American Idioms - List Four

Question 1

Barking up the wrong tree

Answer 1

To pursue the wrong course of action

Question 2

Close but no cigar

Answer 2

Almost correct but not quite

Question 3

Don’t bite the hand that feeds you

Answer 3

Don’t harm those who help you

Question 4

Every dog has its day

Answer 4

Everyone will have success or good fortune at some point

Question 5

Get your ducks in a row

Answer 5

To get organized and prepared

Question 6

Hit the hay

Answer 6

To go to bed

Question 7

Keep it real

Answer 7

To be authentic and genuine

Question 8

Let bygones be bygones

Answer 8

To forget past conflicts or grievances

Question 9

A piece of cake

Answer 9

Very easy

Question 10

Back to square one

Answer 10

To start over from the beginning

Question 11

Call it a day

Answer 11

To stop working or end an activity

Question 12

Don’t rock the boat

Answer 12

To avoid causing trouble or disruption

Question 13

Every man for himself

Answer 13

Each person should take care of their own interests

Question 14

Get over it

Answer 14

To move past a difficult situation or emotion

Question 15

Hit the road

Answer 15

To leave or begin a journey

Question 16

Keep your fingers crossed

Answer 16

To hope for a positive outcome

Question 17

Let the chips fall where they may

Answer 17

To accept the outcome, regardless of what it may be

Question 18

A penny for your thoughts

Answer 18

Asking someone what they are thinking

Question 19

Backseat driver

Answer 19

Someone who gives unwanted advice or criticism

Question 20

Cost an arm and a leg

Answer 20

Very expensive

Question 21

Don’t count your chickens before they hatch

Answer 21

Don’t rely on something that hasn’t happened yet

Question 22

Every cloud has a silver lining

Answer 22

There’s something good in every bad situation

Question 23

Get your act together

Answer 23

To organize yourself and start behaving more responsibly

Question 24

Hit the nail on the head

Answer 24

To describe something accurately

Question 25

Keep your nose to the grindstone

Answer 25

To work hard and diligently

Question 26

Let sleeping dogs lie

Answer 26

To leave things as they are

Question 27

A penny for your thoughts

Answer 27

Asking someone what they are thinking

Question 28

Bite the bullet

Answer 28

To endure a painful situation or task

Question 29

Burn bridges

Answer 29

To ruin relationships, especially intentionally

Question 30

Cut to the chase

Answer 30

To get to the point quickly

Question 31

Don't put all your eggs in one basket

Answer 31

Don't risk everything on a single opportunity

Question 32

Every cloud has a silver lining

Answer 32

There's something good in every bad situation

Question 33

Go down like a lead balloon

Answer 33

Fail to be well received or accepted

Question 34

Hit the jackpot

Answer 34

To be extremely successful or fortunate

Question 35

In hot water

Answer 35

In trouble or facing difficulties

Question 36

Jump on the bandwagon

Answer 36

To join a popular trend or activity

Question 37

Kick the bucket

Answer 37

To die

Question 38

Let the chips fall where they may

Answer 38

To let things happen without interference

Question 39

Off the top of my head

Answer 39

Without careful thought or consideration

Question 40

Put all your eggs in one basket

Answer 40

To risk everything on a single opportunity

Question 41

The ball is in your court

Answer 41

It's your decision or responsibility

Question 42

Bite off more than you can chew

Answer 42

To take on more responsibility than one can handle

Question 43

Don't cry over spilled milk

Answer 43

Don't worry about past mistakes

Question 44

Get off on the wrong foot

Answer 44

To start a relationship or interaction poorly

Question 45

Hit the ground running

Answer 45

To start something with great speed or success

Question 46

In the same boat

Answer 46

In the same situation or predicament

Question 47

Keep it under wraps

Answer 47

To keep something secret

Question 48

Leave no stone unturned

Answer 48

To search thoroughly for something

Question 49

Make a mountain out of a molehill

Answer 49

To exaggerate a minor problem

Question 50

Play devil's advocate

Answer 50

To argue the opposing viewpoint for the sake of debate

Question 51

Put your best foot forward

Answer 51

To make a good impression