(English Idioms & Sayings)

Idiom Quizzes - Sports

Choose an idiom to replace the expression in the brackets:

1. We were unable to (make any advances) in our meeting to hire the
   replacement coach.
   

   (a) beat the gun (b) carry the ball (c) get to first base (d) get off to a
   flying start
   

   Answer(c) get to first base
   
   
   The coach already had (several things against him) when it was decided
   that he should be replaced.
   

   (a) dropped the ball (b) gone to bat for himself (c) hit the bull's-eye (d)
   two strikes against him
   

   Answer(d) two strikes against him
   
   
   
   
2. The presidential candidates were (trying to get into a better position)
   before the election.
   

   (a) neck and neck (b) jockeying for position (c) out of the running (d) in
   the bullpen
   

   Answer(b) jockeying for position
   
   
   
   
3. He (prepared thoroughly) by studying all possible questions that could be
   asked during the job interview.
   

   (a) covered all of his bases (b) met his match (c) knew the score (d) kept
   his eye on the ball

   
   Answer(a) covered all of his bases
   
   
   
   
4. The two candidate cities for the Olympics were (exactly even) until the vote.
   

   (a) out of the running (b) off to a running start (c) off base (d) neck and
   neck
   

   Answer(d) neck and neck
   
   
   
   
5. The president of the company had many ideas that were really (unusual).
   

   (a) nip and tuck (b) jumping the gun (c) out in left field (d) having the
   odds against him
   

   Answer(c) out in left field
   
   
   
   
6. Everyone on the team (joined together to support) their coach when he was
   having problems with the general manager.
   

   (a) played ball with (b) paddled their own canoe for (c) stole a base for
   (d) rallied around
   

   Answer(d) rallied around
   
   
   
   
7. I was (rescued from an embarassing situation) and at the last minute I
   didn't need to go to the meeting which I was not prepared for.
   

   (a) saved by the bell (b) sent to the showers (c) thrown a curve (d) on a
   par with everyone
   

   Answer(a) saved by the bell
   
   
   
   
8. The game started and (immediately) the other team scored two goals.
   

   (a) on your marks (b) going to the mat (c) right off the bat (d) putting in
   their oar
   

   Answer(c) right off the bat
   
   
   
   
9. The football player was given a great offer and now (it was up to him to
   decide) to accept it or not.
   

   (a) the ball was in his court (b) it was a whole new ball game (c) he was
   behind the eight ball (d) he was passing the torch
   

   Answer(a) the ball was in his court
   
   
   
   
10. I wanted to (briefly meet) with my friend before he started his university
    courses.
    

    (a) take the chequered flag (b) touch base (c) have a ballpark estimate (d)
    be in the ballpark
    

    Answer(b) touch base
    
    
    
    
11. It was (a certainty) that the coach would be offered another contract
    after his winning performance this season.
    

    (a) a safe bet (b) hitting below the belt (c) too close to call (d) drawing
    first blood
    

    Answer(a) a safe bet
    
    
    
    
12. The finance minister seemed to be (defeated) because of the scandal
    but many expected him to remain in power.
    

    (a) first past the post (b) having a good innings (c) down for the count
    (d) resting on his oars
    

    Answer(c) down for the count
    
    
    
    
13. The managers were always (changing the rules) and nobody in the company
    knew what was expected of them.
    

    (a) dropping the ball (b) in the employees' corner (c) throwing their hat
    into the ring (d) moving the goalposts
    

    Answer(d) moving the goalposts
    
    
    
    
14. The two countries were not (in an equal position) regarding their trading
    relationship and much friction had developed because of this.
    

    (a) up to par (b) keeping the ball rolling (c) on a level playing field (d)
    on side
    

    Answer(c) on a level playing field
    
    
    
    
15. The boxer refused to (follow the generally accepted rules) of boxing and
    because of this he never had a successful career.
    

    (a) pump iron (b) play by the rules (c) roll with the punches (d) make the
    cut
    

    Answer(b) play by the rules
    
    
    
    
16. The ability of my boss with languages was (an important resource) when he
    had to deal with foreign companies.
    

    (a) the sport of kings (b) an arrow in his quiver (c) across the board (d)
    a sporting chance
    

    Answer(b) an arrow in his quiver
    
    
    
    
17. Although I had been practicing tennis very hard, I finally (stopped
    trying) when I realized that I could not join the university team.
    

    (a) toed the line (b) made the cut (c) backed the wrong horse (d) threw in
    the towel
    

    Answer(d) threw in the towel
    
    
    
    
18. The businessman (failed) in his attempt to win the large sales contract.
    

    (a) called the shots (b) struck out (c) dived right in (d) got the ball rolling
    

    Answer(b) struck out
    
    
    
    
19. The president of the company always (establishes the speed) of the annual general meeting.
    

    (a) tests the water (b) tackles a problem (c) has the inside track (d) sets the pace

    
    Answer(d) sets the pace
    
    
    
    
20. The young man was (a candidate) for the local city council.
    

    (a) in the running (b) in the same league (c) hard to call (d) in the homestretch
    

    Answer(a) in the running
    
    
    
    
21. The boy always tries to (gain the favor of) his teachers.
    

    (a) blow the whistle on (b) clear a hurdle with (c) score points with (d) come out of left field with
    

    Answer(c) score points with
    
    
    
    
22. I tried to join the football team but I (failed to meet the required
    standard) and decided to do something else.
    

    (a) missed the cut (b) was on the ropes (c) didn't play by the rules (d)
    couldn't keep the ball rolling
    

    Answer(a) missed the cut
    
    
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