SPM Idioms List 1-20

Beat around the bush means _________________.

• to avoid getting to the point
• to speak directly
• to be vague
• to clarify the issue

Get your act together means _____________.

• to procrastinate and avoid responsibilities
• to celebrate one's achievements
• to ignore problems and hope they go away
• to organize oneself or improve one's behaviour

Hit the sack means __________.

• to go for a walk
• to take a nap
• to go to bed
• to eat dinner

Your guess is as good as mine means _____________.

• We both have no idea.
• You should ask someone else.
• We both have a clear idea.
• I know exactly what to do.

Sell like hot cakes means _____________.

• to sell very quickly and in large quantities
• to sell only during special events
• to sell slowly and in small quantities
• to sell at a loss

On cloud nine means _____________.

• to be confused
• to be extremely happy
• to be very sad
• to be extremely tired

Left out in the cold means _____________.

• included in the group
• excluded or abandoned
• invited to a party
• welcomed with open arms

Cut corners means _____________.

• to complete a task with utmost attention to detail
• to do something in a quicker or easier way, often sacrificing quality.
• to follow a strict process without deviation
• to take shortcuts that improve quality

Eat like a horse means _____________.

• to eat a lot of food
• to eat only vegetables
• to eat slowly and carefully
• to eat very little food

A bird in the hand is better than two in the bush means _____________.

• It is better to value what you have than to risk it for something uncertain.
• You should always aim for the best, regardless of what you have.
• Having more options is always better than having one.
• It's better to take risks than to settle for less.