Some proverbs/idioms are given below together with their meanings. Choose the correct meaning of proverb/idiom.
Go to the dogs
Answer: A
It means to be ruined.
To go to the dogs is to fall into a state of ruin or decay, from meat too bad for people being thrown to the dogs.
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To gird up one's loins
Answer: C
It means to get ready for action.
To gird up one's loins is to prepare for exertion or a struggle, from the long robe tucked into the belt so that a man could move freely.
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Grease the palm
Answer: D
It means to bribe.
To grease someone's palm is to bribe them - the money slipped into the hand as grease eases a wheel.
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Give a wide berth
Answer: D
It means to avoid.
To give a wide berth is to keep well clear, from the sea room a ship needs to swing safely at anchor.
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Give one a long rope
Answer: B
It means to let someone commit mistakes.
To give a long rope is to allow someone freedom enough to bring about their own downfall - enough rope to hang themselves.
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Good turn
Answer: A
It means an act of kindness.
A good turn is a helpful act done for someone, with no expectation of return.
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Hanky Panky
Answer: A
It means jugglery.
Hanky-panky is trickery or underhand dealing, and probably began as conjurors' patter, a corruption of hocus-pocus.
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Hold one's tongue
Answer: B
It means to keep quiet.
To hold one's tongue is to refrain from speaking.
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Hang fire
Answer: D
It means an unresolved issue.
To hang fire is to be delayed or slow to develop, from a gun whose charge is slow to catch.
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Hope against hope
Answer: C
It means to hope in spite of disappointment.
To hope against hope is to go on hoping when there is no reasonable ground for it - Paul's phrase in Romans.
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