More Idioms Challenge?
- Owen Nash
- Jan 22
- 4 min read
1. Miss the boat
Question: What does "miss the boat" mean?
Answers:
a) Miss an opportunity.
b) Fail to board a boat.
c) Take the wrong boat.
d) Postpone plans.
Correct Answer: a) Miss an opportunity.
Meaning:
English: To miss a chance or an opportunity.
Traditional Chinese: 錯過機會。
Simplified Chinese: 错过机会。
Examples:
You should apply for the job soon, or you’ll miss the boat.
He missed the boat on buying the stock when it was cheap.
2. Sit on the fence
Question: What does "sit on the fence" mean?
Answers:
a) Avoid making a decision.
b) Stay on the sidelines.
c) Enjoy the view from a fence.
d) Ignore someone’s opinion.
Correct Answer: a) Avoid making a decision.
Meaning:
English: To be undecided or avoid choosing sides in a debate or situation.
Traditional Chinese: 保持中立，不表態。
Simplified Chinese: 保持中立，不表态。
Examples:
He’s sitting on the fence about which university to attend.
You can’t sit on the fence forever; you need to choose a side.
3. Burn bridges
Question: What does "burn bridges" mean?
Answers:
a) Ruin relationships or opportunities.
b) Build new connections.
c) Destroy an actual bridge.
d) Avoid crossing bridges.
Correct Answer: a) Ruin relationships or opportunities.
Meaning:
English: To damage relationships or lose opportunities permanently.
Traditional Chinese: 斷絕關係或失去機會。
Simplified Chinese: 断绝关系或失去机会。
Examples:
Be careful not to burn bridges when leaving a job.
She regretted burning bridges with her former best friend.
4. Long story short
Question: What does "long story short" mean?
Answers:
a) To summarize a story briefly.
b) To tell a lengthy tale.
c) To leave out details.
d) To end abruptly.
Correct Answer: a) To summarize a story briefly.
Meaning:
English: To summarize something in a concise way.
Traditional Chinese: 長話短說。
Simplified Chinese: 长话短说。
Examples:
Long story short, we missed the train and had to walk home.
Long story short, they decided to postpone the wedding.
5. Go the extra mile
Question: What does "go the extra mile" mean?
Answers:
a) Put in additional effort.
b) Travel a longer distance.
c) Take unnecessary steps.
d) Be competitive.
Correct Answer: a) Put in additional effort.
Meaning:
English: To make extra effort to achieve something.
Traditional Chinese: 額外付出努力。
Simplified Chinese: 额外付出努力。
Examples:
She always goes the extra mile to help her students succeed.
The team went the extra mile to ensure the event was a success.
6. Walking on eggshells
Question: What does "walking on eggshells" mean?
Answers:
a) Acting cautiously to avoid upsetting someone.
b) Walking carefully on fragile ground.
c) Avoiding responsibility.
d) Making no noise.
Correct Answer: a) Acting cautiously to avoid upsetting someone.
Meaning:
English: To be very careful not to offend or upset someone.
Traditional Chinese: 小心翼翼以免冒犯或激怒某人。
Simplified Chinese: 小心翼翼以免冒犯或激怒某人。
Examples:
Ever since their argument, I’ve been walking on eggshells around them.
We’re walking on eggshells until the manager calms down.
7. Keep your chin up
Question: What does "keep your chin up" mean?
Answers:
a) Stay positive.
b) Look straight ahead.
c) Be proud.
d) Keep your posture correct.
Correct Answer: a) Stay positive.
Meaning:
English: To remain optimistic and cheerful during difficult times.
Traditional Chinese: 保持積極樂觀。
Simplified Chinese: 保持积极乐观。
Examples:
Keep your chin up; things will get better soon.
Despite the challenges, he kept his chin up and moved forward.
8. Let sleeping dogs lie
Question: What does "let sleeping dogs lie" mean?
Answers:
a) Avoid causing trouble by leaving something as it is.
b) Let dogs sleep.
c) Ignore a barking dog.
d) Take a nap.
Correct Answer: a) Avoid causing trouble by leaving something as it is.
Meaning:
English: To avoid stirring up trouble unnecessarily.
Traditional Chinese: 不惹麻煩，讓事情保持原樣。
Simplified Chinese: 不惹麻烦，让事情保持原样。
Examples:
Don’t bring up the old argument; let sleeping dogs lie.
She decided to let sleeping dogs lie and not revisit the past mistake.
9. As right as rain
Question: What does "as right as rain" mean?
Answers:
a) Perfect or healthy.
b) Wet and cold.
c) Feeling emotional.
d) Predicting weather.
Correct Answer: a) Perfect or healthy.
Meaning:
English: In excellent condition or health.
Traditional Chinese: 狀況良好或健康。
Simplified Chinese: 状况良好或健康。
Examples:
After a good night’s sleep, I felt as right as rain.
The repairs were completed, and everything is as right as rain now.
10. Hold your horses
Question: What does "hold your horses" mean?
Answers:
a) Wait or be patient.
b) Take care of horses.
c) Move quickly.
d) Stop abruptly.
Correct Answer: a) Wait or be patient.
Meaning:
English: To wait or slow down.
Traditional Chinese: 等待或耐心一點。
Simplified Chinese: 等待或耐心一点。
Examples:
Hold your horses! The show hasn’t started yet.
Before making a decision, hold your horses and consider the options.
Comments