Idioms
USA City Nicknames
Bible
Music
Actors
and their Western Movies
and their Western Movies
100
Pitch in
Help out, contribute, join in.
100
New York
Answer: The Big Apple
Sources agree that the 'Big Apple' name for the city originated in the early 1900s, and was connected to horse racing. John Fitz Gerald, a newsman who covered the racetrack beat, is generally credited with popularizing the term in his columns, after overhearing black stable hands in New Orleans talking about going to 'the Big Apple,' i.e. New York City. The name mostly faded out during the mid-century decades.
100
In the book of John, Jesus said the world would recognize his disciples by what?
Their love
Their good works
Their faith
Their wisdom
Answer: Their love
In John 13:35, Jesus said, "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." Jesus had just given his disciples a new command that they should love each other.
100
"Elected" and "Billion Dollar Babies" were singles in the 1970s by which act?*** Kiss, Alice Cooper, Steely Dan, Aerosmith
Answer: Alice Cooper
Alice Cooper started as a band in 1964 in Phoenix, Arizona. They broke up in 1974, and the lead singer, (originally Vincent Furnier, who went by the stage name Alice Cooper), went on to have a lengthy solo career. After having great critical acclaim for their hard rock albums "Love it to Death" and "Killer", "School's Out" from the band's 1972 album of the same name, was their breakout single. "Elected" was from the 1973 album, "Billion Dollar Babies", and the title track was released as a single too.
100
Let us start with "The Duke" (John Wayne) and one of his roles as Col. Cord McNally. After the Civil War he searches for the traitors who caused the defeat of McNally's unit and the loss of a close friend. Can you name the movie?
Rio Lobo
The Searchers
Rio Bravo
The Horse Soldiers
Answer: Rio Lobo
"Rio Lobo" (1970) starred John Wayne as Col. Cord McNally who, through contacts, hunts down the traitors. He eventually finds them and also gets involved in a town that is being bullied by outlaw elements. The film was directed by Howard Hawkes who had also directed "Rio Bravo" (1959) and "El Dorado" (1966) also starring John Wayne. In "The Searchers" (1956) his character is Ethan Edwards, in "Rio Bravo" (1959) he is John T. Chance and in "The Horse Soldiers" (1959) his character is Col. John Marlowe.
200
Rule of thumb
They mean that it’s a general unwritten rule for whatever they’re talking about.
200
Philadelphia
Answer: The City of Brotherly Love
In 1692, Philadelphia was formed as the capital of Pennsylvania. It took on a prominent role as a cultural and commercial hub, and as the political center of the newly forming nation as it asserted its independence from England. William Penn, the founder of the new colony, determined that his signature city would avoid the squalor and overcrowding of urban centers in Europe, such as London.
200
To whom is the book of Acts addressed?
Theophilus
Cornelius
Barnabas
Eutychus
Answer: Theophilus
Acts 1:1-2 "In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen." Luke, the author of Acts, wrote the gospel of Luke, and Acts is the continuation of Luke's gospel.
200
Which heart throb had singles in the 1970s called "Cherish" and "How Can I Be Sure?"?
David Lee Roth
David Cassidy
Donny Osmond
Billy Idol
Answer: David Cassidy
David Cassidy became well known as the dreamy Keith Partridge, alongside Shirley Jones, in the TV sitcom with music, "The Partridge Family". They had hit singles under that name, such as "I Think I Love You"(1970) and "Doesn't Somebody Want to Be Wanted"(1970). Cassidy had a solo career appealing to so-called teeny boppers, as a "cooler" rival to Donny Osmond. With singles such as "Cherish"(1971), "How Can I Be Sure"(1972) and "Daydreamer"(1973), Cassidy's solo career was far bigger than his time with "The Partridge Family".
200
Henry Fonda was one of my favorite gunman and he appeared in numerous Westerns. In one of his westerns he portrays a gunman named Clay Blaisdell with a sidekick named Tom Morgan played by Anthony Quinn who had a clubfoot. Can you name the movie?
My Name Is Nobody
Once Upon a Time in the West
Warlock
The Ox-Bow Incident
Answer: Warlock
"Warlock" (1959) is the name of the city that hires Clay Blaisdell (Henry Fonda), a freelance marshal and his club-footed assistant Tom Morgan to rid the town of local cowboys that terrorize the town and its town folk. They eventually clean up the town with the help of the town deputy Johnny Cannon (Richard Widmark). Blaisedell and Morgan eventually fall out and Blaisedell wins the gunfight, killing Morgan. 1
300
Sit tight
Wait patiently and take no action until you hear otherwise.
300
Chicago
- Answer: The Windy City
Chicago, Illinois, has several nicknames, but 'The Windy City' is number one. Having visited the city in winter time, I can affirm that the gusts blowing off of Lake Michigan add bite to this particular moniker. The strong air currents at Wrigley Field, the Chicago Cubs' iconic baseball stadium, are also frequently mentioned, giving further weather-related credence to the name of 'Windy City.' Whether the wind is blowing in or out often changes the entire game, favoring the pitchers on some days and the hitters on others.
300
According to Paul, how will the day of Jesus' return come?
Like a mighty trumpet
Like a thief in the night
Like an avalanche
Like a soaring eagle
Answer: Like a thief in the night
1 Thessalonians 5:1-2 - "Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night." Paul was writing to the church in Thessalonika, and in this part of the letter he was telling them about Christ's second coming, which will bring the end of the world.
300
Who had singles in the 1970s including "Until You Come Back to Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do)", and "Don't Play That Song (You Lied)"?
Aretha Franklin
Carly Simon
Carole King
Barbra Streisand
Answer: Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin was one of the greatest singers of her time, in a singing career that lasted over 60 years. Her father was a charismatic Baptist minister and singer, and her sisters Erma and Carolyn also became singers. She started performing before becoming a teenager.
300
This Glenn Ford western had Frankie Laine sing the title of the movie at the beginning and end of the movie. Can you name this classic movie of 1957 that was remade in 2007?
The Fastest Gun Alive
The Man from the Alamo
3:10 to Yuma
Go West, Young Lady
Answer: 3:10 to Yuma
"3:10 to Yuma" (1957) was the story of drought torn farmer Dan Evans (Van Heflin) who volunteers to take the murderer Ben Wade (Glenn Ford) to Continental City for $200. The train is to leave Continental City at 3:10 to Yuma where Wade is to stand trial. The movie was remade in 2007 starring Russell Crowe and Christian Bale. Glenn Ford also starred in the other three movies mentioned. Frankie Laine sang the theme songs for many western movies including "Gunfight at the O.K. Coral" and "Blazing Saddles". Laine also sang the theme song of the TV series "Rawhide".
400
Twist someone’s arm
Means that someone has convinced you to do something, you might not have wanted to to do.
400
San Francisco
Answer: The City by the Bay
California's most cosmopolitan and progressive city is a smorgasbord of culture, with great restaurants, interesting architecture, and famously hilly neighborhoods. Its defining geographical feature is the magnificent San Francisco Bay, which is connected to the Pacific Ocean by a mile wide, three mile long channel.
400
After Jesus' crucifixion, who asked Pilate for Jesus' body?
Simon of Cyrene
Joseph of Arimathea
Mary of Magdala
Apollos of Alexandria
Answer: Joseph of Arimathea
Mark 15:42b-43 "So as evening approached, Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body." After Jesus was crucified, Joseph of Arimathea asked for Jesus' body, and Pilate let him take it and bury it.
400
Whose 1970s singles included "I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday" and "See My Baby Jive"?
Wizzard
Racey
Mud
Joy Division
Answer: Wizzard
After being in The Move, and Electric Light Orchestra, Roy Wood formed Wizzard in 1972. Immediately recognisable, with his wild hair and makeup, Wood was the driving force behind the group, adopting a "Phil Spector Wall of Sound" approach to their recordings.
400
James Stewart stars in this movie as a Virginia farmer, during the American Civil War, who wishes to remain neutral until one of his sons is captured by Union soldiers. Can you name the movie?
Hint
Shenandoah
Destry Rides Again
The Rare Breed
Winchester '73
Answer: Shenandoah
"Shenandoah" (1965) is about the Anderson farming family who try to remain neutral during the American Civil War until one of the sons is captured by Union soldiers. The head of the family, Charlie Anderson (James Stewart) together with his other sons try to rescue the youngest, 16 year old son from the soldiers. Having lost his wife previously, he then loses two sons and a daughter because of the war. "Destry Rides Again" (1939) is a western movie starring James Stewart as Tom Destry Jr. who is asked to assist in cleaning up the lawless town of Bottleneck. Marlene Dietrich plays the role of Frenchy, the saloon singer. "The Rare Breed" (1966) is a western movie starring James Stewart as Dan Burnett a wrangler who is asked by an English woman (Maureen O'Hara) and her daughter to help introduce Hereford cattle to the American west.
500
Cut to the chase
Skip to the important parts so everyone understands.
500
New Orleans
Answer: The Big Easy
Louisiana's 'Big Easy' is another aptly nicknamed city. Can't you just feel the languorous jazz notes floating down the bayou? Or, picture some folks on a lazy summer day, strolling through the French Quarter, twirling sun parasols, and in no particular hurry to get anywhere. Even the mighty Mississippi River has slowed to a crawl as it spreads out into a massive and ever changing delta adjoining the Gulf of Mexico.
500
According to Jesus, it is less likely for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven than for a camel to do what?
Fly
Go through the eye of a needle
Speak
Have triplets
Answer: Go through the eye of a needle
Mark 10:24b-25 "But Jesus said again, 'Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.'" Right before these verses, a rich man came to Jesus and asked what he must do to inherit eternal life.
500
Who had singles in the 1970s called "September" and "Shining Star"?Hint
The Spinners
The Commodores
Stevie Wonder
Earth, Wind & Fire
Answer: Earth, Wind & Fire
Earth, Wind & Fire formed in Chicago in 1969. The band has had more than 40 members, including founder and leader, Maurice White, and his co-lead singer Philip Bailey. Highly influential, they blended genres such as disco, Latin, R&B, soul and jazz.
500
Walter Brennan was the recipient of three Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor. He appeared in numerous western movies with some of the great western actors. In which of the following westerns did he win one of those Oscars, playing opposite Gary Cooper?
Hint
Rio Bravo
The Far Country
Red River
The Westerner
Answer: The Westerner
Walter Brennan won three Oscars for Best Supporting Actor. The only western that he won an Oscar for was "The Westerner" (1940) in which he plays the corrupt Judge Roy Bean opposite Gary Cooper as Cole Harden. In "Rio Bravo" (1959) he plays Stumpy the deputy to Sheriff John T. Chance (John Wayne). Also in the movie were Dean Martin, Ward Bond, Angie Dickinson and Ricky Nelson.
600
Face the music
It means to “face reality” or to deal with the reality of the situation and accept all the consequences, good or bad (but mostly bad).
600
Seattle
Answer: The Emerald City
The short explanation for Seattle claiming the title of 'Emerald City' is greenery. Lots of trees, especially evergreens, dot the landscape and are grouped in forests in and around the city. Driving into Seattle from either the north or the south, one encounters mile after mile of pine, fir, spruce and cedar trees lining the interstate. In fact the whole state of Washington carries the name 'Evergreen State.'
600
According to 1 Timothy, what is "the root of all kinds of evil"?
Money
The love of money
Pride
The love of family
Answer: The love of money
1 Timothy 6:10 "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." This verse is often misquoted to say "money" instead of "the love of money."
600
"L-O-V-E (Love)" and "Tired of Being Alone" were 1970s singles for which artist?Hint
Al Green
Marvin Gaye
James Brown
Curtis Mayfield
Answer: Al Green
A highly successful soul singer, Al Green turned to the church, becoming a minister, after personal tragedy in the 1970s. He recorded as a gospel artist, before returning to non-religious music in the late 1980s. Green won multiple awards, including being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995.
600
Lee Van Cleef is well known for his bad guy roles. In which of the following westerns was he a good guy?
Hint
For a Few Dollars More
High Noon
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Take a Hard Ride
Answer: For a Few Dollars More
In the movie "For a Few Dollars More" (1965), Lee plays Colonel Douglas Mortimer, a former Army officer. Mortimer joins forces with Monco (Clint Eastwood) to hunt down and kill a man named El Indio. In the "Good, Bad and the Ugly" (1966) Lee plays the role of a ruthless bounty hunter named Angel Eyes opposite (Blondie) Clint Eastwood and (Tuco) Eli Wallach.
700
Lose your touch
Means that you lose an ability or talent you once had when dealing with things, people or situations.
We use this when you’re usually good at a certain skill or talent, but then things start to go wrong.
700
Las Vegas
Answer: Sin City
This a nickname with an obvious derivation. To mitigate the devastation of the Depression, the state of Nevada legalized gambling on March 19, 1931. Organized crime and unorganized sin weren't far behind. For many years, until 1980, Las Vegas and a few other Nevada towns were the only places in America where people could lawfully gamble. Today it's legal almost everywhere, and the social and moral costs are still hotly debated. No doubt gambling is a huge tourist draw and potential money maker for communities via taxes. Unfortunately, experience has shown that casino operators are amazingly shrewd and inventive in making sure the lion's share of the profits stay in their own pockets, and promised civic benefits often fail to materialize.
700
Which of the following was not one of Satan's temptations of Jesus?
Striking the wicked with blindness
Jumping off the temple
Changing stones into bread
Worshipping the devil
Answer: Striking the wicked with blindness
Jesus stayed in the desert for 40 days without eating. Satan told him to tell these stones to become bread. Jesus refused. The devil took him to the top of the temple and told Jesus to throw himself down, and God would save him. Again, Jesus refused. The devil took Jesus to a high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world.
700
Whose 1970s singles included "Love to Love You Baby", and "MacArthur Park"?Hint
Gloria Gaynor
Freda Payne
Donna Summer
Suzi Quatro
Answer: Donna Summer
Donna Summer was born in Boston in 1948. She had sung in bands, but achieved success after moving to Germany, where she met Giorgio Moroder, and his collaborator, Pete Bellotte. The three, together, revolutionised disco music in the 1970s and 1980s. 1975's "Love to Love You Baby" was a worldwide sensation, released in an extended version. "I Feel Love", in 1977, was also a massive success for the partnership, and "MacArthur Park", a cover of the song originally recorded by Richard Harris, was similarly successful in 1978.
700
We all fondly remember James Garner, as the loveable rogue Bret Maverick in the TV series "Maverick". He did, however, star in a number of western movies shown on the silver screen. Can you name the movie in which he played Wyatt Earp?
Hint
A Man Called Sledge
Support Your Local Sheriff
Skin Game
Hour of the Gun
Answer: Hour of the Gun
Many actors have played the role of Wyatt Earp, however, one of them was James Garner in "Hour of the Gun" (1967), opposite Jason Robards as Doc Holliday and Robert Ryan as Ike Clanton. The movie is a reenactment of the gunfight at the O.K Corral in Tombstone, Arizona in 1881.
800
Once in a blue moon
Very rarely
800
Detroit
Answer: The Motor City
In Detroit, we have a city with an easy to remember nickname which makes perfect sense. Of all American cities, the Motor City is the one most closely aligned with a specific sector of the manufacturing base, namely the automotive industry. Think of Detroit and you think of Fords and Chevys, cars and trucks. Detroit lies at the eastern edge of Michigan, in that part of The States known as 'The Midwest.' The east side of the city is bordered by the Detroit River, which connects Lake St. Clair to Lake Erie, giving the city a major port and access to the whole Great Lakes shipping network and the St. Lawrence Seaway. In 2015, 4.5 million people, roughly half of Michigan's population, lived in or near the Detroit Metro area.
800
Golgotha, the site of Jesus' crucifixion, means what?
The Potter's Field
The Well of the Oath
The Hill of Sorrows
The Place of the Skull
Answer: The Place of the Skull
Matthew 27:33 - "They came to a place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull)."
800
"(I'm Always Touched by Your) Presence, Dear" and "Heart of Glass" were 1970s singles for whom?Hint
Racey
Blondie
Devo
The Slits
Answer: Blondie
Blondie formed in 1974 in New York City. The members were Debbie Harry (vocals), Chris Stein (guitar), Gary Lachman (bass), and Clem Burke (drums). They started in the NYC new wave scene, with singles such as "X Offender"(1976), and "Rip Her to Shreds"(1977). "(I'm Always Touched by Your) Presence, Dear", from the 1978 album "Plastic Letters", was a hit, but they became massively successful on release of the album "Parallel Lines" in 1978. It had six hit singles, including "Heart of Glass", "Hanging on the Telephone", and "Sunday Girl".
800
Clint Eastwood first came to fame as Rowdy Yates in the TV series "Rawhide". He has starred in numerous westerns; in which one does he play the role of Marshal Jed Cooper?
Hint
Unforgiven
High Plains Drifter
Hang 'Em High
Pale Rider
Answer: Hang 'Em High
In the 1968 movie "Hang'Em High", Clint Eastwood plays the role of Jed Cooper, who previously, as an innocent man, had barely survived a lynching. He returns as a Marshal to bring the vigilantes to justice. In "High Plains Drifter" (1973), Clint plays the role of The Stranger, who is hired by the towns' people of Lago to rid them of outlaws. "Pale Rider" (1985) had one of the highest grossing westerns of the 1980s stars Clint Eastwood as The Preacher, who helps humble prospectors, in a remote village. who could lose their stakes to a mining company.
900
Every cloud has a silver lining
There’s a good aspect to every bad situation.
900
Denver
Answer: The Mile High City
Denver, Colorado is the state capital, the largest city in the state, and with an official elevation of exactly 5,280 feet, an inevitable and straight forward nickname as 'The Mile High City.' Because of the thinner air, golf balls and baseballs travel up to 10% farther than normal, making everyone a heavy hitter! Alcohol is also absorbed into the bloodstream faster at elevation, making it easier to get drunk. Possibly related to this is the fact that Denver brews more beer than any other US city, and has at least 250 micro-breweries. Denver's population increased by 2.5% in 2015, making it the fastest growing major city in the US, with good reason.
900
What was the name of the man who had his ear cut off and then healed during Christ's arrest?
Archippus
Zenas
Malchus
Aristarchus
Answer: Malchus
John 18:10 - "Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus." Christ's healing of the ear is described in Luke 22:51.
900
Who had singles called "Mr. Blue Sky" and "Don't Bring Me Down" in the 1970s?Hint
Electric Light Orchestra
The Go-Go's
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark
The Move
Answer: Electric Light Orchestra
Electric Light Orchestra was formed in Birmingham, England, in 1971, by ex-Move members, Jeff Lynne, Roy Wood, and Bev Bevan. After Wood left in 1972, Lynne became the group leader, responsible for writing, arranging, singing and production. Their early singles had an element of classical music, such as "Roll Over Beethoven" and "10538 Overture". "Mr. Blue Sky" was a 1978 single from the album "Out of the Blue". From the 1979 album "Discovery", "Don't Bring Me Down", has a "mondegreen" misheard lyric: "Don't Bring Me Down, Groos!". It uses a made up word, which Lynne retained because it was similar to the German Gruss (greeting), but people mishear it as "Bruce".
900
Robert Mitchum starred in many western movies. Not his first movie, this is the first movie in which he was billed as the leading male role. It is a remake of a silent movie in 1927 with a similar name to a movie starring Steve McQueen in 1966. Can you name the movie?
Hint
West of the Pecos (1945)
Nevada (1944)
River of No Return (1954)
Hoppy Serves a Writ (1943)
Answer: Nevada (1944)
"Nevada" (1944) was Robert Mitchum's first movie as the leading man, although not his first movie. He played Jim "Nevada" Lacy and the movie was a remake of the silent movie of the same name starring Gary Cooper in 1927. Steve McQueen starred in the 1966 movie called "Nevada Smith".
1000
Make a mountain out of a molehill
To exaggerate the severity of a situation.
1000
Boston
Answer: Beantown
Old, Puritan, historical, New England Boston has terrible drivers, arrogant sports fans, and venerable institutions galore. Natives love it, outsiders smirk at their funny accents. Harvard University, the oldest and most prestigious college in the country, the Charles River, lobster, chowder and Paul Revere- all these and many more cultural icons define Boston and give it its unique flavor.
1000
According to Paul, what kind of giver does God like?
A prompt giver
A generous giver
A cheerful giver
A regular giver
Answer: A cheerful giver
2 Corinthians 9:7 "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
1000
Which ex-Beatle had singles in the 1970s called "Bangla Desh" and "Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)"?Hint
Paul McCartney
Ringo Starr
George Harrison
John Lennon
Answer: George Harrison
Born in 1943, George Harrison was the "Quiet Beatle". He was the youngest, and probably the one who felt most thwarted artistically through being in the mega group alongside two creative powerhouses. After the band split up, he had immediate success with "My Sweet Lord" in 1970. "Bangla Desh"(sic) was a 1971 single that Harrison released to raise awareness of the people of that area, following a devastating cyclone and bitter civil war against Pakistan. "Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)" was from his fourth solo album, "Living in the Material World", released in 1973.
1000
Gary Cooper won his second Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Will Kane in the classic western movie "High Noon" (1952). Which was the next western movie that he starred in after "High Noon", where he played the role of the Union Officer Major Lex Kearney?
Hint
Garden of Evil
Springfield Rifle
Vera Cruz
Man of the West
Answer: Springfield Rifle
"High Noon" was released in July 1952 and "Springfield Rifle" was released in October 1952. In "Springfield Rifle", Cooper plays the role of Major Lex Kearney as a Union officer pitting his skills against a Confederate spy ring. "Garden of Evil" (1954) is the story of three soldiers of fortune Hooker (Gary Cooper), Fiske (Richard Widmark) and Luke Daly (Cameron Mitchell) who are hired by a lady, Leah Fuller (Susan Hayward) to rescue her husband. "Vera Cruz" (1954) was his next western movie and he plays Benjamin Trane opposite Burt Lancaster (Joe Erin).