Idioms and Phrases Test-3

The expression "run of the mill "means that something is not distinguished by quality or originality. It refers to a factory or mill in which identical items are  mass produced.

Statement: After Michael missed three shots in a row and passed the ball to a player on the other team, the boys were only up by two and they suspected that Michael would be the Achilles' heel of the team.
Explanation:
The boys suspected that Michael would be the Achilles' heel of the team, which means they considered him to be a weakness in an otherwise strong entity. This conclusion can be drawn based on the following reasons:
1. Michael missed three shots in a row: Missing multiple shots in a row indicates a lack of skill or ability to perform under pressure. This can be seen as a weakness in his basketball skills.
2. Passed the ball to a player on the other team: Passing the ball to the opposing team is a mistake that can result in the other team gaining an advantage. This shows a lack of decision-making ability and can be seen as a weakness in his gameplay.
3. The boys were only up by two: The fact that the team was only leading by two points indicates a close game. Michael's missed shots and turnovers may have contributed to the narrow lead, further highlighting his potential weakness.
Based on these observations, it can be concluded that the boys suspected Michael to be a weakness in the team, as indicated by the phrase "Achilles' heel," which refers to a vulnerable point or weakness in an otherwise strong entity.

Lyle's Regretful Decision:
- Lyle chose Marco as his partner, expecting it to be enjoyable to work with his best friend.
- However, as the project deadline approached and they had made no progress, Lyle realized that he should have made a different choice.
Lyle's Wish for a Different Partner:
- Lyle wishes he had selected someone else as his partner for the project.
Lyle Accepting Responsibility:
- Lyle acknowledges his own role in their failure to complete the project.
- He takes responsibility for his decision to choose Marco as his partner.
Awareness of the Project's Demands:
- Lyle understands that the project requires hard work to be completed successfully.
Considering the Best Course of Action:
- Lyle believes that telling the truth about their lack of progress is the most appropriate and beneficial course of action.
No Other Options:
- None of the provided answer options accurately describe Lyle's situation and feelings.

Explanation:
The correct answer is B. She wanted to take the time to properly prepare her case.
To break it down further:
- The prosecutor knew that the councilman had stolen public funds.
- The prosecutor wanted to charge the councilman with a crime.
- However, before charging him, she wanted to get all of her ducks in a row.
- This means that she wanted to make sure everything was in order and well-prepared before proceeding with the case.
- By doing so, she would increase her chances of a successful prosecution.
- This could involve gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, reviewing documents, and building a strong case against the councilman.
- Taking the time to properly prepare her case would also help the prosecutor present a compelling argument in court.
- It would demonstrate her thoroughness and professionalism as a prosecutor.
- Overall, this approach ensures that the prosecutor is well-prepared and increases the likelihood of a successful outcome in the case.

The statement mentions that Vince knew he had to keep his nose to the grindstone all senior year if he wanted to get into college. From this statement, we can infer that Vince needs to work hard and stay focused in order to achieve his goal. Let's break down the options to see which one aligns with this inference:
A: Vince would have to apply for college.
- The statement does not mention anything about Vince needing to apply for college. It focuses on his dedication and hard work, rather than the application process.
B: Vince would have to work hard for a whole year.
- This option aligns with the statement, as it mentions Vince needing to work hard consistently throughout the senior year.
C: Vince would have to wait patiently for an opportunity.
- The statement does not mention anything about Vince needing to wait patiently. It emphasizes the need for hard work and dedication.
D: Vince would have to stay out of trouble for a whole year.
- The statement does not mention anything about Vince needing to stay out of trouble. It focuses on his academic efforts, rather than his behavior.
E: None of these
- Option B aligns with the statement, so option E is not the correct answer.
Based on the above analysis, option B: Vince would have to work hard for a whole year is the correct answer as it matches the statement's emphasis on dedication and hard work.

Explanation:
Mrs. March was afraid of leaving the student teacher with her third period class because she feared that the student teacher was too inexperienced to handle such a wild bunch. This means that Mrs. March believed that the student teacher lacked the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage the class.
The other options can be ruled out because they are not mentioned in the given statement:
- Mrs. March did not mention anything about the student teacher being jealous of some of the children (Option B).
- There is no mention of the student teacher being mean to the children (Option C).
- There is no mention of the student teacher being sick (Option D).
Therefore, the correct answer is option A: Mrs. March felt that the student teacher was too inexperienced.

Issue: Catherine has been unpleasant towards Alvin.
Context: Catherine's behavior towards Alvin is not unique; she is mean to everyone.
To address this situation, we need to consider the context and provide appropriate advice to Alvin.
Analysis:
- Catherine's behavior is not specific to Alvin; she treats everyone poorly.
- Knowing this, it is essential for Alvin to understand how to handle Catherine's unpleasantness.
Advice:
Based on the given information, the most appropriate advice for Alvin is:
D: Alvin should not be concerned about how Catherine is treating him.
- Catherine's behavior is not a reflection of Alvin's actions or worth.
- Alvin should not take her behavior personally or let it affect his self-esteem.
- It is important for Alvin to recognize that Catherine's unpleasantness is a result of her own issues and not a reflection of his character or worth.
By not being concerned about Catherine's treatment, Alvin can maintain his confidence and focus on his own well-being rather than getting caught up in her negative behavior.

Key information:
- The Mountain Boys, a country western super group, started wearing stovepipe hats.
- Ever since they started wearing these hats, the hats have been selling like hotcakes.
To determine the correct answer, let's analyze the given options:
A: Stovepipe hats have been selling quickly.
- This statement aligns with the information provided in the passage. The hats have been selling like hotcakes, indicating a fast pace of sales.
B: Stovepipe hats have been selling slowly.
- This statement contradicts the information provided in the passage. The passage clearly states that the hats have been selling like hotcakes, implying a rapid rate of sales.
C: Stovepipe hats have been selling at an average pace.
- This statement does not align with the information provided in the passage. The passage mentions that the hats have been selling like hotcakes, suggesting an above-average pace of sales.
D: Stovepipe hats have not been selling at all.
- This statement contradicts the information provided in the passage. The passage explicitly states that the hats have been selling like hotcakes, indicating successful sales.
E: None of these.
- This option is not applicable since option A aligns with the information provided in the passage.
Therefore, the correct answer is A: Stovepipe hats have been selling quickly.

Introduction:
Molly is facing a dilemma as she had promised to go to Beth's parent's cabin for the weekend but has now been invited to the coolest party of the year. This situation puts her in a difficult position where she needs to make a decision.
Detailed Explanation:
Molly's predicament can be analyzed as follows:
1. Conflicting Commitments:
- Molly had previously promised to go to Beth's parent's cabin for the weekend.
- She has now received an invitation to the coolest party of the year.
2. Dilemma:
- Molly finds herself torn between fulfilling her commitment to Beth and attending the exciting party.
- Both options have their own appeal, making it a difficult situation for Molly.
3. Consequences:
- If Molly chooses to go to Beth's parent's cabin, she will keep her promise but miss out on the party.
- If Molly decides to attend the party, she will experience the excitement but break her commitment to Beth.
4. Decision-making Process:
- Molly needs to weigh the importance of her commitment to Beth against the opportunity to attend the coolest party of the year.
- She should consider factors such as her relationship with Beth, the significance of the commitment, and the potential impact of breaking it.
5. Possible Outcomes:
- If Molly decides to prioritize her commitment to Beth, she may have a pleasant weekend at the cabin and maintain a strong relationship with Beth and her family.
- If Molly chooses to attend the party, she may have a memorable experience and potentially enhance her social connections.
Conclusion:
Molly is indeed stuck in a difficult situation where she needs to make a decision between fulfilling her commitment and attending an exciting party. The outcome of her decision will depend on her priorities, values, and the potential impact on her relationships.

The correct option is B.
 crocodile tears, is an idiom that means someone is showing false emotion, such as pain or sympathy.