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MCQ Practice

English Idioms MCQs

What does "cook the books" mean?

  • A. Manage expenses carefully
  • B. Falsify financial records
  • C. Publish a report
  • D. Review legal documents
Explanation:
It means to alter accounts dishonestly, usually for personal gain.

What does "by the book" mean?

  • A. According to the rules
  • B. From memory
  • C. With friendly advice
  • D. For appearance only
Explanation:
It means doing something strictly according to official procedure.

What does "beat the rap" mean?

  • A. Sing better than others
  • B. Get a light warning
  • C. Hide the truth
  • D. Escape punishment for a crime
Explanation:
It means to avoid conviction or serious penalty.

What does "above the law" mean?

  • A. In a high office
  • B. Highly respected
  • C. Not subject to ordinary rules
  • D. Careful and ethical
Explanation:
It means behaving as if normal laws do not apply to you.

What does "above board" mean?

  • A. In secret
  • B. Honest and legal
  • C. Very expensive
  • D. Publicly praised
Explanation:
It means open, fair, and lawful.

What does "a law unto themselves" mean?

  • A. Acting by their own rules
  • B. Fully obedient
  • C. Extremely honest
  • D. Curious about laws
Explanation:
It means doing things independently without following normal standards.

What does "a roller-coaster ride" mean?

  • A. A fun vacation
  • B. A smooth experience
  • C. A business risk
  • D. An experience with many emotional highs and lows
Explanation:
It means a situation that changes repeatedly between very good and very bad moments.

What does "upset the applecart" mean?

  • A. Sell goods too cheaply
  • B. Travel without order
  • C. Ruin someone's plans
  • D. Start a public quarrel
Explanation:
It means to disturb arrangements and cause problems.

What does "steer clear of" mean?

  • A. Move carefully forward
  • B. Avoid
  • C. Offer a warning
  • D. Support from a distance
Explanation:
It means to stay away from something that may cause trouble.

What does "rock the boat" mean?

  • A. Disturb a stable situation
  • B. Travel by sea
  • C. Enjoy yourself freely
  • D. Take a fair decision
Explanation:
It means to cause trouble by upsetting the existing state of affairs.