Idioms & phrases MCQ — 14 Practice Questions with Answers

Explanation

The idiom cut no ice means to have no influence, effect, or persuasive force. The cue is that residents had already seen three missed deadlines, so they were unlikely to be convinced by fresh assurances. The plural subject assurances naturally takes the verb cut in this idiomatic expression. Break the ice concerns social awkwardness, hold water concerns soundness of an argument, and make waves concerns causing controversy. Only cut no ice fits both the meaning and the sentence logic.

Explanation

The question asks for the incorrect use. 'Bury the hatchet' means to end a quarrel and make peace. In option B, the second half says the union decided to intensify the strike, which contradicts the idiom's meaning. The error is not grammar but semantic incompatibility between the idiom and the rest of the sentence. The other options use their idioms correctly: worsening tension, avoiding attention, and being logically defensible.

Explanation

The idiom 'let the cat out of the bag' means to disclose a secret, especially before the proper time. The sentence gives two clear cues: the committee withheld interim observations, and the chairperson waited for the final report to be tabled. That context is not about withdrawing a charge, creating confusion, or delaying a decision; it is about avoiding premature disclosure. Therefore, 'reveal a secret prematurely' is the only defensible meaning.

Explanation

The standard phrase is 'to all intents and purposes', meaning 'for all practical purposes' or 'in every practical sense'. The mistaken form 'for all intensive purposes' is an eggcorn: it sounds similar but replaces meaningful words with a plausible wrong word. The reason correctly explains why the assertion is true, because 'intents and purposes' fits the idea of practical aims and effects, while 'intensive' does not belong in the idiom.

Explanation

The idiom hold a brief for comes from legal usage: a lawyer holding a brief argues for a client's case. In general English, it means to defend, support, or advocate a person, policy, or proposal. The sentence says the audit note was unpopular but the accountant presented it before the board, so the required sense is active support despite resistance. Options about secrecy, summary-writing, or postponement are literal readings of brief or invented meanings, not the idiomatic meaning.