Idioms1

Question 1

With strict adherence to a set of rules; fairly and honorably.

Answer 1

According to Hoyle. Author of a book on the game of Whist during the 18th century that listed the rules.

Question 2

A hidden advantage or resource kept in reserve until needed.

Answer 2

Ace in the hole. Comes from the game of stud poker, where cards are turned face down or “in the hole.” An ace is the highest value card.

Question 3

A point of vulnerability.

Answer 3

Achilles’ heel.

Question 4

An event beyond human control for which there is no legal redress.

Answer 4

An act of God. Often used by lawyers and insurance companies.

Question 5

An argument where one tries to prove one’s position by proving the absurdity of the opponents position. An argument carried to such lengths that it becomes absurd.

Answer 5

Ad Absurdum. From Latin, meaning “to absurdity.”

Question 6

Something created for a particular occasion.

Answer 6

Ad Hoc. From Latin, meaning “toward this matter.”

Question 7

An argument that relies on personal attacks rather than reason or substance.

Answer 7

Ad Hominem. From Latin, meaning “to the man.”

Question 8

To go on endlessly.

Answer 8

Ad nauseam. From Latin, to literally continue “to seasickness.”

Question 9

An annoying burden.

Answer 9

Albatross around one’s neck. Comes from Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” where a sailor shoots an albatross and is forced to wear its carcass around his neck as punishment.

Question 10

A state of readiness for immediate action.

Answer 10

All Systems Go. Comes from the 1960’s during the race to the moon. Refers to the launching of missiles.

Question 11

Clumsy or awkward.

Answer 11

All Thumbs.

Question 12

The school or university that one graduated from. Also refers to a school’s official song.

Answer 12

Alma Mater. From Latin, meaning “nurturing mother.”

Question 13

The beginning and the end.

Answer 13

Alpha and Omega. The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. God says He is the Alpha and Omega.

Question 14

An expression from the play As You Like It. Commonly used by someone about to tell the history of an object.

Answer 14

And There by Hangs a Tale. Roughly means, “there’s a real story behind this.”

Question 15

Refers to a year where an unusual number of remarkable things occurred.

Answer 15

Annus Mirabilis. From Latin, meaning “miraculous year.”

Question 16

Opposite of Annus Mirabilis.

Answer 16

Annus Horribilus. From Latin, meaning “terrible year.” Queen Elizabeth II used the term during 1992.

Question 17

An abbreviation of anonymous used to indicate unknown authorship.

Answer 17

Anon. When used in a sentence, anon means at another time or again.

Question 18

The favorite object of a person’s love or affection.

Answer 18

Apple of [one]’s eye.

Question 19

The most direct route between two points.

Answer 19

As The Crow Flies.

Question 20

Engaged in head-on dispute.

Answer 20

At Loggerheads. A 17th century iron tool with a thick head. The head was heated to extreme temperature and placed inside a drink to heat it and caramelize any sugar. The phrase likely refers to using these tools during drunken fights.

Question 21

In a state of confusion or disorder.

Answer 21

At Sixes and Sevens. Comes from the phrase “On Six and Seven” and referred to a dice game where landing on either number meant risking ones winnings.

Question 22

A saying indicating one’s effort has failed, and one must start over again.

Answer 22

Back to the Drawing Board. A drawing board is a slanted desk used by artists and engineers.

Question 23

An idiom for thirteen.

Answer 23

A Baker’s Dozen. Baker’s once provided an extra roll for every dozen sold.

Question 24

To avoid getting to the point of an issue.

Answer 24

Beat Around the Bush.

Question 25

A chronic preoccupation. Fanciful or eccentric.

Answer 25

Bee in One’s Bonnet.

Question 26

To assume what has still to be proved.

Answer 26

Beg the Question.

Question 27

An unfavorable or uncomfortable position.

Answer 27

Behind the Eight Ball. Refers to the game of pool.

Question 28

Something or someone a person views with particular dislike.

Answer 28

Bête Noire (Bet Nwahr). From French, meaning “Black Beast.”

Question 29

Faced with two equally dangerous or difficult choices.

Answer 29

Between a Rock and a Hard Place.

Question 30

Totally unacceptable.

Answer 30

Beyond the Pale. The Pale in Ireland was a territorial limit beyond which English rule did not extend.