Question 1

When Wesley forgot his homework again, Mr. Little told him not to (cry over spilled milk).

Accepted Answer

Don’t get upset over something that already happened.

Question 2

Abby had butterflies in her stomach before her big speech, but she decided to (face the music).

Accepted Answer

Accept the results or consequences bravely.

Question 3

Trevor didn’t study for the quiz, so when the grades came back, he really (paid the price).

Accepted Answer

Suffered the result of his actions.

Question 4

When Kinsley finally cleaned her messy desk, Mr. Little said, “Better late than never—you really (hit the nail on the head)!”

Accepted Answer

Said or did something exactly right.

Question 5

Giancarlo was nervous about the game, but his coach said, “Don’t (throw in the towel) yet!”

Accepted Answer

Don’t give up.

Question 6

Nevaeh promised to help Brooklyn study, but she forgot—so she had to (eat her words).

Accepted Answer

Admit she was wrong.

Question 7

When Isaiah told a funny story in class, everyone (burst out laughing).

Accepted Answer

Started laughing suddenly.

Question 8

Hunter told Mekhi not to worry about the test; he had it (in the bag).

Accepted Answer

Certain to succeed.

Question 9

Adrian promised to keep Alex’s secret, but he accidentally (let the cat out of the bag).

Accepted Answer

Revealed a secret.

Question 10

Rebecca didn’t understand the problem, so she asked to (get to the bottom of it).

Accepted Answer

Find the real reason or cause.

Question 11

Piper was nervous, but she decided to (break the ice) with a joke.

Accepted Answer

Make people feel comfortable in a new situation.

Question 12

Lee forgot his lunch again, so Melanie shared hers—talk about a (blessing in disguise)!

Accepted Answer

Something good that seems bad at first.

Question 13

Brooklyn told everyone she was calm, but when the ball came her way, she really (lost her cool).

Accepted Answer

Became upset or angry.

Question 14

When Ellianna told a wild story about aliens, Wesley said, “That’s a (tall tale)!”

Accepted Answer

An exaggerated story.

Question 15

After losing two games, Angel decided to (turn over a new leaf).

Accepted Answer

Start fresh or change behavior.

Question 16

Hunter said he’d help with the science project, but he was just (all talk).

Accepted Answer

Saying things without doing them.

Question 17

Aubrey didn’t get the part in the play, but she decided to (keep her chin up).

Accepted Answer

Stay positive.

Question 18

When Kolt finished his math before everyone else, Mr. Little said, “You’re (ahead of the curve)!”

Accepted Answer

Doing better than average.

Question 19

Melanie wanted to skip her chores, but her mom said, “Nice try—don’t (cut corners)!”

Accepted Answer

Don’t take shortcuts that reduce quality.

Question 20

When the fire alarm rang during lunch, everyone had to (make a run for it).

Accepted Answer

Move quickly to escape or get away.

Question 21

Piper didn’t know what to write, so she (drew a blank).

Accepted Answer

Couldn’t think of anything.

Question 22

Wesley was always ready with his homework—he was (on the ball).

Accepted Answer

Alert and prepared.

Question 23

Adrian told the same joke twice, and no one laughed—they’d (heard it through the grapevine).

Accepted Answer

Heard rumors or gossip.

Question 24

Brooklyn studied all weekend, so the test was a (piece of cake).

Accepted Answer

Something very easy.

Question 25

DJ told everyone his idea for the science fair, but then someone else took it! He said, “That really (took the wind out of my sails).”

Accepted Answer

Made me feel discouraged.

Question 26

Lucy always tries to make people laugh, even if it means being the (class clown).

Accepted Answer

Someone who jokes and entertains in class.

Question 27

When Isaiah forgot his instrument, the teacher said, “You really (missed the boat) today.”

Accepted Answer

Missed an opportunity.

Question 28

Rebecca said she was tired, but her friends knew she was (pulling their leg).

Accepted Answer

Joking or teasing.

Question 29

When Hunter dropped his ice cream, his sister said, “That’s (the last straw)!”

Accepted Answer

The final thing that causes frustration.

Question 30

Kolt and Wesley both wanted the last cookie, so they decided to (flip a coin).

Accepted Answer

Make a random choice.

Question 31

When Aubrey forgot her line in the play, she decided to (think on her feet).

Accepted Answer

React quickly without preparation.

Question 32

Adrian thought he saw a ghost, but it was just his shadow—he had (jumped to conclusions).

Accepted Answer

Decided too quickly without evidence.

Question 33

Kinsley was nervous about trying out, but her mom said, “Go ahead—(give it your best shot)!”

Accepted Answer

Do your best effort.

Question 34

After a long week of tests, the students were (running on empty).

Accepted Answer

Very tired or out of energy.

Question 35

When the principal asked who broke the window, everyone suddenly became (tight-lipped).

Accepted Answer

Refused to speak.

Question 36

Melanie helped Piper find her lost notebook, so Piper said, “You’re a (lifesaver)!”

Accepted Answer

Someone who rescues or helps greatly.

Question 37

Brooklyn and Adrian were (two peas in a pod)—they did everything together.

Accepted Answer

Very similar or close friends.

Question 38

Wesley promised to do his best on the test, even if he had to (burn the midnight oil).

Accepted Answer

Stay up late working.

Question 39

When Hunter forgot his lines, he decided to (wing it).

Accepted Answer

Improvise or do something without preparation.

Question 40

Rebecca dropped her pencil but caught it midair—talk about (quick on the draw)!

Accepted Answer

Fast to react.

Question 41

Piper didn’t want to share her snack, but then she (had a change of heart).

Accepted Answer

Changed her mind.

Question 42

DJ told a story that didn’t make sense, so Mr. Little said, “That’s a (fishy story).”

Accepted Answer

Suspicious or hard to believe.

Question 43

Lee tried to hide his laughter, but it was (written all over his face).

Accepted Answer

Easy to see what someone is feeling.

Question 44

When Aubrey got nervous before her performance, her friend said, “Don’t worry—you’ll (knock ’em dead)!”

Accepted Answer

Impress everyone greatly.

Question 45

Kinsley always helps others, even when she’s tired—she has a (heart of gold).

Accepted Answer

Very kind and caring.

Question 46

Adrian said something mean and instantly wished he could (take it back).

Accepted Answer

Undo what was said.

Question 47

Rebecca was late, but she managed to finish her work (by the skin of her teeth).

Accepted Answer

Barely succeeded.

Question 48

Hunter and Wesley disagreed, but they decided to (bury the hatchet).

Accepted Answer

Make peace.

Question 49

When Piper’s joke didn’t land, she said, “Well, that (fell flat).”

Accepted Answer

Failed to be funny or successful.

Question 50

Melanie didn’t understand the directions, but once Mr. Little explained, it (clicked).

Accepted Answer

Suddenly made sense.

Question	Answer
When Wesley forgot his homework again, Mr. Little told him not to (cry over spilled milk).	Don’t get upset over something that already happened.	Comes from the 1600s when farmers said this about wasted milk—they couldn’t get it back.
Abby had butterflies in her stomach before her big speech, but she decided to (face the music).	Accept the results or consequences bravely.	Soldiers once had to face the band during punishment in old military traditions.
Trevor didn’t study for the quiz, so when the grades came back, he really (paid the price).	Suffered the result of his actions.	Comes from trade and business—if you make a mistake, you “pay” for it.
When Kinsley finally cleaned her messy desk, Mr. Little said, “Better late than never—you really (hit the nail on the head)!”	Said or did something exactly right.	From carpentry—when you strike the nail perfectly, it goes in straight.
Giancarlo was nervous about the game, but his coach said, “Don’t (throw in the towel) yet!”	Don’t give up.	Comes from boxing, when a fighter’s coach throws a towel into the ring to signal surrender.
Nevaeh promised to help Brooklyn study, but she forgot—so she had to (eat her words).	Admit she was wrong.	Dates back to the 1500s, when writers said people must “swallow” their own mistakes.
When Isaiah told a funny story in class, everyone (burst out laughing).	Started laughing suddenly.	Comes from the 1600s idea that emotions could “burst out” like popping bubbles.
Hunter told Mekhi not to worry about the test; he had it (in the bag).	Certain to succeed.	Originated from horse racing, where winners were said to have the prize already “in the bag.”
Adrian promised to keep Alex’s secret, but he accidentally (let the cat out of the bag).	Revealed a secret.	In medieval markets, dishonest sellers sometimes sold a cat in place of a pig—once the bag was opened, the trick was revealed.
Rebecca didn’t understand the problem, so she asked to (get to the bottom of it).	Find the real reason or cause.	From old sailing terms—divers searched “to the bottom” for answers or lost cargo.
Piper was nervous, but she decided to (break the ice) with a joke.	Make people feel comfortable in a new situation.	Comes from ships that broke ice to open paths—making it easier to move forward.
Lee forgot his lunch again, so Melanie shared hers—talk about a (blessing in disguise)!	Something good that seems bad at first.	Comes from a poem in the 1700s about hidden blessings.
Brooklyn told everyone she was calm, but when the ball came her way, she really (lost her cool).	Became upset or angry.	Became popular in the 1950s, linked to the slang idea of staying “cool” under pressure.
When Ellianna told a wild story about aliens, Wesley said, “That’s a (tall tale)!”	An exaggerated story.	Originated in frontier America where storytellers liked to “stretch” the truth.
After losing two games, Angel decided to (turn over a new leaf).	Start fresh or change behavior.	Comes from the 1500s when “leaf” meant a page in a book—turning it meant starting anew.
Hunter said he’d help with the science project, but he was just (all talk).	Saying things without doing them.	The phrase grew in the early 1900s when people were called out for not taking action.
Aubrey didn’t get the part in the play, but she decided to (keep her chin up).	Stay positive.	Comes from British soldiers being told to lift their chins to show courage.
When Kolt finished his math before everyone else, Mr. Little said, “You’re (ahead of the curve)!”	Doing better than average.	Comes from grading curves used in schools to compare scores.
Melanie wanted to skip her chores, but her mom said, “Nice try—don’t (cut corners)!”	Don’t take shortcuts that reduce quality.	From carpentry—cutting corners makes the structure weak.
When the fire alarm rang during lunch, everyone had to (make a run for it).	Move quickly to escape or get away.	Comes from the 1800s idea of running fast to avoid danger.
Piper didn’t know what to write, so she (drew a blank).	Couldn’t think of anything.	Comes from old lotteries—if you drew a blank slip, you won nothing.
Wesley was always ready with his homework—he was (on the ball).	Alert and prepared.	From sports, where players must stay focused on the ball to succeed.
Adrian told the same joke twice, and no one laughed—they’d (heard it through the grapevine).	Heard rumors or gossip.	Comes from the telegraph lines of the 1800s that looked like grapevines.
Brooklyn studied all weekend, so the test was a (piece of cake).	Something very easy.	Became popular in the 1930s—winners of contests often received cake as a prize.
DJ told everyone his idea for the science fair, but then someone else took it! He said, “That really (took the wind out of my sails).”	Made me feel discouraged.	From sailing—when wind is blocked, a boat slows down.
Lucy always tries to make people laugh, even if it means being the (class clown).	Someone who jokes and entertains in class.	Dates back to medieval jesters who entertained in royal courts.
When Isaiah forgot his instrument, the teacher said, “You really (missed the boat) today.”	Missed an opportunity.	Comes from the literal idea of missing a ship’s departure.
Rebecca said she was tired, but her friends knew she was (pulling their leg).	Joking or teasing.	From 1800s England, when tricksters tugged people’s legs to distract them while pickpocketing.
When Hunter dropped his ice cream, his sister said, “That’s (the last straw)!”	The final thing that causes frustration.	From the saying “the straw that broke the camel’s back.”
Kolt and Wesley both wanted the last cookie, so they decided to (flip a coin).	Make a random choice.	Coin tossing goes back to ancient Rome, where it was used to settle decisions.
When Aubrey forgot her line in the play, she decided to (think on her feet).	React quickly without preparation.	Comes from actors and soldiers who had to make fast decisions while standing.
Adrian thought he saw a ghost, but it was just his shadow—he had (jumped to conclusions).	Decided too quickly without evidence.	The phrase appeared in the 1800s about people making quick judgments.
Kinsley was nervous about trying out, but her mom said, “Go ahead—(give it your best shot)!”	Do your best effort.	Comes from sports and hunting—taking your best “shot” at a goal.
After a long week of tests, the students were (running on empty).	Very tired or out of energy.	From car engines running without fuel, popularized in the 1970s.
When the principal asked who broke the window, everyone suddenly became (tight-lipped).	Refused to speak.	Comes from the image of keeping lips pressed together to hide information.
Melanie helped Piper find her lost notebook, so Piper said, “You’re a (lifesaver)!”	Someone who rescues or helps greatly.	Comes from people who saved others from drowning.
Brooklyn and Adrian were (two peas in a pod)—they did everything together.	Very similar or close friends.	From the 1500s—peas growing closely inside the same pod.
Wesley promised to do his best on the test, even if he had to (burn the midnight oil).	Stay up late working.	Comes from the 1600s when people used oil lamps to study at night.
When Hunter forgot his lines, he decided to (wing it).	Improvise or do something without preparation.	From theater—actors performing without scripts had to “fly by the seat of their wings.”
Rebecca dropped her pencil but caught it midair—talk about (quick on the draw)!	Fast to react.	From the Old West, where gunslingers had to draw their weapons quickly.
Piper didn’t want to share her snack, but then she (had a change of heart).	Changed her mind.	From ancient belief that emotions and decisions came from the heart.
DJ told a story that didn’t make sense, so Mr. Little said, “That’s a (fishy story).”	Suspicious or hard to believe.	Comes from the smell of bad fish, meaning something doesn’t seem right.
Lee tried to hide his laughter, but it was (written all over his face).	Easy to see what someone is feeling.	Comes from the idea that facial expressions “write” our emotions.
When Aubrey got nervous before her performance, her friend said, “Don’t worry—you’ll (knock ’em dead)!”	Impress everyone greatly.	Started in early show business slang for amazing performances.
Kinsley always helps others, even when she’s tired—she has a (heart of gold).	Very kind and caring.	From the 1500s—gold represented the most precious and pure quality.
Adrian said something mean and instantly wished he could (take it back).	Undo what was said.	Comes from the natural image of “retrieving” words as if they were objects.
Rebecca was late, but she managed to finish her work (by the skin of her teeth).	Barely succeeded.	From the Bible’s Book of Job, meaning almost not at all.
Hunter and Wesley disagreed, but they decided to (bury the hatchet).	Make peace.	Comes from Native American tribes who literally buried weapons as a sign of peace.
When Piper’s joke didn’t land, she said, “Well, that (fell flat).”	Failed to be funny or successful.	Comes from the theater—when a line or performance “fell flat” without applause.
Melanie didn’t understand the directions, but once Mr. Little explained, it (clicked).	Suddenly made sense.	Comes from the 1900s image of gears or switches connecting with a “click.”

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