Advanced - Expression
Advanced - Expression
1. Free English Test :: Expressions, Advanced No 1
Theme: Animals
Q1 There are times when you must decide and take the bull by the horns.
(a) make the right decision (b) make the wrong decision
(c) make a bold decision (d) make a final decision
Q2 He leads a dog's life really because his freedom is always curtailed.
(a) never knows what to do (b) sometimes does something wrong
(c) never goes out (d) never does what he wants
Q3 No-one ever mentions him because he's regarded as the black sheep of the family.
(a) the one with a sense of humour (b) the one with a bad reputation
(c) the one who is always late (d) the one who never washes
Q4 I shouldn't go outside without a raincoat because it's raining cats and dogs.
(a) it's just started to rain (b) it's going to rain
(c) it's raining very heavily (d) it's raining a little
Q5 You shouldn't sign there I think he's about to make a monkey out of you.
(a) make a fool of you (b) make you lose money
(c) make you feel stupid (d) make you lose interest
Q6 It's a lovely house and very big but nobody uses it so it's a bit of a white elephant.
(a) something very beautiful and useful (b) something very big and useful
(c) something very cheap and useless (d) something very expensive and useless
Q7 When the business folded, he took the lion's share of the assets.
(a) the easiest part (b) the smallest part (c) the biggest part (d) the only part
Q8 Without my glasses I can't see where I'm going in fact I'm as blind as a bat.
(a) very short sighted (b) very long sighted (c) very far sighted (d) very clear sighted
Q9 I get very irritated sometimes because they're always up with the lark and I like to lie in.
(a) up very easily (b) up very early (c) up very often (d) up very noisily
Q10 I would advise you to do that as well and in that way you'll kill two birds with one stone.
(a) get things done twice (b) get something done two times
(c) get two things done at the same time (d) get two things done twice
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2. Free English Test :: Expressions, Advanced No 2
Theme: Hands on
Q1 The opposition party dismissed the government's proposal out of hand.
(a) without further consideration (b) with some hesitation
(c) without thinking (d) with reluctance
Q2 Since she started work on the stock exchange she has been making money hand over fist.
(a) in moderation (b) in large quantities (c) to a certain extent (d) to some extent
Q3 They have lost all their money and now lead a sort of hand to mouth existence.
(a) impoverished (b) simplified (c) leisurely (d) indifferent
Q4 It's no good asking anybody in that shop to help you because they won't lift a finger.
(a) show you the way (b) carry your goods
(c) take your order (d) do anything at all for you
Q5 In the obituary about the millionaire all his enterprises were listed and it looked as if he had had a finger in
every pie.
(a) a control over many activities (b) an involvement in many activities
(c) an interference in many activities (d) a belief in many activities
Q6 I've just bought a brand new car with all the latest gadgets and quite honestly it has cost me an arm and a
leg.
(a) a reasonable amount of money (b) a fair amount of money
(c) a huge amount of money (d) a good deal of money
Q7 I don't want to have to twist your arm but I hope you realize that your refusal to comply could be harmful.
(a) allow you to agree (b) force you to agree (c) beg you to agree (d) ask you to agree
Q8 Have a look at the benefits that the society can offer you and then you may feel like dipping your toe in the
water.
(a) deciding to try membership straightaway (b) deciding to try membership quite soon
(c) deciding to try membership for a year (d) deciding to try membership for a trial
Q9 If you do join a political party then you are expected to toe the line on every occasion.
(a) say what you like (b) stick to the rules
(c) follow your conscience (d) speak your mind
Q10 I wouldn't say I never see eye to eye with my employers but sometimes they can make extraordinary
demands.
(a) totally side (b) totally work (c) totally agree (d) totally disagree
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3. Free English Test :: Expressions, Advanced No 3
Theme: Lucky Alex
Q1 Alex had lost a lot of money and as a consequence was feeling down in the dumps.
(a) lonely (b) miserable (c) uncomfortable (d) uneasy
Q2 He had given in to a longstanding weakness of his and pinned his hopes on the favourite winning the race.
(a) made a wish about (b) tried his luck with
(c) made a promise (d) put a lot of faith in
Q3 This horse in all honesty didn't have a snowball's chance in hell of winning.
(a) a chance in a million (b) a chance worth taking
(c) a chance of success (d) a chance of a lifetime
Q4 Alex said he had had a dream about the horse winning but most people regarded this story with a pinch of
salt.
(a) with enthusiasm (b) with caution (c) with care (d) with luck
Q5 What happened was that the stupid animal took fright halfway through the course and without batting an eyelid
decided to go back to the start.
(a) taking a chance (b) turning round (c) looking (d) worrying at all
Q6 As far as Alex was concerned this was the last straw and he vowed he would never risk money on a horse
ever again.
(a) the final decision (b) the final moment (c) the final disaster (d) the final occasion
Q7 The trouble was that he didn't have a bean not even enough to pay for the fare home.
(a) didn't have a wallet (b) didn't have a penny
(c) didn't have any change (d) didn't have a ticket
Q8 He decided he would swallow his pride and try and hitchhike.
(a) take his medicine (b) take no interest in other people
(c) not worry what people thought (d) forget about himself
Q9 Fortunately it wasn't long before he got a lift with an old man who had a heart of gold and gave him some
money.
(a) was very generous (b) was very wise (c) was very old (d) was very ill
Q10 He told him to invest it wisely, which Alex did. He bought a ticket for the lottery and his ship came home
because he won the jackpot.
(a) his mind changed (b) his opinion changed (c) his luck changed (d) his views changed
All tests created by Alan Townend copyright © 2003, 2004 www.english-test.net
4. Free English Test :: Expressions, Advanced No 4
Theme: How Mary fell in love
Q1 Most people like to come home after work and put their feet up.
(a) take their socks off (b) take their shoes off
(c) relax (d) sit down
Q2 Mary was exactly the same as everybody else but this particular night she wanted to let her hair down.
(a) wash her hair (b) comb her hair
(c) really enjoy herself (d) really comb her hair
Q3 She put her favourite CD on and turned it up full blast.
(a) to complete volume (b) to exact volume (c) to fine volume (d) to maximum volume
Q4 As soon as she had done that, all hell was let loose.
(a) there was loud hum (b) there was sound of thunder
(c) there was a huge noise (d) there was an enormous flame
Q5 Her next door neighbour soon got fed up to the back teeth with the noise.
(a) grew hungry with (b) grew angry with (c) grew mad about (d) grew very tired of
Q6 He started hammering on the adjoining wall but Mary carried on regardless.
(a) took little interest (b) took some notice
(c) took not the slightest notice (d) took the most interest
Q7 In the end her neighbour decided to speak his mind.
(a) say exactly what he thought (b) have a chat
(c) say a few words (d) express a point of view
Q8 Although he had never met her, he was determined to read her the riot act.
(a) tell her off (b) tell her a story (c) tell her straight (d) tell her the truth
Q9 Mary opened the door and as soon as they saw each other they fell head over heels in love with each other.
(a) quickly (b) utterly (c) easily (d) slowly
Q10 A few months later they decided to knock down the adjoining wall and now everything in the garden is
lovely.
(a) the flowers are growing (b) everything is perfect
(c) everything is growing (d) everything is flowering
All tests created by Alan Townend copyright © 2003, 2004 www.english-test.net
5. Free English Test :: Expressions, Advanced No 5
Theme: Call it a day
Q1 I take my hat off to all those people who worked hard to get the contract.
(a) respect (b) encourage (c) congratulate (d) welcome
Q2 Some of you worked on until the small hours to make it a successful project.
(a) it was dark outside (b) it was early in the morning
(c) it was late in the evening (d) it was late in the day
Q3 I'm sure sometimes you all wanted to call it a day and go home.
(a) stop work (b) start work (c) continue working (d) do it later
Q4 The important thing is that as soon as you saw the advantages, you got your teeth stuck into it.
(a) started to eat (b) wanted to swallow
(c) got very interested in (d) wanted to digest
Q5 I'm also very proud of the way you stuck to your guns.
(a) wouldn't go away (b) wouldn't give up (c) wouldn't shoot (d) wouldn't fire
Q6 There are times in life when it's very important to keep your chin up.
(a) be smart (b) be careful (c) be brave (d) be cheerful
Q7 There are of course those who very easily throw in the towel.
(a) give up (b) give into (c) give over (d) give out
Q8 We can best describe someone like that as a person who is weak-kneed.
(a) having no resolution (b) having no support
(c) having no ideas (d) having no legs
Q9 It only remains for me to express my admiration for all those of you who stayed at your posts.
(a) waited for your letters (b) kept your letters
(c) remained loyal (d) stayed waiting
Q10 I must not forget either all those very important people, without whom none of us could operate, who work
behind the scenes.
(a) in the dark (b) at the back (c) in the evenings (d) in the background
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6. Free English Test :: Expressions, Advanced No 6
Theme: Live up to
Q1 Frank was an old soldier and lived through many wars.
(a) seen (b) tasted (c) enjoyed (d) experienced
Q2 He had joined the army as a young man because he wanted to live it up a bit.
(a) see the world (b) experience the discipline
(c) have a good time (d) learn new skills
Q3 He wanted excitement and travel and the army lived up to its reputation.
(a) came up to (b) came near to (c) went near (d) went beyond
Q4 He certainly travelled and there was plenty of excitement, which made it possible for him to live out his dream.
(a) show (b) find (c) follow (d) name
Q5 He also managed to live off his pay without any problems.
(a) put up with (b) exist easily on (c) just get by on (d) take care of
Q6 He lived on the simple food provided by the army.
(a) ate only (b) digested (c) consumed (d) just managed
Q7 For some years he lived in because he liked to be among his comrades.
(a) stayed in bed (b) stayed in barracks (c) stayed indoors (d) stayed behind
Q8 He never really enjoyed living out.
(a) staying in other accommodation (b) staying away from home
(c) staying alone (d) waiting outside
Q9 He never did anything wrong and so he didn't have to live down any bad reputation.
(a) make others remember (b) make others forget
(c) make others recall (d) make others listen
Q10 He lived out his final days in a small cottage overlooking the barracks.
(a) numbered (b) endured (c) counted (d) ended
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7. Free English Test :: Expressions, Advanced No 7
Theme: Prepositions
Q1 What are you up to?
(a) trying now (b) doing now (c) achieving now (d) starting now
Q2 What are you into?
(a) capable of (b) proud of (c) familiar with (d) interested in
Q3 I'm off on Monday.
(a) having a holiday (b) having an extra day (c) having a long day (d) having a short day
Q4 Are you in on the latest developments?
(a) kept informed about (b) kept attached to (c) kept told about (d) kept written to
Q5 You're on next.
(a) It's your opportunity (b) It's your moment
(c) It's your time (d) It's your turn
Q6 Are you in on Tuesdays?
(a) at home (b) in touch (c) in the house (d) in the area
Q7 I'm certainly up for it.
(a) willing to try (b) ready to take (c) wanting a chance (d) keen to go
Q8 You should know that I'm all for it.
(a) completely taken with (b) wholly interested in
(c) in complete agreement with (d) in complete satisfaction with
Q9 I'm through with that company.
(a) completed with (b) finished with (c) tired of (d) sick of
Q10 I'm after a new car.
(a) searching for (b) looking for (c) aiming for (d) trying for
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8. Free English Test :: Expressions, Advanced No 8
Theme: From Shakespeare originally
Q1 When he heard that he had lost his job, it was cold comfort to learn that he could keep his car.
(a) a lot of help (b) some help (c) a little help (d) little help
Q2 The selection of candidates was done in a hit or miss manner so that nobody knew why they were chosen.
(a) friendly (b) happy (c) easy (d) casual
Q3 She had got herself in a pickle by trying to please everyone at the same time.
(a) info confusion (b) into trouble (c) into difficulties (d) into problems
Q4 I'm afraid that my poor old car has finally breathed its last.
(a) stopped working (b) stopped trying (c) stopped flying (d) stopped turning
Q5 You're living in a fool's paradise if you think they're going to pay you for nothing.
(a) under an illusion (b) under a dream (c) under a cloud (d) under a delusion
Q6 It was a total mystery as apparently there was neither rhyme nor reason why he did it.
(a) no logical reason (b) no real reason
(c) no particular reason (d) no special reason
Q7 There is clearly a sea change in the way people now look at crime today.
(a) a little change (b) a huge change (c) a fine change (d) a small change
Q8 They looked everywhere for the lost passport but it seems to have vanished into thin air.
(a) disappeared slowly (b) disappeared gradually
(c) disappeared completely (d) disappeared quickly
Q9 When it comes to a crisis, Charles is a tower of strength.
(a) very tall (b) very reliable (c) very strong (d) very trusting
Q10 Whenever he has been treated badly, he always demands his pound of flesh.
(a) total recompense (b) total satisfaction (c) total agreement (d) total acceptance
All tests created by Alan Townend copyright © 2003, 2004 www.english-test.net
9. Free English Test :: Expressions, Advanced No 9
Theme: Water Expressions
Q1 Charlie's in hot water again, he forgot to lock up last night.
(a) in the bath (b) very wet (c) in the shower (d) in trouble
Q2 Forget it, that's water under the bridge now.
(a) best forgotten (b) best learnt (c) best understood (d) best remembered
Q3 That's always the trouble if she doesn't like it, she simply throws cold water on it.
(a) washes it completely (b) discourages it completely
(c) cleans it completely (d) drowns it completely
Q4 You must realize the gravity of the situation because you are in deep water now.
(a) an embarrassing situation (b) a stupid situation
(c) a serious situation (d) a strange situation
Q5 He is like a fish out of water whenever he goes to a party.
(a) feels uncomfortable (b) feels dry (c) feels thirsty (d) feels silly
Q6 Don't ever lend him money, he spends it like water.
(a) very slowly (b) very often (c) very freely (d) very carefully
Q7 We think in the present circumstances the best policy is to tread water for a while.
(a) take sudden steps (b) take quick decisions
(c) take little action (d) take firm action
Q8 My original plan has been so watered down that I don't recognize it now.
(a) reduced in importance (b) increased in size
(c) made more fluid (d) made much clearer
Q9 Your ideas are usually sound but this one won't hold water, I'm afraid.
(a) float (b) be practical (c) stay up (d) sink
Q10 He'll be all right soon because any criticism is usually like water off a duck's back to him.
(a) of no importance (b) of some importance (c) of great importance (d) of such importance
All tests created by Alan Townend copyright © 2003, 2004 www.english-test.net
10. Free English Test :: Expressions, Advanced No 10
Theme: Cats, Dogs and Ducks (1)
Q1 You will be in a very difficult situation now that he's let the cat out of the bag.
(a) told a story (b) let the animal go (c) revealed the truth (d) told a lie
Q2 If I were you, I would not raise the subject again and my best advice is to let sleeping dogs lie.
(a) leave the dogs alone (b) not touch the dogs
(c) not say any more (d) keep away from the dogs
Q3 Remember if you go into that meeting without being prepared with some answers, you will simply be a sitting
duck.
(a) a bird with no wings (b) a ready target
(c) a steady aim (d) a sick animal
Q4 I'm afraid he didn't take my advice and they made him look a complete fool because he was unrepared and he
ended up a dead duck.
(a) a person with no feelings (b) a person with no problems
(c) a person with no future (d) a person with no ideas
Q5 Mind you as I have said many times before I don't know how he's lasted so long in the job because he's
always been the lame duck in the team.
(a) the lazy person (b) the inefficient person
(c) the slow person (d) the wrong person
Q6 The older generation always maintains that in their day things were better and nowadays the country is going
to the dogs.
(a) is having a good time (b) is becoming lazy
(c) is losing its standards (d) is becoming weaker
Q7 If you're unsure about which way the cat is going to jump, I suggest you hang on for a bit longer.
(a) how much it will cost (b) when your turn comes
(c) how you can succeed (d) what will happen next
Q8 There is no need to apologize about your remarks as I can assure you it's like water off a duck's back to me.
(a) of some concern (b) of a little concern (c) of little concern (d) of less concern
Q9 Once more he is in the doghouse but I couldn't possibly tell you why.
(a) out of the way (b) out of favour (c) out of order (d) out of trouble
Q10 As so many people are coming to a party at their house, they're running around preparing food like scalded
cats.
(a) in a nervous state (b) in a delighted state
(c) in a hurried state (d) in a hilarious state
All tests created by Alan Townend copyright © 2003, 2004 www.english-test.net
11. Free English Test :: Expressions, Advanced No 11
Theme: Losing It (1)
Q1 The one thing a public figure hates is when he loses face in front of all his admirers.
(a) loses good looks (b) loses photos (c) loses respect (d) loses expressions
Q2 At the crucial moment the climber lost her nerve and had to be brought down the mountain.
(a) became excited (b) became concerned (c) became scared (d) became upset
Q3 The latest opinion polls show that the government is losing ground to the opposition party.
(a) losing its time (b) losing its opinion
(c) losing its votes (d) losing its advantage
Q4 There was a time when everybody would believe her totally but after this episode I'm afraid she's losing her
touch.
(a) losing her skill (b) losing her mind (c) losing her contact (d) losing her friends
Q5 Under the new pay agreement many employees feel that they are losing out on allowances.
(a) at a deficit (b) at a disadvantage (c) at a problem (d) at a difficulty
Q6 I'm afraid that kind of humour is totally lost on him so you'll have to explain it more simply.
(a) without effect (b) without reason (c) without sense (d) without impression
Q7 After only a few weeks as a teacher of very badly behaved children she realized she was losing her grip.
(a) losing her point (b) losing her purpose (c) losing her control (d) losing her feelings
Q8 He suddenly started shouting and screaming and people could plainly see that he had lost his cool.
(a) become angry (b) become rude (c) become stupid (d) become loud
Q9 I've tried very hard indeed to understand your argument step by step but I must confess I've now lost the
thread.
(a) I now can't follow the answer (b) I now can't follow the point
(c) I now can't follow the reason (d) I now can't follow the reasoning
Q10 After the traffic accident she lost her head and drove the car into a brick wall.
(a) behaved strangely (b) behaved foolishly (c) behaved oddly (d) behaved quietly
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12. Free English Test :: Expressions, Advanced No 12
Theme: Splitting Hairs (1)
Q1 We told him to keep his hair on because he was getting angrier and angrier.
(a) to stand still (b) to remain calm (c) to speak quietly (d) to sit down
Q2 I can't really explain it but the moment she walks into the room and asks me a question she gets in my hair.
(a) pulls my hair (b) terrifies me (c) criticizes me (d) irritates me
Q3 Now that he's passed his exams and got his qualifications he's decided to let his hair down.
(a) behave informally (b) behave noisily (c) behave easily (d) behave fully
Q4 When I opened the door and saw this white figure in front of me, it really made my hair stand on end.
(a) upset me (b) disappointed me (c) terrified me (d) surprised me
Q5 After the boss had given her the sack, she just walked out of the office without turning a hair.
(a) showing some feeling (b) showing no feeling at all
(c) showing a little feeling (d) showing a lot of feeling
Q6 Quite frankly you're splitting hairs. Does it matter whether it's the past simple or the perfect tense?
(a) arguing about small points (b) arguing about tenses
(c) aruing about grammar (d) arguing about grammatical points
Q7 I saw him last November and since then I have seen neither hide nor hair of him.
(a) seen little of him (b) seen him once or twice
(c) not seen him at all (d) not seen much of him
Q8 Don't worry if she doesn't say much because she says she's having a bad hair day.
(a) she's experiencing a lot of problems (b) she's discovering horrible things
(c) she's doing too much (d) she's been eating too much
Q9 I was really scared when I saw him because he was tearing his hair out about the new management decision.
(a) extremely excited (b) extremely worried (c) extremely angry (d) extremely depressed
Q10 They were very lucky they didn't get themselves killed because they came within a hair's breadth of falling
down the mountain.
(a) very near to (b) very nearer to (c) very nearly to (d) very next to
All tests created by Alan Townend copyright © 2003, 2004 www.english-test.net
13. Free English Test :: Expressions, Advanced No 13
Theme: Squeaky Clean (1)
Q1 The auditors made a thorough check on all aspects of the company and decided to give it a clean bill of
health.
(a) confirm it was satisfactory (b) decide it was hygienic
(c) believe it was clean (d) agree it was organized
Q2 Now that all the problems have been sorted out he is able to go back to work with a clean slate.
(a) making no more mess (b) making things clean
(c) making a fresh start (d) making things up
Q3 After a great deal of questioning he decided to come clean and tell the truth.
(a) agree (b) decide (c) admit (d) confess
Q4 The enquiry into allegations of fraud against the minister proved in the end that her hands were clean.
(a) she was willing (b) she was busy (c) she was innocent (d) she was careful
Q5 With the appointment of a new director it was decided to make a clean sweep and create a new board of
governors.
(a) remove all obstacles (b) remove all chairs
(c) remove all symbols (d) remove all problems
Q6 Some of the members of the board are under some suspicion but he is regarded as Mr Clean.
(a) well mannered (b) trustworthy (c) punctual (d) tidy
Q7 I was taken to the cleaners well and truly last week: I saw the same computer for sale today at half the price I
paid.
(a) lost some money (b) lost a lot of money (c) lost too much money (d) lost more money
Q8 We tried to catch the thief who'd snatched the handbag but he showed us a clean pair of heels.
(a) lost his shoes (b) fell over his shoes (c) ran away quickly (d) picked up his shoes
Q9 At the end of a lengthy police investigation he emerged as squeaky clean.
(a) totally clean (b) totally free (c) totally tired (d) totally innocent
Q10 After several hours of cleaning the children had made the kitchen clean as a whistle before their parents came
home.
(a) spotless (b) pure (c) tidy (d) neat
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14. Free English Test :: Expressions, Advanced No 14
Theme: Word of Mouth
Q1 I give you my word it will never happen again.
(a) say (b) speak (c) promise (d) agree
Q2 She had to eat her words when it turned out that she had chosen the wrong horse in the race.
(a) admit she was hungry (b) admit she was thirsty
(c) admit she was sorry (d) admit she was wrong
Q3 They had words last night so be prepared for miserable faces this morning.
(a) fought (b) shouted (c) quarrelled (d) screamed
Q4 You can always rely on that company because they keep their word whatever happens.
(a) do what they like (b) do what they say (c) say what they do (d) do what they want
Q5 They spend very little on advertising and tend to get new work through word of mouth.
(a) recommendation (b) gossip (c) hearsay (d) sayings
Q6 You can see that he's deeply in love with her because he hangs on her every word.
(a) listens silently to everything she says (b) listens eagerly to everything she says
(c) listens quickly to everything she says (d) listens quietly to everything she says
Q7 From the word go we could tell at the interview she was the ideal candidate for the job.
(a) Quickly (b) Suddenly (c) Straightaway (d) Clearly
Q8 Remember as soon as you feel able to continue with walk, say the word.
(a) let me know (b) let me hear (c) let me go (d) let me tell
Q9 I can only repeat that I want you to wait until Tuesday before you tell her, remember mum's the word.
(a) don't tell mum (b) don't speak aloud
(c) don't say anything (d) don't answer anything
Q10 I couldn't agree with you more, to be honest you've taken the words out of my mouth.
(a) said what I wanted to hear (b) said what I wanted to say
(c) said what I wanted to know (d) said what I wanted to learn
All tests created by Alan Townend copyright © 2003, 2004 www.english-test.net
15. Free English Test :: Expressions, Advanced No 15
Theme: Teaching your Family to Drive
Q1 He worries too much about his appearance and now he says he's going thin on top.
(a) going crazy (b) going mad (c) going bald (d) going deaf
Q2 She lost her job last year and since then she's been having a thin time of it.
(a) finding it difficult without friends (b) finding it difficult without help
(c) finding it difficult without support (d) finding it difficult without money
Q3 He really must start eating properly because at the moment he's as thin as a rake.
(a) very thin (b) very tired (c) very sleepy (d) very light
Q4 If you know of a good plumber, let me know as they're a bit thin on the ground around here.
(a) difficult to see (b) difficult to find (c) difficult to know (d) difficult to pay
Q5 Although he only asked me to lend him EUR 5, I could see this was the thin end of the wedge.
(a) start of something financial (b) start of something easy
(c) start of something worse (d) start of something difficult
Q6 Since we put that advertisement in the local newspapers, replies have been coming in thick and fast.
(a) quickly in large numbers (b) slowly in small numbers
(c) quickly in small numbers (d) slowly in large numbers
Q7 You'll be lucky if you get more than two words out of him because I'm afraid he's as thick as two short
planks.
(a) very quiet (b) very slow (c) very wooden (d) very stupid
Q8 They've settled their argument at long last and now they're as thick as thieves.
(a) very clever (b) very friendly (c) very careful (d) very cautious
Q9 In view of the way she behaved I thought it was a bit thick when she asked him to apologize to her.
(a) more than I could wish (b) more than I could believe
(c) more than I could stand (d) more than I could follow
Q10 There are certain members in the party who will stand by their leader through thick and thin.
(a) whatever the times (b) whatever the climate
(c) whatever the day (d) whatever the difficulties
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16. Free English Test :: Expressions, Advanced No 16
Theme: Tops
Q1 He's always worried about his appearance and now he's concerned because he's going thin on top.
(a) losing his hair (b) losing his memory
(c) losing his popularity (d) losing his strength
Q2 When the accident happened all he could think about was attracting attention and started calling out at the top
of his voice.
(a) as quickly as possible (b) as freely as possible
(c) as clearly as possible (d) as loudly as possible
Q3 Off the top of my head I would say it's going to cost more than twice what you have budgeted for.
(a) At a careful calculation (b) At a simple calculation
(c) At a near calculation (d) At a rough calculation
Q4 It's certainly not difficult to see who's top dog around here theses days.
(a) the most arrogant person (b) the most popular person
(c) the most important person (d) the most unusual person
Q5 Since she won the lottery last week she's been feeling on top of the world.
(a) very proud (b) very happy (c) very excited (d) very wealthy
Q6 Many politicians like to impress the votes but a few of them go over the top sometimes in their speeches.
(a) exaggerate (b) irritate (c) antagonize (d) magnify
Q7 For the first time in ages I actually slept like a top last night.
(a) very quickly (b) very slowly (c) very often (d) very soundly
Q8 Students usually take on paid employment during the vacation to top up their grants.
(a) stay with (b) keep to (c) add to (d) get to
Q9 Her mother was very snobbish and didn't like the idea of her daughter marrying someone who was not out of
the top drawer.
(a) of great wealth (b) of high social standing
(c) of considerable education (d) of great intellectual ability
Q10 It had been a terrible day for him and when he learned finally that he had lost his job, he simply blew his
top.
(a) lost his temper (b) lost his nerve (c) lost his courage (d) lost his respect
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17. Free English Test :: Expressions, Advanced No 17
Theme: Down to Earth
Q1 Poor Charlie has been down in the dumps since he learned that he's lost his job.
(a) miserable (b) angry (c) furious (d) uneasy
Q2 I think we've had our fun and now it's time we got down to the idea of earning some money.
(a) began slowly to consider (b) began easily to consider
(c) began seriously to consider (d) began frankly to consider
Q3 As soon as they heard the news that one of their fellow workers had been given the sack, they all downed
tools.
(a) went home (b) stopped working (c) stopped talking (d) worked slowly
Q4 She always talks down to me as if I'm not worth consideration.
(a) speaks softly (b) speaks quickly
(c) speaks condescendingly (d) speaks continuously
Q5 In contrast to her husband she's a very down-to-earth sort of person who manages to control his wild ideas.
(a) cynical (b) boring (c) clever (d) practical
Q6 He's certainly picked himself up since we last saw him when he was clearly down-at-heel.
(a) loudly dressed (b) shabbly dressed (c) strangely dressed (d) oddly dressed
Q7 I invested all my money in that failed company and now I find my whole investment has gone down the
drain.
(a) has been overtaken (b) has been confirmed (c) has been wasted (d) has been confused
Q8 You can use special symbols in your emails if you want to show you're down in the mouth.
(a) decided (b) definite (c) deflated (d) depressed
Q9 Let's put it like this - you made the decision and so it's down to you as to what happens next.
(a) your responsibility (b) your concern (c) your turn (d) your thought
Q10 They've had enough of the bad climate and high taxes here and have gone to live down under.
(a) in America (b) in China (c) in Australia (d) in India
All tests created by Alan Townend copyright © 2003, 2004 www.english-test.net
Answers
and
Info
Free English Tests Info
Date: 2004/01/29
Total number of tests: 17
ANSWERS
All tests created by Alan Townend copyright © 2003, 2004 www.english-test.net
1. Free English Test :: Expressions, Advanced No 1
Theme: Animals
A1 There are times when you must decide and make a bold decision.
Correct answer: (c) make a bold decision
A2 He never does what he wants really because his freedom is always curtailed.
Correct answer: (d) never does what he wants
A3 No-one ever mentions him because he's regarded as the one with a bad reputation.
Correct answer: (b) the one with a bad reputation
A4 I shouldn't go outside without a raincoat because it's raining very heavily.
Correct answer: (c) it's raining very heavily
A5 You shouldn't sign there I think he's about make a fool of you.
Correct answer: (a) make a fool of you
A6 It's a lovely house and very big but nobody uses it so it's something very expensive and useless.
Correct answer: (d) something very expensive and useless
A7 When the business folded, he took the biggest part of the assets.
Correct answer: (c) the biggest part
A8 Without my glasses I can't see where I'm going in fact I'm very short sighted.
Correct answer: (a) very short sighted
A9 I get very irritated sometimes because they're always up very early and I like to lie in.
Correct answer: (b) up very early
A10 I would advise you to do that as well and in that way you'll get two things done at the same time.
Correct answer: (c) get two things done at the same time
All tests created by Alan Townend copyright © 2003, 2004 www.english-test.net
2. Free English Test :: Expressions, Advanced No 2
Theme: Hands on
A1 The opposition party dismissed the government's proposal without further consideration.
Correct answer: (a) without further consideration
A2 Since she started work on the stock exchange she has been making money in large quantities.
Correct answer: (b) in large quantities
A3 They have lost all their money and now lead a sort of impoverished existence.
Correct answer: (a) impoverished
A4 It's no good asking anybody in that shop to help you because they won't do anything at all for you.
Correct answer: (d) do anything at all for you
A5 In the obituary about the millionaire all his enterprises were listed and it looked as if he had had an
involvement in many activities.
Correct answer: (b) an involvement in many activities
A6 I've just bought a brand new car with all the latest gadgets and quite honestly it has cost me a huge amount of
money.
Correct answer: (c) a huge amount of money
A7 I don't want to have to force you to agree but I hope you realize that your refusal to comply could be harmful.
Correct answer: (b) force you to agree
A8 Have a look at the benefits that the society can offer you and then you may feel like deciding to try
membership for a trial.
Correct answer: (d) deciding to try membership for a trial
A9 If you do join a political party then you are expected to stick to the rules on every occasion.
Correct answer: (b) stick to the rules
A10 I wouldn't say I never totally agree with my employers but sometimes they can make extraordinary demands.
Correct answer: (c) totally agree
All tests created by Alan Townend copyright © 2003, 2004 www.english-test.net
