All Categories MCQs
Topic Notes: All Categories
General Description
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
78791
I'm going to take a rain check on dinner tonight; I have too much work to do.
Answer:
politely refuse an offer, with the hope that it can be postponed to a later time
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'take a rain check' means to decline an invitation or offer but suggest that you would be willing to accept it at a future date. Having 'too much work' is a common reason for postponing social plans. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal misinterpretation. Option (c) is the opposite. Option (d) is incorrect.
78792
His alibi for the night of the crime seems fishy.
Answer:
is suspicious and unlikely to be true
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The informal adjective 'fishy' is used to describe a situation or story that arouses suspicion because it seems dishonest or not true. An alibi that is not convincing would be described as fishy. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal interpretation. Option (b) is the opposite. Option (d) is an unrelated detail.
78793
She has to bite her tongue whenever her mother-in-law starts criticizing her.
Answer:
to make a great effort to stop oneself from saying something
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'bite one's tongue' means to deliberately stop oneself from saying something that one would really like to say, often to avoid an argument or to be polite. Resisting the urge to respond to criticism is a common situation for using this idiom. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal misinterpretation. Option (b) is the opposite action. Option (d) is unrelated.
78794
He got a slap on the wrist for his offense, while others would have been fired.
Answer:
a very mild punishment
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'a slap on the wrist' means a very light punishment for a mistake or wrongdoing, one that is less severe than is deserved. The contrast with being 'fired' emphasizes the mildness of the punishment. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is the opposite. Option (c) is a reward. Option (d) is a literal interpretation.
78795
The politician's promises were just pie in the sky; none of them were ever fulfilled.
Answer:
an idea or plan that is pleasant to think about but is very unlikely to happen
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'pie in the sky' refers to an unrealistic or empty promise of future happiness or reward. The fact that the promises 'were never fulfilled' shows that they were unrealistic. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal interpretation. Options (b) and (d) are the opposite.
78796
He is on the ball and always knows the latest developments in his field.
Answer:
he is alert, competent, and knowledgeable
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'on the ball' means to be quick to understand and react to things. Knowing the 'latest developments' shows that a person is attentive and competent. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) and (d) are literal misinterpretations. Option (c) is the opposite.
78797
They decided to let bygones be bygones and repaired their friendship.
Answer:
to forgive and forget past quarrels
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'let bygones be bygones' means to agree to forget about past disagreements or offenses. The act of repairing a friendship is a direct result of this decision to forgive. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) and (d) are the opposite. Option (c) is an incorrect interpretation.
78798
It was a close shave; the car almost hit me.
Answer:
a narrow escape from danger or trouble
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'a close shave' (or 'a close call') refers to a situation in which one narrowly avoids a dangerous or undesirable outcome. Almost being hit by a car is a perfect example of a narrow escape. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (d) is the literal meaning of the phrase, but not the idiomatic one. Option (a) is an incorrect interpretation. Option (b) is related but 'narrow escape' is more precise.
78799
She is the apple of her father's eye.
Answer:
she is someone whom her father loves and cherishes the most
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'the apple of one's eye' refers to a person who is dearly loved and treasured above all others. It signifies great affection and pride. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) and (b) are incorrect interpretations. Option (d) is the opposite.
78800
When his lies were exposed, he had to face the music and resign from his position.
Answer:
accept the unpleasant consequences of one's actions
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'face the music' means to confront and accept the negative results of something one has done. Resigning from a position after a scandal is a clear example of facing the consequences. Option (b) is the correct definition. Options (a) and (d) are literal misinterpretations. Option (c) is the opposite.