People are complicated. Idioms help.
Ten phrases for getting along, or trying to.
Ten questions, with the answers explained. Try them in your head, then open each answer when you're ready.
Play this quiz →QUESTION 1 / 10
In everyday English, what does "see eye to eye" mean?
- Refuse to speak
- Meet by accident
- Have perfect eyesight
- Agree
Show answer & explanation+
Agree
People who see eye to eye share a view on the matter.
QUESTION 2 / 10
In everyday English, what does "rub someone the wrong way" mean?
- Give a massage
- Impress a crowd
- Annoy someone
- Offer good advice
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Annoy someone
A habit or remark can irritate someone without being intentionally hurtful.
QUESTION 3 / 10
In everyday English, what does "give someone the cold shoulder" mean?
- Make a warm welcome
- Offer a jacket
- Ask for help
- Deliberately act unfriendly
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Deliberately act unfriendly
Giving the cold shoulder means pointedly ignoring or excluding someone.
QUESTION 4 / 10
In everyday English, what does "bury the hatchet" mean?
- Hide a tool for later
- Start a new argument
- Go camping
- End a quarrel
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End a quarrel
Burying the hatchet means making peace after a disagreement.
QUESTION 5 / 10
In everyday English, what does "lend an ear" mean?
- Listen sympathetically
- Speak more loudly
- Borrow headphones
- Spread a rumor
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Listen sympathetically
Lending an ear means giving someone your attention when they need to talk.
QUESTION 6 / 10
In everyday English, what does "get off on the wrong foot" mean?
- Make a bad start
- Trip while running only
- Change your shoes
- Finish a race
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Make a bad start
A poor first impression can mean a relationship starts on the wrong foot.
QUESTION 7 / 10
In everyday English, what does "break the news" mean?
- Tell someone important new information
- Make up a rumor
- Stop a broadcast
- Damage a newspaper
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Tell someone important new information
Breaking the news means telling it, often when the information is difficult or surprising.
QUESTION 8 / 10
In everyday English, what does "keep someone at arm's length" mean?
- Maintain some emotional distance
- Trust someone completely
- Carry someone
- Stand in a circle
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Maintain some emotional distance
You stay civil while limiting how close the relationship becomes.
QUESTION 9 / 10
In everyday English, what does "clear the air" mean?
- Cancel a meeting
- Resolve tension by talking openly
- Open a window only
- Change the weather
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Resolve tension by talking openly
An honest conversation can clear up misunderstandings and ease the tension.
QUESTION 10 / 10
In everyday English, what does "have someone's back" mean?
- Borrow a coat
- Copy a hairstyle
- Support and defend someone
- Walk behind a stranger
Show answer & explanation+
Support and defend someone
Having someone's back means they can count on your support.