One Word Substitutes and Idioms Quiz

Select the word that means 'one who is indifferent to pleasure or pain'.

1. Stoic
2. Cynic
3. Hedonist
4. Philanthropist

Answer: (a) Stoic

Which term describes 'a person who studies the evolution of words'?

1. Philologist
2. Etymologist
3. Lexicographer
4. Grammarian

Answer: (b) Etymologist

Complete this idiom: 'To throw a spanner in the _____'.

1. gears
2. works
3. machine
4. engine

Answer: (b) works

What does the idiom 'to have a chip on one's shoulder' mean?

1. To feel superior to others
2. To carry a burden
3. To hold a grudge about something
4. To have bad posture

Answer: (c) To hold a grudge about something

What does the idiom 'to spend a penny' traditionally refer to?

1. To waste money
2. To make a small purchase
3. To give to charity
4. To visit the toilet

Answer: (d) To visit the toilet

Which proverb warns against being influenced by appearances?

1. A rolling stone gathers no moss
2. Don't judge a book by its cover
3. Too many cooks spoil the broth
4. A bird in hand is worth two in the bush

Answer: (b) Don't judge a book by its cover

Which proverb means that bad or unpleasant things often happen to those who wait too long?

1. The early bird catches the worm
2. Time and tide wait for no man
3. He who hesitates is lost
4. Better late than never

Answer: (c) He who hesitates is lost

Which term describes 'a person who believes that pleasure is the highest good'?

1. Epicurean
2. Stoic
3. Ascetic
4. Cynic

Answer: (a) Epicurean

Select the word that means 'a person who studies insects'.

1. Ornithologist
2. Entomologist
3. Zoologist
4. Anthropologist

Answer: (b) Entomologist

Which proverb conveys that it's easier to criticize than to perform the same task?

1. Look before you leap
2. Don't count your chickens before they're hatched
3. Those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones
4. Backseat drivers are always the best critics

Answer: (d) Backseat drivers are always the best critics