Animals have their peculiar traits. No wonder many phrases in the English language are derived from them – even our headline.

This is an online quiz for children. Click on the answer you think is correct to find out. Scroll down to start the quiz for kids: Ferret this Out!


The old man's youngest son was the 'black sheep' of the family. What does the phrase 'black sheep' mean?

  • An outcast
  • A unique person
  • Most loved
  • Lucky

I don't want to see these 'crocodile tears!'. What does the term 'crocodile tears' mean?

  • Excuses
  • Gifts
  • Fake crying
  • Bribe

Aman is an 'eager beaver'. What does the term 'eager beaver' mean?

  • Lazy
  • Industrious
  • Restless
  • Impatient

Siddharth has decided to 'pigeonhole' his old textbooks. What does the term 'pigeonhole' refer to?

  • To file away for future use
  • Stack up
  • Bury
  • Give away

How often has someone told you to 'hold your horses' and open the gifts only after the guests have left! What does the term 'hold your horses' mean?

  • Play
  • Take care
  • Be quiet
  • Be patient

On days that Aditi did not feel like attending school, she would 'play possum'. What does the phrase 'play possum' mean?


The two detectives 'smelt a rat' as soon as they entered the subway. What does the term 'smell a rat' mean?


The little boy 'squirrelled away' his pocket money, bit by bit. What does the term 'squirrel away' mean?

  • To save
  • To give
  • To spend
  • To Lose

He saw the ball aimed at him and 'ducked'. What does 'duck' mean?

  • To kick
  • To fall
  • To jump
  • To dodge

The police officer told the constables to 'ferret out' any clues regarding the identity of the thief. What does it mean?

  • To collect
  • To hunt out
  • To dispose
  • To photograph

672 words | 6 minutes
Readability:
Based on Flesch–Kincaid readability scores

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