You’ve probably come across them and might even have used some of them from time to time, but do you know how these phrases came to be and what they refer to?
1. The name of which of these animals is also an expression for a valueless gift?
A. Red herring B. Blue whale
C. Black cat D. White elephant
2. Salad days typically refers to a time when a person is…
A. Inexperienced B. Retired
C. Strapped for cash D. Losing weight
3. Someone who has angry thoughts might want to “vent” which organ?
A. Spleen B. Kidney
C. Liver D. Pancreas
4. Which of these people is most likely to “trip the light fantastic”?
A. A ship captain B. A politician
C. A dancer D. An electrician
5. The “sword of Damocles” is often referenced when discussing which of the following?
A. A cure-all B. Superstitions
C. An impending calamity
D. A logical explanation
6. The term “winning hands down” originates from which sport?
A. Horse racing B. Billiards
C. Golf D. Karate
7. Which of these places is most likely to be described as being “at sixes and sevens”?
A. A factory assembly line
B. A messy home office
C. An exclusive country club
D. A trendy bar
8. Now often used in sports to refer to a pass that results in scoring, dropping a dime can also refer to which of the following?
A. Making a wish
B. Snitching
C. Borrowing money D. Street racing
9. A wedding reception guest who has a “laugh up their sleeve” most likely…
A. Takes home extra food
B. Is secretly amused by something
C. Spilled a drink on themselves
D. Tells the same anecdote
frequently
10. Which of these phrases originates from old flintlock muskets misfiring?
A. Bite the bullet
B. Cold shoulder
C. Flash in the pan
D. Spill the beans
11. Which of these expressions comes from the act of securing one’s clothing before physical activity?
A. Gird your loins B. Go pear-shaped
C. Gild the lily D. Lower the boom
12. A person who likes to “sow dragon’s teeth” probably excels at which activity?
A. Baking pies B. Growing plants
C. Fixing clothes D. Making trouble
13. A “four-flusher” is someone likely to do which of the following?
A. Share an embarrassing story
B. Spend a lot of time in the restroom
C. Perform ballet D. Lie to your face
14. If your cousin says there will be
“wigs on the green” at the family reunion, you should expect which
of the following?
A. Excellent food B. A string quartet
C. A fight D. Fancy clothing
15. For which of these occasions might someone be said to “wear sackcloth and ashes”?
A. Pretending to be ignorant
B. Making a public apology
C. Doing household chores
D. Exercising strenuously
