Exercises C1 : use Fixed expressions in English (answers)

These exercises are based on the course on fixed expressions in English. Test your ability to recognise, complete, and use idioms and collocations the way native speakers naturally do.

→ See the course : Fixed expressions in English : complete course

Exercise 1 : Identify the Correct Fixed Expression

Choose the option that correctly completes each fixed expression as used by native speakers.

1. After months of negotiation, the two companies finally ___ a deal.
   • did
   • struck
   • made
   • took
2. She didn't want to ___ the issue, so she changed the subject.
   • raise
   • touch
   • beat around
   • go around
3. His argument simply doesn't ___ water under close examination.
   • carry
   • hold
   • keep
   • make
4. We need to ___ the record straight before this misunderstanding goes any further.
   • put
   • set
   • get
   • fix

Correction

1. After months of negotiation, the two companies finally struck a deal.
2. She didn't want to beat around the bush, so she changed the subject.
3. His argument simply doesn't hold water under close examination.
4. We need to set the record straight before this misunderstanding goes any further.

Exercise 2 : Match the Expression to Its Meaning

Match each fixed expression on the left with its correct meaning on the right.

1. To burn bridges
2. To read between the lines
3. To take something with a grain of salt
4. To get the ball rolling

• To permanently damage a relationship or close off future opportunities.
• To understand a hidden or implied meaning beyond what is literally said.
• To initiate or start a process or activity.
• To be sceptical about it and not believe it entirely.

Correction

1. To burn bridges – To permanently damage a relationship or close off future opportunities.
2. To read between the lines – To understand a hidden or implied meaning beyond what is literally said.
3. To take something with a grain of salt – To be sceptical about it and not believe it entirely.
4. To get the ball rolling – To initiate or start a process or activity.

Exercise 3 : Complete the Fixed Expressions

Fill in the blank with the correct word to complete each fixed expression naturally, as a native speaker would use it.

1. The manager decided to ___ the bullet and deliver the bad news directly to the team.
2. I know it's a difficult situation, but let's not ___ the cart before the horse; we should plan carefully first.
3. Her innovative proposal really ___ the bar for future presentations in the department.
4. He tends to ___ corners when he's under pressure, which often leads to avoidable mistakes.

Correction

1. The manager decided to bite the bullet and deliver the bad news directly to the team.
2. I know it's a difficult situation, but let's not put the cart before the horse; we should plan carefully first.
3. Her innovative proposal really raised the bar for future presentations in the department.
4. He tends to cut corners when he's under pressure, which often leads to avoidable mistakes.