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Business English Idioms Quiz: What’s the Missing Word?
- Erin West
- Feb 28
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 13
Welcome to the Business English Idioms Quiz!
Today’s Focus:
Common idioms for handling workplace frustration and tough decisions.
Today's Challenge:
You’ve been patient with someone who keeps messing up... but this time, it’s too much.
Which word best completes the sentence below?
Missing the deadline for the third time was the last _____. I'll have to report him.
A) step
B) straw
C) nerve
D) patience
Choose the correct option and listen to the sentence.
Did you get it right?
STRAW
noun, countable, uncountable
a single thin, dry stem of wheat or other grains; thin, dry stems of wheat or other grains used for making baskets, hats, animal bedding, etc.; a drinking tube
We need to find a more eco-friendly alternative to plastic straws in our company cafeteria.
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THE LAST STRAW
idiom
the final problem in a series of problems that makes someone lose patience or take action
The constant technical issues were frustrating, but when the system crashed during a client presentation, that was the last straw.
Our supplier increased prices again—after all the delays, this is the last straw. We need to find a new vendor.
I was already frustrated, but when she showed up late again, it was the last straw.
That email he sent to the client without telling anyone? Yeah, that was the last straw.
I can deal with delays, but losing the files was the last straw.
That's right. The correct answer is B) straw.
Learn More Business English Idioms to Talk About Frustration
Work can be stressful. Learn how native speakers express frustration in everyday business conversations. Take the quiz and see which phrases you already know—and which ones might surprise you!
Choose the word that best completes each sentence.
Scroll down to the answer key for the definitions.
You're on fire! Click the image below to try another quiz.
ANSWER KEY
1. These constant system crashes are driving me up the _____ .
A) road
B) wall
C) bookshelf
D) wallpaper
DRIVE someone UP THE WALL
idiom
to annoy someone a lot
These loud noises are driving me up the wall!
The system crashes keep happening—it’s driving the whole team up the wall.
2. The meeting was tense. Let’s go for a walk and blow off some _____ .
A) pressure
B) steam
C) glitter
D) fog
BLOW OFF SOME STEAM
idiom
to do something to relax or release stress
After that meeting, I needed to blow off some steam.
Let’s go for a walk to blow off some steam.
3. When he questioned her leadership, it really hit a _____ .
A) nerve
B) cheeseburger
C) cloud
D) cactus
HIT A NERVE
idiom
to say something that touches a sensitive subject and makes someone feel upset, angry, or emotional
When he mentioned her mistake, it really hit a nerve.
That comment hit a nerve—she got very defensive.
4. His emails always _____ me the wrong way. They sound so passive-aggressive.
A) juggle
B) microwave
C) tickle
D) rub
RUB someone THE WRONG WAY
idiom
to annoy or bother someone
He’s nice, but something about his emails rubs me the wrong way.
Her tone always rubs me the wrong way.
5.When the server crashed again, he totally _____ it.
A) missed
B) lost
C) freaked
D) tripped
LOST IT
idiom
to suddenly become very angry
I completely lost it when the server crashed again.
He tries to stay calm, but today he just lost it.
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