A meeting that could have been a quiz.
Expressions you might hear at work.
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 "learn the ropes" mean?
- Change your name
- Practice sailing only
- Avoid all help
- Learn how a task or place works
Show answer & explanation+
Learn how a task or place works
Learning the ropes means getting familiar with the practical details.
QUESTION 2 / 10
In everyday English, what does "back to square one" mean?
- Back at the beginning
- Ahead of schedule
- Nearly finished
- At a different address
Show answer & explanation+
Back at the beginning
A failed attempt can send you back to square one to start again.
QUESTION 3 / 10
In everyday English, what does "get the ball rolling" mean?
- Start an activity
- Refuse a request
- Delay a decision
- End a conversation
Show answer & explanation+
Start an activity
The first practical step gets the ball rolling on a project.
QUESTION 4 / 10
In everyday English, what does "in the loop" mean?
- Kept informed
- Physically tangled
- Working alone
- Completely lost
Show answer & explanation+
Kept informed
Someone in the loop receives the updates they need.
QUESTION 5 / 10
In everyday English, what does "touch base" mean?
- Move house
- End a contract
- Ignore an email
- Make brief contact to check in
Show answer & explanation+
Make brief contact to check in
Touching base is a quick check-in, often to exchange updates.
QUESTION 6 / 10
In everyday English, what does "pull your weight" mean?
- Do your fair share
- Lift a suitcase
- Ask for a raise
- Avoid responsibility
Show answer & explanation+
Do your fair share
Pulling your weight means contributing your share to a joint effort.
QUESTION 7 / 10
In everyday English, what does "on the back burner" mean?
- Completely finished
- Not being given immediate attention
- Available for free
- Extremely urgent
Show answer & explanation+
Not being given immediate attention
A back-burner task is set aside while something else takes priority.
QUESTION 8 / 10
In everyday English, what does "raise the bar" mean?
- Lower expectations
- Open a cafe
- Lift a chair
- Set a higher standard
Show answer & explanation+
Set a higher standard
Raising the bar makes the level of expected performance higher.
QUESTION 9 / 10
In everyday English, what does "think on your feet" mean?
- Walk while asleep
- Read standing up only
- Refuse to decide
- Respond quickly to an unexpected situation
Show answer & explanation+
Respond quickly to an unexpected situation
Thinking on your feet means working out an answer in the moment.
QUESTION 10 / 10
In everyday English, what does "go the extra mile" mean?
- Leave early
- Use a shorter route
- Make more effort than required
- Get lost
Show answer & explanation+
Make more effort than required
Going the extra mile means doing a little more than the minimum.