Language Expressions 2

Name: ________________________ Class: _________

Practice 1

Select the answer which is closest in meaning to the expression underlined in the conversation.

Karen Hey, girls! Where are you two headed to?

Nancy There's a sale at The Mall.
Jean Yes, and I heard that the things are dirt cheap.
Karen Really? Then I'd better join you. I don't want to miss the boat.

1. Where are you two headed to?

A. Where are you two going?
B. Why are you two holding your heads?
C. What are you two thinking?
D. Can both of you share an idea ?

2. dirt cheap
A. dirty but cheap
B. very cheap
C. dirty and cheap
D. dirty, cheap and good

3. miss the boat

A. go on the wrong boat
B. miss the idea
C. lose the boat
D. miss the opportunity

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Practice 2

Select the answer which is closest in meaning to the expression underlined in the conversation.

Karina Hey, isn't this Carey? I though she did not want to go to Resort Island. She was
saying that it cost an arm and a leg to go there.
Lina True, at first she was complaining about the cost at the trip but in the end she
changed her mind.
Karina Did she enjoy herself?
Lina You bet she did. She had a whale of a time there. In fact, she enjoyed herself so
much she wants to make another trip to Resort Island soon.
Karina Really? When is she going? I'd like to go too.

1. it cost an arm and a leg

A. she had no transport
B. she was too busy
C. it was very expensive
D. it was inconvenient

2. changed her mind

A. decided to go
B. made a mistake
C. thought it was wrong
D. thought the cost was cheaper

3. She had a whale of a time there.

A. She caught a whale there.
B. She had an enjoyable time there.
C. She spent a lot of time there.
D. She managed to learn a lot there.

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Practice 3

Select the answer which is closest in meaning to the expression underlined in the conversation.

Fanny Stop walking up and down, Joey.

Joey I can't. I have butterflies in my stomach.
Fanny Come on. It won't be that difficult. After all, you are the cream of the crop where
English is concerned.
Joey I don't know. Somehow I'm always edgy before an exam.
Fanny Who isn't. You just need to remain cool it won't help if you get so worked up.

1. I have butterflies in my stomach

A. I have a stomachache.
B. I have swallowed butterflies by mistake.
C. I am nervous.
D. I can't wait for my turn.

2. the cream of the crop

A. an intelligent student
B. the teacher's favourite student
C. a very good student
D. very interested

3. I'm always edgy

A. I cannot relax
B. I like to sit on the edge of a chair
C. I am too eager to enter the exam room
D. I must learn to like exams

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Practice 4

Choose the answers from the options A to D which are closest in meaning to the expressions underlined.

Joey I hope you can help me, sir. How do I brush up my English?
Mr. Leong For a start, you could borrow some interesting books from the library and develop a
reading habit.
Joey But I usually can't make head or tail of what I read.
Mr. Leong You can always use a dictionary to help you with difficult words.
Joey But it's such a waste of time and very often I give up reading a book.
Mr. Leong You can't master a language without effort.

1. brush up
A. change
B. speak
C. improve
D. increase

2. make head or tail

A. remember
B. understand
C. like
D. use

3. give up
A. Stop
B. Learn
C. fall ill
D. become angry

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Practice 5

Choose the answers from the options A to D which are closest in meaning to the expressions underlined.

Mr. Chen What excuse do you have this time?

Wilkins Besides my schoolwork I've been helping my father in his sundry shop. I've really
been burning the candle at both ends. That's why I can't wake up in the morning.
Mr. Chen I sympathize with your situation but you can't go on this way.
Wilkins I'll cut down on the time I spend helping my father. I promise I'll never be late again.

1. burning the candle at both ends

A. having problems
B. making everyone happy
C. working day and night
D. sleeping very little

2. go on
A. repeat
B. continue
C. practice
D. try

3. cut down
A. spend usefully
B. forget
C. stop
D. reduce

Practice 6

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Language Expressions 2

Choose the answers from the options A to D which are closest in meaning to the expressions underlined.

Doreen Shall we finish this wall?

Aunt I don't know about you but I'm worn out. My back is killing me.
Doreen Why don't you take a rest?
Aunt Let's call it a day. I think we've done enough.
Doreen All right. I'll wash the brushes.
Aunt Then we'll go and grab a bite.
Doreen That sounds great.
   
1. worn out
A. tired
B. sick
C. impatient
D. not interested

2. call it a day
A. get someone to help us
B. stop work for the day
C. finish the job later
D. continue one more day

3. grab a bite
A. cook a meal
B. do something marketing
C. get something to eat
D. sell some food

Practice 7

Choose the answers from the options A to D which are closest in meaning to the expressions underlined.

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Mrs. Lai You told us you would be home by eight but you only came back at ten. If you can't
abide by the rules you can't stay out late any more.
Fowler I didn't mean to break my word but I just forgot about the time.
Mrs. Lai You could have at least called.
Fowler It didn't cross my mind. I'm really sorry.

1. abide by
A. start
B. obey
C. end
D. control

2. break my word
A. be clumsy
B. repeat
C. talk too much
D. not do as I had promised

3. It didn't cross my mind

A. I couldn't remember the number.
B. I was too sleepy
C. I never thought about it.
D. I was having a headache.

Practice 8

Choose the answers from the options A to D which are closest in meaning to the expressions underlined.

Gorman My brother really gets on my nerves. He is always finding fault with me.
Ginny Have you told him how you feel?
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Gorman It's no use. Every time I bring up the subject he says I'm too sensitive.
Ginny You could speak to your parents.
Gorman They see eye to eye with him. I wonder if I'm really too sensitive.

1. gets on my nerves
A. irritates me
B. makes me nervous
C. wastes my time
D. hates me

2. bring up
A. teach
B. mention
C. remind
D. offer

3. see eye to eye

A. support
B. prefer
C. agree
D. approve

Practice 9

Choose the answers from the options A to D which are closest in meaning to the expressions underlined.

Bebo Dad says there is a world map in here somewhere. If you come across the map, give
it to me.
Ken All right. I wonder whose old letters are these?

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Bebo Don't throw them away. They're grandma's. Grandpa used to drop her a line every
week when they were courting.
Ken You're pulling my leg. I can't imagine grandpa being so romantic.
Bebo It's true. Ask grandma if you don't believe me.

1. come across
A. know
B. like
C. find
D. want

2. drop her a line

A. visit her
B. send her a note
C. help her write
D. read to her

3. You're pulling my leg

A. hurting me
B. threatening me
C. keeping a secret from me
D. joking with me

Practice 10

Choose the answers from the options A to D which are closest in meaning to the expressions underlined.

Erica Grandma gave us quite a shock this afternoon. She passed out in the middle of
lunch.
Doctor She has just got a touch of flu. Otherwise, for her age, she is still going strong.
Erica I'm glad to hear that. Do you know that she still helps my mother to carry out the
household chores?
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Doctor I can believe that. It's a good way to keep busy but she shouldn't overdo it, of course.
Erica Don't worry. We'll take good care of her.

1. passed out
A. fell down
B. fainted
C. became sick
D. fell asleep

2. going strong
A. in good health
B. working hard
C. eating well
D. looking young

3. carry out
A. share
B. move
C. prepare
D. perform

Practice 11

Choose the answers from the options A to D which are closest in meaning to the expressions underlined.

Mel They always have their radio on at full blast until past midnight and the noise is
driving me up the wall.
Robert Some people can be so inconsiderate.
Mel Guess what I did last night? I went over and gave them a piece of my mind.
Robert Good for you.

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Mel Perhaps not. You should have seen how rude they were. They blew up when I
threatened to report them to the police.
Robert Don't bother about such people. They ought to be taught a lesson.

1. driving me up the wall

A. damaging my wall.
B. causing accidents.
C. annoying me.
D. making me deaf.

2. gave them a piece of my mind

A. scolded them
B. listened to them
C. told them I didn't mind
D. asked them to decide

3. blew up
A. went upstairs
B. apologized
C. started fighting
D. became angry

Practice 12

Choose the answers from the options A to D which are closest in meaning to the expressions underlined.

Liz The exam is less than a month away and I'm a bit nervous.
Mother You shouldn't be. You have been practicing a lot lately and should be quite well
prepared.
Liz I don't want to let you down.
Mother As long as you do your best I'll be happy with whatever results you get.
Liz Thanks for your support, mum. You know I've made up my mind to be a concert
pianist and you can be sure I'll go all out to do well.
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Mother That's the spirit!

1. let you down

A. worry you
B. frighten you
C. disappoint you
D. disturb you

2. made up my mind
A. studied
B. waited
C. decided
D. performed

3. go all out
A. find a way
B. go out often
C. leave the house
D. make the greatest effort

Practice 13

Choose the answers from the options A to D which are closest in meaning to the expressions underlined.

Sunny Hi! You don't look too happy. What's up?

Jacky I met Jeff a while ago and he made fun of my new hairstyle.
Sunny You know how he is. Just turn a deaf ear to what he says. I think you look pretty
smart.
Jacky Thanks. Are you going somewhere?
Sunny The library. Sorry, I've got to dash off. I'll see you in school tomorrow.
Jacky See you.

1. made fun of
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A. laughed at
B. admired
C. spoiled
D. copied

2. turn a deaf ear

A. listen carefully
B. keep quiet
C. don't answer
D. pretend not to hear

3. dash off
A. stop
B. hurry away
C. interrupt
D. disappear

Practice 14

Choose the answers from the options A to D which are closest in meaning to the expressions underlined.

Mrs. Nathan I'm having problems with my boy. His headmistress called to tell me he played truant
last week.
Mrs. Selena Oh, dear. You must look into the problem before it gets more serious.
Mrs. Nathan I know. He claims to be so busy with his schoolwork and activities that he shows his
face only at meal times. But I am determined to have a talk with him today.
Mrs. Selena That's the best thing to do.

1. played truant
A. did something wrong
B. was absent without leave
C. got into trouble

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D. was too playful

2. look into
A. see
B. finish
C. understand
D. investigate

3. shows his face

A. wakes up
B. speaks
C. appears
D. behaves well

Practice 15

Choose the answers from the options A to D which are closest in meaning to the expressions
underlined.

Rudd He started it by calling me names. I tried to keep my head but he wouldn't stop.
Freddy Everyone knows he is always spoiling for a fight.
Rudd He landed a blow on my chest and before I could recover from the shock he punched
me in the face.
Freddy Were you badly hurt?
Rudd No. Luckily he missed my nose or I could have ended up in hospital. Do you think I
should gather some friends and give him a taste of his own medicine?
Freddy That would only make things worse. Since you have already reported the incident to
the head master, let him handle it.

1. keep my head
A. defend myself
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B. walk away
C. explain
D. remain calm

2. spoiling for
A. avoiding
B. eager for
C. winning
D. insult people before

3. give him a taste of his own medicine

A. do the same thing to him
B. force him to take medicine
C. offer him some food
D. speak to his parents

Practice 16

Choose the answers from the options A to D which are closest in meaning to the expressions
underlined.

Jean I think I'll have a salad.

Mei Is that all? Don't be shy. You know that I'm footing the bill.
Jean To tell you the truth I don't know what to order. I've never eaten at a western
restaurant and I don't know what the other dishes in the menu are.
Mei Why didn't you say so earlier?
Jean I was afraid you would look down on me.
Mei Don't be silly. We're the best of friends. We've gone through thick and thin together.
Jean All right, so tell me what this restaurant is famous for.

1. footing the bill

A. paying the expenses
B. sharing the bill
C. resting my feet
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D. adding the prices

2. look down on
A. not believe
B. accuse
C. blame
D. have a low opinion of

3. thick and thin

A. wonderful experiences
B. good and bad times
C. childhood times
D. a poor life

Practice 17

Choose the answers from the options A to D which are closest in meaning to the expressions
underlined.

Charlie I was the naughtiest boy in primary school until my teacher gave me a spanking one
day.
Derek What happened?
Charlie I poured some ink on her chair and she sat on it! I felt so ashamed when she
punished me in front of the whole class that I turned over a new leaf.
Derek She did the right thing then.
Charlie I stopped playing the fool and was even made a prefect.
Derek Your parents must have been very happy.
Charlie I never told them what happened and they were taken aback when I changed into a
totally different person. At first they thought I was ill!

1. turned over a new leaf

A. went away
B. made new friends
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C. behaved better
D. hid myself

2. playing the fool

A. enjoying games
B. acting foolishly
C. running around
D. making jokes

3. taken aback
A. surprised
B. interested
C. loving
D. careful

Practice 18

Choose the answers from the options A to D which are closest in meaning to the expressions
underlined.

Ray Todd looked very upset when you talked to him just now. What happened?
Edwin I just asked him if his cousin was visiting us again this holiday and he looked as
though he would burst into tears. He just walked away from me.
Ray Didn't you know? His cousin passed away last month.
Edwin Gosh, I didn't know! How did it happen?
Ray He was run over by a lorry. Todd was very close to him. I don't think he has got over
his cousin's death.
Edwin I really feel bad now. I'll ring him tonight to console him.

1. passed away
A. shifted
B. died
C. left school
D. went to prison

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2. run over
A. hit
B. crashed
C. pushed
D. kidnapped

3. got over
A. thought about
B. remembered
C. forgotten
D. recovered from

Practice 19

Choose the answers from the options A to D which are closest in meaning to the expressions
underlined.

Sherry How are your results?

Bee I don't mean to blow my own trumpet but I got the best results in my school.
Sherry That's wonderful!
Bee Don't breathe a word about this to my family. I want it to be a secret until everyone is
home tonight. Then I'll give them the good news over dinner.
Sherry You can count on me. Don't forget the treat you promised me though!

1. blow my own trumpet

A. answer back
B. boast
C. repeat
D. tell tales

2. breathe a word
A. say anything
B. appear
C. meet

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D. be responsible

3. count on
A. respect
B. tell
C. stop
D. trust

Practice 20

Choose the answers from the options A to D which are closest in meaning to the expressions
underlined.

Gary The news of your accident really gave us a scare.

Zeth Well, I'm much better now. But I have to stay another week for observation.
Lee Gosh, Zeth, school is not the same without you. The discipline problems have
worsened.
Robby Yes, even the prefects have relaxed in their work.
Zeth You're all flattering me. When I return, I'll see everything for myself.

1. gave us a scare
A. frightened us
B. confused us
C. made us worried
D. took us by surprise

2. The discipline problems have worsened

A. There are many disciple problems.
B. There is a decline in discipline problems.
C. There is an increase in discipline problems.
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D. Discipline problems are always worsening.

3. You're all flattering me

A. You're all being very kind.
B. You're all poking fun at me.
C. You're all making me very happy.
D. You're all praising me too highly.

ANSWER

Practice 1

1A    2B    3D

Practice 2

1C    2A    3B

Practice 3

1C    2C    3A

Practice 4

1C    2B    3A

Practice 5

1C    2B    3D

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Practice 6

1A    2B    3C

Practice 7

1B    2D    3C

Practice 8

1A    2B    3C

Practice 9

1C    2B    3D

Practice 10

1B    2A    3D

Practice 11

1C    2A    3D

Practice12

1C    2C    3D

Practice 13

1A    2D    3B

Practice 14

1B    2D    3C

Practice 15

1D    2B    3A

Practice 16

1A    2D    3B

Practice 17

1C    2B    3A

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Practice 18

1B    2A    3D

Practice 19

1B    2A    3D

Practice 20

1A    2C    3D

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