A little effort goes a long way.
Phrases for trying, waiting, and finally getting there.
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 "bite the bullet" mean?
- Avoid a difficult job
- Face something unpleasant with determination
- Celebrate early
- Eat too quickly
Show answer & explanation+
Face something unpleasant with determination
Biting the bullet means accepting a hard task and getting on with it.
QUESTION 2 / 10
In everyday English, what does "burn the midnight oil" mean?
- Cook breakfast
- Waste fuel outdoors
- Work late into the night
- Wake at dawn
Show answer & explanation+
Work late into the night
The phrase recalls working by lamplight after dark.
QUESTION 3 / 10
In everyday English, what does "throw in the towel" mean?
- Begin a match
- Give up
- Ask for a holiday
- Take a shower only
Show answer & explanation+
Give up
Throwing in the towel means accepting defeat or stopping the attempt.
QUESTION 4 / 10
In everyday English, what does "hang in there" mean?
- Keep going through difficulty
- Wait on a coat hook
- Leave immediately
- Change the subject
Show answer & explanation+
Keep going through difficulty
It is an encouraging way to tell someone not to give up.
QUESTION 5 / 10
In everyday English, what does "take the bull by the horns" mean?
- Tackle a difficult situation directly
- Choose the safest seat
- Avoid responsibility
- Make a quiet exit
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Tackle a difficult situation directly
The phrase suggests facing the problem instead of working around it.
QUESTION 6 / 10
In everyday English, what does "leave no stone unturned" mean?
- Build a wall
- Ignore small details
- Stop after one try
- Search thoroughly
Show answer & explanation+
Search thoroughly
You examine every possibility rather than settling for a quick look.
QUESTION 7 / 10
In everyday English, what does "burn bridges" mean?
- Improve travel routes
- Take a short break
- Damage relationships in a way that is hard to undo
- Make new friends
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Damage relationships in a way that is hard to undo
Burning bridges can make returning to a former relationship or opportunity difficult.
QUESTION 8 / 10
In everyday English, what does "keep your chin up" mean?
- Look at the ceiling
- Speak more loudly
- Stay positive during a setback
- Refuse to listen
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Stay positive during a setback
It is a gentle encouragement to stay hopeful.
QUESTION 9 / 10
In everyday English, what does "pull out all the stops" mean?
- Cancel every event
- Make every possible effort
- Take frequent breaks
- Avoid spending any time
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Make every possible effort
Pulling out all the stops means holding nothing back in the attempt.
QUESTION 10 / 10
In everyday English, what does "rest on your laurels" mean?
- Begin a new hobby
- Recover after an injury
- Rely on past success instead of making a fresh effort
- Share the credit
Show answer & explanation+
Rely on past success instead of making a fresh effort
The expression warns against assuming yesterday's achievement is enough for tomorrow.