What does the idiom 'break the ice' mean?

To start a conversation or ease tension

Which sentence correctly uses 'put off'?

I put off the meeting until tomorrow.

I put off my shoes before entering.

Let's put off some decorations on the cake.

He put off his friend at the station.

Which sentence uses 'look down on' correctly, distinguishing it from 'look up to'?

She looks down on people who don't share her opinions.

He looks down on his new role in the company.

I look down on my grandfather for his wisdom.

They look down on the recipe for dinner.

Which sentence uses 'come across' appropriately, distinguishing it from 'run into'?

I came across an old friend while browsing social media.

I came across my car at the parking lot.

She came across the finish line first.

They came across the document without searching.

What does 'beat around the bush' mean?

Avoid getting to the main point

ESL Idioms & Phrasal Verbs Quiz with Answers

This quiz helps you practice ESL idioms and phrasal verbs and see how they work in real life. Answer 15 quick multiple-choice questions to check your understanding and boost natural fluency with instant feedback. For more practice, try the english idioms quiz, then build range with an English grammar and vocabulary quiz or an english vocabulary quiz.

Understand the structure of phrasal verbs - Phrasal verbs team up a verb with one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs) to create a fresh, often unexpected meaning. Cracking this pattern is like solving a mini puzzle in every sentence you read or say.
Learn common phrasal verbs - Build your go-to list with everyday favorites like "call off" (to cancel), "figure out" (to understand), and "put off" (to postpone). Mastering these will supercharge your comprehension and give your speech a natural flair.
Practice separable and inseparable phrasal verbs - Some phrasal verbs let you slide the object between the verb and the particle (separable), while others stick together (inseparable). For example, you can "turn off the light" or "turn the light off," but you always "look after the baby," never "look the baby after."
Identify idioms in context - Idioms are sneak-attack phrases whose true meaning can't be guessed from the words alone. Spot expressions like "a piece of cake" in stories or conversations to unlock their figurative gems.
Differentiate between similar idioms - Some idioms look alike but play very different roles - "break the ice" warms up a chat, while "break a leg" sends good-luck vibes. Knowing the difference saves you from hilarious mix-ups.
Use idioms appropriately - Sprinkle idioms into your writing and speaking to sound like a native. For instance, "I'm feeling under the weather" hits differently than just "I'm sick," making your language more colorful.
Master phrasal verbs with varying prepositions - Changing the particle can completely shift the meaning - "look up" means to search for info, whereas "look after" means to care for someone. Mixing and matching helps you nail the right sense every time.
Analyze idiomatic expressions - Break idioms down to uncover their quirky origins and literal vs. figurative twists. Understanding why we "bite the bullet" makes it way easier to remember and use correctly.
Evaluate comprehension through quizzes - Test yourself regularly with fun quizzes to reinforce what you've learned and spot any tricky areas. It's like a mini game that keeps your idiom and phrasal-verb skills sharp!
Enhance fluency with idiomatic language - The real magic happens when you slide idioms and phrasal verbs into daily chats. Phrases like "hit the nail on the head" will give your English that polished, native-speaker shine.