21. Teeth on edge
(A) at the edge
(B) to be smart
(C) to be irritated
(D) to be swift
Answer: (C) to be irritated
Set one’s teeth on edge: To cause someone to feel intense discomfort, annoyance, or irritation (like a screeching sound).
22. Came off second best
(A) runner-up
(B) second-place
(C) second-last
(D) lose/defeat
Answer: (D) lose/defeat
Come off second best: To be the loser in a contest, fight, or argument.
23. Yeoman’s service
(A) layman’s work
(B) good work
(C) hard work
(D) idle work
Answer: (B) good work
Yeoman’s service: excellent, useful, or good work.
24. With a high hand
(A) oppression
(B) aggression
(C) seclusion
(D) occasion
Answer: (A) oppression
With a high hand: In an arrogant, dictatorial, or oppressive manner.
25. To take stock of
(A) to take control
(B) to jump to conclusion
(C) to intervene
(D) to survey
Answer: (D) to survey
Take stock of: To review, assess, or survey a situation or one’s resources carefully before making a decision.
26. Penny wise and pound foolish
(A) To take a risk
(B) Careful in trivial matters but wasteful in large matters
(C) To invest a lot of money
(D) To speak foolishly
Answer: (B) Careful in trivial matters but wasteful in large matters
Penny wise and pound foolish: Being overly careful with small amounts of money or minor details, but reckless and wasteful with large amounts or major decisions.
27. To bury the hatchet
(A) To end a quarrel to make peace
(B) To carry a sword
(C) To find hidden treasure
(D) To start a fight
Answer: (A) To end a quarrel to make peace
Bury the hatchet: To make peace, resolve a conflict, and become friends again.
28. Hold your horses
(A) To run very fast
(B) To train the horses
(C) To be patient
(D) To be impatient
Answer: (C) To be patient
Hold your horses: To slow down, wait a moment, or be patient.
29. In the long run
(A) Eventually after a long period of time
(B) To go for the extra mile
(C) To wait excitedly for something to happen
(D) To bear the burden
Answer: (A) Eventually after a long period of time
In the long run: Over a long period of time; eventually or ultimately.
30. To know the ropes
(A) To understand the details
(B) To understand the risks involved
(C) To be physically fit
(D) To be involved
Answer: (A) To understand the details
Know the ropes: To be familiar with the details, rules, or basic procedures of a task or job.