Are You Fluent In Idioms? Challenge Yourself With This Easy Idioms Quiz

October 19, 2023

Are you a wordsmith, someone who enjoys playing with language, or simply someone looking for a fun challenge? Well, you’re in for a treat! Get ready to put your idiom knowledge to the test with our 20 Idioms Meaning Trivia Quiz.

Idioms are a fascinating aspect of language that add color and depth to everyday conversations. These expressions often carry hidden meanings that might not be immediately obvious, and deciphering them can be both entertaining and enlightening.

Are you one of those language aficionados? Let’s find out! We’ve put together a fun and engaging quiz that will challenge your knowledge of idiomatic expression. We’ve carefully selected 20 idioms from the vast treasure trove of English idiomatic expressions. Your task is to decipher their meanings. For each idiom, read it carefully and think about what it might mean. Don’t be afraid to let your imagination run wild!

Select the option that you believe best represents the idiom’s meaning. After each question, you’ll receive instant feedback so you can learn as you go. At the end of the quiz, you’ll see how well you did. Share your results and challenge your friends to see if they can top your score! Idioms often reveal insights into the culture and history of a language.

Understanding them can help you grasp the essence of a society. Being familiar with idioms can make you a more effective communicator. They add depth and color to your language, making your conversations more engaging. Interpreting idioms is a valuable skill in language comprehension. It allows you to read between the lines and understand the hidden meanings in conversations and literature.

So, are you ready to embark on this idiomatic journey? Take our Idioms Trivia Quiz and discover just how fluent you are in the captivating world of idiomatic expressions!

1. “His bark is worse than his bite.” What does this idiom mean?

A. He is very vocal but doesn’t follow through with actions.

B. He genuinely dislikes dogs.

C. He has a tendency to chew loudly.

D. His aggressive behavior is a facade.

This idiom is often used to describe individuals who are loud, aggressive, or threatening in speech, but do not actually carry out their threats. It highlights the difference between someone’s intimidating words and their actual intentions.

2. “To hit the nail on the head” means:

A. To miss the point entirely.

B. To hammer a nail with precision.

C. To criticize someone unjustly.

D. To be exactly right or correct.

This idiom is used when someone accurately or precisely identifies the main point, exactly as it should be. Just like hitting a nail right on its head!

3. When we say, “It’s raining cats and dogs,” what do we mean?

A. The weather is quite pleasant.

B. There is a heavy downpour.

C. Cats and dogs are actually falling from the sky.

D. The sky is cloudy, but no rain is falling.

This idiom expresses the idea of heavy rain, suggesting that the rain is falling with great intensity as if it were cats and dogs.

4. ”Cry over spilled milk” means:

A. To mourn over a loss.

B. To waste valuable resources.

C. To complain about minor issues.

D. To overcome a difficult situation with determination.

This phrase suggests that it is pointless to worry or grieve over something that has already happened and cannot be changed.

5. ”Don’t judge a book by its cover.” What does this idiom mean?

A. To evaluate someone based on their character and abilities.

B. To guess someone’s preferences accurately.

C. To make a bad plan for someone.

D. To appreciate someone’s outer appearance.

This idiom reminds us not to form opinions about someone or something based solely on their external appearance or initial impressions.

6. When we say, ”Every cloud has a silver lining” what do we mean?

A. Rainy days are always depressing.

B. Difficult situations often lead to positive outcomes.

C. Positive outcomes invariably come with some negative aspects.

D. Clouds bring good fortune.

This expression conveys the idea that even in times of difficulty, there is always a positive aspect or outcome to be found.

7. ”Don’t count your chickens before they hatch” means:

A. Don’t underestimate the value of small things.

B. Don’t put all your focus on one thing.

C. Don’t neglect important tasks.

D. Don’t celebrate success prematurely.

This phrase advises against being too confident about the outcome of something before it has actually happened.

8. When we say, “Actions speak louder than words” what do we mean?

A. Words are more important than actions.

B. Words and actions have equal significance.

C. Words are meaningless without corresponding actions.

D. Actions are meaningless without corresponding words.

Words are meaningless without corresponding actions” is a timeless adage that underscores the importance of aligning one’s words with their deeds. It suggests that what we say loses its significance if it is not backed up by tangible actions.

9. ”The ball is in your court”. What does this idiom mean?

A. You’re in control.

B. You’ve lost the game.

C. It’s halftime.

D. You need a ball for the quiz.

This phrase reminds us that, in various aspects of life, we possess the power to guide our journey and make meaningful choices that impact our future.

10. ”Racking your brain” means:

A. Brainstorming creatively.

B. Testing your knowledge.

C. Finding a lost memory.

D. Hurting your head.

Testing your knowledge is a valuable tool for gaining insights, making informed decisions, and building confidence in your abilities. This process can be both a stimulating adventure and a practical means of staying informed and competitive in a constantly evolving world.

11. ”Burning the midnight oil”. What does this idiom mean?

A. Working on a difficult puzzle.

B. Taking a late-night meal.

C. Studying late into the night.

D. Setting things on fire.

This practice involves extending one’s study hours well beyond the usual daytime routine, often into the late hours or early morning. It represents a time when the world is quiet, distractions are minimized, and focus can be sharpened on absorbing and retaining information.

12. ”Grasping at straws” means:

A. Using unusual study methods.

B. Being overly confident.

C. Memorizing everything.

D. Searching for elusive answers.

This idiom refers to attempting to find answers or solutions when you have no solid information. This phrase is often used when discussing complex problems, mysteries, or questions that are challenging to solve or understand.

13. To “let the cat out of the bag” means:

A. To reveal a secret.

B. To open a tightly sealed bag.

C. To complete a task effectively.

D. To purchase a new pet.

This idiom originated from the practice of fraudsters, who would replace expensive pigs with cats and sell them in bags. If someone accidentally let the cat out of the bag, the truth would be revealed.

14. “A penny for your thoughts” What does this idiom mean?

A. To trade a penny for someone’s thoughts

B. To be frugal and save money

C. To request someone’s opinion or thoughts

D. To buy someone’s secrets

This phrase is often used when one is curious about another person’s thoughts or opinions and is willing to pay attention and value their input.

15. “Cost an arm and a leg” means:

A. To lose an arm and a leg.

B. To make a significant investment

C. To experience physical pain.

D. To obtain something at a very high price.

This idiom suggests that something is excessively expensive or costs a great deal.

16. “Turn a blind eye”. What does this idiom mean?

A. To ignore something intentionally.

B. To intentionally close one eye.

C. To avoid a situation.

D. To seek another person’s opinion.

This idiom implies the act of intentionally ignoring or disregarding a particular situation or issue.

17. ”Reading between the lines” means:

A. Skimming a text.

B. Interpreting hidden meanings.

C. Memorizing passages.

D. Studying diligently.

This idiom means to understand something that is not explicitly stated.

18. ”Getting cold feet”. What does this idiom mean?

A. Freezing in a quiz competition.

B. Losing your shoes.

C. Feeling nervous or hesitant.

D. Answering questions confidently.

This idiom signifies feeling anxious or hesitant, which can happen when facing difficulties.

19. “Bring home the bacon.” What does this idiom mean?

A. To bring home-smoked pork products.

B. To bring back souvenirs from a trip.

C. To cook a delicious breakfast.

D. To earn money to support oneself or one’s family.

It represents the responsibility of earning income to sustain one’s household.

20. “Let sleeping dogs lie” means:

A. Avoid bringing up past conflicts or issues.

B. Wake up the dogs for a playful interaction.

C. Keep dogs awake to prevent potential problems.

D. Seek permission before approaching a resting dog.

It suggests that it’s often better to leave things as they are, especially when addressing past issues that could lead to trouble or complications.

That’s a shame!

Oops! It looks like idioms might not be your strong suit just yet. But don’t worry, everyone starts somewhere. Keep exploring the fascinating world of idiomatic expressions, and you’ll be mastering them in no time!

Good job, you have done well.

You’ve got a good grasp of idioms. You’re on the right track to becoming fluent in these colorful expressions. Keep up the great work, and with a bit more practice, you’ll soon be an idiom expert!

Bravo!

You are truly fluent in idioms! Scoring impressive marks on our Idiom Trivia Quiz is no small feat. You have a deep understanding of these colorful expressions, and your mastery of language shines through. Keep up the fantastic work – you’re an idiom virtuoso!