Correct answer: (A) Reaching a bad state.
Explanation:
The idiom “going to the dogs” means becoming ruined, deteriorating, or falling into a state of disrepair, decay, or failure. It implies a decline from a better condition to a worse one, often due to mismanagement, neglect, or poor choices. For example, “The old house is going to the dogs since nobody lives there anymore.” This means the house is falling into disrepair due to neglect. The origin of the phrase is unclear, but one theory suggests it relates to things being so worthless they are only fit for dogs to eat or to be left for scavengers.
Let’s examine the other options:
• (A) Reaching a bad state: This accurately captures the meaning of the idiom, as it describes a decline into a state of decay, ruin, or failure.
• (B) Reaching success after much effort: This is the opposite of the meaning of “going to the dogs,” which implies decline and failure.
• (C) Very annoyed: This describes a feeling of irritation or anger, which is unrelated to a state of decay or ruin.
• (D) To sniff something wrong: This means to suspect that something is amiss, which is unrelated to the meaning of “going to the dogs.”
Therefore, reaching a bad state best expresses the meaning of the idiom “going to the dogs”.

Correct answer: (C) To interfere in someone’s affairs.
Explanation:
The idiom “to poke one’s nose into someone’s affairs” means to meddle or become involved in another person’s private business or matters when one is not wanted or invited to do so. It implies an unwelcome intrusion into someone else’s personal life or concerns. The phrase creates the image of literally sticking one’s nose into a situation where it doesn’t belong. For example, “It’s rude to poke your nose into your neighbors’ arguments.”
Let’s examine the other options:
• (A) More people are required to finish a difficult task: This refers to the need for additional help or resources to complete a challenging job, which is unrelated to interfering in someone’s affairs.
• (B) Scarcely available: This means rare or difficult to obtain, which is unrelated to the idiom’s meaning.
• (C) To interfere in someone’s affairs: This accurately captures the meaning of the idiom, as it describes the act of meddling or intruding into someone else’s business.
• (D) Wining everything coming your way: This implies achieving success or winning continuously, which is unrelated to interfering in someone’s affairs.
Therefore, to interfere in someone’s affairs best expresses the meaning of the idiom “to poke one’s nose into someone’s affairs”.

Correct answer: (D) In perfect order.
Explanation:
The idiom “apple pie order” means to be in immaculate and perfect order or arrangement; neat, tidy, and precisely organized. It describes a state of meticulous tidiness and proper arrangement. For example, “The office was kept in apple pie order by the diligent assistant.” The origin of the phrase is uncertain but might relate to the neat and orderly arrangement of sliced apples in a pie or possibly derive from a corruption of a French phrase like “nappe pliée” (folded linen).
• (A) In random order: This is the opposite of being in perfect order.
• (B) Related to fruits packing: This refers to a specific task of packing fruits, which is not the general meaning of being perfectly organized.
• (C) Related to dry fruit packing: Similar to the previous option, this refers to a specific task and not the general meaning of the idiom.
• (D) In perfect order: This accurately captures the meaning of the idiom, as it implies meticulous neatness and organization.
Therefore, in perfect order best expresses the meaning of the idiom “apple pie order”.

Correct answer: (D) None of above.
Explanation:
The idiom “as fit as a fiddle” means to be in excellent health and physical condition; very healthy and strong. It implies a state of robust well-being and vitality. The comparison to a “fiddle” (a violin) might be due to the instrument being well-tuned and in good working order, symbolizing a person in optimal condition. For example, even at 80 years old, my grandmother is as fit as a fiddle.
Let’s examine the other options:
• (A) Very weak: This is the opposite of the meaning of “as fit as a fiddle,” which implies great strength and health.
• (B) Recovering from illness: This suggests a process of getting better after being unwell, but “as fit as a fiddle” describes a current state of excellent health, not a recovery phase.
• (C) Looks fit but not fit actually: This describes a deceptive appearance of health, which is contrary to the idiom’s meaning of genuinely being very fit.
• (D) None of above: Since options A, B, and C are incorrect, “None of above” is the appropriate answer because the correct meaning of “as fit as a fiddle” (very healthy and strong) is not listed.
Therefore, None of above is the best option because the correct meaning of “as fit as a fiddle” is not provided.

Correct answer: (A) More for your money.
Explanation:
The idiom “a bigger bang for your buck” means to get more value, benefit, or results for the money or effort invested; to achieve a greater impact or return on an expenditure. It suggests optimizing spending to maximize the outcome or obtain a better deal. The phrase implies getting a greater effect (“bang”) from a unit of currency (“buck”). For example, by shopping at discount stores, you can get a bigger bang for your buck.
Let’s examine the other options:
• (A) More for your money: This accurately captures the meaning of the idiom, as it emphasizes getting greater value or benefit for the amount spent.
• (B) Not for money: This is the opposite of the idiom, which is directly related to financial value.
• (C) More for your nature: This is unclear and unrelated to the idiom’s meaning.
• (D) More for your smile: This is also unclear and unrelated to the idiom’s meaning.
Therefore, more for your money best expresses the meaning of the idiom “a bigger bang for your buck”.

Correct answer: (C) in disorder.
Explanation:
The idiom “at sixes and sevens” means in a state of confusion, disagreement, or disorder. It describes a situation where things are disorganized, people are quarreling, or plans are not progressing smoothly. For example, “The government was at sixes and sevens over the new policy.” The origin of the phrase is believed to come from the game of dice, where rolling a six and a seven was considered a risky or unfavorable outcome, symbolizing confusion or disagreement.
Let’s examine the other options:
• (A) in perfect order: This is the opposite of being in a state of disorder or confusion.
• (B) very happy: This describes an emotional state and is unrelated to the meaning of being in disorder or confusion.
• (C) in disorder: This accurately captures the meaning of the idiom, as it implies a state of confusion, disorganization, or disagreement.
• (D) very sad: This also describes an emotional state and is unrelated to the meaning of being in disorder or confusion.
Therefore, in disorder best expresses the meaning of the idiom “at sixes and sevens”.

Correct answer: (C) Rubbish.
Explanation:
The idiom “a load of cobblers” is a British informal and somewhat vulgar expression meaning nonsense, rubbish, or something that is completely untrue and absurd. It implies that something said or written is utterly false, illogical, or worthless. The phrase is a euphemism, shortening the rhyming slang “cobblers’ awls” for “balls” (meaning testicles), which is then used to mean nonsense. For example, “His explanation for being late was a load of cobblers.”
Let’s examine the other options:
• (A) Good news: This is the opposite of the meaning of “a load of cobblers,” which signifies something worthless or untrue.
• (B) Very famous: This describes someone or something widely known, which is unrelated to the idiom’s meaning.
• (C) Rubbish: This accurately captures the meaning of the idiom, as it implies nonsense, falsehoods, or something worthless.
• (D) None of above: Since option (C) accurately describes the meaning, this option is incorrect.
Therefore, rubbish best expresses the meaning of the idiom “a load of cobblers”.

Correct answer: (B) From an authoritative or dependable source.
Explanation:
The idiom “From the horse’s mouth” (often used as “straight from the horse’s mouth”) means getting information directly from the original, most reliable, or authoritative source. It implies that the information is firsthand, highly credible, and not based on rumor or speculation. The phrase’s origin is often linked to horse racing, where the most reliable information about a horse’s condition or age came from those closest to it or even from examining its teeth.
Let’s examine the other options:
• (A) To make to bear the sins for others: This describes making someone a scapegoat, which is unrelated to the meaning of getting information from a reliable source.
• (B) From an authoritative or dependable source: This accurately captures the meaning of the idiom, as it emphasizes that the information comes directly from a trustworthy and primary source.
• (C) Take a subordinate position: This means accepting a less important role, which is unrelated to getting information from a reliable source.
• (D) Worried for frivolous things: This describes being anxious about unimportant matters, which is unrelated to the meaning of the idiom.
Therefore, From an authoritative or dependable source best expresses the meaning of the idiom “From the horse’s mouth”.

Correct answer: (a) Believing something with a doubt.
Explanation:
The idiom “take something with a pinch of salt” (or “a grain of salt” in American English) means to listen to a statement or piece of information with a degree of skepticism or doubt, recognizing that it might not be entirely accurate or true. It suggests not believing something completely and questioning its accuracy or authenticity. The phrase likely originates from the ancient belief that food tasted better or was easier to swallow if taken with a pinch of salt. In a figurative sense, adding “salt” makes something unpalatable or unbelievable easier to accept, but with caution. For example, “You should take his promises with a pinch of salt because he tends to exaggerate.”
Let’s examine the other options:
• (A) Believing something with a doubt: This accurately captures the meaning of the idiom, as it implies skepticism and not fully trusting the information.
• (B) To keep people at a distance: This means to avoid close contact or involvement with others, which is unrelated to the meaning of taking information with doubt.
• (C) To interfere in someone’s affairs: This means to meddle or become involved in someone else’s business, which is unrelated to the meaning of taking information with doubt.
• (D) To lose a sustained share/position: This means to decline in one’s standing or competitive advantage, which is unrelated to the meaning of taking information with doubt.
Therefore, believing something with a doubt best expresses the meaning of the idiom “take something with a pinch of salt”.

Correct answer: (C) Everyone gets a chance eventually.
Explanation:
The proverb “Every dog has its day” means that everyone, regardless of their current circumstances or status, will eventually experience a moment of success, good fortune, or recognition at some point in their life. It serves as a reminder to be patient and optimistic, suggesting that even those who are struggling will have their turn to shine. For example, a person waiting for a job promotion might be encouraged with the saying, “Don’t worry, every dog has its day”.
Let’s examine the other options:
• (A) Almost too late: This phrase means that something happened very near the point where it would have been ineffective or unsuccessful. It is not the meaning of the proverb “Every dog has its day”.
• (B) As a low priority: This describes something that is not considered important or urgent. It is unrelated to the meaning of the proverb.
• (C) Everyone gets a chance eventually: This accurately captures the meaning of the proverb, as it implies that opportunities for success or happiness will come to all individuals at some point.
• (D) Once in a life-time: This phrase describes something that happens only once in a person’s life, or something that is very rare and special. It is unrelated to the meaning of the proverb.
Therefore, Everyone gets a chance eventually best expresses the meaning of the proverb “Every dog has its day”.