An idiom is a group of words which has a definite meaning that may be different from the meaning of individual words in the expression.

e.g. Actions speak louder than words- It doesn’t mean that actions speak. It means that one can judge a person’s intentions better by his actions than what he says.

Now, choose an idiom from the given options to match each of the following statements: 

( note: a few changes to the verb or article used in the expression might be required to make it fit into the statement)

(burn the midnight oil,   at the drop of a hat,   hit the sack,   a hot potato,   beat around the bush,   Elvis has left the building,   ball is in your court,   feel a bit under the weather,   cross that bridge when you come to it,   best thing since sliced bread)

1. You should talk about the problem of smog and pollution in your speech. It’s ________________________ these days.
2. There are so many phone applications that you can order and receive everything _________________________________.
3. I have made all the arrangements as per the plan. Now, you have to take charge. The ______________________________________________.
4. Stop _________________________________________ and talk about the issue we need to sort.
5. The invention of internet was the __________________________________________ in the field of communication.
6. I will have to _________________________________ to ensure that I get to deliver this presentation tomorrow.
7. Stop worrying about the number of people coming for the program. We will ___________________________________________________.
8. I knew my lines but just froze on the stage. Now, I can’t impress the judges, ____________________________________________.
9. I am _________________________________________________. It’s snowing badly.
10. “Come on kids! Time to ____________________________. You have an important assignment at school tomorrow and you must not miss it.”

Click here to download worksheet: Idioms-intermediate

Answers:

1. the hot dog
2. at the drop of your hat
3. ball is in your court
4. beating around the bush
5. best thing since sliced bread
6. burn the midnight oil
7. cross that bridge when we come to it
8. Elvis has left the building
9. feeling a bit under the weather
10. hit the sacks