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Idioms Rakesh Yadav Readers Publication: English by Sohail Ahmad Khan

This document contains definitions for 82 common English idioms, including their meanings and examples of use. Some examples of idioms defined are "toe the line" which means to follow the lead, "wide off the mark" meaning irrelevant, and "cut me one short" meaning to stop before the end or abbreviate. The idioms cover a variety of topics and include their origins and examples of use in sentences to demonstrate their meanings.
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100% found this document useful (1 vote)
409 views24 pages

Idioms Rakesh Yadav Readers Publication: English by Sohail Ahmad Khan

This document contains definitions for 82 common English idioms, including their meanings and examples of use. Some examples of idioms defined are "toe the line" which means to follow the lead, "wide off the mark" meaning irrelevant, and "cut me one short" meaning to stop before the end or abbreviate. The idioms cover a variety of topics and include their origins and examples of use in sentences to demonstrate their meanings.
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Idioms Rakesh Yadav Readers Publication

1. Toe the line – t ksdgk t k, ml dk i kyu djuk (To follow the lead) (SSC–13)
2. Wide off the mark – v l a
xr (irrelevent) (SSC–12)
3. To the core – v a
r nj rd. i w
j h rjg l s(Ultimately or completely or totally) (SSC–2009)
4. A shot in the dark – v a
/ sjsesarhj pykuk (An attempt to guress something) (SSC–12)
5. For better or worse – pkgst ksHkh gks( v PNk ; k cq
j k) (this could be good or bad) (SSC–2014)
6. Fit of the blues – mnkl h (depression) (SSC–13)
7. Keep your wig on – ' kka
r jguk (Calm down) (SSC–2011)
8. Too fond of one own choice – nw
l jksadksxkS
j l sughal q
uuk (does not listen properly to anyone else) (SSC–13)
9. Out of the question – v l EHko (Impossible) (SSC–13)
10. A little gush of gratitude – v i uki u egl w
l djuk (Friendly feeling) (SSC–2008)
11. To fall back on – v kJ; ys
uk (to seek support out of necessity) (SSC–2001)
12. Cut on ice – dks
bZi zHkko ughaMkyuk (had no influence on me) (SSC–14)
13. Cut my teeth on – v uq
Hko i zkIr djuk (to gain experience) (SSC–12)
14. To pull strings – O
; fDrxr i zHkko dk bLrseky djuk (To exert hidden influence) (SSC–12)
15. In Iieu of – dsLFkku i j (in place of) (SSC– cpo2014)
16. Go a long way – l i Q
y gksuk (Will be successful) (SSC–2008)
17. Cut him off, without a shilling – v i uh l a
i fÙk l scsn[ ky dj nsuk (To be intentionally disinherited from a will)
(SSC–13)
18. Cool as cucumber – cgq
r ' kka
r (very calm, with no worries) (SSC–14)
19. Nineteen to the dozen – fcuk : dsyxkrkj ckrs
adjuk (talking very fast, without stopping) (SSC–2014)
20. Turn a blind eye – t kucw
>dj è; ku u nsuk (to ignore something and pretened you do not see it) (SSC–2014)
21. Let sleeping dogs lie – l ks
r s' ksj dksughaNsM+
uk (Do not instigate trouble) (SSC–13)
22. Bet one's bottom dollar – fuf' pr gks
uk (to be certain of something) (SSC–2012)
23. Asleep at the wheels – è; ku ughans
uk (not paying attention) (SSC–2012)
24. A tall story – ft l dgkuh i j fo' okl djuk eq
f' dy gks(a story or a statement that is difficult to believe because
it in too exciting or interesting) (SSC–2012)
25. A taste of one's medicine – t S
l s dks rS
l k (When you are mistreated the same way you mistreat others.)
(SSC–2012)
26. Have an ace up your sleeve – ykHk dh fLFkfr es
agksuk (to have an advantage that other people do not know
about) (SSC–2012)
27. Kick one's heels – fcuk dkj.k ba
r t kj djuk (wait our pass the time aimlessly) (SSC–2011)
28. A scapegoat – cfy dk cdjk cuuk (to make someone take the blame for something) (SSC–2011)
29. Strike a bargain – l e>kS
r k djuk (to reach an agreement on a price or negotiation) (SSC–2011)
30. Had better – pkfg, (Should) (SSC–2011)
31. Give me hand with – fdl h dh enn djuk (to help someone do something) (SSC–2011)
32. Look blank – Hkkojfgr (Be expressionless)
33. Trumped up – cgq
r c<+
k&p<+
kdj (overly praised) (SSC–2010)
English by Sohail Ahmad Khan 346
Idioms Rakesh Yadav Readers Publication
34. At first blush – i gyh ut j es
a(at first glance or signt) (SSC)
35. Hidden agenda – xq
Ir Iyku (a secret plan) (SSC–2012)
36. Beat black and blue – cq
j h rjg l si hVuk (black marks caused by being hit) (SSC–2012)
37. Latched on to – fdl h dsut nhd gks
uk (to stay close to someone) (SSC–2013)
38. Follow one's nose – l h/ k t kuk (gp om a straight line) (SSC–2013)
39. Went haywire – xyr rjhdk (to go wrong; to malfunction;) (SSC–2013)
40. Backseat driver – fcu eka
xsl ykg nsuk (an annoying passenger wo tells the driver how to drive) (SSC–2013)
41. Chicken out – Mj dsekjsdq
N djusl sMjuk (to fail to do something fear) (SSC–2013)
42. To make do – O
; fLFkr djuk (to manage) (SSC–2013)
43. Give and take – , d nw
l jsl sfeydj i Q
k; nk ysuk (mutual concessions, shared benefits, and cooperation) (SSC–
2013)
44. Fly a kite – l a
Hkkfor l q
>ko nsuk (to suggest a possible explanation for something) (SSC–2009)
45. The achilles's heel – det ks
j fcUnq (Weak point) (SSC–09,19)
46. Free for all – v fu; a
f=kr gksuk (a disorganized brawl or argument) (SSC–09)
47. Went off well – l i Q
y gksuk (Suucced) (SSC–2012)
48. Carry the day – l i Q
yrk feyuk (to be successful) (SSC–2012)
49. Take you for a ride – / ks
[ kk nsuk (to cheat or deceive someone) (SSC–2012)
50. Feel one's pulse – fdl h dk ew
M Hkki uk (To judge the mood or views of) (SSC–2013)
51. A leg to stand on – t gk¡ i j v ki dq
N dj u l ds(to be in a situation where you cannot prove something)
52. To cut me one short – l a
f{kIr djuk (To stop before the end abbreviate.) (SSC–2013)
53. Far cry – nw
j dh ckr (very different from something) (SSSC–2012)
54. In High dudgeon – xq
Ll k (a feeling of intense indignation) (SSC–2012,13)
55. Cows come home – cgq
r l e; dsfy, (for a very long time) (SSC– 2013)
56. Work against the time – cgqr rst h l sfnuHkj dke djuk (to work very fast becasuse you know you only have a
limited period of time to do someting) (SSC–2013)
57. Half hearted – fu: R
l kfgr (having or showing little enthusiasm.) (SSC–2010)
58. To come clean – bZ
ekunkj gksuk (to be honest with somebody about something) (SSC–2010)
59. Keep in the dark – v a
/ sjs esaj[ kuk (to not tell someone about something) (SSC–2010)
60. Passing the buck – yka
Nu yxkuk (to pass the blame) (SSC–2010)
61. Salt of the earth – bZ
ekunkj O;fDr (the most worthy of people) (SSC–2010)
62. Lay down their arms – l ei Z
. k djuk (to surrender) (SSC–2010)
63. Live from hand to mouth – eq
f' dy l s xq
t j cl j djuk (to have just enough money to live on and nothing
extra) (SSC–2012)
64. To give vent to – xq
Ll k i zd V djuk (to express anger.) (SSC–2012)
65. To rock the boat – dq
N djuk t ksl eL; k i S
nk djs(to do or say something that causes problems) (SSC–2012)
66. to beat the air – O
; FkZi z;kl (Useless effort) (SSC–2012)
67. A cry in wilderness – fopkj t ksi z
fl ¼ u gks(someone who expresses an idea or opinion that is not popular)
(SSC–2012)
68. Wear and tear – {kfr (damage) (SSC – 2012)
69. To speak one's mind – v i uh fLFkfr dkst kuuk (make one's position known) (SSC–2012)
70. Leave high and dry – v l gk; Nks
M+nsuk (to leave someoinehelpless) (SSC–08)
71. Take for granted – fdl h dksegÙo u ns
uk (to value someone or something too lightly) (SSC–08)

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Idioms Rakesh Yadav Readers Publication
72. End is fiasco – v l i Q
y gksuk (to end with a failure) (SSC)
73. Turn one's head – ?ka
eM gksuk (to cause to become egotistical and conceited) (SSC–08)
74. Turn up one's nose – v Lohdkj djuk (to reject someone or something) (SSC–08)
75. Struck a chill to the heart – Hk; O
; kIr gksuk (arouse fear) (SSC–07)
76. Pros and cons – ykHk v kS
j gkfu (The advantages and disadvantages of something) (SSC–07)
77. To take into account – ft Ees
nkjh ysuk (to remember to consider someone) (SSC–07)
78. Keep under wrap – xq
Ir j[ kuk (to keep something concealed) (SSC)
79. A sore point with – t kspht xq
Ll k fnyk, (which make upset) (SSC)
80. On the verge of – dsdjhc (on the brink of) (SSC)
81. Out of thin air – dq
N ugh fudyuk (out of nothing.) (SSC)
82. Take a grain salt of – i w
. kZl R; ughagksuk (to consider something to be not completely true or right) (SSC)
83. Hold court with – yks
xksa}kjk xkS
j l sl q
uk t k, (to get a lot of attention from a group of people) (SSC–08)
84. Iron will – ekufl d ' kfDr (strength of mind of will) (SSC–08)
85. A free hand – v kt knh ns
uk (to allow someone to do whatever they think in necessary) (SSC–2012)
86. As hard as nail – n; k ughagks
uk (to have no feelings or sympathy for other people) (SSC–2012)
87. Eat like a horse – cgq
r [ kkuk (to eat large amounts of food) (SSC–2014)
88. Take thee at thy word – t ksdguk ml i j fo' okj djuk (I believe what you say.)
89. Set the record straight – l PpkbZl keus ykuk (to put right a mistake or misunderstanding) (SSC–07)
90. Wet one's whistle – ' kjkc i huk (to have a dirik, especially an alcoholic drink) (SSC–2013)
91. Jumped out of my skin – v k' p; Zpfdr gku
sk (very surprised or shocked) (SSC–2012)
92. Pours cold water – grks
Rl kfgr djuk (to discourage doing something;) (SSC–12)
93. Let her hair down – et s djuk (behave much more freely than usual and enjoy yourself:) (SSC–12)
94. Soft option – cgq
r l kjsfodIy gksuk (in a number of choices) (SSC–11)
95. Out of my wits – Mj t kuk (to make someone very fightened) (SSC–13)
96. Not to look a gift horse in the mouth – v gl ku i Q
jkeksl gksuk (to be ungrateful to someone who gives you
something) (SSC–13)
97. To turn one's back on – mi s
{kk djuk (ignore (someone) by turning away from them.) (SSC–14)
98. Swept under the carpet – fNi uk (to hide or ignore something) (SSC–14)
99. Grease the palm – fj' or ns
uk (to bribe someone) (SSC–13)
100. To roll out the red carpet – / w
e/ ke l sLokxr djuk (to give someone treatment befitting royalty) (SSC–14)
101. Forty winks – >i dh ys
uk (a nap; a sort sleep) (SSC–13)
102. Pink slip – ukd
Sjh pyh t kuk (notice of dismissal from one's job.) (SSC–13)
103. Afraid of her own shadow – Mjuk (to be extreamely nervous and easily frightened) (SSC–2013)
104. Washed their hands off – i Yyk >kM+
uk (to end one's association with someone or something) (SSC–2012)
105. halcyon days – i z
l Uurk dsfnu (a very happy or successful period in the past) (SSC–2012)
106. Fell on stony ground – yks
xks}kjk è; ku ughafn; k t kuk (People ignore it) (SSC–2012)
107. All his ducks in a row – pht ks
adksO;fLFkr djuk (to organize things well) (SSC–2012)
108. Keep one's word – oknk cuk; sj[ kuk (to uphold one's promise; to do aas one says) (SSC–2013)
109. Doctor the accounts – / ks
[ kk/ M+
h dj uk (manipulate some important documents) (SSC–10)
110. Measure up – l gh rjhdsl srq
y uk djuk (to compare well to someone or something) (SSC–10)
111. On good terms – nks
Lrkuk (fiendly with someone) (SSC–10)
112. To go scot free – eki Q
h i kuk (to go unpunished) (SSC–11)
English by Sohail Ahmad Khan 348
Idioms Rakesh Yadav Readers Publication
113. Full of hot air – ew
[ kZ
r ki w
. kZ(full of nonsense) (SSC–13)
114. Off the top of his head – cgq
r v f/ d l ksps fcuk (without giving it too much thought or without precise
knowledge) (SSC–13)
115. Rings a bell – ; kn fnykuk (to cause someone to remeber something) (SSC–13)
116. To the letter – ' kC
n' k%(exactly as instructed) (SSC–13)
117. Back to square one – i z
kjfEHkd v oLFkk esaykV
Suk (back to the beginning) (SSC)
118. Drops a bombshell – v pkud dq
N dguk (shattering announcement) (SSC–14)
119. Be like watching grass grow – uhjl (very boring) (SSC–14)
120. The balloon goes up – xa
Hkhj ysfdu v : fpi w
. kZl eL; k (a situation suddenly becomes very serious or unpleas-
ant) (SSC–14)
121. Pay on the nail – dS
' k nsuk (pay prompthly in cash) (SSC)
122. All ears – è; ku l s l q
uuk (listening eagerly and carefully) (SSC–2014)
123. Salad days – ; q
okokLFkk dk v PNk l e; (carefree pleasures, a time of youth) (SSC–2014)
124. Dragging one's feet – ns
j djuk (postpone) (SSC–2013)
125. Playing to gallery – l eFkZ
u gkfl y djuk (Appeal to spectators for maximum approval) (SSC–2013)
126. Dime a dozen – dkS
fM+
; ksadsHkko (So plentiful as to be valueless) (SSC–2012,10)
127. A bolt from the blue – v pkud v k; k gq
vk l a
d V (an event or a piece of news which is sudden or unexpecte)
(SSC–2011)
128. A pretty penny – cgq
r l kjk / u (a lot of money) (SSC–2010)
129. Nitty gritty – eq
[ ; l kjka
' k (most important details of an issue or a situation) (CDS–10)
130. Sinews of wary – / u (Money) (CDS–2011)
131. In hot water – i js
' kkuh esai M+
uk (get into trouble) (SSC–2012,13)
132. Wild goose chase – fujFkZ
d i z;kl djuk (to futile search) (SSC–2009)
133. Rank and File – l k/ kj.k yks
x (Ordinary person) (SSC–2008)
134. At the4 drop of a hat – rq
j Ur (imme–diately) (SSC–2009)
135. Spill the beans – jgL; mt kxj djuk (to reveal the secret) (SSC–2007)
136. Let bygones be bygones – i q
j kuh ckrksadks Hkq
y k nsuk (forget about disagreements that happened in the past)
(SSC–2007)
137. Fall flat – dks
bZi zHkko ughaMky l dk (Produce no effect) (SSC–2012)
138. Paint the town red – et smM+
kuk (to go to a lot of different bars, clubs and enjoy youself) (CDS–2011)
139. To eat humble pie – v i uh xyrh Lohdkj djuk (to say and show that you are sorry for a mistake that you
made) (SSC–2013)
140. To eat your word – v i usdgsgq
, ' kCn oki l ysuk (to admit that what you said was wrong) (SSC–09)
141. To meet your half way – l e>kS
r k djuk (to reach an agreement with sb by giving them part of what they
want) (SSC–08)
142. To meet trouble half way – fdl h ?kVuk ds?kVusl si gysml fo"k; i j fpa
r k djuk (to worry about anything before it
comes)
143. An ace of – dsfcU
nqi j (very close to something) (SSC–2013)
144. Put me on my mettle – dfBu i fjfLFkfr es
al kgl dh i jh{kk (do one's best in difficult situation)
145. Turn over a new leaf – u; h ' kq
: v kr djuk (to give fresh start)
146. In the long run – v kf[ kjdkj (eventually)
147. Callin question pq
ukS
r h nsuk (to challenge)
148. In the nick of time – Bhd l e; i j (Just in time before something bad happens)

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Idioms Rakesh Yadav Readers Publication
149. Through thick and thin – gj i fjfLFkfr es
a(in every condition) (SSC–2007)
150. Hand and glove – ?kfu"Vrk (close relationship) (SSC–2007)
151. Sit on the fence – v fu.kZ
; dh fLFkfr (undecided) (SSC–2013)
152. At issue – >xM+
k] fookn (dispute)
153. Bring to light – i z
d k' k esaykuk (to reveal something to the public) (SSC)
154. Burn your finger – v i usv ki dksi js
' kkuh esaMkyuk (get into trouble yourself) (SSC)
155. Strain every nerve – gj l EHko i z
; kl djuk (to try as hard as you can to do something) (SSC)
157. Beside oneself – i js
' kku gksuk] fpfUrr gksuk (unable to control yourself) (SSC–08s)
158. Into the bargain – v frfjDr (in addition to) (SSC–)
159. To adore the rising sun – mxrsgq
, lw
j t dksl yke djuk (to worship a man who is going ery successful) (SSC)
160. At sixes and seven – frrj&fcrj djuk (not well organised) (SSC–2014)
161. Give yourself airs – fn[ kkok djuk (to boast) (SSC–2013)
162. Foot the bill – fcy v nk djuk (to pay the bill) (SSC–09)
163. Tooth and nail – t h t ku l s(with full force) (SSC)
164. Dead letter – v i z
pfyr (out of date) (SSC–2009,13)
165. Set the Thames on fire – v k' ; pZpfdr gks
uk (to surprised) (SSC)
166. Out of sorts – rfc; r [ kjkc gks
uk (to become sick) (CDS–2009)
167. Null and void – i z
Hkkoghu (effectless) (SSC–2011,13)
168. Nook and corner – i z
R;sd LFkku esa(in every place) (SSC–09,08)
169. To set at naught – cckZ
n gksuk (come to no result) (SSC)
170. Narrow circumstances – xjhch dsfnu (day of poverty) (SSC–2009)
171. To put up with – cnkZ
' kr djuk (to bear with) (SSC–09, 11)
172. To feather one's own nest – v i uk LokFkZfl ¼ djuk (to look after one's own interests) (SSC–2008)
173. To oil some one's hand – fj' or ns
uk (to give bribe) (SSC)
174. Pandora's box – i js
' kkfu; ksadk dkj.k (cause of troubles) (SSC–2012)
175. Part and parcel – v ko' ; d v a
x (an essential part of something) (SSC–2012)
176. To pester with – ra
x djuk (to annoy someone with something) (CDS)
177. To take pains – dfBu i fjJe (to work hard) (SSC)
178. to pull of pieces – Mk¡Vuk] i Q
Vdkjuk (to scold) (SSC)
179. A big shot – egÙoi w
. kZO;fDr (important person) (SSC)
180. To rain cats and dogs – ew
l yk/ kj ckfj' k gksuk (to heavy rain) (SSC–2007)
181. To rise the occasion – l gh l e; i j (on the right time)
182. Storm in a tea cup – ckr dk cra
xM+cukuk (worried about something that is not important) (SSC–2009)
183. Fly of the handle – Øks
f/ r gksuk (to anger) (SSC)
184. To poke one's nose into – v M+
xk Mkyuk (to meddle) (SSC)
a
185. A white lie – l i Q
sn >w
B (a lie that you tell in order not to upset someone) (SSC)
186. To look down upon – ?k̀. kk dh nf̀"V l sns
[ kuk (to think that you are better than somebody) (SSC)
187. Drink like a fish – cgq
r v f/ d efnjk l sou (to drink alcohol excessively) (SSC)
188. To lead to the altar – ' kknh djuk (to marry) (SSC)
189. A thorn in flesh – i js
' kkuh dk dkj.k (cause of trouble) (SSC)
190. Mare's nest – >w
Bh [ kcj (false news) (SSC)
w
191. In a jiffy – v pkud (sudden) (SSC)

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Idioms Rakesh Yadav Readers Publication
192. Be in the mire – i js
' kkuh esai M+
uk (fall into trouble) (SSC)
193. The crack of dawn – i z
kr%dky dk l e; (morning time) (SSC)
194. Spick and span – l ki Ql q
Fkjk (neat and clean) (SSC–2011)
195. A square deal – fu"i {k (fair) (SSC)
196. Small fry – l k/ kj.k yks
x (ordinary people) (SSC–2008)
197. Out of the word – [ krjsl sckgj (out of danger) (SSC)
198. Hanky Panky – Ny di V (to mislead) (SSC)
199. Bird's eye view – l jl jh fuxkg l s(cursory glance) (SSC)
200. Hue and cry – ' kks
j xq
y (to make a noise) (SSC)
201. To go the dogs – cckZ
n gkst kuk (to ruin) (SSC–2014)
202. To put pen to paper – fy[ kuk i z
kjEHk dj nsukA (to begin writhing) (SSC–2007)
203. Pin prick – Nks
Vh eksVh i js'kkuh (a small irritation) (SSC)
204. Pell mell / cjkgV (very quickly and a way that s not controlled) (SSC)
205. A play a second fiddle – nw
l j s l s de egRoi w
. kZLFkku i j dke dj uk (to have a less important position than
somebody) (SSC)
206. Capital punishment – eR̀
; qna
M (punis-hment by death) (SSC)
207. Cock and bull story – eux<+
ur dgkuh (a story that is unlikely to be ture) (SSC-2008)
208. Corporal punishment – ' kkjhfjd n.M (the physical punishment of the people) (SSC–2007)
209. Foul play – / ks
[ kk nsukA (to cheat somebody) (SSC–2009)
210. By leaps and bounds – cgq
r rst h l sc<+
uk (very quickly) (SSC–2014)
211. To be a good books of – fdl h dk Ñi k i k=k gks
uk (be a favour of somebody) (SSC)
212. By fits and starts – : d&: d dj (spasmodic) (SSC–2007)
213. Child's play – v kl ku dk; Z(easy work) (SSC)
214. Palmy days – [ kq
' kh dsfnu (gala days) (SSC)
215. Petticoat government – ft l ' kkl u es
afL=k; ksadk v uq
fpr ncko gksA (undue influence by women in government)
216. Pay lip service – t h gq
tw
j h djuk (to flattery) (SSC)
217. Make a mountain to a mole hill – jkbZdk i gkM+cukukA (to make an unimportant matter seem important)
(SSC–2012, 14)
218. Himalayan blunder – cgq
r Hkkjh xyrh (big mistake)
219. Fish in the troubled water – fdl h dh i js
' kkuh dk ykHk mBkukA (to take advantage somebody's problem) (SSC–
2012,)
220. Cast pearl before swine – HkS
l ds v kxs chu ct kukA (to offer something valuable to someone who does not
a
understand that it is valuable) (SSC-13)
221. Between scylla and charybdis – nksdfBu i fjl Fkfr; ks
adschp esa
A (In a position where avoidance of one danger
exposes one to another danger) (SSC)
222. All greek and latin – ft l sl e>kuk dfBu gks
A (difficult to understand) (SSC)
223. A gala day – i z
l Uurk dsfnuA (day of happiness) (SSC)
224. Lion's share – cgq
r cM+
k fgLl kA (the greatest part) (SSC–2012)
225. Summer friend – v PNsfnuks
adk l kFkh (who with you in the day of prosperous) (SSC)
227. Dutch courage – u' kk djdsv kusokyk l kgl (courage acquired from drinking liquor)
228. Stand offish – mnkl huA (aloof or reserved) (SSC–2017)
229. Sow one's wild oats – ; q
okv oLFkk dh csodw
fi Q
; ka(to go through a period of wild behaviour while young)
230. To break the ice – pq
Ii h rksM+
uk (to start talking) (SSC–2013)
English by Sohail Ahmad Khan 351
Idioms Rakesh Yadav Readers Publication
231. In a nut shell – l a
{ksi esa(in brief) (SSC)
232. In embryo – v fodfl r (undeveloped) (SSC)
233. In the same boat – , d l eku v oLFkk (in the same position) (SSC–2013)
234. Jack of all trades – gj fo"k; dh t kudkjh gku
skA (to have a little knowledge of every subject) (SSC)
235. To kiss the dust – v i ekfur djuk (to humiliate) (SSC)
236. Kith and kin – l xs
&l EcU/h (acquint-ances and relatives) (SSC)
237. Weal and woes – l q
[ k&nq
%[ k (happy and sorrow) (SSC–2012)
238. Adam's ale – ' kq
¼ t y (pure water) (SSC)
239. Alfa and omega – v kfn o v U
r (begin and end) (SSC–2014)
240. Green hand – v uq
Hko ghu (Unexperienced) (SSC)
241. Meet one's waterloo – fu.kkZ
;d t a
x gkj t kuk (to defeate a decisive war) (SSC)
242. On the cuff – m/ kj (credit)
243. An apple of discord – >xM+
sdk dkj.k (cause of quarrel) (SSC–2012)
244. An apple of one's eye – v k¡[ k dk rkjk (an apple or thing that is loved more than any other) (SSC–2013)
245. Add fuel to fire – v kx es
a?kh Mkyuk (to make a problem worse) (SSC)
246. Bed of roses – v kjke nk; d (comfortable) (SSC)
247. At a loss – pdjk t kuk (puzzled) (SSC)
248. At loggerheads – nq
' euh (hostile) (SSC)
249. To beat about the bush – ?kq
ek fi Q
jk dsckr djuk (to talk indirectly) (SSC–2013)
250. In camera – xq
Ir : i l s (In secret; privately) (SSC–2014)
251. At the eleventh hour – v a
fre l e; esa(In last time) (SSC–2011)
252. Bosom friend – ft xz
h nksLr (intimate friends) (SSC)
253. To be a bad books of – ÑIkk i k=k u gks
uk (annoyed with you) (SSC)
254. Birds of the same feather – , d gh i z
of̀Ùk dsyksx (same nature) (SSC)
255. To count chicken before they are hatched – dk; Zdjusl si gysml l sgks
usokysykHk dk v uq
eku yxk ysukA (to plan how
to utilize good results of something before those results have occurred) (SSC–2013)
256. To cut the gardian knot – dfBu l eL; k dksgy djuk (to solve difficult problem) (SSC)
257. Cat and Dog life – >xM+
kywt hou (quarrelful life) (SSC)
258. Call a spade a spade – l ki Q
& l ki Qdguk (to say frankly) (SSC–2013)
259. Close shave – cky&cky cpuk (narrow escape) (SSC–2008)
260. Crocodile tears – fn[ kkoVh v ka
l w(false tears) (SSC–2011)
261. A feather in one's cap – dks
bZ, sl k dk; Zft l esaxoZegl w
l gks(an achievement that you can be pround of (SSC–2013)
262. Left hand compliment – >w
Bh rkjhi Q(false praise) (SSC-09)
263. Man of parts – i z
frHkk' kkyh (talented) (SSC–2011)
264. A pipe dream – v O
; ogkfjd ; kst uk (unpractical plan) (SSC–2008)
265. At large – i Q
jkj gkst kuk (to flee) (SSC–2011)
266. At snail's pace – / heh xfr l s(very slowly) (SSC–2008)
267. Buring question – ToyU
r eq
n~
nk (a very important and urgent problem) (SSC)
268. Come through with flying colours – ' kkunkj l i Q
yrk i zkIr djuk (tom complete a difficult activety very suc-
cessfully) (SSC)
269. Name dropping – cM+ s&cM+
syksxksal st ku i gpku dk nkok djuk (the practive of referring frequently to famous or
fashionable people) (SSC)

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Idioms Rakesh Yadav Readers Publication
270. Hair breath escape – cky&cky cpuk (close save) (SSC)
271. Herculean task – dfBu dk; Z(hard work) (SSC–2012)
272. Hobsobn's choice – , d gh fodYi (only one choice) (SSC)
273. Helter shelter – dks
bZt Yncknh l sdjuk (to work hastly) (SSC)
274. In high spirits – mR
l kg (enthusiasm) (SSC–2006, 08)
275. In tight corner – eq
l hcr esai M+
uk (fall into trouble) (SSC)
276. Hush Money – ' kkU
r jgusdsfy, nh x; h fj' or (bribe paid to keep something secret) (SSC)
277. Let the cat out of the bag – jgL; mt kxj djuk (to reveal the secret) (SSC)
278. In dol drum – v l ea
t l dh fLFkfr (in confusion) (SSC)
279. To talk through ones hat – cs
d kj dh ckrsadjuk (to talk nonsense) (SSC)
280. To carry coals to new castle – cs
ot g esgyr djuk (to do something un-necessary) (SSC)
281. Cut one's coats according to one's cloth – v i uh v kenuh dsv uq
l kj [ kpZdjuk (to plan one's aims and activities
in line with one's resources and circumstances) (SSC)
282. Chip off the old block – cs
Vsdk fi rk t S
l k O;ogkj (who beyhaves in the same way as his father or resembles
his father) (SSC–08, 13)
283. Cast a slur – cnuke gks
uk (to defile)
284. Bull in a china shop – v l H; O
; fDr dk , slh t xg gksuk t gk¡ i zfrHkk' kkyh O;fDr dh t : jr gks(a very clumsy creature in
a delicate situation) (SSC)
285. Put the cart before the horse – dk; ZmYVsrjhdsl sdjuk (to have things in the wrong order) (SSC–2013)
286. A drop in the ocean – v ko' ; drk l sde (a very little amount) (SSC–06)
287. A double edged sword – nks
uksarji Ql suq
d l ku (loss from both sides) (SSC)
288. Easy money – fj' or (bribe) (SSC)
289. Elxir to life – t hou dk v er̀ (a substance believed to cure all ills) (SSC–2012)
290. Enough and to spare – i z
pqj ek=kk esa(plentiful)(SSC)
291. Fair weather friends – v PNsfnus
kadk l kFkh (someone who is your friend only when things are pleasant or
going well for you) (SSC)
292. To show the white feather – dk; jrk fn[ kkuk (To act like a coward.) (SSC)
293. To wear a long face – mnkl gks
uk (you lock sad) (SSC)
294. To kill the fatted calf for – / w
e&/ w
e l sLokxr djuk(to prepare an elaborate banquet (in someone's honor) (SSC)
295. From Pillar to Post – nkS
M+Hkkx djuk (from one place to a series of other places) (SSC–2010)
296. Throw down the gauntlet – pq
ukS
r h nsuk (to give challenge) (SSC)
297. Maiden speach – i gyk Hkk"k.k (first speech) (SSC–2014)
298. Nine days wonder – pkj fnu dh pk¡nuh(something that is of interest to people only for a short time) (SSC–2014)
299. To get winds of – Hks
n t ku ysuk (to know the secret) (SSC–2012)
300. To take time by the forelock – l e; l si gysdks
bZdk; Z[ kRe djuk (act quickly and decisively) (SSC)
301.White Elephant – ea
gxh ol r q y sfd u egRoghu (dexpensive possession that is a financial burden to
maintain.) (SSC–08)
302. To bring book – na
M nsuk (to give punishment) (SSC)
303. Put to the sword – t ku l sekj ns
uk (to kill someone) (SSC–09)
304. A Bird of passage – , d LFkku i j u jguk (A person who moves from place to place frequently) (SSC)
305. Castle in the air – gokbZfdyscukuk (daydream) (SSC–12)
306. To make hay while the sun shine – v ol j dk ykHk mBkuk (to take advantage of opportunity) (SSC–2010)

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Idioms Rakesh Yadav Readers Publication
307. To rule the roost – i z
eq
[ k O;fDr (To be in charge) (SSC–2013)
308. Fire and fury – i w
j st ks'k l s(with full spirits) (SSC)
309. To see how the wind is blowing – gok dk : [ k i gpkuuk (to determine what is the most expedient thing to
do under the conditions at hand) (SSC)
310. To wash dirty linen in th public – O
; fDrxr ckr mt kxj djuk (to discuss private embarrassing matters in
public) (SSC)
311. A Moot point – fookn dk fo"k; (disputable subject) (SSC–08)
312. Pene lope's web – , s
l k dk; Zt ksdHkh [ kRe u gks(endless work) (SSC–2014)
313. To sward of damocles – l j i j ea
Mjk jgk [ krjk (imminent danger) (SSC)
314. Will-o'-the wisp v l EHko i z
; kl (impossible to reach)
315. Body and soul – i w
. kZ: i l s(completely) (SSC)
316. Blue blood ' kkgh [ kw
u (royal or aristocratice descent)(SSC)
317. Warp and woof – egR
oi w
. kzv a
x (a base or foundation) (SSC)
318. All in all l os
lZokZ(Everything being taken into account) (SSC–10)
319. All and sundry – l Hkh yks
x (everyone; one and all) (SSC)
320. Cut and dried – rS
; kj : i l s(it is final and will not be changed) (SSC–14)
321. Hard and fast – dBks
j (stern) (SSC)
322. The long and short of – l kjka
' k (summary) (SSC)
323. By and by – Øe' k%(After a while; soon) (SSC)
324. Far and wide – l c t xg (many places) (SSC)
326. Off and on – dHkh&dHkh (discontinuous) (SSC–2013)
327. Out and out – i w
j h rjg l s(complete) (SSC)
328. Above board – bZ
ekunkjh l s(in the open; visible to the public; honest) (SSC)
329. Fool's paradise – v l a
EHko v fHkyk"kk (a state of illusory happiness) (SSC–2012)
330. Tom, Dick and Hary – l c yks
x (everyone, without discrimination; ordinary people)
331. Willy–Nilly – fcuk : fp ds (without interest) (SSC–2008)
332. Apple pie order – O
; ofLFkr : i l s(very well organized) (SSC–2013)
333. Close fisted person – da
tw
l O;fDr (miser poerson) (SSC)
334. Elbow room – v kt knh ns
uk (to give freedom) (SSC)
335. In no time – rq
j Ur (immediately) (SSC)
336. Lapped in luxury – foykfl rk es
ai yuk (in conditions of wealth and comfort) (SSC–07)
337. To keep at bay – nq
' eu dks nw
j j [ kuk (to prevent something unpleasant from coming too near you or
harming you) (SSC)
338. To make much ado about nothing – ckr dk cra
xM+cukuk (a furor over something uniportant) (SSC)
339. By fair means and foul – fdl h Hkh rjg l s(you use any method you can to achieve it) (SSC)
340. To pour oil on troubled water – xq
Ll sdks' kka
r djuk (say something in order to make people stop arguing and
become calmer) (SSC)
341. To posion one's ears against – fdl h dsdku Hkjuk (to backbite) (SSC)
342. To rolling stone – dke es
au t ¡pusokyk O
; fDr (daperson who is unwilling to settle for long in one place) (SSC–13)
343. To run short – deh gkst kuk (to begin to run out of something) (SSC)
344. To throw light on – i z
d k' k Mkyuk (to clarify something) (SSC)
345. To go to rack and ruin – cckZ
n gksuk (to become ruined) (SSC–2012)
English by Sohail Ahmad Khan 354
Idioms Rakesh Yadav Readers Publication
346. Point blank – l ki QrkS
j i j (direct and without explanation or qualification) (SSC–2011)
347. At odds – fookn (dispute) (SSC)
348. To roll up one's sleeve – dfBu i fjJe dsfy, rS
; kj gksuk (to prepare for hard work) (SSC)
349. A tool in the hands of dBi q
r yh gksuk (held and controlled by someone) (SSC)
350. To take the bull by the horns – dfBukbZdk l keuk fgEer l sdjuk (to confront a problem head-on and deal with
it openly) (SSC)
351. To turn one's coat – ny cny djuk (to change party) (SSC–12)
352. Under a cloud – l a
nsg dh fLFkfr (suspected of something) (SSC)
353. Under a rose – xq
Ir : i l s(secretly) (SSC)
354. Under one's nose – fdl h dsl keus(in front of) (SSC)
355. Much cry thelittle wool – v f/ d es
gur djds de ykHk i zkIr djuk (a lot of noise something that has little
important) (SSC)
356. In the doldrums – mnkl (Depressed; dull and listless) (SSC)
357. Put two and two togeter – l R
; dk v uq
eku yxkuk (to figure something out from the information available)
(SSC–2011)
358. Flog something to dead – fdl h dk; Zes
a: fp u gksuk (to use, do, or say something so often that it is no longer
interesting) (SSC)
359. Hook, Line, Sinker – i w
j h rjg l s (compelety)
360. To bait the hook to suit the fish – fdl h dkst ky es
ai Q
¡l uk (To do things please others) (SSC-2014)
361. At one's wit's end – pdjk t kuk (so upset that you do not know what to do) (SSC–2013)
362. Beat the clock – l e; l si gysdke djuk (to do something before a deadline) (SSC–07)
363. Beat a retreat – rs
t h l sv kxs; k i hNsc<+
uk (to withdraw from a place very quickly)
364. Pain with a broad brush – l k/ kj.k rjhdsl scrkuk (describe in general way) (SSC)
365. Have a bee in your bonnet – fdl h dh rji Qcgq
r >q
d ko (An obsession) (SSC)
366. Stand in a good stead – v PNk l gk; d gks
uk (to be of great use and benefit to someone) (SSC)
367. Slip of the pen – fy[ kuses
axyrh gksuk (to be of great use and benefit to someone) (SSC)
368. To screw up one's courage – l kgl c<+
kuk (to encourage) (SSC)
369. Be in the limelight – i z
fl ¼ gksuk (to become famous) (SSC)
370. Play to the gallery – dks
bZckr dksc<+
k p<+
kdj dguk ft l l syksx v kdf"kZ
r gks(to behave in an exaggerated way to attract
people's attention) (SSC)
371. In name only – ds
oy uke l s(having a particular titlle without the power or duties that are a part of it)
(SSC)
372. Wet blanket – nw
l jsdsv kua
n esa[ kyy Mkyusokyk (depressing person who spoils other people's enjoyment) (SSC)
373. Below the mark – v l a
r ks"kt ud (not as good as it) (SSC–2012)
374. A white color job – v kjke dh ukS
d jh (comfortable job) (SSC)
375. Cheek by jowl – cgq
r ut nhd (very near) (2013)
376. Go to whole hog – i w
j h rjg l sdk; Zdjuk (to do something as completely as possible) (SSC–2013)
377. To drive home – fdl h dksdq
N l e>kuk (to emphasize an important point about something) (SSC–2014)
378. Have something under your belt – dks
bZpht t ksv ki i zkIr dj pq
d sgks(to have succeeded) (SSC)
379. Cry wolf – fcuk fdl h t : jr dsnw
l jksadksenn djusdsfy, dguk (to ask for help when you do not need it) (SSC–2013)
380. Wheels within wheels – ft l sl e>uk dfBu gks (difficult to understand)
381. Put your shoulder to the wheel – dfBu i fjJe (hard work) (SSC)

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Idioms Rakesh Yadav Readers Publication
382. Have a butterfly in your stomach – uoZ
' k egl w
l djuk (a nervous feeling one's stomach) (SSC–2013)
383. Tread on somebody toe – fdl h dksi js
' kku djuk (to say or do something which upsets someone) (SSC)
384. A great hand at – dq
' ky (expert) (SSC)
385. To let the grass grow under his feet – Vky eVks
y djuk (to delay deliberately)Ie
386. Put an end to – l ekIr dj ns
uk (to finish) (SSC)
387. Once for all – v a
fre : i l s(finally) (SSC)
388. On and on – t kjh j[ kuk (to continue) (SSC)
389. To come true – l gh fl ¼ gks
uk (to come true) (SSC)
390. Under the thumb – fdl h dsi z
Hkko esagksuk (under the influence of) (SSC)
391. To keep a straight face – xEHkhj cusjguk (to be serious) (SSS)
392. To rise from the rank – mU
ufr djuk (to progress) (SSC–12)
393. To put a sspoke in one wheel – ; ks
t uk v l i Q
y gksuk (to spoil someone else's plans and stop them from doing
something)
394. Put on airs – ?kea
Mh (to pretend to be good or to be superior) (SSC)
395. To play havoc – fouk' k djuk (to destroy something) (SSC–6)
396. To plough a lonely furrow – vds
y sdk; Zdjuk(to do something alone and without help from other people) (SSC)
397. make a mark – Nki Nks
M+uk (to make recognition)
398. Pick holes – nw
l jksadsnks"k fudkyuk (to find fault others) (SSC)
399. To mind one's P's and Q's – =kq
fV ghu gksuk (to be accurate) (SSC–14)
400. To mince matter – l R
; dksNq
i kuk (Hide the truth and pretend) (SSC)
401. Hit the jackpot – v i z
r ; kf' kr ykHk (windfall) (SSC)
402. To keep pot boiling – eq
f' dy l s[ kpkZpyuk (to earn enough to buy one's food) (SSC)
403. To give the devil his due – fdl h cq
j s O;fDr dks ml ds dk; Zds fy, Js; nsuk (to give your foe proper credit (for
something) (SSC)
404. To have one's hand full – O
; Lr gksuk (busy) (SSC)
405. To follow the primerose path – v kl ku jkLrk <w
<uk (to find easy way) (SSC)
a
406. To catch a tartar – ' ks
j dk l ok ' ksj feyuk (to grapple with an un-expectedly formidable opponent) (SSC)
407. To run amuck – i kxyks
adh rjg b/ j&m/ j nkS
M+
uk (to go into a frenzy) (SSC)
408. Once in blue moon – ; nk&dnk (very seldom) (SSC)
409. On the cards – Hkfo"; es
aNi ok; sa
xsA
410. One tenterhooks – my>u es
ai M+
uk (nervously waiting to find out what is going to happen) (SSC–08)
411. Fall into the line – O
; ofLFkr Øe l s(to line up so that each person (except the first person) stands behind
someone) (SSC)
412. Fight to the bitter end – l a
?k"kZdjuk (to struggle) (SSC)
413. Stand to his gun – v i uh fLFkfr dkset cw
r cuk; sj[ kuk (to strong your position) (SSC)
414. Sharp practice – cs
bZ
ekuh (dishonest dealings) (SSC)
415. To show him up – fNi sgq
, jgL; dksi zd V djuk (to reveal the secret) (SSC)
416. Black sheep – / w
r ZO;fDr (bad person) (SSC)
417. Square meal – Hkji s
V Hkkst u (a substantial, satisfying and balanced meal) (SSC)
418. An old head on young shoulder – Øe mezT; knk Kku i z
kIr djuk (a child or young person who thinks and talks
like an older person who has more experience of life) (SSC)
419. Talk shop Turn the table – fLFkfr cny ns
uk (to change the situation) (SSC)
English by Sohail Ahmad Khan 356
Idioms Rakesh Yadav Readers Publication
420. Keep wolf from the door – Hkq
[ kejh dksv i usl snw
j j[ kuk (to maintain ohneself at a minimal leve) (SSC-2011)
421. A man of his words – ckr dk i Ddk (a man who tells the truth and keeps promises)
422. On the wrong side of sixty – l kB l ky l sv f/ d mezdk gks
uk (to be older than 60) (SSC-2013)
423. Yeomen service – cgq
r v PNk dke (useful help in need) (SSC–13)
424. Washing one's dirty line in public – v i uh xq
Ir ckrksadksl koZ
t fud : i l smt kxj djuk (to discuss private matter in
public) (SSC–2008)
425. Drop like flies – <+
g t kuk (rapidly collapse)
426. Up to mark – l a
r ks"k t ud (to be good enough) (SSC)
427. All the rage – cgq
r T; knk i zpfyr (in current fashion) (SSC–2012)
428. to small purpose – Nks
Vsy{; A
429. A hard nut to crack – , s
l h l eL; k ft l dksgy djuk dfBu gks(problems that is difficult to solve) (SSC-12, 11)
430. Thrust nose into – dke es
ack/ k Mkyuk (to meddle officiously with anything) (SSC)
431. To a nicety – fcYdq
y l gh (with precision) (SSC)
432. Move heaven to earth – gj l EHko dks
f' k' k djuk (to do everything you can to achieve something) (SSC–2011)
433. Beside the mark – v l a
xr (irrelevent) (SSC)
434. A man of straw – egR
oghu O;fDr (a person or an idea that is weak and easy to defeat) (SSC–2013)
435. An eye to main chance – / u dekus i j è; ku jguk (looking for opport-unities to make money) (SSC)
436. Leave in the lurch – i js
' kkuh esal kFk NksM+
uk (to leave someone at a time when they need you) (SSC)
437. Loaves and fishes – HkkS
frd ykHk (material gain) (SSC)
438. Make my flesh creep – jks
xVs [ kM+
a k djuk (to frightened) (SSC)
439. A far cry – O
; FkZdksf' k' k (futile effort) (SSC)
440. To see eye to eye – l ger gks
uk (to agree) (SSC–2011)
441. Cut me dead – v i ekfur djuk (to ignore someone totally) (SSC–2013)
442. Cut a poor figure – fu' i z
Hkkoh (to produce a poor impression) (SSC)
443. Cut above – nw
l jksal sc<+
d j gksuk (better than other people or things) (SSC)
444. Carrying favour – pki yw
l h djuk (to flatter) (SSC–08)
445. Bone of contention – >xM+
s dh t M+(cause of quarrels) (SSC–2012)
446. Bag and baggage – cks
fj; k fcLrj l fgr (with all belongings) (SSC)
447. Make ducks and draks of – / u cckZ
n djuk (to squander; waste) (SSC–2012)
448. Catch red handed – ja
xsgkFk i dM+
uk (to catch a person in the act of doing something wrong)
449. Neither here or there – v i z
kl a
fxd (irrelevant and immaterial) (SSC)
450. Give him the cold shoulder – l k/ j.k rjhdsl s Lokxr djuk (to show no interest in someone) (SSC)
451. Hang on his lips – v k' p; Zpfdr (surprised) (SSC)
452. Chapter and verse – l a
{ksi esai w
j h ckr dguk (to say something in brief) (SSC)
453. All eyes – mR
lqd rk l s (with a lot of interest in something) (SSC)
454. Keep at arms length – nw
j h cuk; s j[ kuk (to avoid becoming connected with someone or something) (SSC)
455. Keep up appearance – fn[ kkoVh (to make things look all right) (SSC)
456. Drug on the Market – ft l dk dks
bZ[ kjhnnkj u gks(something that is on the market in great abundance) (SSC)
457. Blow his own trumpet – ' ks
[ kh c?kkjuk boasting
458. Lay hand on – v kØe.k djuk (to assault) (SSC)
459. Bury the hatchet – ' k=kq
r k [ kRe djuk (to forget about past enmity) (SSC–13)
460. Burn the candle at both ends – Åt kZcckZ
n djuk (to work very hard and stay up very late at night) (SSC)
English by Sohail Ahmad Khan 357
Idioms Rakesh Yadav Readers Publication
461. At your beck and call – fdl h fu; a
=k.k esagksuk (ready to obey someone) (SSC–12)
462. On the spur of moment – rq
j Ur (immediately)
463. Play me false – / ks
[ kk nsuk (betrayed me) (SSC)
464. At cross purposes – v yx&v yx mn~
ns'; (with different intentions) (SSC)
465. With one voice – l oZ
l Eefr l s (un–animously) (SSC–2010)
466. Put on the market – cs
pusdsfy, ckt kj esaykuk (openly available for sale) (SSC)
467. For good – ges
' kk dsfy, (permanent) (SSC)
468. Take him to task – MkW
Vuk (to rebuke) (SSC)
469. A bone to pick with you – Nks
Vh l h ckr i j >xM+
k djuk (quarrel with little trifle) (SSC)
470. At a pinch – l eL; l k es
agksuk (it is possible in an urgent situation but it is difficult) (SSC)
471. Lose/win by a neck – cgq
r de v Urj l sgkjuk ; k t hruk (to win by a small amount or narrow margin) (SSC)
472. III at ease – i js
' kkuh essagksuk (fall into trouble) (SSC)
473. On its last legs – cckZ
nh dsdxkj i j (about to stop working) (SSC)
474. Get the better of – ykHk dh fLFkfr es
agksuk (it becomes too strong to control) (SSC–12)
475. Every inch – i w
. kZ: i l s (entirely) (SSC)
476. The ins and outs – i w
j h v kS
j l gh t kudkjh dssl kFk (the correct and successful way to do something) (SSC–11)
477. Beyond all question – l a
nsg l si js(bryonf yhr foubyd) (SSC)
478. Order of the day – i z
pyu esa(in fashion) (SSC)
479. Bear the palm – i z
fl ¼ (prominent) (SSC)
480. Grease the palm – fj' or (bribe) (SSC)
481. Gift of the gab – cks
y usdh dyk (ability to speak effprtlessly) (SSC–11, 13)
482. At sea – pdjk t kuk (Puzzle) (SSC)
483. Behind the scene – xq
Ir : I l s (secretly) (SSC)
484. Make the clean breast of – [ kq
y sfny Lohdkj djuk (to accept openly) (SSC–12)
485. Stand his ground – v i uh fLFkfr cuk; s j[ kuk (to maintain one's position) (SSC–13)
486. Hit the nail on the head – l gh l e; i j l gh ckr dguk (to do exactly the right thing) (SSC)
487. Red letter day – egR
oi w
. kZfnu (important day) (SSC)
488. An axe to grind – LokFkZfl ¼ djuk (to have something to complanin about) (SSC–13)
489. Spread like wildfire – cgq
r rst h i S
Q
yuh (yp d[trsf rapidly) (SSC–11)
490. Take to heart – fnu i j ys
uk (to consider that some comment is significant to oneself) (SSC–11)
491. Gall and warmwood – ?k̀f.kr (bit-terness of spirit) (SSC)
492. Put his foot down – fLFkfr dkset cw
r djuk (to strong your position)
493. Take to his heels – Hkkx t kuk (to flee) (SSC–11)
494. At a stone's throw – Fkks
M+h nw
j i j (very close to something) (SSC)
495. In the dark – v Kkurk (ignorance) (SSC)
496. Pay somebody back in their own coin – t S
l k dks rS
l k (to treat someone in the same bad way that they
have treated you) (SSC)
497. End in smoke – dks
bZi fj.kke u fudyuk (dcome to no result) (SSC-11)
498. Under the wire – dfBurk l sl e; i j dj i kuk (just barely in time or on time) (SSC)
499. Die in harness – dke djrsgq
, ej t kuk (to die while still working or active) (SSC–11)
500. In hand – fu; a
=k.k (control) (SSC)
501. A blue eyed boy – l cds}kjk i z
' ka
l uh; (a man who is liked and admired by somone in authority) (SSC)

English by Sohail Ahmad Khan 358


Idioms Rakesh Yadav Readers Publication
502. Fall foul of – pa
xq
y esai Q
l uk (to get into trouble with someone or something) (SSC)
a
503. Bad blood – dM+
okgV (bitterness) (SSC–07)
504. Read between the lines – fNi s Hkkoks
adks fudkyuk (to infer something (from something else) (SSC)
505. In black and white – fyf[ kr : i es
a(in written form) (SSC)
506. Clean pair of heels – Hkkx t kuk (to flee) (SSC)
507. Smell a rat – l a
nsg djuk (to suspect) (SSC–13)
508. Nip in the bud – i z
kjfEHkd v oLFkk esa gh [ kRe dj nsukA (to put an end to something before it develops into
something larger) (SSC–13)
509. Show one teeth – Mjkuk (threatening manner) (SSC)
510. Take stock of – l os
{k.k djuk (to survey) (SSC)
Z
511. In full swing – i w
j k l fØ; gksuk (moving fast or efficiently) (SSC)
512. Born with silver spoon in the mouth – v ehjh es
at Eu ysuk (born in a rich family) (SSC–13)
513. To wait for cat to jump – fLFkfr dksi gpkuuk (delay taking action until you see how events will turn out.) (SSC)
514. Go the wall – fujk' k gkst kuk (to disappoint) (SSC)
516. To warm the cockles of someone's heart – fdl h dks[ kq
' k djuk (to make someone feel warm and happy) (SSC)
517. Vanish into thin air – gok es
axk; c gks t kuk (disappear without leaving a trace) (SSC)
518. Full tilt – i w
j st ks'k l s(as fast or possible) (SSC)
519. To keep under the thumb – fdl h dsi z
Hkko esa(under someone's control and management) (SSC)
520. Jump down some one's throat – MkW
Vuk i Q
Vdkjuk (rebuke) (SSC–13)
521. The king of terror – eR̀
; q(death) (SSC)
522. Tar with the same brush – , d t S
l h dfe; k¡ (to believe wrongly that some– one)
523. Nasty taste in the mouth – fdl h ckr dk cq
j k u yxuk (to leave a bad feeling or memory with someone) (SSC)
524. The talk of the town – pfpZ
r eq
n~
nk (burning point) (SSC–05)
525. A stumbling block – v ojks
/ (hurdle)
526. The man in the street – l k/ kj.k yks
x gS
A
527. To set stranded – pdjk t kuk (puzzle)
528. A fair crack of the whip – cjkcjh dk v ol j (an equal chance to do something) (SSC)
529. To take heed – è; ku ns
uk (to give your attention) (SSC)
530. Take one's mind off – fpU
rk dsdkj.k dq
N l e> esau v kuk (to cause you to stop thinking ablut who or what is
causing worry) (SSC)
531. Talk to death – yxkrkj ckr djuk (to talk continuous) (SSC)
532. To tear somebody limb from limb – yxkrkj v kØe.k dj t t Z
j dj nsuk (to attack someone violently) (SSC)
533. By the skin of one's teeth – fdl h rjg l sdq
N djuk (you only just succeed in doing it) (SSC–13)
534. In the teeth of – fojks
/ esa (while experiencing something difficult) (SSC)
535. Tanked up – u' kses
a/ q
Ùk (to drink a great quantity of alcoholic beverage) (SSC)
536. Lose your temper – xq
Ll k fnykuk (to become very angry) (SSC)
537. Thick and fast – i ; kZ
Ir ek=kk esaysfdu t Ynh&t Ynh i Q
kLV gksrst k jgsgS
A
a
538. Be in the throes of – l a
?k"kZdjuk (unpleasant period) (SSC)
539. Leap in the dark– vfu' p; dh fLFkfr (something you do without being certain what will happen as a result) (SSC-13)
540. Egg all over your face– ew
[ kZi zrhr gksuk (foolish) (SSC-13)
541. Pay through the nose– mQ
¡ph dher i znku djuk (to pay too much for something) (SSC-13)
542. A live wire– ft U
nk fny (someone who is very quick and active, both mentally and physically) (SSC)
English by Sohail Ahmad Khan 359
Idioms Rakesh Yadav Readers Publication
543. Cool your heels– i z
r h{kk djuk (to wait) (SSc-13)
544. Not in a month of sundays– , s
l h ?kVuk ft l dsnq
ckjk gksusdh l a
Hkkouk u gksA (that it is not likely to happen)
545. Close book– jgL; e; (secret) (SSC-13)
546. Cake walk– v kl kudk; Z(easy work) (SSC-14)
547. Get the sack– ukS
d jh l sc[ kkZ
Lr dj nsuk (dismissed from job) (SSC)
548. To look down one's nose– frjLdkj djuk (to contempt or disdain) (SSC)
549. Red rag to a bull– , s
l h pht t ksxq
Ll k i S
nk djsA(Something that will enrage another particular person) (SSC-08)
550. A damp squib– i fj.kke v kusi j mnkl h feyuk (which is disappointing when it happens)
551. Under the rose– xq
Ir : i l s (secretely) (SSC 09)
552. To keep one's weather eye open– l rdZjguk (to be on the alert) (SSC)
553. A hard raw to the hoe– dfBu dk; Z(hard work) (SSC)
554. Rule of thumb – v uq
Hko i j v k/ kfjr (based on experience) (SSC)
555. Root and branch– i w
j h rjg l s(compeletely) (SSC)
556. Run in the same groove– feut q
y dj dk; Zdjuk (to maintain relations in good spirits) (SSC)
557. To be in a rut– mnkl hu (disappoint) (SSC)
558. Sword of domacles– l EHkkofr [ krjk (imminent danger) (SSC-13)
559. Dead lock– xfrjks
/ (Hurdle) (SSC)
560. Dead sure– fuf' pr (definitely)
561. In deep water– xgu l a
d V esa(vulne–rable situation) (SSC)
562. To do things off hand– fcuk ns
j h fd, dke djuk (to without preparation) (SSC)
563. A dog in manger– nw
l jsdsv kuUn esa[ kyy Mkyuk (a person who stops other people from enjoying what he or she
cannot use or does not want) (SSC)
564. Lick the dust– ekjk t kuk (to be killed; die) (SSC)
565. To put all one's egg in one basket– l kjk nk¡o , d gh t xg yxk ns
uk (to make everything dependent on only one
thing) (SSC)
566. Ever and anon– ; nk&dnk (now and then; occasionally) (SSC)
567. On the eve of – dsv ol j i j (just before something) (SSC)
568. Bid fair– l EHkkofr i z
r hr gksuk (To appear likely.) (SSC)
569. Fair and square– bZ
ekunkj (honest) (SSC)
570. God's ape– t U
et kr ew
[ kZ(a born fool) (SSC)
571. To get the axe– c[ kkZ
Lr gkst kuk (to get dismiss) (SSC)
572. Put the axe in the helve– l eL; k dsl kek/ ku i j dk; Zdjuk (to work out solution of the problem) (SSC)
573. Have an axe to grind– LokFkZfl ¼ djuk (to have a selfish reason for saying or doing something) (SSC)
574. With bad grace– v fuPNki w
oZ
d (Out of favor with)
575. Whole bag of tricks– l kjh rjdhcks
adk bLrseky djuk
576. keep the ball rolling– yxkrkj t kjh j[ kuk (progress to continue) (SSC–08)
577. Jump ont he band wagon– v PNsdk; Zdsfy, l eFkZ
u nsuk (to support something that is popular)
578. Keep sombody at bag– nq
' eu dksv i usl snw
j j[ kuk (to prevent someone from moving closer)
579. Narrow bed– dcz(grave) (SSC)
580. To carry off the bell– t hruk (to win) (SSC)
581. To set by the ears– >xM+
k djk nsuk (to cause disagreement or commotion) (SSC)
582. Wet behind the ears– v Yi Kkuh (Young and inexperienced) (SSC)

English by Sohail Ahmad Khan 360


Idioms Rakesh Yadav Readers Publication
883. Between the devil and deep sea – ns
k eq
l hcrksadschp esa(between two equally unpleasnat situations) (SSC–12)
884. Between two stools– nq
fo/ k esa(in confusion) (SSC)
885. To Kill two birds with one stone– , d rhj l s nks fu' kkus (to solve two problems at one time with a single
action) (SSC)
886. In cold blood– t kucw
>dj ; k funZ
; rki w
oZ
d (without feelling or mercy; ruthlessly) (SSC-11)
887. Keep hands in–Hkkxhnkjh j [ kuk (to remain involved in something) (SSC)
888. To misss the boat– l i Q
y gksuk (to be too late to get something that you want) (SSC)
889. To feel one's bone– v i usi j fo' okl djuk (to sense something; to have an intution about something) (SSC)
890. To lick somebody boots– pki yw
l jh djuk (to flatter) (SSC)
891. Brain drain– mPp f' kf{kr yks
xksadk v i uk ns'k NksM+
d j nw
l jsns'k pyst kuk (the emigrationof highly trained or qualified
people from a particular country) (SSC)
892. Branch water– l knk t y (Plain water) (SSC)
893. Bring the book– l t k ns
uk (to punish) (SSC)
894. Bring down the house– i z
' kslk cVksjuk (to get praise) (SSC– 13)
895. Bull's eye– y{; ] mn~
ns'; (target) (SSC)
896. Has too many irons in the fire– cgq
r l kjsdke , d l kfk djrk gS
A
896. Weak at knees–l kgl ghu (fell fall down because of sudden emotion) (SSC)
897. To burn one's boat/bridge – l kjsjkLrscu dj ns
uk (to close all ways of returning) (SSC)
898. To show one's cards – jgL; mt kxj dj ns
uk (to reveal the secret) (SSC)
899. A carrot and stick – i z
y ksHku v kS
j / edh nsuk (rewards and punishments) (SSC)
900. Like a cat on hot bricks– i js
' kku djuk (to vex) (SSC)
901. A cat's paw – dBi w
r yh (A person used by another as a dupe or tool) (SSC)
902. By the long chalk– cgq
r v f/ d v Urj l s(big difference)
903. In the clouds – dkYi fud nq
fu; k (unreal; fanciful) (SSC)
904. Chew the cud– fpra
r djuk (to ponder) (SSC)
905. French leave– fcuk v uq
efr ds v uq
i fLFkfr (a period when you are absent from work without asking for
permission) (SSC)
906. Brown study– xgjkbZl sfopkj djuk (a state of deep thought) (SSC)
907. At random– Øe l sugh (not in sequence) (SSC)
908. By word of mouth – ew
[ k l scksy k gq
v k (by speaking rather than writing) (SSC)
909. Keep one's finger crossed– mR
lqd rk dsl kfk i zrh{kk djuk (to hope for a good outcome for someone) (SSC)
910. To pull one's leg – et kd (to kid, fool, or trick someone) (SSC)
911. Burn the midnight oil– ns
j rd dke djuk ; ki <+
kbZdjuk(to stay up working, especially studying, late at night) (SSC)
912. Bad hat– t ksl eL; k, ai S
nk djsa(who stir trouble) (SSC-2013)
913. A cold fish– l a
osnughu (a person who does not seem very friendly and does not show their emotions) (SSC)
914. Have a card up one's sleeve– xq
Ir ; kst uk cukuk (to make secret plan) (SSC)
915. Square up– rS
; kj gksuk (to prepare) (SSC-09)
916. Run into rough weather– dfBu l e; l sxq
t juk (to pass through difficulties) (SSC)
917. Cut off a conrner – l a
f{kIr rjhdk (short method) (SSC)
918. Tall order– ft l sdjuk dfBu gks(difficult to do) (SSC)
919. Draw the long bow – c<+
k&p<+
k dj dguk (to say somethng exaggerated manner) (SSC)
920. Look sharp – ' kh?kz
r k esadjuk (in hurry) (SSC)
English by Sohail Ahmad Khan 361
Idioms Rakesh Yadav Readers Publication
921. As was his wont– i z
k; %(often) (SSC)
922. In the lime light– i z
fl ¼ gksuk (to become famous) (SSC)
923. To put one's hand to plough– dks
bZdfbu dk; ZgkFk esaysuk (to take responsiblity in hand) (SSC)
924. Hight time – l gh l e; (The appropriate or urgent time)
925. Small talk– xi ' ki (trivial conversation)
926. Acid test – dfBu i jh{kk (tough exam)
927. Out of the frying pan into the fire – fLFkfr dk v ks
j [ kjkc gkst kuk (situation become worse) (SSC)
928. On the horns of dilemma– v l ea
t l (unable to decide between two things) (SSC-12)
929. To take the wind out of one's sails – det ks
j egl w
l djuk (to make someone feel less confident) (SSC-12)
930. Cut the crackle– l fØ; gkst kuk (to be active) (SSC)
931. To cross the bridge when one gets to it fdl h l eL; k l sfui Vusdsfy, i gysl sIyku rS
; kj j[ kuk (Deal with a problem
when and if it arises.) (SSC)
932. Blow hot and cold – v l ea
t l esa(in confusion) (SSC)
933. To carry weight – egR
oi w
. kZ(important) (SSC 2008)
934. To be led by the nose – ft l dks
ai zHkkofr fd; k t k l dsA(to control someone and make them do exactly what you
want them to do) (SSC)
935. To die hard – ft l scnyuk dfBu gks(difficult to change) (SSC)
936. To draw a blank– dks
bZi fj.kke u fudyuk (come out no result) (SSC)
937. An iota of – l a
nsg dh fLFkfr (Situation of doubts) (SSC)
938. To iron out – l eL; k dk l ek/ ku djuk (to solve all problems that are still left) (SSC)
939. To keep abreast of – l a
i dZesajguk (in touch of ) (SSC)
940. Now a gentleman at large – t ksO
; fDr v i usdk; Zdsi zfr xa
Hkhj u gksA(who is not serious about their work) (SSC-13)
941. Well heeled– / uh (wealthy, with sufficient money) (SSC)
942. Cock of the walk – cgq
r xoZ(very proud) (SSC)
943. To bury one's head in the sand – l PpkbZdk l keuk ughadjuk (to ignore or hid from obvious signs of danger.)
944. Down to earth– O
; ogkfjd O;fDr (practical person)
945. A blessing in disguise – fNi k gq
v k cj nku (something that at first seems bad but later turns out to be
beneficial) (SSC)
946. The law of jungle – dkuw
u O;LFkk dk cgq
r [ kjkc gksuk (the way in which only the strongest and cleverest people
in a society stay alive or succeed)
947. Donkey's year– dki Q
h l e; ckn (a very long time)(SSC)
948. An old hand– v uq
Hkojh (a person with a lot of experience in something) (SSC)
949. At home– v kjkenk; d (comfortable)
950. Walk tall– v i usv ki i j xoZegl w
l djuk (be proud and confident) (SSC)
951. To sit at someone feet– fdl h dkscgq
r l Eeku l sl q
uuk (to pay worshipful attention to someone) (SSC)
952. To cut a fine figure – v PNk i z
Hkko Mkyuk (to look good; to look elegant) (SSC)
953. To play with fire– [ krjks
al s[ ksy uk (to be involved in an activity that could be dangerous) (SSC)
954. Have a finger in pie – : fp ys
uk (to take interest) (SSC)
955. To have a memory like a sieve – cgq
r t Ynh Hkw
y t kuk
956. To be in two minds– nq
fo/ k (in dilemma) (SSC-13)
957. Many moons ago – cgq
r l e; i gys(long time ago) (SSC)
958. In a muck – cq
kj fLFkfr esa(in bad situation) (SSC)
English by Sohail Ahmad Khan 362
Idioms Rakesh Yadav Readers Publication
959. On the nail– rR
dky (immediately) (SSC)
960. Neck and crop – i w
. kZ: i l s(completely) (SSC)
961. Not for nuts – fdl h Hkh gky es
augha(cannot do it at all)
962. All agog– mR
lqd rk l s (eagerly) (SSC)
963. Blaze a tail– v xq
okbZdjuk (to lead) (SSC-12)
964. To snap one's finger– ' kks
j epkuk] pq
Vdh ct kuk (to make a sharp noise by moving your second or third finger
quickly against your tumb) (SSC)
965. To get into scrap – v l ea
t l esagksuk (in confusion)
966. To tempt providence – fcuk l ks
psl e>s[ krjk eksy ysuk (to take a foolish risk because you are depending too
much on luck)
967. To give currency – i z
fl ¼ gksuk (to become famous) (SSC-13)
968. To turn the other cheek – fga
l k dk t okc v a
fgl k l snsuk
969. To give chapter and verse for a thing – l k{; l fgr i z
Lrq
r djuk (to give evidence) (SSC)
970. To beggar's description– ft l dk o.kZ
u djuk dfBu gks(difficult to describe) (SSC)
971. Foar to mouth – ?k̀. kk djuk (to hate) (SSC)
972. Ajaundice eye – i {ki kr i w
. kZ(biased) (SSC)
973. To live in clover – foykfl r es
at hou t huk (to live in luxury) (SSC)
974. Pin money – t s
c [ kpZ(pocket money) (SSC)
975. Duck in the thunder storm – ruko es
a(in tention) (SSC)
976. Make a hash – dke fcxkM+ns
uk (to defeat or destroy) (SSC)
977. Midas touch– t knw
bZ' kfDr (magical power) (SSC)
978. To fool's errand– , s
l h v k' kk ft l dk i w
j k gksuk v l EHko gks(hope that is impossible to fill) (SSC)
979. To talk shop – fl i Z
Qv i usO;ol k; dsfo"k; esagh ckr djuk (to talk about business or work matters at a social
event) (SSC)
980. To be a good samaritan – n; kyqgn; (someone who tries to help people who have problems) (SSC-07)
981. Sum and substance – l jka
' k (sum–mary) (SSC-2012)
982. Mealy mouthed– ckr dksVkyuk ; k l h/ s
&l h/ sugh dguk (hesitant or afraid to speak plainly; not outspoken) (SSC)
983. On the wane– det ks
j gksuk (to weak) (SSC–2013)
984. Fabin policy – t kucw
> dj nsj djuk (to delay deliberately) (SSC)
985. Grass window – , S
l h v kS
j r ft l dk i fr ml l snw
j gks(A woman who is divorced or separated from her husband)
(SSC)
986. Itsy bisty– l w
{e (very small; tiny)
987. Mother wit– v ke t kudkjh (general knowledge) (SSC)
988. Rise like a phoeix fron its ashes – fdl h cM+
h l eL; k l sckgj fudyuk(come out from big difficulties ) (SSC)
989. Slow coach– v kyl h O
; fDr (lazy person) (SSC)
990. Turn Turtle– myV i yV t kuk (to turn upside down) (SSC)
991. To set at naught – fdl h dk l Eeku u djuk (Disregard or despise)
992. By and large – l a
Eiw
. kZ: i l s(com-pletely) (SSC)
993. Cave in– >q
d uk (surrender or bend) (SSC)
994. Clinch the issue– fookn [ kR
e djuk (settle your dispute) (SSC)
995. Fit to hold a candle to – cjkcjh dk gks
uk (to equal) (SSC- 2012-13)

English by Sohail Ahmad Khan 363


Idioms Rakesh Yadav Readers Publication
996. Beauty is only skin deep – ckgj h l q
Unjr k egRoi w
. kZugha (a person's character is more important than his
apearance) (SSC-12)
997. Put the saddle on the right horse – v i jk/ h i j v kjks
i yxkuk (to allege on criminal) (SSC-13)
998. The fourth estate– i z
sl (media)
999. To doctor the accounts – gs
j ki Q
sjh djuk (adjust or alter something after it is complete) (SSC-10)
1000.To bite the dust – v l i Q
y gksuk (to breack; to fail; to give out) (SSC)
1001.Send him to coventry – cfg"dkj dj ns
uk (to ostracise someone, usually by not talking to them) (SSC)
1002.To drink life to the lees– [ kq
y dj t huk (Live life to the fullest)
1003.Come out of his shell– l kekft d O
; fDr (to become more friendly; to be more sociable) (SSC)
1004.At first blush– i gyh ckj dq
N l h[ kuk ; k djuk (When first learning or thinking about something) (SSC-06)
1005.Looked blank – Hkkojfgr (ex-pressionless) (SSC-2010)
1006.To foam at one's mouth– xq
Ll k gksuk (to be uncotrollably excited) (SSC-2011)
1007.Status quo – ; FkkfLFkfr (the existing state or condition)
1008.Pass the buck– fdl h i j v kjks
i yxkuk (to blame someone) (SSC)
1009.Fling away – fdl h dksjkLrsl sgVkuk ; k i Q
d uk (to throw or sling someone or something away or out of the way)
sa
1010.Brazen-faced– v l F; ] fuyZ
T; (openly shameless; impudent) (SSC)
1011.To stir up a hornet's nest – cgq
r l kjh l eL; k, ai S
nk gksuk (to create a lot of trouble) (SSC)
1012.Take up tjhe cudgels – fdl h dsi {k es
acgl djuk(to argue strongly in support of someone or something) (SSC)
1013.To sow the wind and reap the whirlwind – l eL; k dk v ki dh mEehn l scM+
k gkst kuk (to start some kind of trouble
that grows much larger than you planned)
1014.A laughing stock– mi gkl dh oLrq(an object of ridicule) (SSSC-2013)
1015.Bats in the belfry – l udh] fofp=k (Crazy; eccentric) (SSC)
1016.To egg on – i z
sfj r d j uk dq
N d j us d s fy , (to encourage, urge, or dare someone to continue doing
something)(SSC-2013)
1017.Over head and ears – i w
j h rjg l sMw
ck gq
v k (deeply immersed) (SSC)
1018.Three R's– i <+
uk] fy[ kuk] v a
d xf.kr (reading, writing, and arithmetic)
1019.An old flame – i q
j kuk i zse ; k i zseh (old lover)
1020.Albatross around your neck – l i Q
yrk dsekxZesav ojks/ mRiUu djusokyh l eL; k (keeps causing you problems and
stops youfrom being successful)
1021.Banana republic –Nks
Vk ns'k ft l dh v FkZ
O;oLFkk det ksj gks(a small, poor country with a weak) (SSC)
1022.Break even – t g¡k i j u gkfu gksu ykHk gks(for income to equal expenses) (SSC)
1023.By the book – fu; ekuq
l kj (according to rule) (SSC)
1024.Dead air – [ kkeks
' kh (Silence) (SSC)
1025.Elbow grease – ft l es
av f/ d ' kkjhfjd Je dh v ko' ; drk gks(Strenuous physical labor and effort) (SSC)
1026.Ghost of chance – v k' kk ghu (hope- less) (SSC)
1027.Grey area – t gk¡ l gh v kS
j xyr Li "V u gks(a subject or problem that people do not know how to deal with
because there are no clear rules) (SSC)
1028.Quids in – / u dekuk (to make money)
1029.In the offing– ' kh?kz?kfVr gks
usdh l EHkkouk (possible or likely to happen soon) (SSC)
1030.Jersey justic – dBks
j U;k; (very severe justice) (SSC)
1031.Dot the i's and cross the t's – è; ku l sv oyks
d u djuk (To take care of every detail) (SSC-2014)
1032.Never a rose without the prick – vPNkbZdsl kFk cq
j kbZgksuk(good things always have something bad as well) (SSC)

English by Sohail Ahmad Khan 364


Idioms Rakesh Yadav Readers Publication
1033. Pain in the neck – ra
x djus okyk (irritating) (SSC)
1034.parrot fashion– jVdj l h[ kuk (learn by repeat the word) (SSC)
1035.Not worth the candle – dherh ugh gks
uk (not worth the cost or trouble.) (SSC-2013)
1036.At daggers drawn – ' k=kq
r k j[ kuk (they are angry and readyto fight) (SSC-2013)
1037.Snow job – / ks
[ kk nsusdk i z;kl djuk (to mislead) (SSC)
1038.Catch one's breath – v pkud : duk (stop suddenly) (SSC)
1039.Dill dally – fgpfdpkuk (hesitate)
1040.Black ox – cnfdLerh (bad luck) (SSC)
1041.Easy come easy go – gjke dh dekbZgjke es
at kuk (said to explain the loss of something that required only a
small amount of effort to acquire in the first place)
1042.Easy virtue– pfj=kghu (bad character) (SSC)
1043.To fiddle-faddle– fNNks
j ki u djuk (Nonsense) (SSC)
1044.The jolly foot – [ kq
' k v kneh (happy person)
1045.Kill time – l e; u"V djuk (to wate time)
1046.In queer street–dt Zes
a(in debt) (SSC)
1047.But for – dsfcuk (except) (SSC)
1048.To cast slur – cnuke djuk (to vilify) (SSC)
1049.To get ride of – Nq
Vdkjk i kuk (to free from something) (SSC)
1050.To hit below the belt – v uq
fpr rjhdsl sykHk mBkukA (to take advantage by unfair means) (SSC-2013)
1051.Call names – xkyh ns
uk (to abuse) (SSC)
1052.Bread & butter– t hfodk (livelihood) (SSC)
1053.Wear your heart on your sleeve – v i uh i Q
hfya
x dksl cdsl keusj[ kuk (to display one's feelings openly)
1054.Wolf in sheep's clothing – cukoVh (a dangerous person pretending to be harmless) (SSC-11)
1055.Stormed out – v pkud xq
Ll k gkst kuk (to burst out of some place angrily) (SSC-11)
1056.To face the music– i js
' kkuh dk l keuk djuk (to face the problem) (SSC-2012)
1057.Out of the way – fofp=k (eccentric) (SSC)
1058.Leave no stone unturned – dks
bZdl j u NksM+
uk (to search in all possible places) (SSC)
1024.Harp on the same string – , d fo"k; i j ckr djuk (Dwell tediously on the same string) (SSC-13)
1025.Blood run cold – Mj t kuk (frightenu
1026.Give him a piece of mind – MkW
Vuk (rebuke)
1027.To the cat among the pigeon – , s
l h oLrqt ksl eL; k dk dkj.k gksA (to do or say somethingthat causes trouble
and makes a lot of people angry or worried) (SSC)
1028.Out of ordinary – v l k/ j.k (unu-sual) (SSC)
1029.Throw dust in one's eye – / ks
[ kk nsuk (to mislead' to decive.)
1030.Average Joe – v fr l k/ kj.k O
; fDr (very simple person)
1031.Show the white flag – l ei Z
. k djuk (to signify surrender) (SSC)

English by Sohail Ahmad Khan 365


Idioms Rakesh Yadav Readers Publication
Phrasal Verbs
(Phrasal verbs i <+
uk ' kq
: djusl si gysbl st : j i <+s)
v Hkh rd Phrasal verbs ; kn djuk v a
xzst h dk l cl sdfBu fo"k; jgk gSi j egRo dh nf̀"V l sns[kk t k, rksbl dk LFkku l cl sÅi j j[ kk
t k, rksHkh v fr' k; ksfDr ugh gksxhA
Comprehension, Chose test, Fill in the blank, Errors gj t xg i j dghau dghaPhrasal verbs mi ; ks xh gSAbl h egRo
dksè; ku esaj[ kdj geusbl s; kn djusdk , d rjhdk fudkyk v kS j bl rjhdsdh enn l seS usa[ kq
n v kS j v i uscgqr l kjsnksLrks] LVw
MsUVksdkscgq
r gh
de l e; esagt kjksadh l a [ ; k esaPhrasal verbs ; kn djk fn, gS A
v c v ki dh ckjh gS arjhdk cgq r gh v kl ku gSl cl si gys, d mnkgj.k nsf[ k, Carry off ; gkai j l cl si gysge Carry dks, d Key esa
change djs xsat ksfd djhuk gS Afi Q j off dkst ksfd v ki Q j gSfi Q
j nksuksdks, d nwl jsl st ksM+dj ; kn cgq r v l kuh l sdj ysxsa Acarry off eryc
gksrk gSt hruk rksbl st ksM+
d j ge dg l drsgSfd djhuk yxkrkj v ki Q j t hr jgh gSAgksx; k uk v kl kuA
v kxsdsmnkgj.kksal sv kS j Li "V gkst k; sxkA
( bu l kjsoMZdh key ; kn dj ysat ksgj oMZdsl kFk , d t S l h gh jgsa
xh)
Carry - djhuk Carry - djhuk
Bear - ch; j Make - ek¡
Break - czsd Pass - i kl
Bring - cM+ h fja
x Pick - iSd
Call - dy Pull - iqy
Cast - dkLV Put - iq =k
Cry - fpYykuk Run - j kuh
Cut - dV Se t - l sB
Do - nks Speak - Li hd
Fall - iQ ky Stand - LVS a
M
Get - xsV Strike - LVªkbd
Give - nsuk Ta k e - VkW d ht
Go - xk; Talk - VkW d
Hold - gkkW fyMs Throw - Fkzks
Keep - di Turn - VuZ
Lay - ysuk Work - dk; Z
( bu l kjsoMZdh key ; kn dj ysat ksgj oMZdsl kFk , d t S l h gh jgsa
xh)
on - ykxr kj For - dsfy,
out - ckgj aside - ' kk; n
forward - v kxs c<+ kuk away - osyksx
down - MkW u across - Økfl a x ; k dk' k
up - v ki without - dsfcuk
with - l kFk apart - i kVZ
in - v Unj ahead - gsM
into - v kUVh around - j kmUM
throw - iQ sa
d uk by - ck;
about - yxHkx through - Fks
back - oki l after - i ' pkr
forth - iQ ksFkZ against - fojks/
under - v UMj fo; j over - v kSj
at - v VS d together - xnj
Carry (change into) - dj huk Break - d ksxkM+ h oky h czsd esapsa
t d j sxsa
Carry off - t hruk Break down - vl i Q y gkst kuk
Carry on - t kjh j[ kuk Break in - t cjnLrh ?kq l uk
Carry out - v kKk dk i kyu djuk Break into - ?kj esat cjnLrh ?kq l uk
Carry forward - v kxs c<+ kuk Break off - v yx gkst kuk
English by Sohail Ahmad Khan 366
Idioms Rakesh Yadav Readers Publication
Bear - d ksch; j esapsa t d j sxsaBear down - nkckuk
Break throw - l iQ yrk feyuk Bear out - l eFkZ
u djuk
Break out - v pkud ' kq : gksuk Bear up - i kyu&i ks"k.k djuk
Bear with - cnkZ ' r djuk Bring - cM+ h fj a
x
Bring about - ?kfVr gksuk Bring back - oki l y kuk
Bring down - ekj Mkyuk ; k r[ rk Call - dy
i yV dj nsuk
Bring forth - iS nk djuk Call back - oki l cq y kuk
Bring forward - i zLrq r djuk Call for - v ko' ; drk eg' kw
l djuk
Bring off - fdl h dk; Zdksl i Q yrk Call in - cq
y kuk
iw oZd djuk
Bring out - i zd kf' kr djuk Call on/upon - dghai j FkksM+
sl e; dsfy, t kuk
Bring in - j cq y kuk Call up - ; kn djuk
Bring up - i kyu i ks"k.k djuk Cast - d kLV
Bring under - nck nsuk Cast aside - csd kj l e> dj NksM+nsuk
Cast away - v Lohdkj djuk Cast off - R;kx nsuk
Cut off - ck/ k i gq ¡pkuk Cast out - cfg"dkj djuk
; k v ojks/ mRiUu
Cut out - cUn dj nsuk Cut up - Vq
d Ms+
&Vq
d M+
sdjuk ; k dkVdj gVkuk
; k dkVdj gVkuk
Cry - fpYykuk Cry off - eq
d j t kuk
Cut up - Vqd Ms+ &Vq
d M+s djuk Cry out - ph[ kuk
; k dkVdj gVkuk
Do - nks Do away with - [ kRe djuk
Cry up - c<+ k&p<+k dj fn[ kkuk Do in - [ kRe djuk ; k ekj Mkyuk
Cut - dV Cut across - chp l sgksd j t kuk
Do up - ck¡/ uk ; k uohuhdj.k Cut back - ?kVkuk
djuk
Do without - dsfcuk dke pykuk Cut down - ekj Mkyuk ; k fxjkuk
Fall - iQ ky ( fxj uk) Get back - oki l v kuk
Fall apart - cgq r [ kjkc n' kk Get at - v kykspuk djuk ; k i gq
¡puk
Fall away - / hjs&/ hjsde gksuk Get away - cpdj fudy t kuk
Fall in - i sze esai M+ uk Get back in - l Ùkk esaoki l v kuk
Fall into - foHkkft r djuk Get by - ft Unk jguk
Fall out - >xM+ k djuk Get down - fuxyuk ; k fy[ kuk
Get - xsV Get ahead - v kxsc<+ uk ; k mUufr djuk
Get out - i zfl ¼ gkst kuk ; k Get around - iQ y t kuk
S
ckgj fudy t kuk
Get through - i jh{kk esal i Q y gksuk Get off - i zLFkku djuk
Go - xk; Go about - Hkze.k djuk
Get up - mBuk ; k l q cg Go after - i hNk djuk
t Ynh mBuk
Give away - forfjr djuk Go against - fojks/ djuk
Give back - oki l ykS Vuk Give in - l ei Z. k djuk
Go ahead - fodkl djuk Go at - v kØe.k djuk
Give off - fudkyuk Go away - pyst kuk
Give out - l ekIr djuk ; k Go by - l e; xq t juk
iS nk djuk
Give up - R;kx nsuk Go down - vl i Q
y gksuk ; k Mw
cuk
English by Sohail Ahmad Khan 367
Idioms Rakesh Yadav Readers Publication
Go into - Vdjk t kuk Hold on - dfBu l e; esaMVsjguk ; k ba r t kj djuk
Go on - yxkrkj t kjh j[ kuk Go out - cq> t kuk ; k Hkst uk
Hold up - jksd uk ; k l gkjk nsuk Go over - t kW
p i M+r ky djuk
Hold with - l eFkZ u djuk] Go through - è; ku l sns[kuk ; k t kW
p i M+
r ky
v uq eksnu djuk
Keep - di Keep down - nck nsuk
Go under - vl i Q y gksuk Hold - gkfy Ms
Keep in - j ksd uk Hold back - fgpfdpkuk jksd uk
Keep on - t kjh j[ kuk Hold in - fu; a =k.k esaj[ kuk
Keep out - v yx jguk Hold off - nwj j[ kuk
Keep under - v i usv / hu j[ kuk Look for - ryk' k djuk
Lay - y suk Look into - i rk yxkuk
Lay off - dke cUn dj nsuk Look out - l ko/ ku jguk
Lay out - [ kpZdjuk Look over - fujh{k.k djuk
Lay up - chekj gksuk Look up - [ kkst uk
Let off - {kek djuk Mak e - ek¡
Make off - Hkkxuk Let down - uhpk fn[ kkuk
Make out - eryc fudkyuk Look down - fr j Ld kj d j uk
Make over - cny nsuk Make up - cukuk
Pick up - mBkuk Pass Pull
Pass on - v kxsc<+ uk ; k Pull away - i hNsgV t kuk
xq t j t kuk
Pass by - R;kxuk ; k ds Pull back - i hNsgV t kuk
i kl dsxq t juk
Pass off - l ekIr gksuk Pull off - l iQ y gksuk
Pass out - iw j k gksusi j NksM+
uk Pull through - i jkft r djuk
; k i zlkfjr djuk
Pull up - j ksd uk Pick
Pick off - ekj Mkyuk ; k rksM+ uk Put
Put across - v i uh ckr j[ kuk
Pick out - ckgj fudkyuk Put aside - Hkw
y k nsuk ; k cpk dj j[ kuk
Put away - budkj djuk Run after - i hNk djuk
Put by - v ogsy uk djuk Run along - iafDrc¼ gksuk
Put down - nck nsuk] dq y puk Run away - Hkkx t kuk
Put on - i guuk Run down - Fkd t kuk
Run off - fu.kkZ ; d er Put out - i js'kkuh esagksuk
Run out - l ekIr gkst kuk Put up with - cnkZ ' r djuk] l guk
Run through - yki jokgh l s[ kpZdjuk Run
Run across - v pkud feyuk Run amuck - v fu; a
f=kr gksuk
Speak up - t ksj l scksy uk See Stand
See off - fonk djuk Stand by - l eFkZ
u djuk
Set aside - fujLr djuk Stand out - Js"B gksuk
Set against - i zfrjks/ djuk Stand up - [ kM+
sgksuk
Strike Strike off - gVk nsuk
Set apart - v yx&Fkyx Strike out - geyk djuk
Set off - v kja
Hk djuk] i zsfjr djukSet back - vl i Qyrk] udke; kch
Take Take after - , d l eku gksuk
Speak
Speak out - l kgl dsl kFk dguk Take apart - Vq
d M+
sVq
d M+
sdj nsuk

English by Sohail Ahmad Khan 368


Idioms Rakesh Yadav Readers Publication
Take away - v yx djuk] ckgj djukThrow together - yki jokgh l scuk ysuk
Take up - laj {k.k djuk Turn
Turn away - v Lohdkj dj nsuk Talk
Talk dwon - uhpk fn[ kkuk Turn down - v Lohdkj djuk
Talk into - jkt h djuk Turn off - ca
n djuk
Talk over - fopkj djuk Turn against - nq
' eu cu t kuk
Throw
Throw aside - Nq
Vdkjk i kuk Turn back - oki l v kuk
Throw away - iQ
d nsuk
sa Turn into - esacnyuk
Throw off - Bq
d jk nsuk Turn out - mi fLFkr gksuk
Work Work in - t ksM+
uk
Chalk out - ; kst uk rS ; kj djuk Work on - yxk jguk
Crop up - i zd V ; k mRiUu djuk Work out - O;k; ke djuk] ; kst uk cukuk
Clash with - Vdjkuk Work over - cqj h rjg l si hVuk
Drag up - fudkyuk Work up - fodfl r djuk] c<+ kuk
Dish out - forfjr djuk] i jksluk Feb
Feb up - Åck gq v k] Fkdk gqv k Deck up - l t kuk
Drain out - ckgj i yk; u djuk Blow
Blow over - nwj gkst kuk Bail out - t ekur i j NksM+ uk
Flare up - HkM+ d kuk Hush up - fNi kuk
Hang out - yVdkuk Rule out - [ kkfjr djuk
Gear up - xfr c<+ kuk Roll down - [ kksy uk] eksM+uk
Jeer at - mi gkl mM+ kuk Pump out - NksM+ uk
Kick out - ckgj fudky nsuk Skid off - fi Q l y t kuk
Mow down - ekj Mkyuk Stem from - l smRiUu gksuk
Pick up - mBkuk] t Ynh l h[ kuk Step down - bLrhi Q k nsuk
Pique over - ra x djuk Sniff at - mi s{kk djuk
Write off - jn~ n djuk Shunt out - ckgj l s?kq ek nsuk
Wink at - ekS u LohÑrh nsuk Turn up - feyuk
Yell out - fpYykuk Thrash out - fdl h eS Vj dksi wj h rjg l sNkuchu djuk
Zip through - tt Gun down - ?kk; y dj nsuk
Walk out - ukjkt gksd j pyst kuk Dispose of - csp nsuk
Wrap up - yi sVuk Stave off - csp nsuk
Weed out - l ki Qdjuk] fudky nsuk Trump up - cgkusdjuk
Wipe out - iw j h rjg l su"V dj nsukStick out - ckgj fudkyuk] i zeq [ k gksuk
Shake off - Nq Vdkjk i kuk Zip through - t Ynh l si w j k djuk
Hit upon - l kspuk Gun down - ?kk; y dj nsuk
Led up to - mí s'; Dispose of - csp nsuk
Dawn on - Li "V gksuk Stave off - Vkyuk
End up - l ekIr gksuk Trump up - cgkusdjuk
Dwell on - l kspuk Buckle down - xaHkhj gksd j dke djuk
Lynch law - HkhM+ra =k Pore over - è; ku l sns[kuk
Wink at - ekS u LohÑfr nsuk Beat off - i hNsgVkuk] i jkft r djuk
Yell out - fpYykuk Stick off - ckgj fudkyuk] i zeq [ k gksuk
Shake off - Nq Vdkjk i kuk Dwell on - l kspuk
Hit upon - l kspuk Lynch law - HkhM+ra =k
Led up to - mí s'; Measure up - cjkcj gksuk
Dawn on - Li "V gksuk Tide over - eqf' dyksadkst hruk
(over come) End up - l ekIr gksuk
English by Sohail Ahmad Khan 369

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