Idioms are one of the most important parts of English grammar. Idioms are very difficult to remember. Many questions come from idioms in various competitive exams. Not only competitive exams but also academic exams have MCQ type questions from idioms. Having MCQ type questions is an advantage as you can remember the correct answer by looking at the options. More than 100 MCQ on idioms with answers are given here. This type of MCQ questions are asked in various competitive exams from idioms. Each question given here is very important. The questions are also provided with solutions and explanations, which will be very useful for the students. I hope you will like these questions and answers.
100 MCQs on Idioms with Answers
Choose the right meaning of the idioms from the given options
1.break the ice
a) To cause a disruption
b) To start a conversation
c) To build a wall
d) To make a mistake
e) None of the above
Answer: b) To start a conversation
Explanation: It means to initiate a conversation or reduce social awkwardness.
2.barking up the wrong tree
a) To make a loud noise
b) To search in the wrong place
c) To climb a tree
d) To give up too easily
e) None of the above
Answer: b) To search in the wrong place
Explanation: It refers to pursuing a mistaken course of action.
3. once in a blue moon
a) Very often
b) Rarely
c) Always
d) Every week
e) None of the above
Answer: b) Rarely
Explanation: It describes something that happens very infrequently.
4. spill the beans
a) To cook beans
b) To reveal a secret
c) To waste food
d) To play tricks
e) None of the above
Answer: b) To reveal a secret
Explanation: It means to disclose confidential information.
5. burn the midnight oil
a) To light lamps
b) To waste time
c) To work late at night
d) To sleep early
e) None of the above
Answer: c) To work late at night
Explanation: It means staying up late to study or work.
6. hit the sack
a) To fight
b) To sleep
c) To work hard
d) To pack clothes
e) None of the above
Answer: b) To sleep
Explanation: It means going to bed.
7. the ball is in your court
a) To play a game
b) It’s your decision
c) To take a rest
d) To start a match
e) None of the above
Answer: b) It’s your decision
Explanation: It means the next move or choice is yours.
8. under the weather
a) Feeling unwell
b) Watching the sky
c) Enjoying nature
d) Waiting for rain
e) None of the above
Answer: a) Feeling unwell
Explanation: It refers to feeling sick or unhealthy.
9. bite the bullet
a) To face a difficult situation bravely
b) To fight with someone
c) To play with a gun
d) To avoid a problem
e) None of the above
Answer: a) To face a difficult situation bravely
Explanation: It means to accept something unpleasant with courage.
10. cry over spilt milk
a) regret something that cannot be changed
b) waste food
c) very happy
d) complain about hunger
e) None of the above
Answer: a) To regret something that cannot be changed
Explanation: It refers to worrying about things that cannot be undone.
11. add fuel to the fire
a) a bad situation worse
b) cook food quickly
c) help someone
d) save energy
e) None of the above
Answer: a) To make a bad situation worse
Explanation: It means intensifying anger or conflict.
12. hit the nail on the head
a) To do carpentry
b) exactly right
c) make a mistake
d) fight with someone
e) None of the above
Answer: b) exactly right
Explanation: It refers to describing a situation with precision.
13. on cloud nine
a) Very happy
b) Very angry
c) Very tired
d) Very confused
e) None of the above
Answer: a) Very happy
Explanation: It means being extremely joyful.
14. pull someone’s leg
a) ease or joke with someone
b) help a person
c) fight with someone
d) disturb someone
e) None of the above
Answer: a) tease or joke with someone
Explanation: It refers to playfully tricking someone.
15. kill two birds with one stone
a) achieve two goals with one effort
b) waste time
c) harm birds
d) To do things slowly
e) None of the above
Answer: a) achieve two goals with one effort
Explanation: It means solving two problems at once.
16. through thick and thin
a) In every situation
b) Only in happiness
c) Only in difficulty
d) In confusion
e) None of the above
Answer: a) In every situation
Explanation: It means staying loyal in all conditions.
17. hit the books
a) read or study hard
b) sell books
c) write a book
d) throw books
e) None of the above
Answer: a) To read or study hard
Explanation: It refers to serious studying.
18. in hot water
a) In trouble
b) Taking a bath
c) Drinking tea
d) Cooking food
e) None of the above
Answer: a) In trouble
Explanation: It refers to being in difficulty.
19. let the cat out of the bag
a) reveal a secret
b) free a cat
c) create chaos
d) play a trick
e) None of the above
Answer: a) reveal a secret
Explanation: It means accidentally sharing hidden information.
20. cost an arm and a leg
a) Very cheap
b) Very costly
c) Free of cost
d) Very common
e) None of the above
Answer: b) Very costly
Explanation: It refers to something extremely expensive.
21. throw in the towel
a) To clean something
b) To give up
c) To start fighting
d) To waste time
e) None of the above
Answer: b) To give up
Explanation: The idiom means admitting defeat or quitting.
22. by the skin of your teeth
a) To brush teeth
b) To narrowly escape
c) To get hurt
d) To lose confidence
e) None of the above
Answer: b) To narrowly escape
Explanation: It means succeeding or escaping with only a small margin.
23. jump on the bandwagon
a) To dance happily
b) To join a popular activity
c) To drive a cart
d) To waste time
e) None of the above
Answer: b) To join a popular activity
Explanation: It refers to following a trend or supporting something because it’s popular.
24. hit the road
a) To go on a journey
b) To fight
c) To run away from home
d) To start driving fast
e) None of the above
Answer: a) To go on a journey
Explanation: It means to start traveling.
25. rock the boat
a) To sail a boat
b) To cause trouble in a stable situation
c) To go fishing
d) To dance
Answer: b) To cause trouble in a stable situation
Explanation: It means disturbing harmony or peace.
26. piece of cake:
a) Something delicious
b) Something very easy
c) Something expensive
d) Something boring
Answer: b) Something very easy
Explanation: It refers to a task that is simple to do.
27. hit below the belt
a) To cheat or act unfairly
b) To fight honestly
c) To play boxing
d) To avoid work
Answer: a) To cheat or act unfairly
Explanation: It means using unfair methods in competition or argument.
28. at the drop of a hat
a) Without delay
b) With anger
c) Very slowly
d) With care
Answer: a) Without delay
Explanation: It means doing something immediately and willingly.
29. pull out all the stops
a) To remove an obstacle
b) To make every possible effort
c) To give up
d) To stop playing music
Answer: b) To make every possible effort
Explanation: It means using all resources to achieve something.
30. beat around the bush
a) To hunt for animals
b) To avoid the main topic
c) To play outside
d) To waste time
Answer: b) To avoid the main topic
Explanation: It means talking indirectly instead of getting to the point.
31. wild goose chase
a) To catch a bird
b) A pointless search
c) An exciting adventure
d) A hunting trip
Answer: b) A pointless search
Explanation: It means a futile or hopeless pursuit.
32. cut corners
a) To save time or money by doing something cheaply
b) To drive fast
c) To cut grass
d) To finish early
Answer: a) To save time or money by doing something cheaply
Explanation: It means doing something poorly to save effort or resources.
33. throw cold water on
a) To discourage an idea
b) To cool down
c) To waste water
d) To celebrate
Answer: a) To discourage an idea
Explanation: It means showing disapproval or reducing enthusiasm.
34. walking on eggshells
a) To be very careful
b) To walk fast
c) To be lazy
d) To waste time
Answer: a) To be very careful
Explanation: It refers to acting cautiously to avoid upsetting someone.
35. throw caution to the wind
a) To act carelessly
b) To play outside
c) To take extreme care
d) To ignore advice
Answer: a) To act carelessly
Explanation: It means taking a risk or acting without thinking.
36. jump the gun
a) To run fast
b) To start before the proper time
c) To fire a gun
d) To cheat in a race
Answer: b) To start before the proper time
Explanation: It means acting too soon without preparation.
37. burn one’s fingers
a) To get hurt
b) To suffer because of one’s own actions
c) To cook food
d) To lose money
Answer: b) To suffer because of one’s own actions
Explanation: It means facing bad results due to one’s own decisions.
38. every cloud has a silver lining
a) Every problem has a hopeful side
b) Clouds are beautiful
c) Rain is a blessing
d) Weather changes quickly
Answer: a) Every problem has a hopeful side
Explanation: It means there’s something good in every difficult situation.
39. keep an eye on
a) To look after something
b) To watch a movie
c) To blink
d) To ignore someone
Answer: a) To look after something
Explanation: It means to carefully watch or monitor.
40. face the music
a) To attend a concert
b) To accept punishment
c) To enjoy singing
d) To play an instrument
Answer: b) To accept punishment
Explanation: It means to accept the consequences of one’s actions.
41. back to the drawing board
a) To start over again
b) To make a sketch
c) To build a house
d) To waste time
Answer: a) To start over again
Explanation: It means starting a task again because the previous attempt failed.
42. devil’s advocate
a) A real lawyer
b) A person who argues against an idea for the sake of debate
c) A troublemaker
d) A religious leader
Answer: b) A person who argues against an idea for the sake of debate
Explanation: It refers to someone who presents a counter-argument, even if they don’t believe in it.
43. miss the boat
a) To lose an opportunity
b) To travel late
c) To catch a wrong train
d) To feel tired
Answer: a) To lose an opportunity
Explanation: It means missing a chance to do something.
44. pull strings
a) To play with a toy
b) To use influence to get something done
c) To fight with someone
d) To tie knots
Answer: b) To use influence to get something done
Explanation: It means using connections for one’s benefit.
45. up in the air
a) Flying in the sky
b) Uncertain or undecided
c) Happy and cheerful
d) Out of control
Answer: b) Uncertain or undecided
Explanation: It means something has not been resolved yet.
46. cut to the chase
a) To save time
b) To come to the main point quickly
c) To stop running
d) To cut something
Answer: b) To come to the main point quickly
Explanation: It means skipping unnecessary details.
47. throw in the sponge
a) To clean something
b) To give up
c) To fight bravely
d) To waste time
Answer: b) To give up
Explanation: It is another way of saying surrender or quit.
48. in black and white
a) Written clearly
b) A colour combination
c) A newspaper
d) A sketch
Answer: a) Written clearly
Explanation: It refers to something clearly expressed in writing.
49. throw light on
a) To shine a torch
b) To explain something
c) To discover electricity
d) To waste time
Answer: b) To explain something
Explanation: It means to make something clearer.
50. spread like wildfire
a) To burn a forest
b) To spread very quickly
c) To move slowly
d) To disappear suddenly
e) None of the above
Answer: b) To spread very quickly
Explanation: It is used for news, gossip, or diseases spreading fast.
51. cry wolf
a) To ask for help when it’s not needed
b) To get scared
c) To fight with an animal
d) To complain often
e) None of the above
Answer: a) To ask for help when it’s not needed
Explanation: It refers to raising a false alarm.
52. burn bridges
a) To destroy relationships permanently
b) To cook food
c) To build houses
d) To stop working
Answer: a) To destroy relationships permanently
Explanation: It means cutting off connections in such a way that you cannot go back.
53. bite the hand that feeds you
a) To hurt someone who helps you
b) To eat quickly
c) To be greedy
d) To show gratitude
Answer: a) To hurt someone who helps you
Explanation: It means being ungrateful or harming one’s supporters.
54. play it by ear
a) To listen carefully
b) To improvise without planning
c) To play music
d) To waste time
Answer: b) To improvise without planning
Explanation: It means handling a situation as it develops, without preparation.
55. call it a day
a) To stop working for the day
b) To start early
c) To waste time
d) To celebrate
Answer: a) To stop working for the day
Explanation: It refers to finishing work and taking a rest.
56. ring a bell
a) To sound familiar
b) To actually ring a bell
c) To start a meeting
d) To wake someone
Answer: a) To sound familiar
Explanation: It refers to something that reminds you of something else.
57. at the eleventh hour
a) Very late
b) Very early
c) Always on time
d) At midnight
Answer: a) Very late
Explanation: It means at the last possible moment.
58. don’t cry over spilled milk
a) Don’t regret the past
b) Don’t waste food
c) Don’t make mistakes
d) Don’t be careless
Answer: a) Don’t regret the past
Explanation: It means it is useless to be upset about something that cannot be changed.
59. a blessing in disguise
a) Something good that seemed bad at first
b) A hidden gift
c) A real blessing
d) A magical event
Answer: a) Something good that seemed bad at first
Explanation: It means a problem that turned out to be beneficial.
60. beat a dead horse
a) To waste effort on something useless
b) To ride a horse
c) To play a game
d) To fight bravely
Answer: a) To waste effort on something useless
Explanation: It means trying to revive something hopeless or already settled.
61. bite your tongue
a) To stay silent
b) To speak quickly
c) To shout loudly
d) To eat food fast
Answer: a) To stay silent
Explanation: It means to avoid saying something you might regret.
62. hit the jackpot
a) To win a lottery or big success
b) To lose everything
c) To break something
d) To cheat in a game
Answer: a) To win a lottery or big success
Explanation: It means achieving sudden great success or wealth.
63. in the same boat
a) To travel together
b) To be in the same difficult situation
c) To compete with each other
d) To enjoy together
Answer: b) To be in the same difficult situation
Explanation: It means sharing the same problem or circumstances.
64. jump to conclusions
a) To decide too quickly without evidence
b) To be very clever
c) To win a race
d) To run away
Answer: a) To decide too quickly without evidence
Explanation: It means making assumptions without knowing the facts.
65. keep your chin up
a) To stay brave and cheerful
b) To look at the sky
c) To be proud
d) To keep silent
Answer: a) To stay brave and cheerful
Explanation: It means staying positive in difficult times.
66. make a mountain out of a molehill
a) To exaggerate a small problem
b) To climb mountains
c) To be adventurous
d) To make something big
Answer: a) To exaggerate a small problem
Explanation: It means making a minor issue seem very important.
67. on the same page
a) Reading together
b) To be in agreement
c) To study hard
d) To copy someone
Answer: b) To be in agreement
Explanation: It means having the same understanding as others.
68. raining cats and dogs
a) Animals falling from the sky
b) Raining very heavily
c) A noisy quarrel
d) A strange dream
Answer: b) Raining very heavily
Explanation: It refers to heavy rainfall.
69. rule of thumb
a) A general principle based on practice
b) A law of the country
c) A finger rule
d) A strict measurement
Answer: a) A general principle based on practice
Explanation: It means a guideline based on experience, not exact science.
70. sit on the fence:
a) To stay neutral
b) To play in the park
c) To be tired
d) To hide from someone
Answer: a) To stay neutral
Explanation: It means avoiding taking sides in a dispute.
71. smell a rat
a) To doubt something is wrong
b) To find food
c) To dislike animals
d) To be very clean
Answer: a) To doubt something is wrong
Explanation: It means to suspect dishonesty or trickery.
72. throw up one’s hands:
a) To surrender or express despair
b) To celebrate
c) To stretch after exercise
d) To wave at someone
Answer: a) To surrender or express despair
Explanation: It means showing helplessness or frustration.
73. turn a blind eye
a) To ignore something wrong
b) To close one eye
c) To go to sleep
d) To rest
Answer: a) To ignore something wrong
Explanation: It means deliberately ignoring a problem.
74. under one’s nose:
a) Very obvious
b) To smell something
c) To hide cleverly
d) To be careless
Answer: a) Very obvious
Explanation: It means something happening clearly and openly.
75. wear your heart on your sleeve
a) To show your emotions openly
b) To dress beautifully
c) To be careless
d) To hide your feelings
Answer: a) To show your emotions openly
Explanation: It means expressing feelings without hiding them.
76. wolf in sheep’s clothing
a) A dangerous person hiding under a kind appearance
b) A shepherd
c) An innocent child
d) A clever animal
Answer: a) A dangerous person hiding under a kind appearance
Explanation: It refers to someone pretending to be good but actually harmful.
77. the tip of the iceberg
a) Only a small part of a much bigger problem
b) A cold place
c) A ship accident
d) A huge success
Answer: a) Only a small part of a much bigger problem
Explanation: It means what is visible is just a small part of the whole issue.
78. zip your lip
a) To stay quiet
b) To sing
c) To eat quickly
d) To laugh loudly
Answer: a) To stay quiet
Explanation: It means not speaking about something.
79. a hot potato
a) A difficult or controversial issue
b) A food item
c) Something tasty
d) A strange gift
Answer: a) A difficult or controversial issue
Explanation: It means a problem that is hard to handle.
80. caught red-handed
a) Caught while committing a crime
b) Caught while eating
c) Caught while playing
d) Caught while fighting
Answer: a) Caught while committing a crime
Explanation: It means being caught in the act of doing something wrong.
81. add fuel to the fire
a) To make a situation worse
b) To cook food
c) To make things easier
d) To start something new
Answer: a) To make a situation worse
Explanation: It means to make an argument or problem more intense.
82. at the drop of a hat
a) Immediately, without delay
b) To lose a hat
c) To act carelessly
d) To wait patiently
Answer: a) Immediately, without delay
Explanation: It means doing something without hesitation.
83. beat around the bush
a) To avoid the main topic
b) To clean the garden
c) To run in circles
d) To speak directly
Answer: a) To avoid the main topic
Explanation: It means talking indirectly instead of addressing the issue.
84. cry over spilt milk
a) To waste time worrying about past mistakes
b) To clean the floor
c) To be very happy
d) To play with food
Answer: a) To waste time worrying about past mistakes
Explanation: It means being upset over something that cannot be changed.
85. cut to the chase
a) To get to the main point quickly
b) To run after someone
c) To cut something
d) To avoid work
Answer: a) To get to the main point quickly
Explanation: It means skipping details and focusing on the important part.
86. don’t count your chickens before they hatch:
a) Don’t assume success too early
b) Don’t play with animals
c) Don’t eat too much
d) Don’t waste time
Answer: a) Don’t assume success too early
Explanation: It means not relying on future results before they happen.
87. face the music
a) To accept the consequences
b) To sing a song
c) To enjoy music
d) To play an instrument
Answer: a) To accept the consequences
Explanation: It means dealing with the outcome of your actions.
88. go the extra mile
a) To make extra effort
b) To travel more distance
c) To run in a race
d) To waste energy
Answer: a) To make extra effort
Explanation: It means doing more than expected.
89. hang in there
a) To not give up
b) To hang something
c) To be lazy
d) To rest for a while
Answer: a) To not give up
Explanation: It means staying strong in a tough situation.
90. in hot water
a) In trouble
b) Taking a bath
c) Feeling warm
d) Cooking something
Answer: a) In trouble
Explanation: It means being in a difficult situation.
91. jump on the bandwagon
a) To follow a popular trend
b) To ride a wagon
c) To leave quickly
d) To celebrate
Answer: a) To follow a popular trend
Explanation: It means joining something because it’s fashionable or popular.
92. keep an eye on
a) To watch carefully
b) To protect your eyes
c) To close your eyes
d) To dream
Answer: a) To watch carefully
Explanation: It means monitoring something or someone closely.
93. let sleeping dogs lie
a) To avoid restarting old conflicts
b) To play with dogs
c) To sleep peacefully
d) To ignore animals
Answer: a) To avoid restarting old conflicts
Explanation: It means leaving a situation alone to prevent trouble.
94. miss the boat
a) To miss an opportunity
b) To lose a ticket
c) To go swimming
d) To travel late
Answer: a) To miss an opportunity
Explanation: It means being too late to take advantage of something.
95. once in a blue moon
a) Very rare
b) Every night
c) Very common
d) Once a week
Answer: a) Very rare
Explanation: It means something that happens rarely.
96. play it by ear
a) To act without a fixed plan
b) To play music
c) To listen carefully
d) To memorize something
Answer: a) To act without a fixed plan
Explanation: It means handling a situation as it happens.
97. pull someone’s leg
a) To joke or tease
b) To hurt someone
c) To help someone walk
d) To dance with someone
Answer: a) To joke or tease
Explanation: It means making fun of someone in a friendly way.
98. the ball is in your court
a) It’s your responsibility to act next
b) Playing a game
c) Someone is winning
d) The match is over
Answer: a) It’s your responsibility to act next
Explanation: It means now it’s your turn to make a decision.
99. time flies
a) Time passes quickly
b) Time moves slowly
c) Watching the clock
d) Being very busy
Answer: a) Time passes quickly
Explanation: It means moments seem to go by very fast.
100. under the weather
a) Feeling sick
b) Standing outside in the rain
c) Enjoying the sunshine
d) Sleeping outdoors
Answer: a) Feeling sick
Explanation: It means not feeling well.