Idioms and Phrases with Examples for Competitive Exams
Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom in the given sentence.
The wedding preparations are in full swing.
(A) in great difficulty
(B) at the height of activity
(C) hard to arrange
(D) very costly affair
Correct Answer : B
Karim’s father does not like him hanging around with rowdy boys who cause trouble.
(A) does not like his hanging around
(B) does not like him hang around
(C) does not like his hang around
(D) No correction required
Correct Answer : A
Direction: In the following questions, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom/phrase.
A wild goose chase
(A) Useless search
(B) Fruitful search
(C) Timely search
(D) Wrong decision
Correct Answer : A
Although he has failed in the written examination, he using 'backstairs influence' to get the job.
(A) Political influence
(B) Backing influence
(C) Deserving and proper influence
(D) Secret and unfair influence
Correct Answer : D
Since he knew what would happen, he should be left to 'stew in his own juice'.
(A) Make a stew
(B) Boil
(C) Suffer in his own juice
(D) Suffer for his own act
Correct Answer : D
Explanation :
The idiom/phrase "stew in one's own juice" means to suffer the consequences of one's own actions or decisions. In this sentence, the speaker is suggesting that since the person knew what would happen and still made the decision, they should suffer the consequences.
The Principal was up in arms when he heard that boys had fought over a room sharing in the hostel.
(A) Very hopeless
(B) Very nervous
(C) Very tensed
(D) Very Angry
Correct Answer : D
She is on cloud nine since she heard the news of her destination engagement.
(A) Lost in own world
(B) Free from anxiety
(C) Extremely enthusiastic
(D) Extremely Happy
Correct Answer : D
Hellis is of the opinion that he can plough a lonely furrow for his new business, it is more sensible for him to work as a whole with his partners.
(A) Crack a deal
(B) Create a plan of action
(C) Do without others help
(D) Work alone for profit
Correct Answer : C
In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom/phrase.
every cloud has a silver lining
(A) no bad situation is permanent
(B) if one wants rain then one has to bear with dark clouds
(C) every blessing comes with a hidden curse
(D) every bad situation has some good aspects to it
Correct Answer : D
In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom/phrase.
dark horse
(A) a candidate about whom little is known but who unexpectedly wins
(B) a good person who has been unfairly maligned
(C) a person despised by everybody wins
(D) a very unpredictable contestant, sometimes wins sometimes loses
Correct Answer : A