MCQs 01

plumb the depths of something

to be or to experience an extreme example of something unpleasant

lethargic

without any energy or enthusiasm for doing things

go to great pains

to put a lot of effort into doing something

out of bounds

people are not allowed to go there

go overboard

to be too excited or enthusiastic about something

hit/touch/strike a (raw/sensitive) nerve

to mention a subject that makes somebody feel angry, upset, embarrassed

safe in the knowledge that

confident because you know that something is true or will happen

on the level

honest and legal

be on your/its last legs

to be very weak or in bad condition

like it or lump it

to accept a situation they do not like

lay it on thick

to exaggerate

leave somebody in the lurch

to fail to help somebody when they are relying on you to do so

reserve (your) decision/judgement

to not make a decision/judgement

make/lose money hand over fist

to make/lose money very fast and in large quantities

throw down the gauntlet

to invite somebody to fight or compete with you

stick to your guns

to refuse to change your mind about something

rough justice

punishment that does not seem fair

come to the fore

to be/become important and noticed by people

see/think fit (to do something)

to consider it right or acceptable to do something

to your heart’s content

as much as you want

up for grabs

available for anyone who is interested in

in the flesh

physical in front of you

put on a brave face

to pretend that you feel confident and happy when you do not

stony/flat broke

completely broke ~ without money

inch by inch

very careful and slowly

settle the bill

pay the money

make a scene

have an argument

of your own accord

without being asked

with bated breath

feeling very anxious or excited

take heart (from something)

to feel more positive about something

all the same

nevertheless

to all intents and purposes

in the effects that something has, if not in reality; almost completely

on the dole

without a job

squabble over sth

to argue noisily about something that is not very important

play hookey ~ play truant

to stay away from school without permission

break new ground

to make a new discovery or do something that has not been done before

be the envy of somebody/something

to be a person or thing that other people admire and that causes feelings of envy

hang on sb’s every word

to listen with great attention to somebody you admire

on the tip of your tongue

you are sure that you know the word but you cannot remember the word

solid

without a break, continuous

opt out

to choose not to take part in sth

take somebody for a ride

to cheat or trick somebody

do a roaring trade (in something)

to sell a lot of something very quickly

in stitches

laughing a lot

penultimate

immediately before the last one/ second to last

in no uncertain terms

clearly and strongly

not sb’s scene

not the type that sb likes or enjoys doing

oblivious to/of sth

unaware of sth

be torn (between A and B)

to be unable to decide between two things or two feelings

spring from

to be caused by something; to start from something

compare like with like

to compare 2 things that are very similar

better safe than sorry

used to say that it is wiser to be too careful than to act too quickly

on the safe side

being especially careful; taking no risks

keep up/move with the times

to change and develop ideas