ARTICLES WITH IDIOMS EXERCISE 2 (ESL)
B1–B2 · IntermediateThis second exercise in the articles-with-idioms series focuses on the contrast between the and zero article in fixed phrases, including the tricky cases where two similar-sounding idioms take different articles. You can practise the earlier patterns in Exercise 1 before trying these trickier expressions.
1.I'm going to tell him that I'm angry/upset. = I'm going to give him _________________ piece of my mind.
Correct answer: a — give someone a piece of one's mind — fixed idiom with the indefinite article a.
2.She worked as a waitress. = She was waiting _________________ tables.
Correct answer: NO ARTICLE — wait tables = to work as a waiter/waitress. Fixed expression: no article.
3.I thought it was going to end badly, but it all worked out for _________________ best.
Correct answer: the — for the best = with a good ultimate outcome. Fixed idiom with the.
4.He made _________________ bundle ( = a lot of money) selling mobile phones.
Correct answer: a — make a bundle = earn a lot of money. Fixed idiom with the indefinite article a.
5.She has many good things (happening) in her life. = She has _________________ lot going for her.
Correct answer: a — have a lot going for someone — fixed expression using a in "a lot".
6.Easy as _________________ pie = Very easy
Correct answer: NO ARTICLE — easy as pie — fixed simile: no article before "pie".
7.I love to sing, but I can't carry _________________ tune. ( = I can't sing on key/accurately)
Correct answer: a — carry a tune = sing on key. Fixed idiom with the indefinite article a.
8.She's got _________________ blues. = She's sad.
Correct answer: the — have the blues = feel sad. Fixed idiom with the definite article the.
9.To read between _________________ lines = To try to understand what is meant by something that is not expressed clearly
Correct answer: the — read between the lines — fixed idiom with the definite article the.
10.It rings _________________ bell. = It reminds me of something.
Correct answer: a — ring a bell = remind someone of something. Fixed idiom with the indefinite article a.
Next exercise: Articles with Idioms – Exercise 3 →
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