Idioms, Connotation and Context

Study the questions and tasks

Work through the material below, or start the interactive practice above to complete an attempt. Try the exercises before opening any answer or transcript sections, then use them to review your work.

Practice level

C2. Try this level if you can follow the instructions and understand most of the language; choose an earlier level if you need more support.

Question formats

Fill in the blank (dropdown)

How to approach this practice

Read the complete context. Check both the meaning and the grammar, including word forms, collocations and links between sentences.

1. Question 1 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The official account was ___ neutral, though its omissions favoured one side.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. ostensibly
   2. ostentatiously
   3. obtusely
   4. obstinately
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   ostensibly

   Ostensibly marks a surface or stated appearance that may be misleading.

2. Question 2 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The clause has no practical force; it is a ___ letter.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. dead
   2. quiet
   3. silent
   4. mute
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   dead

   A dead letter is a rule that is no longer enforced or effective.

3. Question 3 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The committee paid ___ service to consultation, then ignored every response.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. mouth
   2. lip
   3. tongue
   4. voice
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   lip

   Pay lip service means express support without acting accordingly.

4. Question 4 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The criticism was made in good ___, with no intention to mislead.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. faith
   2. belief
   3. trust
   4. confidence
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   faith

   In good faith means honestly and sincerely.

5. Question 5 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The minister's denial was not a ___ denial; it left the central allegation untouched.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. provisional
   2. tentative
   3. qualified
   4. categorical
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   categorical

   A categorical denial would reject the allegation unequivocally.

6. Question 6 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The team closed ___ when criticised, refusing to blame individual members.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. lines
   2. ranks
   3. files
   4. rows
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   ranks

   Close ranks means unite defensively against external criticism.

7. Question 7 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The criticism cut her to the ___; she felt deeply hurt.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. rapid
   2. quick
   3. fast
   4. short
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   quick

   Cut someone to the quick means hurt them deeply.

8. Question 8 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The agreement hangs by a ___; a minor breach could end it.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. string
   2. cord
   3. rope
   4. thread
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   thread

   Hang by a thread means be precariously close to failure.

9. Question 9 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The speaker drew a ___ in the sand, identifying a point beyond which compromise was impossible.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. border
   2. stroke
   3. mark
   4. line
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   line

   Draw a line in the sand sets a firm boundary.

10. Question 10 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

    Choose the correct option for each blank.

    The proposal was rejected ___, without even being discussed.

    Choices for blank 1

    1. hand in hand
    2. on the other hand
    3. at first hand
    4. out of hand
    Check answers and explanations

    Blank 1

    out of hand

    Reject out of hand means reject immediately without proper consideration.

11. Question 11 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

    Choose the correct option for each blank.

    The reply was ___, designed to soothe tension without conceding liability.

    Choices for blank 1

    1. confrontational
    2. categorical
    3. conciliatory
    4. incriminating
    Check answers and explanations

    Blank 1

    conciliatory

    Conciliatory language seeks to reduce hostility.

12. Question 12 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

    Choose the correct option for each blank.

    The firm refused to play ___ with safety; it rejected every shortcut.

    Choices for blank 1

    1. high and low
    2. fast and loose
    3. safe and sound
    4. far and wide
    Check answers and explanations

    Blank 1

    fast and loose

    Play fast and loose with means treat irresponsibly or without due regard.

13. Question 13 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

    Choose the correct option for each blank.

    The warning was a shot across the ___, intended to deter rather than punish.

    Choices for blank 1

    1. heads
    2. bows
    3. feet
    4. hands
    Check answers and explanations

    Blank 1

    bows

    A shot across the bows is a warning of stronger action to come.

14. Question 14 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

    Choose the correct option for each blank.

    The amendment leaves a ___ area: it is unclear which similar cases are covered.

    Choices for blank 1

    1. grey
    2. green
    3. blue
    4. red
    Check answers and explanations

    Blank 1

    grey

    A grey area is one in which boundaries or rules are unclear.

15. Question 15 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

    Choose the correct option for each blank.

    The statement was carefully ___, preserving several escape routes.

    Choices for blank 1

    1. edged
    2. pledged
    3. wedged
    4. hedged
    Check answers and explanations

    Blank 1

    hedged

    A hedged statement is limited by qualifications and reservations.

What to review next

Explain why each answer fits the meaning and structure. Record useful phrases and write a new example using each pattern you found difficult.

A focused practice result shows how you did on these tasks. Use several activities across skills to decide what to study next; one practice score does not certify an overall CEFR level.