Wordwise Challenge Trivia Quiz

Answer: Snake in the grass

Snake in the Grass:
The word SNAKE appears within the word GRASS, giving us the phrase 'snake in the grass'. The expression describes someone who is secretly untrustworthy or deceitful while appearing harmless or friendly. The phrase comes from the literal image of a snake hidden among grass, where it can be difficult to spot. It has long been used figuratively to describe a person whose unpleasant intentions are concealed beneath an innocent appearance.

Answer: Piece of cake

Piece of cake:
Only the letter E in the word cake is highlighted, representing a 'piece' of the word. 'Piece of cake' is an English idiom meaning that something is very easy to accomplish. The expression became particularly popular in American English during the 20th century, although its exact origin is uncertain.

Answer: Artichoke hearts

Artichoke hearts:
The letters ICH appear in the middle, or 'heart', of two copies of the word artichoke, giving us 'artichoke hearts'. Artichokes are actually the immature flower heads of a type of thistle. The edible portion consists mainly of the fleshy bases of the bracts and the heart, which is the tender central portion left after the inedible parts have been removed.

Answer: I before e except after c

I before E except after C:
Here we have IE, followed by 'C except' representing the familiar spelling rule 'I before E except after C'. The rule is intended to help remember the order of the letters in words such as believe and receive. However, English being English, there are plenty of exceptions, including weird, science and seize.

Answer: Stars and stripes forever

Stars and Stripes Forever:
The stars and stripes followed by 4ever represent 'Stars and Stripes Forever'. This is the title of a famous American patriotic march composed by John Philip Sousa in 1896. Sousa became known as the 'March King', and 'The Stars and Stripes Forever' was officially designated the national march of the United States in 1987.

Answer: Backwater

Backwater:
The chemical formula for water is H₂O, but here it has been written backwards, giving us 'backwater'. The word backwater can refer literally to water that is away from the main current of a river. It is also commonly used figuratively for a place considered isolated, quiet or lacking in activity. In nautical terms, a backwater may also be a stagnant or slow-moving area connected to a larger body of water.

Answer: A foot in the door and one foot in the door

A foot in the door:
The word FOOT appears within the word DOOR, which gives us the phrase '(a) foot in the door'. The expression describes gaining an initial opportunity or small advantage that can lead to something more significant. The phrase is often used when someone gets an opportunity to enter a new situation, organisation or field. For example, a person might take a low-level job as a way of gaining experience and eventually progressing to a better position.

Answer: Long shot

Long shot:
The word SHOT has been stretched out across a considerable distance, representing a long shot. The expression has several meanings. In photography and film, a long shot shows a subject from relatively far away, often displaying much of the surrounding setting. In everyday language, a 'long shot' can also describe something considered unlikely to succeed. In sports such as basketball or football, it can simply mean an attempt made from a considerable distance.

A scattershot sends many small pellets in different directions, rather than one single projectile. It can also be used figuratively to mean scattered or unfocused.

Answer: Straight line

Straight line:
The repeated sequence A-K-Q-J-10 represents a straight in card games, with each sequence arranged in a line. A straight is a poker hand consisting of five cards in consecutive numerical order, regardless of their suits. For example, 10-J-Q-K-A is the highest possible straight. The Wordwise puzzle therefore gives us a straight line.

Answer: Open season

Open season:
The word SEASON has been split apart, with SEA separated from SON, giving us an 'open' season. The expression open season originally referred to a period during which hunting a particular type of animal was legally permitted. It is also used figuratively to mean that someone or something is freely open to criticism, attack or competition. The term remains particularly common in discussions of hunting regulations and wildlife management.