1. Aboveboard means
(A) ready to go
(B) to work enthusiastically
(C) to stand out
(D) being fair and honest
Answer: (D) being fair and honest
Aboveboard: Without concealment, fraud, or trickery; completely open and honest.
2. Have an axe to grind means
(A) to have unfinished business
(B) to solve a difficult problem
(C) to have a self-interested motive
(D) to redeem oneself
Answer: (C) to have a self-interested motive
Have an axe to grind: To have a personal, often selfish, underlying motive or reason for doing something.
3. Ins and outs means
(A) the entrances and exits
(B) the technical know-how
(C) the minute particulars
(D) the problems and solutions
Answer: (C) the minute particulars
Ins and outs: All the exact details, complexities, and specific particulars of a situation or process.
4. Itching palm means
(A) getting rich
(B) losing money
(C) greed for money
(D) making generous donation
Answer: (C) greed for money
Itching palm: A strong desire for money, often referring to someone who expects a bribe or tip.
5. The small hours means
(A) in a short while
(B) in the morning
(C) the initial stage
(D) between one and three o’clock in the morning
Answer: (D) between one and three o’clock in the morning
The small hours: The early hours of the morning, just after midnight (1:00 AM, 2:00 AM, etc.).
6. Keep body and soul together means
(A) keeping body and soul intact
(B) stay physically fit
(C) stay alive
(D) have bare minimum
Answer: (C) stay alive
Keep body and soul together: To earn or have just enough money or food to survive and stay alive.
7. Kiss the rod means
(A) be in pain
(B) embrace challenges
(C) submit to correction
(D) in trouble
Answer: (C) submit to correction
Kiss the rod: To submissively accept punishment or yield to a painful necessity.
8. Cry for the moon means
(A) cry for help
(B) yearning for solace
(C) accomplish incredible feats
(D) crave the unattainable
Answer: (D) crave the unattainable
Cry for the moon: To ask for or desire something that is impossible to get.
9. Salt of the earth means
(A) the very best
(B) absolutely necessary
(C) unwanted possession
(D) of lesser importance
Answer: (A) the very best
Salt of the earth: A person or group of people considered to be the best, most inherently good, and honest.
10. High words means
(A) wise words
(B) bombastic words
(C) angry words
(D) comforting words
Answer: (C) angry words
High words: An angry exchange of words, a heated argument, or an arrogant dispute.