.. Frank and Helena / Cultura / Getty Images Don't worry that you haven't done very well. The fact is that there are a lot of idiomatic phrases and they are difficult! Keep up the good work, and you'll learn these idiomatic phrases over time. Share Your Results