Correct answer: (A) all the way from the front of a ship to the back.
Explanation:
The idiom “from stem to stern” literally means all the way from the front of a ship to the back, covering its entire length. The “stem” is the front of the ship, and the “stern” is the back. The phrase is often used metaphorically to mean completely or thoroughly.
• (A) all the way from the front of a ship to the back: This is the literal and primary meaning of the idiom, linked to its nautical origin.
• (B) from the beginning to the end: This is a more general, metaphorical interpretation.
• (C) top of a plant to its roots: This option is incorrect and unrelated to the idiom’s meaning.
• (D) loose pleasantness to become strict: This option describes a change in attitude and is unrelated to the idiom.
Therefore, all the way from the front of a ship to the back is the best expression of the idiom “from stem to stern”.

Correct answer: (A) add unnecessary details to make something seem better or worse.
Explanation:
The idiom “over egg the pudding” means to spoil something by trying too hard to improve it, often by adding excessive or unnecessary details, or exaggerating its qualities. This can make the subject appear better than it is or even worsen it by making it overly complicated or less effective. For example, a writer might “over egg the pudding” by using too many metaphors and similes when describing a simple situation, making the writing less effective.
Let’s examine the options:
• (A) add unnecessary details to make something seem better or worse: This option accurately captures the essence of the idiom, which is to overdo something to the point of spoiling it or distorting its true nature by adding excessive or irrelevant information.
• (B) fill the pudding excessively with egg: This is a literal interpretation of the words in the phrase, and idioms are usually not meant to be taken literally.
• (C) add details in order to make something more exciting: This suggests adding details with a positive intention and achieving that goal, whereas the idiom “over egg the pudding” usually implies a negative or counterproductive outcome from adding details.
• (D) add important details to the content of a story: Adding “important” details is generally beneficial and improves a story, which is the opposite of the meaning of this idiom, which refers to adding “unnecessary” details that spoil things.
Therefore, add unnecessary details to make something seem better or worse is the best expression of the meaning of the idiom “over egg the pudding”.

Correct answer: (A) change one’s behaviour for the better.
Explanation:
The idiom “to turn over a new leaf” means to change one’s behaviour for the better, reform, or make a fresh start. It suggests abandoning negative habits or patterns and adopting more positive and acceptable ways of behaving. The origin of the idiom comes from the practice of turning to a fresh, blank page (or “leaf”) in a book, symbolizing a new beginning. For example, a person might turn over a new leaf by stopping smoking, improving their work ethic, or treating others with more kindness.
Let’s examine the other options:
• (B) read between the pages of a book: This means to understand the unstated meaning of something, or to infer something that is not explicitly stated. It is unrelated to changing one’s behavior.
• (C) do a somersault: This is a physical action of rolling head over heels, unrelated to the meaning of the idiom.
• (D) do a new job: While getting a new job might be part of a larger life change, the idiom specifically focuses on a positive change in behavior, not just a change in employment.
Therefore, change one’s behaviour for the better best expresses the meaning of the idiom “to turn over a new leaf”.

Correct answer: (D) prepare for or go to war.
Explanation:
The idiom “to take up the hatchet” means to begin or resume hostilities; to prepare for or go to war. The phrase originates from the practice among certain Native American tribes of literally burying a hatchet to symbolize peace, and then taking it up again to signify a return to hostilities or a declaration of war. Today, the idiom is used figuratively to describe the initiation of conflict, whether it be a war, a dispute, or a serious disagreement. For example, “The two nations took up the hatchet after the failed negotiations” means they resumed fighting or prepared for war.
Let’s examine the other options:
• (A) behave formally: This describes a manner of conduct, not the initiation of conflict or war.
• (B) pursue a chance: This means to follow an opportunity, which is unrelated to the idiom’s meaning.
• (C) be caught in a trap: This describes being ensnared or tricked, which is unrelated to the idiom’s meaning.
Therefore, prepare for or go to war best expresses the meaning of the idiom “to take up the hatchet”.

Correct answer: (C) in an uncertain situation.
Explanation:
The idiom “at loose ends” describes a state of feeling restless, unsettled, and uncertain, often because one has nothing definite to do or is without a clear purpose or direction. It suggests a feeling of being in limbo, lacking a clear plan or activity. For example, “He’s been at loose ends since the lockdown started”, implying he felt uncertain and lacked direction or a clear purpose during that time.
Let’s examine the other options:
• (A) tie two loose ends of a thread: This is a literal interpretation of the phrase “loose ends”, which refers to the physical ends of a thread or string. Idioms are figurative, not literal.
• (B) keep options open: This means to avoid making a final decision so that one can choose from several possibilities later. While being at loose ends might involve not having a clear plan, it doesn’t specifically mean actively trying to keep options open. It’s more about the state of uncertainty itself, rather than a deliberate strategy.
• (D) repay debts: This refers to paying back money owed and has no relation to the meaning of the idiom “At loose ends”.
Therefore, in an uncertain situation best expresses the meaning of the idiom “At loose ends”.

Correct answer: (B) with full force.
Explanation:
The idiom “with might and main” means with full force, strength, or energy; with all one’s power and ability. The words “might” and “main” both refer to power or strength, and when used together in this idiom, they emphasize the idea of exerting maximum effort. the idiom means “with full force”. For example, “They shouted with might and main but nobody came to rescue them”, meaning they shouted with as much effort as possible.
Let’s examine the other options:
• (A) with full risks: This implies taking on all potential dangers, but it doesn’t directly describe the use of full force or strength.
• (B) with full force: This directly aligns with the meaning of the idiom, indicating the use of maximum power and strength.
• (C) having full confidence: While someone might work with full confidence, the idiom specifically describes the intensity of the effort, not the feeling behind it.
• (D) with full blessings: This suggests having support or approval, which is unrelated to the amount of effort or force applied.
Therefore, with full force best expresses the meaning of the idiom “with might and main”.

Correct answer: (C) annoy somebody.
Explanation:
The idiom “to ruffle someone’s feathers” means to annoy, irritate, or upset someone. It means to cause someone to become very angry, nervous, or upset. The idiom originates from the behavior of birds, who sometimes puff up or disarrange their feathers when they are agitated, angry, or feel threatened. This physical reaction in birds is used metaphorically to describe a similar emotional state in humans, where someone becomes annoyed, irritated, or upset due to another person’s words or actions. For instance, “My speech will surely ruffle somebody’s feather”, meaning it will certainly annoy or upset some people.
Let’s examine the other options:
• (A) gamble: To gamble means to bet money on the outcome of a game, race, or other event, or to take a risk in the hope of gaining an advantage. This is unrelated to annoying someone.
• (B) escape responsibility: This means to avoid having to take responsibility for something. This is also unrelated to the idiom’s meaning.
• (D) show contempt for: To show contempt for someone means to demonstrate a strong feeling of disrespect or disdain towards them. While annoying someone might involve disrespect, the core meaning of “ruffle somebody’s feathers” is to cause irritation or upset, not necessarily a profound sense of contempt.
Therefore, annoy somebody best expresses the meaning of the idiom “to ruffle somebody’s feathers”.

Correct answer: (C) interrupt.
Explanation:
The idiom “cut short” means to stop something earlier than planned. It often implies an abrupt halt or interruption, such as a meeting ending early due to a fire alarm or a conversation being stopped when someone intervenes.
• (A) delete: This means to remove or erase something, which is different from an abrupt halt or interruption of an ongoing activity.
• (B) praise: This means to express admiration and is unrelated to the meaning of “cut short”.
• (C) interrupt: This means to stop the continuous progress of an activity or speech by breaking in. This aligns closely with the meaning of “cut short,” especially in conversations or events.
• (D) slice into small pieces: This refers to a physical action and is not the idiomatic meaning of “cut short” when applied to non-physical things like time or events.
Therefore, interrupt best expresses the meaning of “cut short,” particularly in contexts involving communication or events.

The correct answer is (B) ill feeling.
Explanation:
The idiom “bad blood” refers to feelings of hatred, anger, or hostility that exist between individuals or groups, often as a result of past disagreements, conflicts, or betrayals. It signifies a deep-seated dislike or resentment that can lead to ongoing tension and unfriendly relations. Bad blood refers to negative emotions or hostility. It describes feelings of hate between people because of arguments in the past.
Let’s examine the other options:
• (A) war: While bad blood can lead to conflict or even war, the idiom itself describes the feelings or animosity that can be a cause of war, rather than war itself.
• (B) ill feeling: This accurately captures the meaning of the idiom, as “ill feeling” implies hostility, resentment, or animosity between people.
• (C) threatening attitude: While someone with bad blood might display a threatening attitude, this describes a specific behavior stemming from ill feeling, rather than the core meaning of the idiom which describes the underlying emotion or relationship.
• (D) in an infected state of being: This is a literal interpretation of “bad blood”, referring to a physical condition of the blood, which is not the meaning of the idiom. Idioms are figurative expressions.
Therefore, ill feeling best expresses the meaning of the idiom “bad blood”.

Correct answer: (A) an object of laughter.
Explanation:
The idiom “a laughing stock” refers to a person or thing that is the target of ridicule or mockery; someone or something that is made fun of or scorned. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, a laughing stock is someone or something that seems stupid or silly, especially because you have been made to look stupid or silly. It suggests that someone has become the subject of jokes and amusement, often because they have done something foolish or ridiculous, or because they are considered incompetent or inept. For instance, “After falling over in the mud, he became a laughing stock”, meaning he was ridiculed or mocked for his clumsy behavior.
Let’s examine the other options:
• (A) an object of laughter: This accurately captures the meaning of the idiom, as it describes a person or thing that is being ridiculed or mocked.
• (B) a storehouse of jokes: This is an object that contains jokes, but it doesn’t convey the meaning of being the target of ridicule.
• (C) an object of desire: This implies that someone or something is greatly wanted or admired, which is the opposite of the idiom’s meaning.
• (D) a stock of high value: This refers to something of great worth, which is unrelated to the idiom’s meaning.
Therefore, an object of laughter best expresses the meaning of the idiom “a laughing stock”.