16. Take exception to means:
Correct Answer: C. Object to
Explanation: To “take exception to” something means to object to it or to be offended by it.
17. At the end of one’s tether means:
Correct Answer: C. Able to do no more
Explanation: Being “at the end of your tether” means you have no more patience or energy left to deal with a difficult situation.
18. A bad egg means:
Correct Answer: C. Worthless fellow
Explanation: A “bad egg” refers to a person who is dishonest, unreliable, or generally viewed as a worthless fellow.
19. Ex officio means:
Correct Answer: C. By virtue of one’s office
Explanation: “Ex officio” describes a position held because of another office or position one already holds.
20. Set by the ears means:
Correct Answer: B. Cause to quarrel
Explanation: To “set people by the ears” means to cause them to quarrel or to create discord between them.
21. Ill at ease means:
Correct Answer: C. Uneasy
Explanation: Being “ill at ease” means feeling uncomfortable, nervous, or embarrassed.
22. To have all one’s eggs in one basket means:
Correct Answer: B. To invest everything in one venture
Explanation: This refers to risking all of one’s resources or hopes on a single plan or venture.
23. To take effect means:
Correct Answer: B. To apply successfully
Explanation: When a rule, law, or medicine “takes effect,” it starts to apply or work successfully.
24. Evil eye means:
Correct Answer: D. Evil influence
Explanation: The “evil eye” is a superstitious belief in a look or gaze that can cause misfortune or an evil influence.
25. End in smoke means:
Correct Answer: C. Come to nothing
Explanation: If a plan or effort “ends in smoke,” it fails completely and yields no result.
26. Err on the safe side means:
Correct Answer: D. To take a safe course
Explanation: To “err on the safe side” means to choose the most cautious course of action to avoid any possible penalty or mistake.
27. The fourth estate refers to:
Correct Answer: D. The press
Explanation: The “Fourth Estate” is a traditional term referring to the news media or the press as a societal force.
28. Equal to the occasion means:
Correct Answer: C. Brave and capable
Explanation: Being “equal to the occasion” means having the necessary bravery and capability to deal with a situation effectively.
29. Within earshot means:
Correct Answer: C. Quite close
Explanation: “Within earshot” means close enough to hear what is being said.
30. On the eve of means:
Correct Answer: B. At the time just before
Explanation: “On the eve of” means occurring at the specific time just before a significant event.