Idioms - Court Interpreters Exam
Questions and Answers | Latest
Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
What does the idiom “hold your tongue” mean in a courtroom setting?
✔✔ Remain silent and do not speak out of turn
What is meant by the phrase “the letter of the law”?
✔✔ The exact wording and strict interpretation of a legal rule
What does “to take the stand” refer to in court?
✔✔ To testify as a witness
What does “beat around the bush” mean when giving testimony?
✔✔ Avoid giving a direct answer
What does it mean if someone “has a chip on their shoulder” in a legal proceeding?
✔✔ They are easily angered or looking for a conflict
1
,What is meant by “open and shut case”?
✔✔ A case with clear evidence and an obvious outcome
What does it mean to “tip the scales of justice”?
✔✔ To influence the outcome unfairly
What does “in hot water” mean in a courtroom context?
✔✔ In serious trouble or legal difficulty
What does the idiom “on the record” mean during a trial?
✔✔ Officially documented as part of court proceedings
What does “get off scot-free” mean after a verdict?
✔✔ Escape punishment completely
What does it mean if someone is “under the table” in a legal setting?
✔✔ Something is done secretly or illegally, often involving bribery
2
, What does “throw the book at someone” mean?
✔✔ To punish someone severely using all possible charges
What does “to have a skeleton in the closet” imply during a deposition?
✔✔ To hide a potentially damaging secret
What is meant by “bending the truth” while under oath?
✔✔ Slightly distorting facts without outright lying
What does the idiom “above the law” mean?
✔✔ Acting as if not subject to the rules or legal consequences
What does it mean when a lawyer “plays devil’s advocate”?
✔✔ Argues the opposing side to test the argument or reveal flaws
What does “sweep it under the rug” mean in court proceedings?
✔✔ To try to hide or ignore something problematic
3
Questions and Answers | Latest
Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
What does the idiom “hold your tongue” mean in a courtroom setting?
✔✔ Remain silent and do not speak out of turn
What is meant by the phrase “the letter of the law”?
✔✔ The exact wording and strict interpretation of a legal rule
What does “to take the stand” refer to in court?
✔✔ To testify as a witness
What does “beat around the bush” mean when giving testimony?
✔✔ Avoid giving a direct answer
What does it mean if someone “has a chip on their shoulder” in a legal proceeding?
✔✔ They are easily angered or looking for a conflict
1
,What is meant by “open and shut case”?
✔✔ A case with clear evidence and an obvious outcome
What does it mean to “tip the scales of justice”?
✔✔ To influence the outcome unfairly
What does “in hot water” mean in a courtroom context?
✔✔ In serious trouble or legal difficulty
What does the idiom “on the record” mean during a trial?
✔✔ Officially documented as part of court proceedings
What does “get off scot-free” mean after a verdict?
✔✔ Escape punishment completely
What does it mean if someone is “under the table” in a legal setting?
✔✔ Something is done secretly or illegally, often involving bribery
2
, What does “throw the book at someone” mean?
✔✔ To punish someone severely using all possible charges
What does “to have a skeleton in the closet” imply during a deposition?
✔✔ To hide a potentially damaging secret
What is meant by “bending the truth” while under oath?
✔✔ Slightly distorting facts without outright lying
What does the idiom “above the law” mean?
✔✔ Acting as if not subject to the rules or legal consequences
What does it mean when a lawyer “plays devil’s advocate”?
✔✔ Argues the opposing side to test the argument or reveal flaws
What does “sweep it under the rug” mean in court proceedings?
✔✔ To try to hide or ignore something problematic
3
