4A: Binomial Pairs (Vocabulary)
Idioms & Phrases
Random Advanced Vocabulary
4B: Acronyms & Initialism (Vocabulary)
English Language Trivia
100

This expression refers to something that is inconsistent or unpredictable, often used when results are not guaranteed.

Hit and Miss

100

What does the phrase “The world is your oyster” mean?

It means that you have many opportunities and the ability to do anything you want. The world is full of possibilities for you to explore.

100

What does the word "cynical" mean? Use the context clues from the sentence to help you define it.

Sentence:
After years of watching politicians make empty promises, he became cynical and doubted that any of them truly cared about the people.


A) Optimistic
B) Trusting
C) Skeptical
D) Enthusiastic

C) Skeptical


Cynical means being skeptical or distrustful, especially about people’s motives or sincerity. 

The sentence shows that the person doubts politicians' true intentions, which reflects a cynical attitude.

100

What do you mean by this acronym?

HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus

100

Which word in English has the most number of different meanings?

A) Set
B) Run
C) Go
D) Take

A. Set

The word "set" has over 400 different meanings in various contexts, from a group of things (like a "set of tools") to actions (like to "set the table") and even mathematical terms. It's one of the most versatile words in the English language.

200

This means something that is simple, unrefined, or made quickly but still functional or effective.

Rough and ready

200

What is the meaning of the expression "to wear one's heart on one's sleeve"?

It means to openly express one's emotions or feelings, especially love or affection.

200

Question:
What is the synonym of "meticulous"? Use the context from the sentence to help you choose the correct answer.

Sentence:
She was so meticulous about her work that she double-checked every detail before submitting the report.


A) Careless
B) Sloppy
C) Thorough
D) Hasty

Answer

C) Thorough

200

What do you mean by this INITIALISM?

ATM


Automated Teller Machine

200

What is the only word in the English language that ends in "mt"?

Dreamt

300

What do you mean by these binomials?

so-and-so

neck & neck

Through and through

This is a vague term often used to refer to a person or thing in a non-specific way, or when you don't want to name something directly. It can also refer to someone whose name you don’t remember or don’t want to mention.

This is a vague term often used to refer to a person or thing in a non-specific way, or when you don't want to name something directly. It can also refer to someone whose name you don’t remember or don’t want to mention.

This expression describes a situation where two competitors or entities are equally matched or closely tied, often used in the context of a race, competition, or contest.

This phrase means completely or thoroughly, often to describe someone's or something's nature, characteristics, or qualities as being consistent throughout.

300

Complete the idiom: 

All that glitters is not _______.

Meaning: 

Things that appear valuable or attractive on the outside may not be as they seem.

All that glitters is not gold.

300

Based on the sentence below, what does the word "cogent" mean? Use context clues to define it.

Sample Sentence:
The lawyer’s argument was so cogent that the jury immediately understood the case and returned a verdict in favor of the defendant.

The word "cogent" means clear, convincing, and logically forceful. The context suggests that the argument was easy for the jury to understand and persuasive.

300

What do you mean by this INITIALISMS & ACRONYM?

DIY

FOMO

TMI

Do It Yourself

Fear of Missing Out

Too Much Information

300

Which of these is not a commonly used term for a group of animals?

A) Murder of crows
B) School of fish
C) Gaggle of geese
D) Cluster of lions

D) Cluster of lions

A group of lions is called a "pride," not a "cluster."

400

What do these expressions mean: 'out and about,' 'far and wide,' 'first and foremost,' and 'pins and needles'?

This phrase means to be active or moving around, usually out of the house or in public. It's often used to describe someone who is not at home and is going about their daily activities.

This expression refers to a large area or a great distance, indicating that something has spread or extended over a vast space. It often implies something is well-known or widespread.

This phrase means "most importantly" or "above all else." It's used to emphasize the most significant point or priority in a given situation.

This phrase refers to a feeling of anxiety or nervous anticipation, especially when you're awaiting something important or uncertain.

400

Fill in the blank: 

He who laughs last, laughs _______.

Meaning: The final victor or person who triumphs is the one who truly succeeds, even if others seem to have the advantage earlier.

Answer: best

400

Question:
What does the word "ephemeral" mean? Use context clues from the sentence to help you define it.

Sentence:
"The beauty of the sunset was ephemeral, lasting only a few minutes before it vanished."

Answer:
The word "ephemeral" means lasting for a very short time. In the sentence, it describes the sunset's beauty as something that quickly disappears, indicating its brief duration.

400

Name 10 initialisms and acronyms and their meanings.

Students' answer may vary

400

What is the only word in the English language that has three consecutive double letters?

Mississippi

Bookkeeper

Bookkeeping

500

What do these expressions mean: part and parcel, doom & gloom, life and times, no ifs and buts, and cut and dried?

This refers to something that is a fundamental or essential element of a larger whole.

This phrase refers to a pessimistic or bleak outlook, often describing a situation where everything seems negative or hopeless.

Often used to describe the events, experiences, or era associated with someone's life or a specific period.

This expression means there are no exceptions or excuses allowed; a statement or decision is final and non-negotiable.

is an expression that refers to something that is already decided, settled, or predetermined, with no room for change or further discussion. It can also imply that something is straightforward and clear, with no ambiguity.

500

Question:
What does the idiom “to throw in the towel” mean?

To give up or admit defeat.

This expression is often used in sports, especially when someone decides they can no longer continue the game or competition.

500

Question:
What does the word "ubiquitous" mean? Use context clues from the sentence to help you define it.

Sentence:
Smartphones have become ubiquitous in modern society, seen in almost every hand and used by people of all ages.

Answer:
The word "ubiquitous" means present, appearing, or found everywhere. The sentence suggests that smartphones are everywhere, used by many people in various places.

500

Name 10 initialisms and acronyms and their meanings.

PIN

NASA

CEO

USB

GIF

Wi-Fi

VIP

RIP

P.S.

DM

Personal Identification Number

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Chief Executive Officer

Universal Serial Bus

Graphics Interchange Format

Wireless Fidelity

Very Important Person

Rest In Peace

Post Script

Direct Message

500

What does the word "Etymology" mean?

The study of word origins