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Idioms and Proverbs Quizzes, Trivia and Puzzles
Idioms and Proverbs Quizzes, Trivia

Idioms and Proverbs Trivia

Idioms and Proverbs Trivia Quizzes

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An idiom is a figure of speech that often makes no sense when taken literally; you can be in a pickle if you don't understand them! Meanwhile, a proverb is a common saying that expresses some piece of folk wisdom.
285 quizzes and 3,990 trivia questions.
1.
  Nationality Words In Idioms editor best quiz   top quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
In idioms we often refer to nationalities. A ludicrously incongruous statement may be called an "Irish bull", and drink-induced courage may be termed "Dutch courage". This quiz is about similar nationality-linked idioms.
Average, 10 Qns, flem-ish, Jun 18 23
Average
flem-ish
Jun 18 23
86320 plays
2.
  Counting Idioms   great trivia quiz  
Ordering Quiz
 10 Qns
Start with the idiom referencing the smallest number and then arrange in increasing order.
Average, 10 Qns, zorba_scank, Apr 09 23
Average
zorba_scank gold member
Apr 09 23
943 plays
3.
What Is He On
  What Is He On?   best quiz  
Photo Quiz
 10 Qns
No, it's not a rhetorical question! Think you can complete these ten idioms? You're on!
Average, 10 Qns, LadyCaitriona, Sep 02 16
Average
LadyCaitriona gold member
8889 plays
4.
Book of Proverbs
  Book of Proverbs   best quiz  
Photo Quiz
 10 Qns
Searching through my local library I came across a picture book about proverbs. Let me tell you-- I've never had more trouble understanding a picture book. A picture is worth a thousand words, so can you help me out by making sense of these?
Very Easy, 10 Qns, kyleisalive, May 15 12
Very Easy
kyleisalive editor
6186 plays
5.
  Common and Not-So-Common Sayings   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 20 Qns
Its amazing how many sayings are spoken in everyday conversations. Here are some sayings, some you will know, some you will not. Enjoy!
Easier, 20 Qns, Ford Escort, Jul 15 23
Easier
Ford Escort
Jul 15 23
17784 plays
6.
  Euphemistically Speaking   best quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Whether you wish to assess your ability to replace an indelicate term with one that is inoffensive, or to brush up on the telling of the occasional polite lie, you may wish to avail yourself of the opportunity this humble quiz presents.
Average, 10 Qns, uglybird, May 01 22
Average
uglybird
May 01 22
12317 plays
7.
  All in the Family   best quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Oh brother. Idioms containing kinship terms are so well-known, they're really child's play. Are you ready for the mother of all quizzes on familial expressions? Here are some phrases and other English language sayings that keep it all in the family.
Very Easy, 10 Qns, jmorrow, Jan 07 14
Very Easy
jmorrow editor
3528 plays
8.
  Finish My Idiom   best quiz  
Multiple Choice
 25 Qns
Can you complete these twenty-five idioms with their correct endings? Have fun!
Very Easy, 25 Qns, Creedy, Feb 17 23
Very Easy
Creedy gold member
Feb 17 23
2247 plays
9.
Pass or Play Guess the Words in These Idioms
  Pass or Play? Guess the Words in These Idioms   great trivia quiz  
Photo Quiz
 10 Qns
I've just had fun making these images in Microsoft Paint. Do they help you answer the questions about these idioms and proverbs?
Very Easy, 10 Qns, Shadowmyst2004, Feb 19 16
Recommended for grades: 7,8,9
Very Easy
Shadowmyst2004
1952 plays
10.
  Cold Hands, Warm Heart   best quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Cold hands, warm heart - this is where we will start. So have some fun, and when you're done, please put your horse before your cart!
Very Easy, 10 Qns, beergirllaura, Sep 23 12
Very Easy
beergirllaura
4454 plays
trivia question Quick Question
Well ...

From Quiz "Finish My Idiom"




11.
This Quiz is The End
  This Quiz is The End   popular trivia quiz  
Photo Quiz
 10 Qns
They say that all good things must come to an end but can you tell me what you will find at the end of each of these phrases? (source: http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/phrases-and-sayings-list.html)
Very Easy, 10 Qns, funnytrivianna, Jun 20 14
Recommended for grades: 8,9
Very Easy
funnytrivianna gold member
2856 plays
12.
  Match the Idioms   great trivia quiz  
Match Quiz
 10 Qns
Can you complete these well known idioms?
Very Easy, 10 Qns, Creedy, Oct 14 22
Recommended for grades: 8,9,10
Very Easy
Creedy gold member
Oct 14 22
1996 plays
13.
  Original Objects editor best quiz   best quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
The meaning of these prepositional phrases has evolved over time. Do you know the original "object" of the preposition? I'll PLANT a hint for the next question in each question the way I've PLANTED a hint for my first question in this sentence.
Tough, 10 Qns, uglybird, Sep 30 11
Tough
uglybird
9246 plays
14.
  Health, Illness and Disease   top quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Idioms are a wonderful, and at times wacky, part of everyday speech, and a great number of them involve health, illness and disease. How many do you know? Let's play and find out.
Very Easy, 10 Qns, poshprice, Aug 31 13
Very Easy
poshprice
4033 plays
15.
  Match the Proverb   great trivia quiz  
Match Quiz
 10 Qns
Can you complete these lesser known proverbs? Have fun.
Very Easy, 10 Qns, Creedy, Apr 14 16
Recommended for grades: 11,12
Very Easy
Creedy gold member
2233 plays
16.
Everyday Expressions
  Everyday Expressions   popular trivia quiz  
Photo Quiz
 10 Qns
The photos in each question should remind you of a common idiom or saying. I will provide clues to help you figure out the answer, which is to be written in the blank.
Easier, 10 Qns, austinnene, May 31 15
Easier
austinnene
1206 plays
17.
  Words In Custody   best quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
English usage imposes limits on the company some words usually keep. Aspersions are most often "cast", and there is seldom "kith" without "kin". See if you know which word seems to be the constant (or at least frequent) companion of the other.
Average, 10 Qns, uglybird, Jun 17 16
Average
uglybird
7538 plays
18.
  Speaking of Geography   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
All of these idioms have something to do with a geographical feature or weather related term.
Very Easy, 10 Qns, zorba_scank, Jul 29 14
Very Easy
zorba_scank gold member
2590 plays
19.
  Common Idioms    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
This is a quiz about idioms and idiomatic expressions :)
Very Easy, 10 Qns, christiebohne, Mar 05 22
Very Easy
christiebohne gold member
Mar 05 22
847 plays
20.
  Easy Proverbs   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
This quiz is about fairly traditional proverbs the phrasings of which often have been polished through ages of use. See if you can identify the missing word in all cases.
Very Easy, 10 Qns, flem-ish, Jan 10 16
Very Easy
flem-ish
8352 plays
21.
  The Rat Race: At Work With Idioms   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
You're ready to join the work force. You'll need to understand the code phrases and idioms if you want to get ahead. Good luck!
Easier, 10 Qns, Nealzineatser, Sep 03 17
Easier
Nealzineatser gold member
Sep 03 17
1538 plays
22.
  Everything But the Kitchen Sink   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
English is rich with phrases that make little sense with a literal translation but are nonetheless used every day! Do you recognize the idioms in this quiz? Have a ball!
Very Easy, 10 Qns, PootyPootwell, Jun 24 16
Recommended for grades: 5,6,7,8
Very Easy
PootyPootwell gold member
2969 plays
23.
  Oh No! I Dropped It!   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
I've dropped ten sayings and idioms and need your help putting them with their actual meaning. Why not drop on by?
Easier, 10 Qns, malik24, Jul 07 20
Easier
malik24
Jul 07 20
2452 plays
24.
  It's All Greek to Me!   best quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
My boss has a major problem at work and needs me to come in and sort it out. What is in store for me? A trip around the world in idiomatic terms it seems.
Average, 10 Qns, Snowman, Jan 15 20
Average
Snowman gold member
Jan 15 20
2829 plays
25.
  Speaking Proverbially   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
In this quiz you will find a mixture of proverbs. Have a go at answering the questions and see how many of them you can recognise.
Very Easy, 10 Qns, Jomarion, Feb 16 18
Very Easy
Jomarion
Feb 16 18
2794 plays
26.
  You Are Such an Idiom!   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
A little learning can be a dangerous thing, but if you know your idioms, then your answers won't need to be a shot in the dark.
Easier, 10 Qns, surdoux, Jun 12 19
Easier
surdoux gold member
Jun 12 19
2743 plays
27.
  The Incomplete Proverb Quiz   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
In this quiz you will be given the first half of a generally well known proverb and it's up to you to choose the correct second half.
Very Easy, 10 Qns, lampshade56, Jun 23 14
Recommended for grades: 6,7,8
Very Easy
lampshade56
2531 plays
28.
  People and Places in Phrases   top quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
There are a lot of idioms that reference people and places, and this quiz is about those people and places. How many of them do you know?
Easier, 10 Qns, john_sunseri, Jan 17 10
Easier
john_sunseri
3080 plays
29.
  "Would you like a Hole in the Head?"    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
In England we do say some strange things don't we? Here are a few examples of this for you to ponder on in a short quiz. Much of this quiz will be recognized and answerable at a global level.
Very Easy, 10 Qns, rialto88, Dec 10 22
Very Easy
rialto88
Dec 10 22
4844 plays
30.
  Idiomatic Language    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
When people express themselves in idiomatic language,they use 'traditional phrasings' that have a fixed form and a meaning that goes beyond the strict literal sense of the words. See which "standing expressions" suit the contexts given below.
Average, 10 Qns, flem-ish, Oct 14 22
Average
flem-ish
Oct 14 22
7962 plays
31.
  Don't Be Such an Idiom!   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Don't be such an idiom! In the English world, there are so many English idioms that one like you may not exactly understand. Don't be fooled by what they seem to mean, or you'll be in hot water! What? You don't know what that means? *facepalm*
Very Easy, 10 Qns, superfan123, Jan 18 13
Very Easy
superfan123
2575 plays
32.
  Why Numbers?   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Put two and two together when you play this quiz on idioms relating to NUMBERS.
Easier, 10 Qns, Plodd, Jun 21 17
Easier
Plodd
Jun 21 17
1743 plays
33.
  The Best Thing Since Sliced Bread   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
See how much you know about the meanings of these well-known idioms.
Easier, 10 Qns, emmco, Apr 09 14
Easier
emmco
2785 plays
34.
  Weird Words & Phrases   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Have you ever been told something that makes it hard to "keep a stiff upper lip" (not cry) or a "straight face" (not laugh)? Weird words and expressions make the best insults, compliments, and jokes. And some common words come from surprising places.
Very Easy, 10 Qns, jacobjosh, Apr 21 12
Very Easy
jacobjosh
2089 plays
35.
  In a Manner of Speaking    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
These cliches and idioms are used very frequently - but do you actually know what they mean?
Very Easy, 10 Qns, mcsheffrey19, Dec 12 14
Very Easy
mcsheffrey19
2726 plays
36.
  Match the British Idioms    
Match Quiz
 10 Qns
Here are a few British idioms that I have learned over the years.
Easier, 10 Qns, bwfc10, Jul 31 19
Easier
bwfc10
Jul 31 19
827 plays
37.
  Two-Step Idioms    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
We often use 'two step' patterns for mere rhythmical effect (or emphasis): the 'deaf and dumb', often saying same thing twice as in 'clean and tidy'. Give the second element of such a phrase. Repeat first letter which is given and add the missing letters
Easier, 10 Qns, flem-ish, Apr 13 12
Easier
flem-ish
7290 plays
38.
  Things My Grandma Says   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
My Grandma, and probably yours as well, has a treasure trove of sayings handed down over the generations. Many have become universal.
Average, 10 Qns, Christinap, Apr 13 11
Average
Christinap
1997 plays
39.
  Nothing Can Be Avoided - Murphy's Law   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
"If anything can go wrong, it will". What do you know of this and related pessimistic laws and concepts?
Tough, 10 Qns, looney_tunes, Jul 06 20
Tough
looney_tunes editor
Jul 06 20
1555 plays
40.
  You Are Such An Idiom    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Can you complete the missing words from these ten idioms? Have fun.
Average, 10 Qns, Creedy, Jun 18 19
Average
Creedy gold member
Jun 18 19
747 plays
41.
  And We Call This English?   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
See if you know the meanings of these funny phrases, expressions, terms and idioms. This is a multiple choice quiz on commonly heard English jargon that is relatively easy and very comical.
Very Easy, 10 Qns, Z-Pistol, Nov 07 21
Very Easy
Z-Pistol
Nov 07 21
2433 plays
42.
  Three- Step Idioms And Phrasings    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
For reasons that are not fully understandable we like to hear things in resounding wave patterns. In particular, three-step rhythmic patterns have always been popular with the great 'communicators'. Check how well acquainted you are with such phrasings.
Easier, 10 Qns, flem-ish, Feb 21 23
Easier
flem-ish
Feb 21 23
5914 plays
43.
  The Bitter Truth   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Many idioms and sayings are in fact some of the bitter truths of life.
Easier, 10 Qns, Christinap, Feb 05 16
Easier
Christinap
1478 plays
44.
  And the Moral of the Story Is...   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Ever read a story and wonder why it has been written? A lot of stories have a way of teaching us lessons of life!
Very Easy, 10 Qns, Damanhere8888, Oct 06 17
Recommended for grades: 8,9,10
Very Easy
Damanhere8888
Oct 06 17
2549 plays
45.
  Brewer's Bells   popular trivia quiz  
Match Quiz
 10 Qns
Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable is a rich source of unusual uses of words. From that source I have found these phrases involving the word BELL.
Average, 10 Qns, davejacobs, May 07 19
Average
davejacobs
May 07 19
304 plays
46.
  Mean What You Say    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Ever wonder the meaning behind the idioms and sayings we speak?
Average, 10 Qns, 57wordsmith, Jul 30 11
Average
57wordsmith
5956 plays
47.
  Buying The Farm   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Welcome to the FunTrivia farm, where you are a prospective buyer. The problem is that you have a tendency to use too many idioms in everyday speech, and the farmer will take everything you say literally. Good luck with buying the farm!
Very Easy, 10 Qns, runaway_drive, May 26 14
Very Easy
runaway_drive gold member
1288 plays
48.
  I Lost my Marbles..Have You Found Them?    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
No, no. Wrong ending to the sentence. There are many idioms and proverbs in the English language, and maybe you know them better than I do. Could you finish the sentences properly?
Easier, 10 Qns, superfan123, May 11 22
Easier
superfan123
May 11 22
2070 plays
49.
  Pushing Daisies   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Mr. Body is missing and Inspector Clueless interviewed nine witnesses to learn what happened, but he is, well, clueless. As a certified FunTrivia detective, you can look at his notes and help the Inspector figure out what happened to poor Mr. Body.
Average, 10 Qns, adam36, Jun 19 14
Average
adam36 gold member
907 plays
50.
  The Lemon Squeezy Pie That Fell Off a Log!   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Will you find this quiz easy? If so, how many ways do you know of saying so? It will be a breeze!
Easier, 10 Qns, balaton, Feb 09 18
Easier
balaton
Feb 09 18
731 plays
51.
  There's a Saying About That   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Some of the wisest advice comes from proverbs, although some proverbs contradict one another. How well do you know these proverbs?
Easier, 10 Qns, Toeknee448, May 26 13
Easier
Toeknee448
1957 plays
52.
  Which Idiom Did I Use at the Party?   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
I went to a party and overheard several conversations that guests were having. I'll tell you the things I heard, and you tell me the idiom I used in response to their conversations! Good luck!
Very Easy, 10 Qns, brooke26, Sep 08 22
Very Easy
brooke26
Sep 08 22
2445 plays
53.
  Idioms in the Funeral Trade   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Every profession has its own idioms and sayings. These expressions are used in the funeral industry. I'll tell you the expression, and you tell me what it translates to, for those of us not in the trade!
Average, 10 Qns, skunkee, Aug 23 09
Average
skunkee editor
4188 plays
54.
  Do You Know What Phrase This Is    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Where do they come up with these crazy sayings? Simple quiz, find the missing word (or two) from some popular phrases.
Very Easy, 10 Qns, GBfan, Jul 04 16
Very Easy
GBfan
1226 plays
55.
  "Heavens to Betsy" and other odd phrases.    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Your grandma always says things like "Heavens to Betsy" and other odd phrases. Do you know what she is talking about? Take this interesting quiz and test your knowledge!
Easier, 10 Qns, dixiecap, Feb 25 23
Easier
dixiecap
Feb 25 23
3894 plays
56.
  The Wisdom of Proverbs    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
We often use proverbs to illustrate our points of views. It's a matter of debate whether they are mere cliche-wisdom or mature wisdom. Anyway, here you can check how well acquainted you are with such traditional sayings.
Average, 10 Qns, flem-ish, Dec 05 21
Average
flem-ish
Dec 05 21
6990 plays
57.
  More Things My Grandma Said    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
By popular demand (well one person anyway) here are some more sayings from my wise old Grandma.
Average, 10 Qns, Christinap, Oct 09 15
Average
Christinap
1450 plays
58.
  's-Genitives In Standing Expressions    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
This quiz deals with 's-genitives occurring in standing expressions,and occasionally in titles of literary works.
Average, 10 Qns, flem-ish, Nov 17 13
Average
flem-ish
5235 plays
59.
  One Idiom Leads To Another    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
The English language must be baffling to those trying to learn it. Much of our everyday speech consists of idioms that are difficult to understand - unless you know the story behind them. I hope you will have fun with this quiz!
Average, 10 Qns, daver852, Dec 21 14
Average
daver852 gold member
967 plays
60.
  Proverbially Speaking    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
See if you can choose the correct word to finish off each of the following proverbs out of the four words given for each one.
Average, 10 Qns, Creedy, Jan 15 21
Average
Creedy gold member
Jan 15 21
1799 plays
61.
  Weather Sayings from Olde England    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Here are some more of the old sayings my mother used. These are concerned with the weather in England. If you don't recognize them, try looking for the rhymes.
Average, 10 Qns, Toeknee448, May 07 21
Average
Toeknee448
May 07 21
2550 plays
62.
  What Does That Saying Really Mean?    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
The following phrases are self explanatory, but you need to fill in the blank! All of the questions are multiple choice - so just have fun!
Average, 10 Qns, Engadine, Mar 09 12
Average
Engadine
4748 plays
63.
  Never Saying What We Mean    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
So many times we say one thing to mean something else. Let's test your skill and knowledge in this area of English language. A quiz written in England, but which will probably be just as relevant to all English speaking nations.
Average, 10 Qns, rialto88, Jun 19 18
Average
rialto88
Jun 19 18
3358 plays
64.
  A Very Sick Quiz    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Although it's really nothing to laugh about, the act of vomiting has inspired some highly amusing euphemisms. Try to test your knowledge of them without "growling in the grass" yourself.
Average, 10 Qns, Wizzid, Nov 03 09
Average
Wizzid
2154 plays
65.
  Is That an Idiom in Your Pants?    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Let's take a look at some commonly misused, misunderstood or seemingly nonsensical idioms, figures of speech and quotes. Don't worry; this is not a list of nit-picky grammatical pet peeves...mostly.
Tough, 10 Qns, McAngus, Jun 17 14
Tough
McAngus
699 plays
66.
  10 Questions on More Proverbs    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Beware: British English proverbs. Multiple choice.
Average, 10 Qns, flem-ish, Jun 21 13
Average
flem-ish
5493 plays
67.
  Questions on More Proverbs    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Proverbs are fun ....They pop up in ads, headlines etc. -Do you know what the missing parts are in these?
Tough, 10 Qns, flem-ish, Apr 21 02
Tough
flem-ish
3455 plays
68.
  The Early Bird    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Our friend Rovio has participated in a quiz contest, 'The Winner Takes the Worm', but he is having a hard time as he is a dim-wit little fellow. Help him out answering questions associated with proverbs, idioms and phrases to help him get the reward.
Easier, 10 Qns, paa2isback, Jun 25 14
Easier
paa2isback
975 plays
69.
  Southern Sayin's    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
These are sayin's found commonly in the South. I made them pretty easy with lots of hints.
Average, 10 Qns, mhuirnin, Dec 20 20
Average
mhuirnin
Dec 20 20
3608 plays
70.
  'Ding- Dong' Style Idioms    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Many idioms have successive syllables that begin and also end in same way. Only the vowels change.Example: tick-tock, ding-dong. In linguistics this is called reduplication. See which of these you can identify. Hyphens are optional.
Average, 10 Qns, flem-ish, Dec 03 11
Average
flem-ish
3130 plays
71.
  Are You a Member of the Caterpillar Club?    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
The English language is fascinating! It's filled with picturesque expressions, some as common as the nose on your face...others as obscure as 'Billy Taylor being carried off to sea'.
Tough, 10 Qns, lompocjoe, Nov 26 21
Tough
lompocjoe
Nov 26 21
491 plays
72.
  Forgotten 1800s' Idioms    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Idioms are fun and descriptive although some slip through the cracks throughout time. Here are ten (10) of those forgotten idioms from the 1800s. I state the idiom and you select the correct meaning. Easy as that (not really).
Tough, 10 Qns, researcher53, Nov 01 16
Tough
researcher53
546 plays
73.
  They Go Together    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
They go together like night and day. Example: What phrase means clear cut? ________ and _______, answer: cut and dried. In your answer be sure to use the word 'and'. Have fun.
Tough, 10 Qns, finlady, Feb 15 07
Tough
finlady
2104 plays
74.
  English Proverbs    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
You get part of the proverb and have to select the correct 'missing part' from a set of four.
Tough, 10 Qns, flem-ish, Jan 02 21
Tough
flem-ish
Jan 02 21
4207 plays
75.
  Are you a wise ol' owl?    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Complete these popular proverbs by filling in the blanks.(The number of spaces in each blank is the number of letters in each answer.) All questions have 2 answers - separate them with a space.(Ex. word1 word2)
Average, 10 Qns, funnyx4, Oct 13 15
Average
funnyx4
2115 plays

Idioms and Proverbs Trivia Questions

1. Not by a long ___ ?

From Quiz
You Are Such An Idiom

Answer: Chalk

This expression describes any statement or event that is a long way from the truth, or from succeeding. Originating in Canada in the 19th century, it eventually made it way over to England, a country that has long term ties with Canada. In the United States, the idiom is usually known as "Not by a long shot". The reference to chalk in this saying was that originally used in pubs and at horse racing meetings when marking up scores or odds on a board for participants or spectators to keep up to date with the progress of each event. "Do you think Charlie is going to win the darts tournament tonight, Bob?" "Nah, not by a long chalk, Tom."

2. The first thing you need to do if you want a job is to physically get out there and look. What action are you taking?

From Quiz The Rat Race: At Work With Idioms

Answer: pounding the pavement

Hitting the road, walking the beat and pounding the pavement all are straightforward terms most probably grown into colloquial usage from the simple reality of the force of a foot hitting the hard road surface. Pounding the pavement has taken on the meaning of looking for work, walking a beat is seemingly mostly applied to the activity of a policeman on his rounds, and hitting the road is a more general term for getting going on your travels. "All I've ever done is work. I arrived in LA in my twenties and I've been pounding the pavement ever since." - Jeremy Piven, actor

3. Too high for his nut

From Quiz Forgotten 1800s' Idioms

Answer: beyond someone's mental reach

Idiom found in the Oakland, California, "Tribune" on Jan. 12, 1885. By the mid-1800s, "nut" was being used to mean a person's head, and around the same time it was decided that someone not quite right in the old noggin was "off his nut" or simply "nuts." Example in modern usage: He set his nut too high for the open position which requires a degree in business management.

4. What idiom means to stay up late in the night doing work?

From Quiz Common Idioms

Answer: burn the midnight oil

The expression alludes to using oil lamps while working at night. It is similar in meaning to "burn the candle at both ends", which means to work all day and night without getting rest.

5. This one is really difficult and overly complex, some might even say it's "All (what language) to me?"

From Quiz Do You Know What Phrase This Is

Answer: Greek

The line "it's all Greek to me" dates back to 1599 with William Shakespeare and his play, "The Tragedy of Julius Caesar". It was from a conversation between Cassius and Casca.

6. Why do we say that something is "as easy as pie" when everyone knows that pies are hard to make? They slide down easily with ice cream though!

From Quiz The Lemon Squeezy Pie That Fell Off a Log!

Answer: It really means "as easy as eating a pie" because they taste good.

There are some claims that the phrase originated in the 1920s in Australia, but it was used in the Saturday Evening Post in 1913. However, a much earlier example appeared in a Rhode Island newspaper in 1887, where an amusing story is told of two down and outs in New York, where one remarks "You see, verever I goes, I takes avay mit me a silverspoon (sic) or a knife or somethings an' I gets two or three dollars for them. It's as easy as pie. Vye don't you try it?

7. If someone told you that you were like 'Billy Taylor carried off to sea', what would they be implying?

From Quiz Are You a Member of the Caterpillar Club?

Answer: That you have been unfaithful to your lover

In 1806, the British publisher Oliver & Company printed a list of funny and slightly bawdy ditties called "Comic Songs." One of them told the tale of...well, here's part of the song: "Billy Taylor was a brisk young fellow Full of mirth and full of glee. And his mind he did discover To a maid fair and free." The rest of the song tells how Billy is captured by a group of thugs and pressed into service on a British ship. His lady love, however, does not give up on him and, disguised as a man named Richard Carr, goes in search of darling Billy. Poor Billy: his lady finds him in the arms of another woman and she dispatches him with one shot.

8. There are a lot of sayings about the times when trees grow their leaves. Here is one: Ash before oak, we shall have a soak. What will we get if the oaks' leaves come before the ash?

From Quiz Weather Sayings from Olde England

Answer: only a splash

This is the way I was taught the rhyme, but my Cornish friends believe the opposite and I am told that the Germans do also. I have also heard other sayings, but they were usually describing a downpour on a specific day.

9. What is it said that too many cooks do?

From Quiz There's a Saying About That

Answer: Spoil the broth

There is an old story that a group of men (!), tiring of quickly cooked food on washing day, decided to make a pot of soup to share. They were each to bring one ingredient and add it to the pot secretly. The pot was cooked but when it was opened, it was inedible because they had each brought a pinch of salt! This saying is used when someone offers unwanted help.

10. What sort of tolerance do the police use as a way of deterring people from criminal activity?

From Quiz Why Numbers?

Answer: Zero

"Zero tolerance" can be used to deter many types of criminal activity, from terrorism and drug use to petty shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. The meaning is very clear and concise in that crimes will not be overlooked.

11. Finish the sentence with the best answer based on the idiom. "Oooh, the teacher's chewing him out..."

From Quiz I Lost my Marbles..Have You Found Them?

Answer: "...I wonder what she's saying to him."

"Chewing out" means to reprimand or verbally scold somebody. The term originated during World War II, because when officers or other soldiers with high ranks scold someone, the tend to talk loud with a lot of jaw motion to make them feel worse. The soldiers really did feel like they were being "chewed out".

12. Remember to __ before you leap. Or you may end up in too deep. Now tell me so, if you know, what missing word do you seek?

From Quiz Cold Hands, Warm Heart

Answer: look

"Look before you leap" is a proverb that advises caution when making decisions or taking action - thinking beforehand about any possible outcome. The phrase can be traced back to 1350 (Douse MS), and was included in John Heywood's 1546 collection of proverbs. A quote from 1605's play "Eastward Ho" contains a version of the proverb. "Thou should have looked before thou hadst leapt."

13. What phrase completes this proverb? When the cat is away,_____.

From Quiz The Incomplete Proverb Quiz

Answer: the mice will play

The meaning of this phrase is generally understood to be that when the person in charge is absent, the people subordinate to him/her will enjoy their freedom in many ways. For example, when John's parents were on holiday he had a wild party.

14. According to the proverb, how do great minds think?

From Quiz Speaking Proverbially

Answer: alike

You are probably thinking that all the answers are good but only one of them fits with the accepted, and often-used, proverb.

15. If food was dropped on the floor my Grandma always said it was still perfectly edible, provided it hadn't been there for more than how many seconds?

From Quiz More Things My Grandma Said

Answer: Five

Grandma always said that if you picked the food up within five seconds then it was still fine to eat. There is of course no truth in this. As soon as food hits the floor it picks up dirt and bacteria, and this applies no matter how clean you think your floor is.

16. Two women were talking about another woman who just walked in the room. One woman said, "Look at her, she must be poor because of the way she is dressed." My response was?

From Quiz Which Idiom Did I Use at the Party?

Answer: Never judge a book by its cover

In this scenario, the phrase "Never judge a book by its cover" means we shouldn't assume this woman is poor based on how she is dressed. She may be a millionaire!

17. Fine words butter no ... (what)?

From Quiz Proverbially Speaking

Answer: Parsnips

The meaning of this proverb is that it's all very well to talk big, or to use flattery, or to boast about all the fine things you are going to do - but does talk put food on the table?

18. In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, there was a stable owner in England who would rent you any horse you wanted, so long as it was the horse in the stall next to the stable door. What do we call this kind of option?

From Quiz People and Places in Phrases

Answer: Hobson's Choice

Thomas Hobson was the man's name, and the 'choice' in the phrase is, of course, no choice at all--you're obliged to either take what is offered you, or take nothing. A good example of Hobson's Choice (and the most famous one) is what Henry Ford offered when it came to the color of the car you were going to buy--"Any color you like, so long as it's black".

19. What does 'as the crow flies' mean?

From Quiz In a Manner of Speaking

Answer: The shortest distance between two points

This phrase is thought to have been in use since 1800 and that it originated in Pennsylvania.

20. As I come off the phone to my boss, I swear volubly. It's my day off, or was supposed to be. Suddenly, I remember that my mother-in-law is in the room. What should I say to excuse my vulgarity?

From Quiz It's All Greek to Me!

Answer: Pardon my French

Ah, the French! The English are very fond of using their name euphemistically for the most unpleasant of concepts. "The French disease" is used in English to describe syphilis, for example. "Pardon my French" is used to excuse a momentary lapse of decency in one's choice of words, particularly when swear words have been uttered. It is often used in advance of the offending words when someone is aware that they are about to swear.

21. When did people start using the word "Hello" as a greeting?

From Quiz Weird Words & Phrases

Answer: It started with the use of the telephone, in the 1880s.

"Hello" has been used only since the invention of the telephone. Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone, actually preferred the word "Ahoy" as a telephone greeting. "Hello" won, however.

22. What idiom goes back to an Aesop's fable about a man who swatted a fly on his head, only to raise a bump on it?

From Quiz Mean What You Say

Answer: adding insult to injury

This expression refers to adding further harm, for example, making a condescending apology to someone one has wronged. It can also mean someone who does not apologize after insulting a person.

23. "Meemies" are thought to be an onomatopoetic term for a particular type of artillery shell used in World War I. It is clear that if you are "meemies", there is only one thing you can do. What is it?

From Quiz Words In Custody

Answer: Scream

The term "screaming meemies" apparently was used first to describe the mental state of WWI soldiers with battle fatigue who were unmanned, in part, by the "mee-mee" sound that passing artillery shells made. It later became associated with the "heebie-jeebies", a term used to describe alcohol withdrawal. The phrase "Screaming meemies" is presently used more generically to designate a person who is in a state of high agitation from any cause.

24. What are you if you have 'Passed into the arms of God'?

From Quiz Idioms in the Funeral Trade

Answer: dead & died

Also used to mean dead are just plain 'passed', 'expired', 'gone to meet his or her maker', 'in a happier place', and countless other ones.

25. What may "the game" not be worth?

From Quiz Idiomatic Language

Answer: the candle

Must date back to the times that gambling was done "with candlelight". As candles were relatively expensive, a gambler might have expressed his disappointment with his poor gains with the remark: the game was not worth the candle.

26. Please complete this common expression "On your head__________". (It means that the person is the one responsible for the outcome whether good or bad).

From Quiz Never Saying What We Mean

Answer: be it

Instead of saying "this is your responsibility" the more dramatic and theatrical way of presenting the matter is to make it a type of Sword of Damacles hanging over the person's head. The politicians would call this language a "soundbite" which the media love to quote as it conveys a multitude of meaning in just five words.

27. Acceptance of what has happened is the first ________ to overcoming the consequences of misfortune!

From Quiz What Does That Saying Really Mean?

Answer: step

Stated by noted American philosopher, William James.

28. Dry as a ________?

From Quiz Common and Not-So-Common Sayings

Answer: Bone

The Bible has made references to dry bones. "The valley...was full of bones...and, lo, they were very dry." Dry bones of long-dead creatures in the hot sun in a desert give an image that has become cliche. You can't get much drier, hmmm, are you feeling thirsty?

29. Being absent without permission may be called:___________ leave?

From Quiz Nationality Words In Idioms

Answer: French

The English language seems to take a rather unfavourable view of both the Dutch and the French. It should be noted however that the French language pays in kind and calls syphilis (in England "the French disease") "la maladie anglaise". In same way a "French letter" is "une capote anglaise". It's just for the "French kiss" that they have not been inspired by England. There does not seem to be such a thing as "un baiser anglais".

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