Holiday Idioms Quiz
It's that time of year again—snowflakes falling (or, in warmer climates, maybe just the idea of snowflakes), twinkling lights lining every corner, and the scent of peppermint everywhere. The Christmas season has arrived! Alongside the festivities, there's something else we all love: the quirky, fun, and sometimes puzzling expressions that pop up this time of year.
Ever wondered why we say, "Deck the halls" when most of us are just putting up a tree? Or what "Yuletide cheer" even means? These phrases are part of what makes Christmas so enchanting—they bring history, tradition, and a sprinkle of festive magic to our conversations.
Let's unwrap these traditions and get you prepped for our Holiday Idioms Quiz, where festive vibes meet brainpower. But first, let's set the stage with some holiday insights.
Christmas Expressions: Where Do They Come From?
Christmas phrases come with layers of meaning, some straightforward and others delightfully quirky. Here's a peek at a few origins:
"Deck the halls"
This phrase goes way back to the 16th century, inspired by an old Welsh melody. The word "deck" means to decorate—so next time you're stringing lights or hanging ornaments, you're officially "decking" your halls!
"Yuletide"
"Yule" refers to ancient midwinter festivals celebrated by Germanic peoples, long before Christmas as we know it. Adding "tide" simply means season. So, "Yuletide greetings" is just a fancy way of spreading winter cheer!
"Tidings of comfort and joy"
Straight out of the 17th-century carol God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen, this one has a lyrical charm. It's essentially a way of wishing someone peace and happiness during the season.
You'll see some of these phrases and many more in our quiz, but don't worry—it's all in good fun, with a little learning sprinkled in.
10 Festive Idioms and Expressions
- Good things come in small packages: A reminder that even small gifts can hold great value or meaning.
- All the trimmings: Refers to a meal, especially Christmas dinner, served with all the side dishes and extras.
- Bah, humbug!: An expression of disdain for Christmas, made famous by Scrooge in A Christmas Carol.
- Like a kid on Christmas morning: Describes someone who's incredibly excited or eager.
- Don't look a gift horse in the mouth: A reminder to be grateful for gifts without questioning their value.
- Trim the tree: The festive activity of decorating the Christmas tree with ornaments and lights.
- Light up like a Christmas tree: Describes someone who looks visibly happy or excited.
- As snug as a bug in a rug: A cozy phrase often associated with the warmth of the holiday season.
- Making a list and checking it twice: A reference to Santa's routine, used to describe meticulous preparation.
- The more, the merrier: A cheerful way of saying the holidays are better with more people joining in.
How to Take the Holiday Idioms Quiz
Taking the quiz is simple and fun. Here's how:
- Click the "Start Quiz" button to begin.
- Answer each question by selecting the option that seems right. Take your time—there's no penalty for thinking it through!
- Once you answer, check out the explanation to learn a little extra.
- Finish all the questions to see your final score and leaderboard ranking.
- Play more quizzes to score points and boost your leaderboard position.
Easy, right?
Get Ready to Jingle All the Way!
Now that you're armed with some background knowledge, it's time to see how well you really know your Christmas expressions. Whether you're here for the challenge, the fun, or just to soak up the festive vibes, you're in for a treat.
So grab a mug of hot cocoa, find your coziest spot, and let's test your holiday smarts. Good luck, and may your answers be merry and bright!
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Holiday Idioms Quiz Questions
Good things come in ___ packages.
Small
Bright
Round
Large
What does 'skating on thin ice' mean?
Enjoying a safe activity
Acting cautiously
Taking a big risk
Being well-prepared
What does 'snowball effect' mean?
An unexpected surprise
A difficult challenge
A fleeting moment
A situation that grows increasingly larger or more significant
Finish the idiom: As snug as a bug in a ___.
Tree
Rug
Shoe
Mug
What does 'cold turkey' mean?
To stop something abruptly
To be unprepared
To celebrate quietly
To serve leftovers
A ___ is someone who is grumpy or stingy, especially during Christmas.
Scrooge
Grinch
Reindeer
Elf
What does 'the more the merrier' mean?
Sharing is caring
It's better with more people
Be happy in all situations
Celebrate more often
What does the idiom 'snowed under' mean?
Feeling cold
Unprepared for the holidays
Trapped indoors
Overwhelmed with work
What does 'all the trimmings' refer to?
Literally ornaments and decorations
All the extras that complete something
Leftovers
Main dish
Finish the phrase: Don't look a gift horse in the ___.
Saddle
Mouth
Tail
Eye
What does 'Christmas came early' mean?
An unexpected surprise or good fortune
A festive argument
A last-minute change of plans
The holiday season began early
What does 'wrapped around your little finger' mean?
Hiding a secret
To easily control or influence someone
Being extremely lucky
Feeling festive
What does 'trim the tree' mean?
Chop down a tree
Decorate a Christmas tree
Remove old decorations
Cut back on spending
Finish the phrase: The icing on the ___.
Cake
Tree
Gift
Frosting
What does 'like a kid in a candy store' mean?
Excited and overwhelmed by choices
Feeling left out
Spoiled and fussy
Not knowing what to pick
What does 'spread the cheer' mean?
To share joy and happiness
To decorate houses
To deliver gifts
To send invitations
What does 'a snowball's chance in hell' mean?
A very slim or no chance at all
Something fleeting
A rare opportunity
A difficult challenge
What does 'be there with bells on' mean?
To show up eagerly and enthusiastically
To attend reluctantly
To bring decorations
To come with gifts
What does the idiom 'like turkeys voting for Christmas' mean?
Getting excited for the holidays
Acting against one's own best interests
Planning a big feast
Supporting a popular idea
What is the meaning of 'the proof is in the pudding'?
Good things take time
Always check before serving
The real value is in the outcome
The ingredients matter most
26 Comments
19/20 went a bit too quick again and for some strange reason my laptop screen is jumping up and down again hard to stop it where I want it . Not heard of some of them must be American but easy to guess been around a bit long in the tooth now, Lol.
19/20 I have my deduction skills to thank for that
You got 14 out of 20!
You jingled through this quiz with style! While a few questions might have left you snowed under, your effort is still commendable. Keep exploring the wonderful world of idioms and decking the halls with your cheerful energy!
MERRY CHRISTMAS! AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
SEASON’S GREETINGS!
HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Thank you! Merry Christmas to you too!
Happy Holidays!
19/20 I think the Grinch has actually replaced Scrooge as the grumpy one at Christmas.
18/20 – ‘trimming the tree’ isn’t an idiom in UK English
20/20
19/20
Try the algebra quiz!!!
19 / 20 95% Missing out on Trim the tree.
18/20
20/20 – I knew all but the last one. I’ve never heard that one before, but I chose the answer that made the most sense.
Like turkeys voting for Christmas is a new one to me!
8/20
13/20
I don’t know any of these idioms
Sure you do! I mean, you got a 13 out of 20!
I just randomly guessed for them.
Me too! Merry Christmas! I hope you have fun and find many joyous things tomorrow!
Thank you! You too!
20/20!!!!
18/20
18/20 You sleighed this quiz! Your knowledge of Christmas idioms shines brighter than the star on top of the tree. It’s clear you know how to unwrap the meaning behind festive sayings. Keep spreading the cheer with your sharp mind and holiday spirit!
18/20 👍🏻
20/20