Idioms & Phrases — Set 19

Correct Answer: B. Belief that success is inevitable and predetermined

'Manifest destiny' in modern contexts describes a belief that success or outcomes are inevitable and predetermined. While historically referring to American expansion, the phrase now metaphorically represents seeing success as assured. It suggests confidence bordering on fatalism.

Correct Answer: B. Cooperation makes tasks easier and faster

'Many hands make light work' expresses that cooperation and shared effort make difficult tasks easier and faster. The hands metaphor represents individual effort contributing to collective achievement. The phrase emphasizes the power of teamwork and collaboration.

Correct Answer: B. Remember what I'm saying; pay close attention

'Mark my words' is an emphatic statement asking someone to remember and pay close attention to what is being said. The mark metaphor suggests mental noting or recording. The phrase often precedes a prediction or strong opinion the speaker believes will prove true.

Correct Answer: B. Perfect pairing or compatible couple

'Match made in heaven' describes a perfect pairing or ideal couple with complete compatibility. The heaven metaphor suggests divine perfection and blessing. The phrase is used to describe relationships or partnerships that seem fated to work perfectly.

Correct Answer: B. Issue of extreme importance and urgency

'Matter of life and death' describes an issue of extreme importance and urgency where outcomes significantly affect wellbeing. The life and death metaphor emphasizes critical consequences. The phrase indicates something cannot be ignored or postponed.

Correct Answer: B. Plan carefully before taking action

'Measure twice, cut once' means to plan and verify carefully before taking irreversible action. The measurement metaphor represents careful planning. The phrase advises thorough preparation and consideration before committing to important decisions.

Correct Answer: B. Logic or strategy behind seemingly irrational behavior

'Method in madness' describes discovering logic, strategy, or purpose behind seemingly irrational or chaotic behavior. The phrase comes from Shakespeare and suggests that apparent chaos may actually follow a plan. It describes intelligent reasoning disguised as foolishness.

Correct Answer: B. Fail to take advantage of opportunity

'Miss the boat' means to fail to take advantage of an opportunity or miss a deadline. The boat metaphor represents opportunity sailing away. The phrase describes losing out through failure to act in time.

Correct Answer: B. Failed romantic or personal encounter

'Missed connection' idiomatically describes a romantic or personal encounter that failed to happen, often with someone you felt drawn to. While literally meaning a failed transportation transfer, it metaphorically represents lost human connection. The phrase evokes nostalgia for what might have been.

Correct Answer: B. Brief period of great success and recognition

'Moment of glory' describes a brief period when someone achieves great success and receives recognition or acclaim. The moment metaphor emphasizes the transient nature of the achievement. The phrase describes achieving one's greatest accomplishment or finest hour.