(Idioms & Phrases)

SET-01 (b)To be undecided

(c)To make hospitable
Direction (01-20): In the following question, (d)To manage to live
out of the four alternatives, select the
alternative that best expresses the meaning Q7. Turned a blind eye.
of the idiom/phrase. (a)Not able to see clearly
(b)Feeling dizzy
1. To be thrown in at the deep end (c)Pretended not to notice
(a)learn to do the difficult things too soon (d)Playing hide and seek
(b)need to do one thing at a time
(c)unable to do the given work Q8. Walk on eggshell
(d)try to do too many things at the same time (a)To be light on one's feet
(b)To be very nervous about events
2. The suspect (made a clean breast of it) (c)Be extremely cautious about one's words or
during the enquiry. actions.
(a)confessed his crime (d)To deal with events in a careless manner
(b)took off his shirt
(c)blamed his companion Q9. Picture paints a thousand words
(d)asked for a fresh shirt (a)A visual presentation is far more descriptive
than words
3. To blaze a trail (b)When someone understands the situation
(a)to initiate something new well
(b)to act impulsively (c)No manners
(c)to set fire to something (d)Someone who lacks intelligence
(d)to complete a project
Q10. Fool’s paradise
4. How is that? You seem (out of spirits).
(a)In which no team wins
(a)Got a light punishment (b)To be tired of being happy
(b)Refuse to have anything more to do with (c)Being happy for foolish reasons
someone (d)Be secretive for unfound reasons
(c)Gloomy, sad
(d)Beyond control Q11. Turn the corner
(a)To finish
5. Our (back room boys) deserve an applause (b)To engage
for the success of this music video.
(c)To run away
(a)People who perform important work but (d)To overcome
don't come under the limelight
(b)People who perform the most important role Q12. Buckle down
in any field (a)Work seriously
(c)People who come up with new and (b)Take it easy
innovative ideas (c)Drop a subject
(d)People who create something out of nothing (d)Go for a vacation
Q6. To keep body and soul together Q13. To count on
(a)To be in love
 (Idioms & Phrases)
(a)To be grateful S7. Ans. (c)
(b)To relax S8. Ans. (c)
(c)To depend on S9. Ans. (a)
(d)To share S10. Ans. (c)
S11. Ans. (d)
Q14. At daggers drawn S12. Ans. (a)
(a)Frustrated S13. Ans. (c)
(b)Happy S14. Ans. (c)
(c)Hostile S15. Ans. (b)
(d)Competitors S16. Ans. (b)
S17. Ans. (b)
S18. Ans. (c)
Q15. Bull in a china shop.
(a)To beware of materialistic people. SET-02
(b)One who causes damage.
Direction (01-20): In the following question,
(c)To be hardworking.
out of the four alternatives, select the
(d)One who works the most.
alternative that best expresses the meaning
of the idiom/phrase.
Q16. Miss the boat
(a)Miss someone special.
Q1. The controversy is likely to create (bad
(b)Someone missed his or her chance
blood) between the two communities.
(c)Have to leave something.
(a)At a complete loss of how to act
(d)Failing in something
(b)Maintaining peace
(c)Bitterness
Q17. On the ball
(d)Failed to keep
(a)Based on a guess.
(b)When someone understands the situation
Q2. Gomez turned down the consulting job; he
well.
felt that he already had (too many irons in the
(c)Excited.
fire).
(d)In a very difficult situation.
(a)Faithful to his employers
(b)Engaged in too many enterprises at the same
Q18. Not a spark of decency
time
(a)Not being perfect.
(c)Under control
(b)Not being angry.
(d)Quite puzzled
(c)No manners
(d)No reasons to trust.
Q3. It’s no secret that he got elected by (playing
to the gallery).
Answers;
(a)Attention-seeking
1. Ans. (a)
(b)Entertaining people
2. Ans. (a)
(c)Influencing the public
3. Ans. (a)
(d)Performing cheap tricks
4. Ans. (c)
5. Ans. (a)
Q4. With these types of economic freedoms
S6. Ans. (d)
many people will (jump on the bandwagon)
 (Idioms & Phrases)
and the projected GDP growth figures are very (d)Show support in favour of someone
likely to be met
(a)Try to ruin something good Q10. I am so glad that my secretary Nisha is
(b)Doing something without thinking always (on the ball) because I'm too scatter
(c)Join others in doing or supporting something brained to manage my schedule on my own.
(d)Get attracted by good offers (a)To be excited
(b)To be a genius
Q5. Your son blames mine for their fight at (c)Attentive, knowledgeable, and quick to take
school, but it generally (takes two to tango). action
(a)Try to find the real culprit (d)To be extremely well mannered and obedient
(b)Two parties are responsible for a certain
action 11. Casting pearls before swine
(c)It takes patience to deal with children (a)To show your worth.
(d)A rude person always starts a fight (b)To be when someone needs you
(c)To impart wisdom.
Q6. The shopkeepers also downed their shutters (d)To offer something valuable to someone who
and the other establishments also decided to does not recognize its worth
(call it a day).
(a)Express dissent Q12. Elvis has left the building
(b)Frustrated over something (a)No hopes left.
(c)Have a tough day at work (b)The show has come to an end. It's all over.
(d)End a period of activity (c)Complete everything.
(d)Leave things incomplete
Q7. I didn’t say anything wrong. He quit the job
(of his own accord). Q13. Until the cows come home.
(a)To do something regrettable (a)for a very short time.
(b)Voluntarily (b)for a long time.
(c)To take a hasty decision (c)pass the time.
(d)Hold someone accountable (d)None of the above.

Q8. Rishabh got his (walking papers) Q14. Speak volumes

yesterday. (a)Meddle officiously in
(a)Dismissed from job (b)Serve as a strong testimony
(b)To get a promotion (c)In one's very own presence
(c)To get a demotion (d)To stop work for a time and have rest
(d)Receive a bonus
Q15. Tick someone off
Q9. We cannot (let the government off the (a)Entrust someone with a responsibility
hook) for letting fringe elements attack school (b)Gossip about someone
buses. (c)Reward someone
(a)Inspire someone to do something (d)Reprimand someone
(b)Held someone accountable
(c)Allow someone to avoid being blamed for Q16. Chapter and verse
something (a)Full and precise reference or authority
 (Idioms & Phrases)
(b)Not improbable S14. Ans. (b)
(c)Listened eagerly to his words S15. Ans. (d)
(d)To be reluctant S16. Ans. (a)
S17. Ans. (c)
Q17. After a fashion S18. Ans. (b)
(a)Cease fighting and make peace S19. Ans. (b)
(b)Making money unfairly S20. Ans. (d)
(c)To a certain degree but not satisfactory
(d)Assaulted SET-03
Direction (01-20): In the following question,
Q18. Hang in the balance
out of the four alternatives, select the
(a)To behave towards someone in a
alternative that best expresses the meaning
magnanimous manner
of the idiom/phrase.
(b)Is undecided
(c)Showing oneself to be equal in dealing with
Q1. Hit the hay
an emergency
(a)Work hard.
(d)The full details
(b)Be a farmer
(c)Go to bed.
Q19. Take somebody for a ride
(d)Take a rest.
(a)To help a person
(b)To cheat a person
Q2. A far cry
(c)To bring presents to a person
(a)an abstract ideal
(d)To let go of someone
(b)a long way off
(c)an impracticable idea
Q20. The gift of the gab
(d)out of reach
(a)ability to cook well
(b)ability to criticize anyone
Q3. To be in the doldrums
(c)ability to spend time anywhere
(a)To be in low spirits
(d)ability to speak eloquently
(b)To be in high spirits
(c)To remain neutral
Answers;
(d)To pay no attention
S1. Ans. (c)
S2. Ans. (b)
Q4. To eat humble pie
S3. Ans. (a)
(a)To eat something sweet
S4. Ans. (c)
(b)Too much consciousness about one’s body
S5. Ans. (b)
(c)Two difficult alternatives
S6. Ans. (d)
(d)To apologize humbly and to yield under
S7. Ans. (b)
humiliating circumstances
S8. Ans. (a)
S9. Ans. (c)
Q5. Show a clean pair of heals
S10. Ans. (c)
(a)run away
S11. Ans. (d)
(b)wear proper shoes
S12. Ans. (b)
(c)clean and tidy
S13. Ans. (b)
(d)have a clean pair of shoe
 (Idioms & Phrases)

Q13. Into the bargain

Q6. Jump on the bandwagon (a)In addition
(a)Join a popular trend or activity (b)Got himself into trouble
(b)Keep something away (c)To have no settled means of subsistence
(c)To take the credit for something someone (d)Seems likely
else did
(d)Not share a secret Q14. From hand to mouth
(a)Thwarted one in the execution of one's own
Q7. see eye to eye design
(a)Applaud (b)Distinguished himself
(b)Compete (c)Without any provision for the future
(c)Concur (d)Know it thoroughly
(d)Impress
Q15. Threw in the towel
Q8. Like a phoenix (a)Perspired
(a)Be very successful (b)Surrendered
(b)Possessing magical powers (c)Collapsed
(c)Re-emerging (d)Struggled
(d)Be huge in size
Q16. All those who (carried the day) in reality
Q9. A sore point shows failed to make a mark later.
(a)Something that hurts (a)made a guest appearance
(b)A losing point (b)won a victory
(c)A point of meeting (c)acted as hosts
(d)A reason of dispute (d)participated

Q10. Sharp practices Q17. Unless you are (above board) in your
(a)Brutally true ways dealings, you will not be able to win the trust of
(b)Short -cuts your clients.
(c)Smart practices (a)bold and reckless
(d)Dishonest means (b)smart and deceptive
(c)honest and frank
Q11. Hobson's choice (d)exceptionally talented
(a)An expensive choice
(b)A very good choice Q18. The abrogation of article 370 was achieved
(c)No real choice (in the teeth of) tough resistance.
(d)A bad choice (a)in a state of uncertainty
(b)in a short span of time
Q12. Fits and starts (c)in direct opposition to
(a)Suddenly (d)in collaboration with
(b)In a disapproving manner
(c)Not regularly Q19. I told you not to play the prank but you
(d)With a lot of obstruction didn’t listen, now (face the music).
 (Idioms & Phrases)
(a)accept the consequences (d)Mend one's way
(b)put on earphones
(c)listen to the songs Q2. Easier said than done
(d)sing popular songs (a)Discussing about a solution that might
actually be impossible to implement
Q20. The two brothers don’t (see eye to eye) on (b)Doing things exactly according to the plan
property matters. (c)Things which look impossible at first sight
(a)discuss things with each other but turn out doable
(b)want to see each other (d)Not as easy as it appears to be
(c)agree with each other
(d)like to fight with each other Q3. In the good books
(a)In favour of
Answers; (b)In an illusion
S1. Ans. (c) (c)In the field of academics
S2. Ans. (c) (d)In a library
S3. Ans. (a)
S4. Ans. (d) Q4. To eat a humble pie
S5. Ans. (a) (a)To accept one's poverty
S6. Ans. (a) (b)To rest peacefully
S7. Ans. (c) (c)To avoid greed
S8. Ans. (c) (d)To apologize
S9. Ans. (a)
S10. Ans. (d) Q5. Shake in shoes
S11. Ans. (c) (a)Have a weak base
S12. Ans. (c) (b)Tremble with fear
S13. Ans. (a) (c)Be very angry
S14. Ans. (c) (d)Shocked to a great extent
S15. Ans. (b)
S16. Ans. (b) Q6. under the weather
S17. Ans. (c) (a)Tired
S18. Ans. (c) (b)Lazy
S19. Ans. (a) (c)Unwell
S20. Ans. (c) (d)Irritable

SET-04 Q7. Water under the bridge

(a)Experiencing many emotions at once
Direction (01-20): In the following question, (b)Not affected by current events
out of the four alternatives, select the (c)Past events which are unimportant at present
alternative that best expresses the meaning (d)Destruction caused by a storm
of the idiom/phrase.
Q8. Throw caution to the wind
Q1. Cut no ice (a)Reveal a secret
(a)Have no influence (b)Give a warning to someone
(b)Leave no way (c)Be careless about something
(c)Be the last person to do a task
 (Idioms & Phrases)
(d)Take a risk recklessly (d)Go straight to

Q9. Come rain or shine Q16. Let the grass grow under one’s feet
(a)Along with changing weather (a)To accept responsibility
(b)No matter what the circumstances (b)To engage in a project
(c)Using any means possible (c)To remain idle
(d)Withstanding hardships (d)To grow grass at home

Q10. On the ball Q17. To pick holes

(a)Based on a guess. (a)To lose courage
(b)When someone understands the situation (b)To be afraid to die
well. (c)To find the weak points in something
(c)Excited. (d)To articulate clearly
(d)In a very difficult situation.
Q18. Handle with kid gloves
Q11. Of the first water (a)to remove all hurdles to start something
(a)of ancient origin (b)to treat someone with extreme care
(b)of favorable opinion (c)to show someone your creativity
(c)of no significance (d)to accomplish something too ambitious
(d)of the best quality
Q19. Up in arms
Q12. Go down in flames (a)to be angry
(a)crash land an aeroplane (b)to be defensive
(b)get hit by a burning cracker (c)to be nervous
(c)fail completely (d)to be rude
(d)get completely burnt
Q20. far cry from
Q13. Be left in the lurch (a)Very different from.
(a)be tired of doing the same thing over and (b)Strong.
over again (c)To cry internally.
(b)be deserted when one is in trouble (d)To hide your emotions.
(c)be sent to do work which one doesn't enjoy
(d)keep repeating something till it is accepted Answers;
S1. Ans. (a)
Q14. Till the cows come home S2. Ans. (d)
(a)For a small part S3. Ans. (a)
(b)For a long, long time S4. Ans. (d)
(c)Till the work is finished S5. Ans. (b)
(d)In the evening S6. Ans. (c)
S7. Ans. (c)
Q15. Make a beeline for S8. Ans. (d)
(a)Stand in a queue S9. Ans. (b)
(b)Go for freebies S10. Ans. (b)
(c)Make a line for honey S11. Ans. (d)
 (Idioms & Phrases)
S12. Ans. (c) (c)One who presents a counter argument.
S13. Ans. (b) (d)None of the above
S14. Ans. (b)
S15. Ans. (d) Q6. Fire and brimstone
S16. Ans. (c) (a)Reopen and quarrel
S17. Ans. (c) (b)To punish
S18. Ans. (b) (c)To forgive
S19. Ans. (a) (d)To forget
S20. Ans. (a)
Q7. Sell ice to eskimos
SET-05 (a)To let a troublesome time pass
(b)To be able to sell anything to anyone
Direction (01-20): In the following question, (c)To avoid an unpleasant situation
out of the four alternatives, select the (d)To be unclear
alternative that best expresses the meaning
of the idiom/phrase. Q8. Make a mountain out of a molehill
(a)To become popular
Q1. Dog days (b)To exaggerate the severity of a situation
(a)Easy days (c)To protest against something unjust
(b)Difficult days (d)To be practical and sensible
(c)Very hot days
(d)Very cold days Q9. Cut somebody some slack
(a)To not judge someone too harshly
Q2. Hit a home run (b)To be annoyed with someone
(a)To be unsuccessful at something (c)To not give someone a break
(b)To do something that is very successful (d)To be lazy with someone
(c)Not being able to confront one's problems
(d)To be do something at the last minute Q10. Part and parcel
(a)Arguments for and against
Q3. The salt of the earth (b)Sent the message
(a)A good, reliable, honest person (c)An essential part
(b)Selfish person (d)Distribute and give away
(c)Notorious person
(d)An angry person Q11. Last straw
(a)Final decision
Q4. A cat's nap (b)Last cookie on the plate
(a)A lazy attitude (c)Last person in the queue
(b)A short sleep (d)Final problem in the series
(c)A long sleep
(d)None of the above Q12. Jump on the bandwagon
(a)To take a long ride
Q5. A hot potato (b)To join a popular trend
(a)A controversial issue or situation that is (c)To insult someone
awkward or unpleasant to deal with. (d)To trust someone blindly
(b)Easy option
 (Idioms & Phrases)
(a)To be angry
Q13. Strike while the iron is hot (b)To be pessimistic
(a)To act at the right time (c)To take shortcuts
(b)To do something unimportant (d)To succeed
(c)To wait for someone
(d)To cry all the time Answers;
S1. Ans. (c)
Q14. A bull in a China shop S2. Ans. (b)
(a)An extremely awkward, clumsy person S3. Ans. (a)
(b)To be a rude and aggressive person S4. Ans. (b)
(c)A brave person in a group of cowards S5. Ans. (a)
(d)A very disciplined and systematic person S6. Ans. (b)
S7. Ans. (b)
Q15. Chip off the old block S8. Ans. (b)
(a)Having interest in antique furniture S9. Ans. (a)
(b)Looking after parents S10. Ans. (c)
(c)Resembling parents S11. Ans. (d)
(d)Having old fashioned values S12. Ans. (b)
S13. Ans. (a)
Q16. Above yourself S14. Ans. (a)
(a)Sick S15. Ans. (c)
(b)Arrogant S16. Ans. (b)
(c)Healthy S17. Ans. (a)
(d)Underestimate S18. Ans. (a)
S19. Ans. (c)
Q17. Getting out of hand S20. Ans. (d)
(a)not in control anymore
(b)going to be handled soon SET-06
(c)can be passed on to someone else
Direction (01-20): In the following question,
(d)not growing fast enough
out of the four alternatives, select the
alternative that best expresses the meaning
Q18. Send one to Coventry
of the idiom/phrase.
(a)to ignore or refuse to communicate
(b)Study in Coventry
Q1. In spite of the high sounding words, his
(c)improper behaviour
speech fell flat on the audience.
(d)welcome to Coventry
(a)failed to make an impact
(b)impressed a lot
Q19. To have a jaundiced eye
(c)appealed to the sentiments of the audience
(a)To be very pleased
(d)could not be heard clearly
(b)To have yellowish eyes
(c)To be prejudiced
Q2. The thieves made off with all the cash and
(d)To have sore eyes
jewellery in the house.
(a)squandered
Q20. Cut the mustard
(b)ran away with
 (Idioms & Phrases)
(c)discovered Q8. Mr. X, the banker, is on his last legs.
(d)transferred (a)To domineer over
(b)On the verge of death
Q3. In spite of her severe accident she took (c)To retire from active life
heart and moved forward. (d)Take care not to lose one's pre-eminence
(a)Overcame problems
(b)Felt depressed Q9. His blood ran cold when he heard that his
(c)Gathered courage friend was murdered.
(d)Acted promptly (a)Came to nothing
(b)Used all available means
Q4. The sad part of the agitation is that most of (c)To be horrified
the leaders are only paying lip-service to the (d)Adopted every possible method of search
issue.
(a)saying they agree although they do not Q10. If you see a bad habit begin to develop, try
support it to nip it in the bud so that it does not become
(b)partially impressing the crowds ingrained.
(c)making long speeches for the cause (a)To stop it at an early stage.
(d)growing angry and restless with the (b)Consulted one another
organisers (c)Listen to
(d)Strange
Q5. The subordinates curry favour with the
new manager so that they are promoted soon Q11. Meet someone halfway
(a)put curry leaves (a)To apologize humbly
(b)created favour (b)To yield under humiliating circumstances
(c)try to get favour or advantage by flattery (c)Come to a compromise with someone
(d)manipulate (d)To retract one's statements

Q6. He's played on the team for years, but he's Q12. Dry run.
making his bow as team captain tomorrow (a)To win.
night. (b)To rehearse
(a)Appear for the last time in some role or (c)To exercise
position (d)To plan
(b)A fake arrangement
(c)Appear for the first time in some role or Q13. It takes two to tango
position (a)Requires double efforts.
(d)To create an illusion of efficiency (b)Actions or communications need more than
one person
Q7. She broke the bank after buying a new (c)Patience.
apartment. (d)Lots of hard work until you get success.
(a)stole the money
(b)go bankrupt Q14. Cut to the chase
(c)broke the window of the bank (a)To start talking about the important aspects
(d)None of the above. of something
(b)To conclude from obvious fact
 (Idioms & Phrases)
(c)To clean solid lines Answers;
(d)To be evil tempered S1. Ans. (a)
S2. Ans. (b)
Q15. Run out of steam S3. Ans. (c)
(a)To run out of an engine S4. Ans. (a)
(b)To lose enthusiasm and stop doing S5. Ans. (c)
something S6. Ans. (c)
(c)To run the engine by steam S7. Ans. (b)
(d)A very loud and noisy rain storm S8. Ans. (b)
S9. Ans. (c)
Q16. Boil the ocean S10. Ans. (a)
(a)To have a heated argument. S11. Ans. (c)
(b)To make a big thing over a small issue. S12. Ans. (b)
(c)Try to give in. S13. Ans. (b)
(d)Try to accomplish something too ambitious S14. Ans. (b)
S15. Ans. (b)
Q17. Daylight robbery S16. Ans. (d)
S17. Ans. (c)
(a)Morning robbery. S18. Ans. (a)
(b)To cheat someone. S19. Ans. (b)
(c)Blatant overcharging S20. Ans. (d)
(d)To be cheated
SET-07
Q18. Toe the line
Direction (01-20): In the following question,
(a)To behave according to an official rule,
out of the four alternatives, select the
especially when you do not agree with it.
alternative that best expresses the meaning
(b)To agree with something.
of the idiom/phrase.
(c)To behave on someone’s order.
(d)To forcefully act
Q1. Costs an arm and a leg
(a)Showing disappointment
Q19. A flash in the pan
(b)Done in secret
(a)Something that is fast
(c)Something is very expensive
(b)Something that has happened for only one
(d)Boring work or task
time and it won’t repeat
(c)Something that has gone forever
Q2. Fish out of water
(d)To cover something in a limited time
(a)Pretend to be something else
(b)To adjust oneself in any circumstance
Q20. Sit on the fence
(c)To be out of place
(a)Be in the middle of things.
(d)To be out of breath
(b)Run into trouble.
(c)Someone who does everything on its own.
Q3. Finding a needle in a haystack
(d)Someone does not want to choose or make a
(a)Paying attention to minute details
decision
(b)Impossible to hide
(c)Virtually impossible to find
 (Idioms & Phrases)
(d)Virtually impossible to lose (c)Maintain a long distance relationship
(d)Keep your problems away
Q4. Draw the line
(a)To know the point where something goes Q11. “Let the grass grow under one’s feet”
from okay to not okay
(b)To understand the intricacies of a situation (a)To accept responsibility
(c)To refuse to give into the demands of (b)To engage in a project
someone more powerful (c)To remain idle
(d)To force someone to accept your demands (d)To grow grass at home

Q5. Every cloud has a silver lining Q12. "To pick holes"
(a)Good days don't last longer
(b)There is always a story behind someone's (a)To lose courage
success (b)To be afraid to die
(c)You can find good in every bad situation (c)To find the weak points in something
(d)You can find bad in every good situation (d)To articulate clearly

Q6. Down for the count Q13. Handle with kid gloves
(a)Low on confidence
(b)Overexcited (a)to remove all hurdles to start something
(c)High on stamina (b)to treat someone with extreme care
(d)Unable or unwilling to participate any longer (c)to show someone your creativity
(d)to accomplish something too ambitious
Q7. Cut me some slack
(a)To make someone feel important Q14. Up in arms
(b)To offer service
(c)To not judge someone too harshly (a)to be angry
(d)To lend someone some money (b)to be defensive
(c)to be nervous
Q8. Butterflies in my stomach (d)to be rude
(a)Malnourished
(b)To be starving Q15. Far cry from
(c)To be hungry
(d)To be nervous (a)Very different from.
(b)Strong.
Q9. In high spirits (c)To cry internally.
(a)got a light sentence (d)To hide your emotions.
(b)cheerful
(c)refused to have anything more to do with it Q16. Of the first water
(d)beyond control
(a)of ancient origin
Q10. Whole nine yards (b)of favorable opinion
(a)Measure nine yards (c)of no significance
(b)Everything (d)of the best quality
 (Idioms & Phrases)
S14. Ans. (a)
Q17. Go down in flames S15. Ans. (a)
S16. Ans. (d)
(a)crash land an aeroplane S17. Ans. (c)
(b)get hit by a burning cracker S18. Ans. (b)
(c)fail completely S19. Ans. (b)
(d)get completely burnt S20. Ans. (d)

Q18. Be left in the lurch SET-08

Direction (01-20): In the following question,
(a)be tired of doing the same thing over and
out of the four alternatives, select the
over again
alternative that best expresses the meaning
(b)be deserted when one is in trouble
of the idiom/phrase.
(c)be sent to do work which one doesn't enjoy
(d)keep repeating something till it is accepted
Q1. Cup of tea
(a)Something refreshing
Q19. Till the cows come home
(b)Something that pleases one
(c)A feeling of elation
(a)For a small part
(d)A useless search
(b)For a long, long time
(c)Till the work is finished
Q2. On the tip of my tongue
(d)In the evening
(a)Excessively costly
(b)At full speed
Q20. Make a beeline for
(c)Readily available in my memory
(d)Feeling extremely joyful
(a)Stand in a queue
(b)Go for freebies
Q3. To pull someone's legs
(c)Make a line for honey
(a)Not a serious information
(d)Go straight to
(b)To play a joke on someone
(c)Of a kind and sympathetic nature
Answers;
(d)To use all possible methods
S1. Ans. (c)
S2. Ans. (c)
Q4. As clear as a bell
S3. Ans. (c)
(a)To get fooled
S4. Ans. (a)
(b)To have a tinkling sound
S5. Ans. (c)
(c)Readily understood
S6. Ans. (d)
(d)At a very low price
S7. Ans. (c)
S8. Ans. (d)
Q5. Let bygones be bygones
S9. Ans. (b)
(a)To remember the past
S10. Ans. (b)
(b)Neat and tidy
S11. Ans. (c)
(c)To forgive and forget
S12. Ans. (c)
(d)Just at the last moment
S13. Ans. (b)
 (Idioms & Phrases)
Q6. Cut one short (b)To come up to expectations
(a)To chop something (c)Making absurd expectations
(b)To act quickly (d)Very enthusiastic
(c)To interrupt someone
(d)To be rude Q14. Alphabet soup
(a)A beautiful poem.
Q7. Sail in the same boat (b)A text which nourishes your soul.
(a)be in the same situation as others (c)A book that is close to your heart.
(b)pay a very low price for something (d)A confusing or confused mixture of things.
(c)be in heavy debt
(d)go for a boat ride Q15. To bury the hatchet
(a)To make peace
Q8. To pick up the threads (b)To dig the ground
(a)To restart from the previous closing point (c)To negotiate
(b)To examine an issue seriously (d)To make war
(c)Being received very warmly
(d)At a short distance Q16. Let sleeping dogs lie
(a)To get someone drunk
Q9. Pull up your socks (b)A fair competition where no side has an
(a)To lose one's temper advantage
(b)To play a joke on someone (c)To make a dog to sleep
(c)To put in extra effort (d)To avoid restarting a conflict
(d)To suspect some foul play
Q17. Take exception to
Q10. As a matter of fact (a)To object strongly
(a)Just at the last moment (b)To enjoy the given freedom
(b)To seize a good opportunity (c)To make a promise
(c)To forgive and forget (d)To comply with a rule
(d)Actually
Q18. High on the hog
Q11. To feel at home (a)To go to bed or go to sleep
(a)To be rarely at home (b)To study for a test
(b)To feel comfortable (c)To live in a luxurious or costly way
(c)To miss one's home (d)To have something secured
(d)To feel out of place
Q19. Work against the clock
Q12. Come to light (a)work in great hurry
(a)To pry a secret (b)work with concentration
(b)To be well lit-up (c)work against all problems
(c)To be obscure (d)work late in the night
(d)To be known publicly
Q20. Run around in circles
Q13. Cut the mustard (a)to keep doing something without achieving
(a)Prepare spices out of mustard seeds much
 (Idioms & Phrases)
(b)to remain busy with your work answer: D
(c)to keep running to set a record
(d)to work excessively hard by keeping two jobs 3. To bid defiance
a) To disregard recklessly
Answers; b) To apologize
S1. Ans. (b) c) To act in a like manner
S2. Ans. (c) d) To bribe
S3. Ans. (b) answer: A
S4. Ans. (c)
S5. Ans. (c) 4. With bated breath
S6. Ans. (c) a) In dispute
S7. Ans. (a) b) In anxiety
S8. Ans. (a) c) In full detail
S9. Ans. (c) d) In happy mood
S10. Ans. (d) answer: B
S11. Ans. (b)
S12. Ans. (d) 5. To clip one’s wings
S13. Ans. (b) a) To be carried away
S14. Ans. (d) b) To restrict someone's freedom
S15. Ans. (a) c) To laugh secretly
S16. Ans. (d) d) To live within one’s means
S17. Ans. (a) answer: B
S18. Ans. (c)
S19. Ans. (a) 6. Cloven hoof
S20. Ans. (a) a) A difficult situation
b) The evil intention
SET-09 c) Win approval
d) Additional success
Direction (01-20): In the following question, answer: B
out of the four alternatives, select the
alternative that best expresses the meaning 7. Draconian law
of the idiom/phrase. a) Written law
b) Extremely severe law
1. As fit as a fiddle c) Oral law
a) Very aggressive
d) Lenient law
b) Uncomfortable answer: B
c) Selfish friend
d) Strong and healthy 8. To fall flat
answer: D a) To flatter
b) To fall in love with someone
2. Argus eyed c) To have no effect
a) A pretence d) To give bad news
b) Flatterer answer: C
c) Short tempered
d) Observant
 (Idioms & Phrases)
9. To gird up the loins b) Something that lasts for a short time
a) To be unable to decide c) To profit in a dishonest way
b) To prepare for hard work d) None of the above
c) To be at strife Answer - C
d) To one’s liking
answer: B 16. To doctor the accounts:
a) to make changes in account books
10. High and mighty b) To clear the doctor’s bill
a) An unreliable person c) To verify the accounts in detail
b) Experts d) To manipulate the accounts
c) Hopeful Answer - D
d) Arrogant
answer: D 17. She could never measure up to her parent’s
expectation:
11. To strain every nerve: a) Reach the level
a) To make utmost efforts b) Work as hard
b) To feel weak and tired c) Assess the amount
c) To be a diligent worker d) Increase her height
d) To be methodical in work Answer - A
Answer - A
18. The little girl with her flawless performance
12. To flog a dead horse: stole the show:
a) To whip a dead horse a) Stole something from the show
b) Attempt to do the impossible b) Crept into the show
c) Waste ones; efforts c) Won everybody’s praise
d) To take advantage of weakness d) Disappeared from the show
Answer - B Answer - C

13. To show a clean pair of heels: 19. The thief was on good terms with the police:
a) To hide a) Kept terms and conditions
b) To escape b) was friendly
c) To pursue c) Followed the rules
d) To follow d) Agreed with them
Answer - B Answer - B

14. To die in harness: 20. John’s offer of help was turned down by the
a) Premeditated murder police:
b) Dying young in an accident a) Sent back
c) To die while in service b) Twisted around
d) To be taken by surprise c) Refused
Answer - C d) Handed over
Answer - C
15. To feather one’s nest:
a) To make a residential house SET-10
 (Idioms & Phrases)
Direction (01-20): In the following question, b) grapple the situation courageously
out of the four alternatives, select the c) close your eyes and attack the bull
alternative that best expresses the meaning d) take defensive measures to deal with a crisis.
of the idiom/phrase. Answer - B

1. To be all at sea: 7. A gentleman at large

a) A family voyage a) a man in the crowd
b) Lost and confused b) a man without a job
c) In the middle of the over c) a man who runs around
d) A string of islands d) a man who is generous
Answer - B Answer - B

2. To take to one’s heels: 8. Lose face

a) To walk slowly a) become embarrassed.
b) To run away b) feel angry
c) To March forward c) get injured
d) To hope and jump d) feel surprised
Answer - B Answer - A

3. To bit the dust: 9. Build castles in the air

a) Eat voraciously a) work tirelessly
b) Have nothing to eat b) fly
c) Eat roots c) dream
d) To fail d) film something
Answer - D Answer - C

4. A bolt from the blue: 10. Fall back on

a) A delayed event a) retreat
b) An inexplicable event b) overtaken
c) A unexpected event c) suffer an accident
d) An unpleasant event d) resort to something
Answer - D Answer - D

5. Cold comfort: 11. Go to rack and ruin

a) Absurdity a) a state of utter chaos
b) Deception b) a state of despair
c) Slight satisfaction c) a condition of exhilaration
d) Foolish proposal d) get into a bad condition
Answer - D
Answer - D
12. Have a chip on one's shoulder
6. Take the bull by the horns a) nurse a grudge
b) feel physically tall
a) crush something with a heavy hand c) suffer an ailment
 (Idioms & Phrases)
d) carry a burden
Answer - A 19. Blue-blooded
a) inferior
13. The seamy side b) of noble birth
a) on the right side c) of unknown origin
b) unpleasant aspect d) unhealthy
c) visible aspects Answer - B
d) on the left side of something
Answer - B 20. Do a roaring trade
a) in the animal business
14. Too many Chiefs and not enough Indians. b) highly successful
a) a proud gathering c) in the habit of shouting at others
b) an inefficient situation d) extremely reluctant
c) an anti-national meeting Answer - B
d) a top-level meeting
Answer - B SET-11
Direction (01-20): In the following question,
15. Make one's mark
out of the four alternatives, select the
a) distinguish oneself
alternative that best expresses the meaning
b) score high marks
of the idiom/phrase.
c) highlight something in a page
d) reveal something
1.
Answer - A
Keep body and soul together
16. Throw in the towel
a) maintain his health
a) fight with vigour
b) continue with his work
b) acknowledge defeat
c) to have just enough to sustain
c) get success
d) be physical and spiritual
d) concentrate more
Answer - C
Answer - B
2.
17. Mare's nest
Will-o-the-wisp
a) phenomenal discovery
b) worthless thing
a) smoky place
c) joyful event
b) marsh land
d) huge mistake
c) unreal imagining
Answer - B
d) rumour whispered by many
Answer - C
18. A storm in a teacup
a) steam while having tea
3.
b) something which encourages
Cloak- and - dagger
c) big fuss over a small matter
d) special positions
a) an armoured suit
Answer - C
b) a game of martial skill
 (Idioms & Phrases)
c) an activity that involves mystery and secrecy A perfect storm
d) a wide coat without sleeves and a small sword
Answer - C A perfect example
Devastating
4 A bad situation
Palm off A muscular man

a) clearly visible Answer - C

b) uneasy with something
c) to dispose off with the intent to deceive 9.
d) conceal Take French leave
Answer - C
Take an official leave
5. Take a medical leave
The middle of nowhere Take a casual leave
Take a leave without permission
Isolated place
Deprive of something Answer - D
Confused in a situation
In the middle of a question 10.
All moonshine
Answer - A
Resplendent
6. All deception
A snowball effect All achievable
Easy task
An aggressive impact
Something grows at an increasing rate Answer - B
A minute effect
A major effect 11.
Touch a sore spot
Answer - B
to refer to a hot matter that will surprise
7. someone
Bite the bullet to refer to a puzzling matter that will upset
someone
To defeat someone to refer to a sensitive matter that will upset
To surrender someone
To rebuke someone None of the above
Forced to do something unpleasant
Answer - C
Answer - D
12.
8. Keep your wig on
 (Idioms & Phrases)
17.
Keep continuing Heart and Soul
Be successful a) Honestly
Keep smart working b) Very Seriously and Sincerely
Calm down c) Wearily
d) Very casually
Answer - D Answer – (b)

13. 18.
Vicious circle Harp on

Bad environment Be angry

Trustworthy friends Dwell on
Unpleasant situation Attack someone
Disloyal friends Visit someone

Answer - C Answer - B

14. 19.
A bird’s eye view Run out of steam

A view from height Become sordid

A close inspection Lose hold
A general inspection Lose enthusiasm
Neglect Become poor

Answer - A Answer - C

15. 20.
Tool in the hands of Keep your chin up
a) to do physical works
b) To exploit something Be courageous in a tough situation
c) Under the authority of another Keep your work doing
d) To take revenge Get your health
Answer –(c) Keep the necessity

16. Answer - A
Eke out
a) Join or enter a competition SET-12
b) Make something last as long as possible
Direction (01-20): In the following question,
c) Start a project or venture
out of the four alternatives, select the
d) Encourage
alternative that best expresses the meaning
Answer – (b)
of the idiom/phrase.
 (Idioms & Phrases)
1. 6.
Pick holes in another’s coat Up in the air (about someone or something)

To make someone insulted a) In prison

To find negative aspect b) Still to be settled
To abuse someone c) On the wrong track
To steal d) Enjoying great success
Answer - B answer: B

2. 7.
A Slap on the wrist Give oneself airs

a) A mild punishment a) Be intelligent

b) Pushing the wrong person b) Penniless
c) To hit someone where it hurts the most c) Pretend to be good
d) To threaten someone d) Prepare for a difficulty
Answer – A answer: C

3. 8.
Under the rose Alphabet Soup

a) Secretly a) Incomprehensible or confusing mix

b) To welcome someone b) Something outstandingly good
c) Enthusiastically c) Fashionable and glamorous
d) Definitely d) Privileged people
answer: A
Answer - A
9.
4. Be all one to
Bolt from the blue
(a) Thundering a) succeed in doing something
(b) A complete surprise b) Searching thoroughly
(c) Inform something bad c) Not in keeping with the rules
(d) No idea d) Make no difference
Answer – A answer: D
5.
Alarums and Excursions 10.
An article of faith
a) Value for money and time
b) Confused activity and uproar a) A formula for carrying a curse on someone
c) Source of fun or amusement b) Become very successful or famous
d) Derive excitement or pleasure from c) A firmly held belief
answer: B d) Angry or Agitated
answer: C
 (Idioms & Phrases)
d) To make peace
11. answer: A
In the ascendant
16.
a) A general view from above In the teeth of
b) Rising in power or influence
c) To reject someone a) In fashion
d) Waiting quietly for a good opportunity b) Inspite of something
answer: B c) In brief
d) Fail to keep position
12. answer: B
Bring home the bacon 17.
In a flutter
a) An action to be taken when all else fails
b) Be grateful for what we have a) Effective
c) Supply material support b) Almost nothing
d) Setback for someone or something c) In a nervous state
answer: C d) Certain
answer: C
13.
Have the ball at your feet 18.
All Greek to me
a) Be able to recognize
b) Miss something of what is going on around a) Out of danger
c) Enable someone to avoid humiliation b) Incomprehensible
d) To be in the best position to do something c) Very dear
answer: D d) Consulting seriously
answer: B
14.
Banana Oil 19.
Mealy mouthed
a) Perfectly cool or self-possessed
b) Nonsensical talk a) Foolishly ideal
c) A plentiful supply b) Speaking harshly
d) Very long time c) Unwilling to state something
answer: B d) To speak something straightforwardly
answer: C
15.
20.
Hornet’s nest No love lost

a) A troublesome situation a) Complimentary

b) To try utmost b) A seer’s last creation
c) To ascertain c) Self satisfied
 (Idioms & Phrases)
d) Intense dislike
answer: D 5.
Jog someone’s memory
SET-13
a) Describing someone
Direction (01-20): In the following question, b) Appreciating someone’s humor
out of the four alternatives, select the c) To be love with someone’s intelligence
alternative that best expresses the meaning d) To cause someone to remember something
of the idiom/phrase. answer: D
1. 6.
Out of sorts Be in the red
a) To be equal to a) To be very angry
b) To be unwell b) Close to death
c) To make peace c) To be in debt
d) To ignore d) Always energetic
answer: B answer: C
2. 7.
Pay lip service Foot the bill
a) Candidly a) To get good discount on a total bill
b) Pretend to regard b) To pay for something
c) Encouraging c) To manipulate the bill
d) To defend d) To avoid paying for little expenses
answer: B
answer: B
3. 8.
Rip up old sores Catch 22
a) To be defeated a) A Particular situation in which one cannot do
b) To punish anything
c) To revive forgotten quarrel b) Close to winning line
d) To deal with a person strictly
c) Able to achieve the target
answer: C d) Grabbing the opportunity on time
answer: A
4.
Rule to roost 9.
Carry the can
a) To repent
b) To dominate a) To listen to something with considerable
c) To understand doubt
d) To apologize b) To be impatient
answer: B
 (Idioms & Phrases)
c) To be in touch 14.
d) To take the responsibility of some Come hell or high water
misdemeanor
answer: D a) No matter what
b) Feeling ill
10. c) Possible obstacles in one’s path
Paper over the cracks d) Something good and useful
answer: A
a) To take risk
b) To cause embarrassment 15.
c) To hide problems Whoop it up
d) To be absent from duty without permission
answer: C a) Be continually reminded of an unpleasant
topic
11. b) Enjoying in a noisy way, usually in a group
Be a dab hand at something c) Be totally ignorant or incompetent
d) Used as an exhortation to overcome or be rid
a) Always telling nonsense of something
b) Hearing a fake intention answer: B
c) Ready to listen to other people's conversation
d) Skilled in a particular area 16.
answer: D With a vengeance

12. a) A complete disaster

Get cracking b) Having similar views or attitude to something
c) To look out for something without particular
a) To delay little longer attention
b) To destroy at the end d) Used to emphasize the degree to which
c) To waste time in waiting somethings occurs
d) To start doing something answer: D
answer: D
17.
13. Up against the wall
A hair’s breadth
a) To take care of themselves and their own
a) Telling about the smallest possible amount or interests and safety
degree of something b) In a disorderly fashion
b) Irresponsible pleasure sealing in an old age c) In an inextricable situation
c) Praising someone’s abilities and d) Performing well in a difficult or competitive
achievements situation
d) Looking for something which is not clearly answer: C
visible
answer: A 18.
Reap the whirlwind
 (Idioms & Phrases)
(a) Hiding something intentionally from another
a) Providing that other factors or circumstances person
remain the same (b) Not warning a person who is in danger
b) Suffer negative consequences as a result of (c) One can enjoy thrills only if one takes risk
one’s actions (d) Following a course of action that is certain to
c) An indication that something is accepted or lead to an undesirable outcome
regarded favourably Ans.(d)
d) Believing that moderation is more satisfying
than excess Q3. (Blood is thicker than water)
answer: B
(a) Relations are more important than merit
19. (b) All crimes are not equal so punishment for
Of the first water murder is not same as that of
theft
a) Leading a comfortable life (c) Family relationships and loyalties are the
b) Acting contrary to the one’s interests strongest and most important ones
c) Critically important (d) Deceit from a family member hurts more
d) Of the best quality than being cheated by strangers
answer: D Ans.(c)

20. Q4. (The squeaky wheel gets the grease)

Weather the storm (a) The most noticeable problems are the ones
most likely to get attention
a) Be absolutely unwilling to cooperate (b) One unfortunate child always keep getting
b) Fall over in a sudden or dramatic way punished
c) Survive a period of difficulty (c) The person who complains the most is hated
d) Dispute a decision or choice already made the most
answer: C (d) The favourite child or student gets the most
attention
SET-14 Ans.(a)
Direction (01-20): In the following question, Q5. (Run out of steam)
out of the four alternatives, select the (a) To lose impetus or enthusiasm
alternative that best expresses the meaning (b) To work quickly like a machine
of the idiom/phrase.
(c) To give up easily
(d) No more money to spend
Q1. (Turn a blind eye)
(a) Not able to see the obvious truth Ans.(a)
(b) Hide the ugly truth from someone
(c) Pretend not to notice Q6. (To go for broke)
(d) Stay away from bad habits (a) To risk everything in an all-out effort
Ans.(c) (b) Failure in relationship or partnership
(c) Losing all money in an effort to revive a
Q2. (Up a blind alley) failing business
 (Idioms & Phrases)
(d) To start again after failing in a business. (d) Avoiding coming face to face with a problem,
Ans.(a) escaping
Ans.(b)
Q7. (To sleep with the fishes)
(a) Always be in a dream world Q12. (To beat a dead horse)
(b) To make absurd excuses (a) To revive interest in hopeless issue
(c) To sleep peacefully (b) A cruel master will expect a slave to work
(d) To be dead even after his death
Ans.(d) (c) To extract everything from a resource till it
fails
Q8. (To go down like a lead balloon) (d) Doing a cruel act
(a) Losing all the money while gambling Ans.(a)
(b) An idea on which one has a lot of hope, but it
falls Q13. (To chew someone out)
(c) Failure in business or venture (a) To bore someone by talking ceaselessly
(d) A speech, proposal, or joke that is poorly (b) To discourage someone who is going to start
received a new venture
Ans.(d) (c) Reprimand someone severely
(d) To save someone
Q9. (To get one’s walking papers) Ans.(c)
(a) One has the right to entry within a country
or community Q14. (To chip on his shoulder)
(b) One is discharged from a hospital or mental (a) To have huge responsibilities on one’s
asylum shoulders
(c) One can leave (b) Uniform decorated with stars and medals
(d) One is free of imprisonment (c) Wearing your battle scars like medals
Ans.(c) (d) Holding a grudge or grievance that readily
provokes a fight
Q10. (There’s no such thing as a free lunch) Ans.(d)
(a) It isn’t possible to get something for nothing
(b) There is no genuine kindness is this world Q15. (To shoot the breeze)
(c) Even a mother will expect something for her (a) To do random acts hoping one will be
love successful
(d) Those who are tempted by free things, end (b) To have a casual conversation
up spending more (c) To release stomach gases
Ans.(a) (d) To brag about some mild achievement
Ans.(b)
Q11. (Beating around the bush)
(a) Not accepting the real issue and solving Q16. (Get someone’s goat)
minor problems (a) To improvise
(b) To avoid getting to the point of an issue (b) To annoy someone
(c) To run around in circles and never (c) To do something special for someone
accomplishing results (d) To explain something to someone in a very
clear way with details
 (Idioms & Phrases)
Q2. (Have kittens)
Ans.(b) (a) To pet kittens
(b) Be worried
Q17. (Spick and Span) (c) To have a successful outcome
(a) High and Low (d) To be carefree
(b) Dark and Light Ans.(b)
(c) Neat and Clean
(d) Happy and Sad Q3. (While away)
Ans.(c) (a) Spend time uselessly
(b) To utilize time efficiently
Q18. (The thin end of the wedge) (c) To be on time
(a) In strict vigilance (d) To be late
(b) Start of harmful development Ans.(a)
(c) Be aware of the trick
(d) Not a worthy possession Q4. (Turn up)
Ans.(b) (a) Disappear
(b) Appear
Q19. (Get your walking papers) (c) To take a right side
(a) Compromise (d) To get lost
(b) Get fired from the job Ans.(b)
(c) To be received gracefully
(d) To sign on papers Q5. (By a long chalk)
Ans.(b) (a) Majority
(b) Occasionally
Q20. (Know the ropes) (c) Suddenly
(a) Unable to understand (d) A case of emergency
(b) Main support Ans.(a)
(c) To understand the details
(d) To climb on a rope Q6. “Miss the boat”.
Ans.(c) (A) Let too much time go by to complete a task.
(B) Long for something that you don’t have.
SET-15 (C) Miss out on an opportunity.
(D) Not know the difference between right and
Direction (01-20): In the following question, wrong.
out of the four alternatives, select the
Ans.(c)
alternative that best expresses the meaning
of the idiom/phrase. Q7.“Seeing eye to eye.”
(A) Agreeing with somebody
Q1. (On tiptoe) (B) Treating someone with respect
(a) Greatly excited (C) Paying close attention to something
(b) To be disappointed someone is saying
(c) To be in a confusing state (D) Identifying a minor mistake
(d) To be doubtful Ans.(a)
Ans.(a)
 (Idioms & Phrases)
Q8.“spill the beans.” (D) A useless one
(A) To be untidy Ans.(b)
(B) To be very talkative
(C) To reveal something that is supposed to be Q14.They were having a whale of time dancing
kept a secret and singing.
(D) To leave a place quickly (A) To enjoy yourself very much
Ans.(c) (B) To enjoy life
(C) To enjoy leisure time
Q9.‘Shedding Crocodile tears’ (D) To enjoy with loved ones
(A) be in trouble Ans.(a)
(B) insincere display of emotions
(C) be nervous Q15.“a bed of roses”.
(D) find the hidden meaning (A) An easy situation
Ans.(b) (B) A fragrant place
(C) A tough option
Q10.“Can’t judge a book by its cover.” (D) An impossible situation
(A) It is easier to read a book than to protect the Ans.(a)
pages.
(B) It is hard to tell how something is simply Q16.“Takes two to tango”
from its outward appearance. (A) Both people involved in a fight are friendly
(C) A book’s ending can’t always be guessed by now
how it begins. (B) To do what someone else forces you to do
(D) It takes a long time to really know someone. (C) To change your behaviour
Ans.(b) (D) Both people involved in a situation are
equally responsible for it
Q11.‘fall on deaf ears’ Ans.(d)
(A) cannot remember
(B) people would not listen to Q17.“kill two birds with one stone.”
(C) to be in trouble (A) Prefer to do a hard job before an easy job
(D) find the hidden meaning (B) Accomplish two things at the same time
Ans.(b) using just one action
(C) Be unwilling to complete an unpleasant job
Q12.“A hard nut to crack” (D) Avoid an accident very narrowly
(A) an interesting problem Ans.(b)
(B) a difficult problem
(C) a unique problem Q18.“bump into”.
(D) a simple problem (A) To meet someone who has met with an
Ans.(b) accident
(B) To meet someone by chance
Q13.Ram sold their house because it was a real (C) To accidentally push someone
white elephant. (D) To fall because someone accidentally
(A) A rare find pushed you
(B) Very expensive and useless Ans.(b)
(C) A very big one
 (Idioms & Phrases)
Q19.“A stich in time saves______.”
(A) six Q4.“once in a blue moon.”
(B) four (A) Making up for lost time
(C) seven (B) Always being late
(D) nine (C) In a very roundabout way
Ans.(d) (D) Happening only rarely
Ans.(d)
Q20.‘A change of heart’
(A) Change your opinion about someone or Q5.‘Life is not a bed of roses.’
something. (A) Something which is easy
(B) Find the hidden meaning. (B) Something which is interesting
(C) Say what you really mean. (C) Something which is beautiful
(D) Pretend to be upset. (D) Something which is very large
Ans.(a) Ans.(a)

SET-16 Q6. “To die in harness”.

(A) To die early
Direction (01-20): In the following question, (B) To die under duress
out of the four alternatives, select the (C) To die while on duty
alternative that best expresses the meaning (D) To die peacefully
of the idiom/phrase. Ans.(c)
Q1.‘Something that is very common, not unique.’ Q7. ‘Speak of the Devil’ mean ?
Find the idiom related to following meaning. It means, if we are speaking about a person and
(A) A dime a dozen at the same moment that person happens to
(B) Bite the bullet _____.
(C) Don’t judge a book by its cover
(A) disappears
(D) Biting off more than you can chew (B) enjoys
Ans.(a) (C) runs
(D) appear
Q2.‘The elephant in the room’. Ans.(d)
(A) To fail in a spectacular manner
(B) An issue, person, or problem that someone Q8. ‘It’s raining cats and dogs’
is trying to avoid (A) It’s snowing
(C) Joking with someone
(B) It’s raining heavily
(D) Reading or hearing something from the (C) There is a storm
source (D) There is an earthquake
Ans.(b) Ans.(b)
Q3.‘In the same boat’. Q9. ‘black sheep’
(A) Try and do something (A) A graceful person
(B) Live in the same town (B) A disgraceful person
(C) Be in the same position (C) A foolish person
(D) Say what it really means (D) A gentleman
Ans.(c)
 (Idioms & Phrases)
Ans.(b)
Q16.“Marked with Superiority”.
Q10.”Get ducks in a row” (A) Outstanding
(A) Jumble (B) Egoistic
(B) Well organized (C) Inferiority
(C) Un coordinated (D) Pending
(D) Helter – skelter Ans.(a)
Ans.(b)
Q17. “Plain as day”
Q11. “Last Resort” (A) Easy to understand
(A) Destination (B) Being out of your depth or comfort zone in a
(B) Climax situation
(C) Final (C) To be of advantage to someone
(D) Not desirable (D) In state of extreme happiness
Ans.(c) Ans.(a)

Q12. “Giving the cold shoulder”. Q18. “No great shakes”

(A) Be nervous (A) Mediocre
(B) Having the full attention (B) Important
(C) Would not listen to something (C) Remarkable
(D) Ignore someone (D) Very good
Ans.(d) Ans.(a)

Q13. ‘Beating around the Bush’? Q19.”Break a leg”

(A) To talk softly and clearly. (A) Bad luck
(B) To speak in a roundabout indirect way. (B) Good luck
(C) To speak the truth (C) Misfortune
(D) To speak in an unnatural way (D) To ignore someone
Ans.(b) Ans.(b)

Q14. ‘read between the lines’? Q20.“Hear it on the grape vine”

(A) you have my full attention (A) Testimony
(B) say what you really feel (B) Rumour
(C) pretend to be upset (C) Proof
(D) finding meanings that are intended, but that (D) Audition
are not directly expressed Ans.(b)
Ans.(d)
SET-17
Q15. “In the nick of time”
Direction (01-20): In the following question,
(A) Just at the last moment
out of the four alternatives, select the
(B) At the start moment
alternative that best expresses the meaning
(C) At the middle moment
of the idiom/phrase.
(D) At the present moment
Ans.(a)
Q1.“In dire straits”
 (Idioms & Phrases)
(A) Good fortune
(B) Providence Q7. “Hit the hay”
(C) Indigence (A) To end in failure
(D) Extremely happy (B) To go to bed in order to sleep
Ans.(c) (C) To fall so that your body hits the ground
heavily
Q2. “under the weather”. (D) To love your work
(A) Feeling sick Ans.(b)
(B) Worrying that something bad may happen
(C) Having more energy on colder days Q8. “have butterflies in one’s stomach”.
(D) Being willing to accept risks (A) To do a job in a rushed manner
Ans.(a) (B) To be so angry that your stomach feels tense
(C) To be nervous
Q3. “When pigs fly” (D) To have a stomach illness
(A) Very imaginative Ans.(c)
(B) Highly unlikely to happen
(C) Nothing like it should have been Q9. “let your hair down”.
(D) Random or unpredictable outcome (A) Become sloppy
Ans.(b) (B) Change one’s appearance
(C) Start to relax and enjoy oneself freely
Q4.‘Something that is very common, not unique’. (D) Show one’s true nature to others
Find the idiom related to following meaning. Ans.(c)
(A) A dime a dozen
(B) Bite the bullet Q10. “to touch base”
(C) Don’t judge a book by its cover (A) Go back to the original place
(D) Biting off more than you can chew (B) Analyse the problem and find the root cause
Ans.(a) (C) Start from the basics
(D) Renew contact with someone or something
Q5.‘The elephant in the room’. Ans.(d)
(A) To fail in a spectacular manner
(B) An issue, person, or problem that someone Q11. “pull someone’s leg”.
is trying to avoid (A) To trick someone in a playful way
(C) Joking with someone (B) To tell someone to take longer steps
(D) Reading or hearing something from the (C) To try and get someone’s attention quickly
source (D) To be rude to someone by saying something
Ans.(b) hurtful
Ans.(a)
Q6. “to be a piece of cake”.
(A) Something that is very easy Q12. (Add fuel to the fire)
(B) To refer to something that is pleasant to hear (a) Go from one bad situation another
(C) To refer to a wedge-shaped object (b) A Cause becomes stronger when more
(D) Something that looks nice but is bad for people join
health (c) The flame will extinguish if it runs out of oil
Ans.(a) (d) Cause a situation to become worse
 (Idioms & Phrases)
Ans.(d) (d) A person who is blamed for the mistakes of
others
Q13.The mention of her former husband’s name Ans.(d)
still makes Rita (foam at the mouth.)
(a) Angry Q19.He is (a cut above) all the other boys in the
(b) Vomit group.
(c) Shy (a) Quite taller than
(d) Fall sick (b) More active than
Ans.(a) (c) A little rougher than
(d) Rather superior to
Q14.We must (husband our resources) against Ans.(d)
hard times.
(a) Save Q20.As soon as the police arrived, the bank
(b) Support robbers (showed the white flag.)
(c) Sing (a) Calmly left the scene
(d) Concede (b) Surrendered
Ans.(a) (c) Ran away
(d) Were incensed
Q15.The newly elected Chief Minister has Ans.(b)
promise to (bring about) changes in the state
(a) Produce SET-18
(b) Make
Direction (01-20): In the following question,
(c) Cary
out of the four alternatives, select the
(d) Cause to happen
alternative that best expresses the meaning
Ans.(d)
of the idiom/phrase.
Q16. (A slap on the wrist)
Q1. (To cut one short)
(a) Mild punishment
(a) To love one
(b) Punishing the wrong person
(b) To insult one
(c) To hit someone where in hurts the most
(c) To criticize one
(d) To threaten someone
(d) To interrupt one
Ans.(a)
Ans.(d)
Q17. (Against the clock)
Q2.We must work with (all our might and main,)
(a) To do a job fast to finish it before a deadline
otherwise we cannot succeed.
(b) Time is money
(a) Full force
(c) Man is a victim of time
(b) Complete trust
(d) It is useless to fight destiny
(c) Exceptional skill
Ans.(a)
(d) Full unity
Ans.(a)
Q18. (Scapegoat)
(a) Animal sacrifice as an offering to god
Q3.The sailors (nailed their colours to their
(b) The most useful animal or person
mast.)
(c) a lucky person who is forgiven for his crimes
(a) Put up a colourful mast
 (Idioms & Phrases)
(b) Refused to climb down (d) By disguising himself
(c) Took over the ship Ans.(c)
(d) Decided to abandon the ship
Ans.(b) Q9.William left us with a heart wrenching (swan
song.)
Q4.We had better (batten down the hatches.) (a) Last cry
The weather is unpredictable. (b) Last gift
(a) Stay in – door (c) Last prayer
(b) Prepare for a difficult situation (d) Last performance
(c) Go somewhere safe Ans.(d)
(d) Face the obstacles
Ans.(b) Q10. (New kid on the block)
(a) New rules which are bound to fail
Q5.It is difficult to have a sensible discussion (b) A junior
with her as (she files off at a tangent.) (c) A new social trend
(a) Gets carried away (d) A newcomer
(b) Starts discussing something irrelevant Ans.(d)
(c) Loses her temper easily
(d) Does not really understand anything Q11.To be a successful lawyer, one must know
Ans.(b) how to (dot one’s I’s and cross one’s t’s.)
(a) Complete one task at a time
Q6.The students found it hard to (go at equal (b) Write great letters
speed) with the professor. (c) Deal with paperwork
(a) Get away from (d) Be detailed and exact
(b) Put up with Ans.(d)
(c) Keep up with
(d) Race against Q12.When Ramu lost the money, he was (down
Ans.(c) in the dumps.)
(a) Accusing other of stealing
Q7. (A hot potato) (b) Searching everywhere
(a) A war like situation which could have been (c) Sad and depressed
easily avoided (d) Very angry at himself
(b) A common eatery but favoured by celebrities Ans.(c)
(c) A controversial situation which is awkward
to deal with Q13.He (turned up his nose at my offer)
(d) A celebrity who keeps getting into some or (a) Was taken aback by my offer
the other controversy (b) Found it hard to believe my offer
Ans.(c) (c) Treated my offer with contempt
(d) Could not accept my offer
Q8.The thief managed to escape (by the skin of Ans.(c)
teeth.)
(a) By running very fast Q14.There are no (hard and fast) rules that
(b) By getting help from his friend cannot be relaxed on such an occasion.
(c) By the narrowest margin (a) That is difficult to solve
 (Idioms & Phrases)
(b) That can be altered
(c) That is very quick Q20.Indians are (going places) in the field of
(d) That cannot be altered software technology.
Ans.(d) (a) Going abroad
(b) Going to spaces
Q15.The present manner of delimitation has (c) Talented and successful
been done in a (gerrymandering way) (d) Friendly and amicable
(a) In a legal and constitutional manner Ans.(c)
(b) In a judicial and fair way
(c) Ina manipulative and unfair way SET-19
(d) In a dictate manner like the Germans
Direction (01-20): In the following question,
Ans.(c)
out of the four alternatives, select the
alternative that best expresses the meaning
Q16.The performance of the lead actors in the
of the idiom/phrase.
play (brought the house down.)
(a) Made the audience applaud enthusiastically
(b) Made the audience leave 1. This matter has been (hanging fire) for the last
(c) Made the audience cry many months and must therefore be decided
(d) Made the audience request an encore one way or the other.
Ans.(a)
(a) going on slowly
Q17.People like her, who are (salt of the earth), (b) hotly debated
are very difficult to find.
(a) Dedicated to better the world (c) stuck up
(b) Good, honest and ideal (d) ignored
(c) Extraordinary
(d) One with the common folk
Ans.(b)
Answer – B
Q18.The (Alpha and Omega)
(a) Beginning and end
(b) A Shakespearean play 2. The day the new product was launched,
(c) A Greek song people (made a beeline) in purchase it.
(d) A Swiss watch (a) Went online
Ans.(a)
(b) Rushed
Q19.Jane earned (pin money) working part-time (c) Were doubtful
as a waitress.
(a) Saved money (d) Refused
(b) Additional money
(c) A small amount of money
(d) Money to be spent only for luxuries and Answer – B
treats
Ans.(c)
 (Idioms & Phrases)
3. (All good things must come to an end.) a) A liar
(a) Even enjoyable experiences cannot last b) Very funny
forever.
c) Really silly
(b) A good story should always have a happy
d) Unrealiable
ending.
(c) The world will be destroyed one day.
Answer – C
(d) Only bad things can continue forever, Life of
good things feel short.

7. I hope you will (back me) at the meeting.

Answer – A (a) Criticise
(b) Speak after I do
4. When it comes to dancing, he is (all-thumbs) (c) Follow
(a) Lazy (d) Support
(b) An expert
(c) A trainer Answer – D
(d) Clumsy

8. (A food and his money are easily parted)

Answer – D (a) A foolish person spends money carelessly
and will son be penniless.
(b) A miser will eventually lose all his money
5. He usually goes to bed very early and (rises
due to one foolish mistake.
with the lark.)
(c) A foolish person will never be able to get rich.
(a) At midnight
(d) A rich person should be smart enough to
(b) Very late
avoid people who will fool him for his wealth.
(c) Very early
(d) After sunrise
Answer – A

Answer – C
9. I shall always remember my (alma matter)
with gratitude
6. He’s (as daft as a brush,) Don’t’ believe a word (a) Institution where I got education
of what he says.
(b) Teacher who inspired me
 (Idioms & Phrases)
(c) Mother’s loving care Answer – C
(d) Kindergarten days
13. His friends turned out to be (snake in the
grass.)
Answer – A
(a) Cowardly and brutal
(b) A hidden enemy
10. I and my friend always (go Dutch) when we
eat out. (c) An unreliable and deceitful person
(a) Drive together (d) Low and mean
(b) Pay for each other’s meal
(c) Go together Answer – C
(d) Divide the costs
14. He and his neighbor are always (at
loggerheads.)
Answer – B
(a) Agree on everything
(b) Disagreeing on everything
11. Instead of keeping his promise of helping me
with office work, he just (left me high and dry.) (c) Aloof from each other
(a) Left me without a drop of water (d) Abusing each other
(b) Left me in a state of anger
(c) Left me alone to do the work Answer – B
(d) Left me feeling like a fool
15. I am going to stay at home because I am
feeling (under the weather today.)
Answer – C
(a) Unhappy
(b) Depressed
12. Unless you (make amends for) the loss,
nobody is prepared to excuse you. (c) Irritated
(a) Improve (d) Sick
(b) Confess
(c) Compensate Answer – D
(d) Pay debt
 (Idioms & Phrases)
16. Even in the middle of the fire he (kept a level (c) To burn someone alive
head.)
(d) Destroy with fire.
(a) Was impulsive
(b) Was sensible
Answer – A
(c) Was crazy
(d) Was self centred
20. (All bark and no bite)
(a) Children should only be scolded but never
Answer – B beaten
(b) To be full of big talk but lacking action
17. The winning team decided to (go for the (c) The person who appears most scary will help
jugular) in the last quarter of the match. you the most
(a) Forfeit the match (d) A person who talks a lot will never harm you
(b) Give easy opportunities in the opposite team
(c) Give reserve players a chance Answer – B
(d) Attack all out SET-20
Direction (01-20): In the following question,
out of the four alternatives, select the
Answer – D alternative that best expresses the meaning
of the idiom/phrase.

18. Everybody thought Asha and Ashok were a

happy couple, but it was all just (make believe.) 1. Caught red-handed

(a) Hatred (a) Caught by mistake

(b) Treachery (b) Caught with a red-hander chief

(c) Reality (c) Found wounded

(d) Pretense (d) Discovered in the act of doing

Answer – D Answer – D

19. (To set the Thames on fire) 2. Gate crasher

(a) Do a heroic deed (a) Invader

(b) Do something to suit one’s own purpose (b) Thief
 (Idioms & Phrases)
(c) Uninvited guest
(d) Children 6. To go to somebody’s head
(a) To have a huge ego
Answer – C (b) To complain to the highest authority
(c) To make someone dizzy or slightly drunk
3. To angle (d) To arrive at the central point of the topic
(a) To measure the river breadth
(b) To fish with a net Answer – C
(c) To fish
(d) To sit and watch the river 7. To make amends
(a) To make new friends
Answer – C (b) To feel guilty for something you have not
done
(c) To compensate
4. Fit like a glove
(d) To make flimsy excuses
(a) To fit snugly
(b) Something tight and sticky
Answer – C
(c) Soft and easy to wear
(d) Difficult to hold
8. Chicken out
(a) To refuse to do something due to fear
Answer – A
(b) To influence
(c) To seek all enjoyments of life
5. Get into a soup
(d) To obtain fame by hard work
(a) To make things difficult
(b) To be worrisome
Answer – A
(c) To be familiar of
(d) To get an advantage
9. Long and short of it
(a) Hardly and suddenly
Answer – A
(b) Light an dark
 (Idioms & Phrases)
(c) The summary of the matter
(d) Day and night 13. Crying for the moon
(a) Without any aim
Answer – C (b) Really and truly
(c) To want the impossible
10. Play havoc (d) Delaying doing the work
(a) To play hide and seek
(b) To worsen the situation Answer – C
(c) To love to go out on adventures
(d) To have a secret plan 14.Utopian
(a) Idealistic
Answer – B (b) Weak spot
(c) Top priority
11. Tall order (d) Source of strength
(a) Difficult demand
(b) Overbearing Answer – A
(c) A wild rumour
(d) Fair and foul 15. Come to grief
(a) Seemed eager to continue
Answer – A (b) To experience something unpleasant
(c) Inspite of all difficulties
12. Wide of the mark (d) Making one stubborn
(a) Inaccurate
(b) Inquisitive Answer – B
(c) Expensive
(d) Brightened 16. Once and for all
(a) Bring to an end
Answer – A (b) Remain alive
 (Idioms & Phrases)
(c) Forever
(d) Something good for people 20. Get around
(a) Persuade
Answer – A (b) Recall
(c) Exclude
17. At any cost (d) Avail
(a) Personally
(b) In a miserable situation Answer – A
(c) Secretly SET-21
(d) Under any circumstances Direction (01-20): In the following question,
out of the four alternatives, select the
alternative that best expresses the meaning
Answer – D of the idiom/phrase.

1. To cudgel one’s brains

18. Swelled head (a) To think hard
(b) To kill by shooting in the head
(a) Tired (c) To manipulate
(d) To oppose someone
(b) Timid
(c) Dreamer Answer – A
(d) Pride 2. Broke Priscian’s head
(a) To use bad grammar
(b) To quarrel
Answer – D (c) To hurt with grief
(d) To put an end to

19. To sow the dragon’s teeth Answer – A

(a) To disturb the work
3. In deep water
(b) To suspect something foul (a) To die
(b) In great difficulty
(c) To take some action (c) To fail completely
(d) To act foolishly (d) To surrender

Answer – B
Answer – C
4. In the egg
 (Idioms & Phrases)
(a) In an untidy state (d) To refuse to answer
(b) In a dilemma
(c) In an early stage Answer – C
(d) In bodily form
10. Give somebody a ring
Answer – C (a) Propose marriage
(b) Inform about the death of a loved one
5. Draw a blank (c) Call someone on the telephone
(a) Absent minded (d) Trap somebody in a difficult
(b) To be unsuccessful
(c) Come to an end Answer – C
(d) To fall a victim
11. Best thing since sliced bread
Answer – B (a) Happy when someone leaves
(b) A good invention
6. All agog (c) a good food
(a) Avoid (d) None of the above
(b) Contentment
(c) Amazed Answer – B
(d) Unsystematically
12. Hit the nail on the head
Answer – C (a) Do or say something exactly right
(b) Attack someone at the right time
7. Not to mince matters (c) Create problems for others
(a) To be at ease (d) Get into conspiracy
(b) To not confuse others
(c) To not interfere in others affairs Answer – A
(d) To speak out politely
13. When pigs fly
Answer – D a) Something that will never happen
b) When miracle happens
8. It goes without saying c) When there is a sudden change in the weather
(a) To silently bear the injustice d) When something ad is about to happen
(b) Something which is implied to be obvious
(c) There is no point in doing something after Answer – A
you are told to do it
(d) Break long relationship with someone 14. Hear it on the grapevine
(a) To hear screams from somewhere
Answer – B (b) To hear a secret from the third person
(c) To hear some rumors about something
9. To let someone off (d) To hear the rustling of a tree
(a) To let someone fall
(b) To leave someone in his present state Answer – C
(c) To release someone from blame
 (Idioms & Phrases)
15. A chip on your shoulder
(a) Your should is injured 20. The future of Kashmir is still a (vexed
(b) There is burden on your shoulder question.)
(c) You are holding a grudge (a) Controversial
(d) You are ill (b) None of the given options
(c) Important
Answer – C (d) Confused

16. Answer – A
I’ll (be finished with this) in a second. SET-22
(a) Be thorough
Direction (01-20): In the following question,
(b) Be satisfied
out of the four alternatives, select the
(c) Be exhausted
alternative that best expresses the meaning
(d) Be through
of the idiom/phrase.
Answer – D
1. (A golden mean)
(a) Comfortable and easy work
17. I have a (feeling in my gut) that her husband
(b) Middle course between two extremes
is cheating her.
(c) A sudden sad event
(a) Strong instinct
(d) A subject of contention
(b) Slight hint
(c) Lot of proof
Answer – B
(d) Strong fear
2. I have (clean hands), so why should I be afraid
Answer – A
of anyone.
(a) Beautiful
18. (Out of sorts)
(b) Faulty
(a) Not rich
(c) Innocent
(b) Out of reach
(d) Hygienic
(c) Out of sight
(d) Not well
Answer – C
Answer – D
3. Anand is a nice guy, but sometimes he really
(gets on my nerves.)
19. (All Greek to me)
(a) Makes me nervous
(a) The new person in a group gets the most
(b) Shakes my self-confidence
attention
(c) Annoys me
(b) Learning a new language is very difficult
(d) Makes me uncomfortable
(c) Saying that one does not understand
something that is said or written
Answer – C
(d) Everything's is new when one is in a new
country
4. As a student, you should (catch time by the
forelock.)
Answer – C
(a) Speed up
 (Idioms & Phrases)
(b) Set up clock back (c) Complete something
(c) Slow down (d) To take in
(d) Seize opportunity
Answer – C
Answer – D
10. (Curiosity killed the eat)
5. Receiving his first award was a (shot in the (a) A person who constantly keeps asking
arm) for him. questions is avoided by everybody
(a) Something that gives encouragement (b) Everybody has a fatal weakness
(b) Something that is painful (c) Being inquisitive about other people’s affairs
(c) Something that needs attention may get you into trouble
(d) Something done with a purpose (d) Everyone feels like killing a nagging person

Answer – A Answer – C

6. It is sometimes wiser to rely on (horse sense) 11. Television has become (part and parcel) of
than on the advice of colleagues. our lives.
(a) Advice of parents (a) Status symbol
(b) Advice of teachers (b) Unavoidable luxury
(c) Advice of colleagues (c) Important part
(d) Basic common sense (d) Showy part

Answer – D Answer – A

7. (To cut to the chase) 12. My (kith and kin) congratulated me on my

(a) To chase your dreams brilliant success.
(b) To explain a very long story (a) Niece and nephew
(c) To remove all negative thoughts from one’s (b) Father and mother
mind (c) Relatives
(d) To come to the point (d) Colleagues

Answer – D Answer – C

8. I have (taken fancy to) this car. 13. His frequent journeys are (telling upon) his
(a) Given imaginative touches health.
(b) Revised (a) Threatening
(c) Developed liking for (b) Improving
(d) Improved (c) Informing
(d) Affecting
Answer – C
Answer – D
9. (Carry out)
(a) Bring 14. He advised her to (give a wide berth to)
(b) Continue malicious people.
 (Idioms & Phrases)
(a) Pay more attention to (a) Someone who gives advice based on theory
(b) Give a large bed to not practice
(c) Share her seat with (b) Someone who give advice based on practice
(d) To stay away from not theory
(c) Someone who gives advice based on
Answer – D experience
(d) Someone who never gives advice
15. Sunil’s (dog in a manager) attitude did not
help to settle the matter. Answer – A
(a) Cold
(b) Selfless 20. He was punished for (taking French leave.)
(c) Selfish (a) Being absent without permission
(d) Warm (b) Leaving without intimation
(c) Giving lame excuse
Answer – C (d) Resigning without giving notice

16. If the speaker continues with his boring Answer – A

speech, the audience will probably (vote with SET-23
their feet.)
Direction (01-20): In the following question,
(a) Kick him out
out of the four alternatives, select the
(b) Show their disapproval
alternative that best expresses the meaning
(c) Stop him from speaking
of the idiom/phrase.
(d) Choose him as leader

Answer – B 1. To make clean breast of

(a) To gain prominence
17. I (threw up my cards) for want of funds. (b) To praise oneself
(a) Put my whole income at stake (c) To confess without of reserve
(b) Looked out for help (d) To destroy before it blooms
(c) Give up my plant
(d) Gamble all my money Answer – C

Answer – C 2. To keeps one's temper

(a) To become hungry
18. Shyam Prasad was (a chip of the old block.) (b) To be in good mood
(a) A being of the old generation (c) To preserve ones energy
(b) An experienced old man (d) To be aloof from
(c) A common boy of the locality
(d) Gambled all my money Answer – B

Answer – D 3. To catch a tartar

(a) To trap wanted criminal with great difficulty
19. My father is undoubtedly an (arm-chair (b) To catch a dangerous person
critic.) (c) To meet with disaster
 (Idioms & Phrases)
(d) To deal with a person who is more than one's
match 9. To put one's hand to plough
(a) To take up agricultural farming
Answer – B (b) To take a difficult task
(c) To get entangled into unnecessary things
4. To drive home (d) Take interest in technical work
(a) To find one's roots
(b) To return to place of rest Answer – B
(c) Back to original position
(d) To emphasise 10. To pick holes
(a) To find some reason to quarrel
Answer – D (b) To destroy something
(c) To criticise someone
5. To have an axe to grind (d) To cut some part of an item
(a) A private end to serve
(b) To fail to arouse interest Answer – C
(c) To have no result
(d) To work for both sides 11. To leave someone in the lurch
(a) To come to compromise with someone
Answer – A (b) Constant source of annoyance to someone
(c) To put someone at ease
6. To cry wolf (d) To desert someone in his difficulties
(a) To listen eagerly
(b) To give false alarm Answer – D
(c) To turn pale
(d) To keep off starvation 12. To play second fiddle
(a) To be happy, cheerful and healthy
Answer – B (b) To reduce importance of one's senior
(c) To support the role and view of another
7. To end in smoke person
(a) To make completely understand (d) To do back seat driving
(b) To ruin oneself
(c) To excite great applause Answer – C
(d) To overcome someone
13. To beg the question
Answer – B (a) To refer to
(b) To take for granted
8. To be above board (c) To raise objections
(a) To have a good height (d) To be discussed
(b) To be honest in any business deal
(c) They have no debts Answer – B
(d) To try to be beautiful
14. A black sheep
Answer – B (a) An unlucky person
 (Idioms & Phrases)
(b) A lucky person
(c) An ugly person Answer – D
(d) disreputable member of a group
Answer – d 20. He passed himself off as a noble man.
(a) Was regarded as
15. To smell a rat (b) Pretended to be
(a) To see signs of plague epidemic (c) Was thought to be
(b) To get bad small of a bad dead rat (d) Was looked upon
(c) To suspect foul dealings
(d) To be in a bad mood Answer – B

Answer – C SET-24
Direction (01-20): In the following question,
16. To hit the nail right on the head
out of the four alternatives, select the
(a) To do the right thing
alternative that best expresses the meaning
(b) To destroy one's reputation
of the idiom/phrase.
(c) To announce one's fixed views
(d) To teach someone a lesson
1) A blessing in disguise-
(a) Something good that isn’t recognized by first
Answer – A
(b) Favor for somebody
(c) Something praiseworthy in difficulties
17. To set one's face against
(d) None of the above
(a) To oppose with determination
(b) To judge by appearence
Answer - A
(c) To get out of difficulty
(d) To look at one steadily
2) Bull in china shop-
(a) Something dangerous
Answer – A
(b) An extremely clumsy person
(c) One who causes damage
18. Sobhraj could be easily arrested because the
(d) An extravagant person
police were tipped off in a advance.
(a) Toppled over
Answer - B
(b) Bribed
(c) Given advance information
3) A chip on your shoulder-
(d) Threatened
(a) Being upset for something that happened in
the past
Answer – C
(b) an ingrained feeling of agreement
(c) Having responsibility
19. met him after a long time, but he gave me the
(d) Have a heavy workload
cold shoulder.
(a) scolded me
Answer - A
(b) insulted me
(c) abused me
4) A damp squib-
(d) ignored me
(a) A common man
 (Idioms & Phrases)
(b) Complete failure (d) Trustworthy person
(c) Foolish person
(d) Complicated situation Answer - A

Answer - B 10) A green horn-

(a) Very expensive
5) A dime A dozen- (b) Very rude
(a) Very expensive (c) Having experience
(b) Very difficult to achieve (d) Inexperienced
(c) Anything that is common and easy to get
(d) None of the above Answer - D

Answer - C 11) A leopard can’t change his spots-

(a) It is difficult to leave a place
6) A doubting Thomas- (b) A clever person never leaves his place
(a) A skeptic who needs physical or personal (c) You cannot change who you are
evidence in order to believe something (d) None of the above
(b) A person who doubts on his wife
(c) A person who cares for nothing Answer - c
(d) A person who is very cruel
12) A lost cause-
Answer - A (a) A lost thing
(b) A problem
7) A drop in the bucket- (c) Forgotten
(a) Fill the bucket with liquid (d) A hopeless case
(b) A very small part of something big or whole
(c) moderate quantity Answer - D
(d) A huge part of something big
13) A man of straw-
Answer - B (a) A strong person
(b) General man
8) A fool and his money are easily parted- (c) An intelligent person
(a) It’s easy for a foolish person to lose his/ her (d) A weak person
money
(b) It is very easy to make a fool of any person Answer - D
(c) It is easy invest money in business
(d) None of the above 14) A mare’s nest-
(a) Nest of a bird
Answer - A (b) A false invention
(c) A favorable situation
9) A gentleman at large- (d) Something impossible
(a) An unreliable person
(b) Very serious person Answer - B
(c) A kind person
 (Idioms & Phrases)
15) A picture paints a thousand words- (b) When you are mistreated the same way you
(a) Very nice painting mistreat others
(b) A picture can tells us a lesson (c) Have a harsh response
(c) Have a picture at home (d) None of the above
(d) A visual presentation is far more descriptive
than words Answer - B
SET-25
Answer - D
Direction (01-20): In the following question,
out of the four alternatives, select the
16) A piece of cake-
alternative that best expresses the meaning
(a) Cake of someone’s birthday
of the idiom/phrase.
(b) A task that can be accomplished very easily
(c) A mild punishment
(d) Casual work 1) A toss-up-
(a) To praise someone
Answer - B (b) To scold someone
(c) A result that is still unclear
17) A slap on the wrist- (d) None of the above
(a) A very mild punishment
(b) Heavy punishment Answer - C
(c) A slap on the face
(d) Challenge someone 2) A wolf in sheep’s clothing-
(a) Not original
Answer - A (b) A dangerous person pretending harmless
(c) Something harmful
18) A stalking horse- (d) A person who pretends
(a) A weak person
(b) Someone who follows Answer - B
(c) Not clear
(d) a person that is used to conceal someone's 3) ABC
real intentions. (a) Beginning of something
(b) Example of something
Answer - D (c) Very common knowledge
(d) None of the above
19) A steal-
(a) a bargain Answer - C
(b) Move forward
(c) March ahead 4) Above all-
(d) Conceal (a) Mischievous
(b) largely
Answer - A (c) Mainly
(d) Adorable
20) A taste of your own medicine-
(a) Check own medicine Answer - C
 (Idioms & Phrases)
(c) A long journey
5) Above board- (d) None of the above
(a) Fair and honest
(b) Intelligent Answer - B
(c) Unique
(d) Superfluous 11) All and Sundry-
(a) Inattentively
Answer - A (b) Irregularly
(c) Without making any distinction
6) Actions speak louder than words- (d) Abruptly
(a) Words are complicated
(b) It is better to do physically than mentally Answer - C
(c) It’s better to actually do something than just
talk about it 12) All bark and no bite-
(d) None of the above (a) Threatening but not willing to engage in a
fight
Answer - C (b) Leave a place peacefully
(c) Engage in a warlike situation
7) Add fuel to the fire- (d) Forgive someone
(a) Energise someone
(b) Make situation more worse Answer - A
(c) Add some more fuel
(d) None of the above 13) All greek to me-
(a) incomprehensible
Answer - B (b) Respectable
(c) Imaginable
8) Against the clock- (d) Day dream
(a) Not in manner
(b) In hard luck Answer - A
(c) Unfavourable
(d) Rushed and short on time 14) All in all-
(a) Very powerful
Answer - D (b) Completely
(c) Largely
9) All day long- (d) Considering everything
(a) The entire day
(b) Laziness Answer - D
(c) Ample time to rest
(d) boredom 15) An arm and a leg-
Answer - A (a) Very expensive
(b) Very far
10) All along- (c) Reachable
(a) Very cautiously (d) Easily available
(b) All the time
 (Idioms & Phrases)
Answer - A alternative that best expresses the meaning
of the idiom/phrase.
16) An axe to grind-
(a) have an ulterior motive
1) As for-
(b) To have a dispute with someone
(a) For someone
(c) Run a propaganda
(b) Commencing
(d) None of the above
(c) Regarding
(d) Rewarding
Answer - A
Answer - C
17) An eye wash-
(a) A nonsense
2) As high as a kite-
(b) Complete failure
(a) Very ambitious
(c) Defeat heavily
(b) Enthusiastically
(d) Wash your eyes
(c) Anything that is high up in the sky
(d) to behave in a silly or excited way
Answer - A
Answer - D
18) An iron hand-
(a) A solid hand
3) At all-
(b) By illegally
(a) After all
(c) By force
(b) Very large
(d) A strong person
(c) To any degree
(d) None of the above
Answer - C
Answer - C
19) Apple to my eye-
(a) Very pleasant
4) At heart-
(b) Someone who takes care
(a) Take seriously
(c) Something that is expensive
(b) Fundamentally
(d) Someone who is cherished above all others
(c) Precisely
(d) Actively
Answer - D
Answer - B
20) As a matter of fact-
(a) Arguably
5) At odds-
(b) Presumably
(a) Not same
(c) Apprehensibly
(b) In dispute
(d) Really
(c) Cordially
(d) Condemn
Answer - D
SET-26
Answer - B
Direction (01-20): In the following question,
out of the four alternatives, select the 6) At sixes and seven-
 (Idioms & Phrases)
(a) in a state of total confusion
(b) Persons who are not satisfied Answer - B
(c) Very near
(d) None of the above 12) Back to the drawing board-
(a) Focus on the main problem
Answer - A (b) Return to previous home
(c) When an attempt fails and it’s time to start
7) At the drop of a hat- all over
(a) without hesitation (d) None of the above
(b) Unwilling to do something
(c) Do something carelessly Answer - C
(d) None of the above
13) Bag and baggage-
Answer - A (a) All study material
(b) with all goods
8) Back and call- (c) Whole things
(a) At the service (d) None of the above
(b) Return and call
(c) Move back Answer - B
(d) Support someone
14) Baker’s dozen-
Answer - A (a) a group of 13
(b) A group of bakers
9) Back and forth- (c) A bakery shop
(a) In an awkward position (d) Useless thing
(b) In a backward and forward motion
(c) Move ahead Answer - A
(d) None of the above
15) Bank on-
Answer - B (a) On credit
(b) Depend on
10) Back seat driver- (c) In debt
(a) Who always follows (d) None of the above
(b) someone giving unwanted advice
(c) An inexperienced driver Answer - B
(d) New comer
16) Bated breath-
Answer - B (a) Anxiously
(b) Horribly
11) Back to square one- (c) Cowardly
(a) At the beginning (d) Gently
(b) Having to start all over again
(c) Move carelessly Answer - A
(d) None of the above
 (Idioms & Phrases)
17) Beat a dead horse-
(a) waste energy on a lost cause Answer – D
(b) To force an issue that is ongoing
(c) Defeat someone 2) Winning the competition was quite a (feather
(d) Beat rashly in my cap.)
(a) Rewarding
Answer - A (b) An exciting moment
(c) An achievement
18) Beating around the bash- (d) A joy for my parents
(a) Avoiding the main topic
(b) Playing raucously Answer – C
(c) Avoiding someone
(d) Make a loud noise 3) (Turn a blind eye)
(a) Not able to see the obvious truth
Answer - A (b) Hide the ugly truth from someone
(c) Pretend not to notice
19) Bend over backwards- (d) Stay away from bad habits
(a) make every effort to achieve something
(b) Rely upon trustworthy Answer – C
(c) Do not go backward
(d) None of the above 4) After the public meeting, the crowd (went
haywire.)
Answer - A (a) Were in jubilating
(b) Protested
20) Between Scylla and Charybdis- (c) Became out of control
(a) Read between lines (d) Left the venue
(b) Not sure of doing something
(c) Choice between two unpleasant alternatives Answer – C
(d) None of the above
5) He (broke off) in the middle of the story.
Answer – C (a) Fainted
SET-27 (b) Suddenly stopped
(c) Divided his narrative
Direction (01-20): In the following question, (d) Took time off
out of the four alternatives, select the
alternative that best expresses the meaning Answer – B
of the idiom/phrase.
6) Some shots were fired (at random.)
1) When he asked me the way to the cafeteria, I (a) Without any aim
told him to (follow his nose.) (b) For a long time
(a) To find it by himself (c) To end quarrel
(b) To ask someone else (d) Thoroughly
(c) To follow me
(d) To go straight ahead Answer – A
 (Idioms & Phrases)
12) Despite the highs and lows, life tends to
7) Lean finish the word by myself, but she (average itself out.)
always tries to be a (back seat driver.) (a) Balance itself
(a) Person who misjudge others (b) Be unvarying
(b) Person who wants to do things by herself (c) Show equal value
(c) Person who falsely accuses others (d) Get compatible
(d) Person who gives unwanted advice
Answer – A
Answer – D
13) On (second thoughts) she refused to accept
8) Sheila’s (tall tales) have no meaning. his invitation.
(a) Jealousy (a) On reconsidering
(b) Greed (b) Reviewing leisurely
(c) Boasting (c) Moral grounds
(d) Pride (d) Seeing his brashness

Answer – C Answer – A

9) The bridge (gave way) under the heavy 14) I (stirred the hornet’s nest) by my honest
weight. statement.
(a) Collapsed (a) Responded to criticism angrily
(b) Endured (b) Caused anger in many people
(c) Withstood (c) Stopped people criticizing someone
(d) Stopped (d) Acted with energy and interest

Answer – A Answer – B

10) His plan was so complicated that (it floored) 15) He knows how to (break in) horses.
his listeners. (a) Rear
(a) Encouraged (b) Tend
(b) Annoyed (c) Train
(c) Entertained (d) Force
(d) Puzzled
Answer – C
Answer – D
16) The judge declared the agreement (null and
11) My uncle’s business (has gone to the dogs.) void.)
(a) Is ruined (a) Empty
(b) Is dead (b) Annulled
(c) Is sick (c) Unavoidable
(d) Is angry (d) Not binding

Answer – A Answer – D
 (Idioms & Phrases)
17) My student is one who (knows how many (d) To attend the friends
beans make five.)
(a) Knows mathematical calculations Answer – C
(b) Is fiercely loyal
(c) Well informed and intelligent 2) His argument does not (hold water.)
(d) Is accurate and precise (a) To have effect
(b) To influence
Answer – C (c) To check the flow of water
(d) Sound logical fact
18) I can work for six hours (at a stretch.)
(a) Continuously Answer – D
(b) Occasionally
(c) Maximum 3) It was her (maiden speech) on the stage and
(d) Minimum she performed well.
(a) Unprepared speech
Answer – A (b) Sudden speech
(c) Primary speech
19) Our fleet (bore down upon) the enemy. (d) First speech
(a) Moved quickly backwards
(b) Moved quickly to the left Answer – D
(c) Moved quickly to the right
(d) d) Moved quickly towards 4. The detective went abroad in search of a
culprit but his journey proved to be (a wild
Answer – D goose chase).
(a) Expensive
20) The rock concert proved to be (big draw.) (b) Full of difficulties
(a) Favourite (c) Unprofitable adventure
(b) Huge attraction (d) Ill advised
(c) Gain
(d) Big bang Answer – C

Answer – B 5. (Rise and shine)

SET-28 (a) Work hard and succeed in life
(b) An expression used when waking someone
Direction (01-20): In the following question,
up
out of the four alternatives, select the (c) Try harder to overcome life’s problems
alternative that best expresses the meaning (d) Be of spotless character
of the idiom/phrase.
Answer – B
1) Please be as brief as you can, I have (other fish
to fry). 6. The students were (all ears,) when the
(a) To cook the food speaker started talking about the changes in the
(b) To take rest exam.
(c) Some important wok to attend to (a) Smiling
 (Idioms & Phrases)
(b) Silent (d) A dazzling short-lived spectacle of no real
(c) Restless value
(d) Attentive
Answer – D
Answer – D
12. Listening to the lecture was (watching grass
7. In his (salad days) he was quite a dandy. grow.)
(a) childhood (a) Very boring
(b) Adolescence (b) Very interesting
(c) School days (c) Very confusing
(d) Old age (d) Very informative

Answer – B Answer – A

8. He is (cool about working) at night. 13. Suddenly (the balloon goes up) I the middle
(a) Ready to work of the conversation.
(b) Not ready to work (a) The situation turns unpleasant or serious
(c) Excited about working (b) A sudden shift in the topic of conversation
(d) Grudgingly working (c) The conversation takes a lighter note
(d) An abrupt silence takes place
Answer – A
Answer – A
9. (Raining cats and dogs)
(a) Raining unusually hard 14. The departmental store is open (around the
(b) To win a big lottery clock.)
(c) To get wealth beyond what ones disserves (a) At different timings
(d) To become filthy rich by honest means (b) Early morning
(c) Day and night
Answer – A (d) Throughout the afternoon

10. Your behavior is simply (beyond the pale.) Answer – C

(a) Outside commonly accepted standards
(b) Beyond sorrow 15. Through the reporter’s efforts, many
(c) Uninteresting unknown facts have (come to light.)
(d) Something acceptable (a) Ignited
(b) Flared up
Answer – A (c) Brightened
(d) Been revealed
11. The much hyped even turned out be a (nine
days’ wonder.) Answer – D
(a) An even that lasted for nine days
(b) Created spectacle of great value 16. I do not (see eye to eye) with you in this
(c) A dazzling spectacle of great value matter
(a) To give a correct decision
 (Idioms & Phrases)
(b) To obtain suitable punishment alternative that best expresses the meaning
(c) To have the same eyesight of the idiom/phrase.
(d) To have the same opinion
1. Go to rack and ruin
Answer – D
a) a state of utter chaos
b) a state of despair
17. The boy was (in Dutch) with his friends.
c) a condition of exhilaration
(a) In love
d) get into a bad condition
(b) In good terms
(c) In awe
Answer – D
(d) In trouble
Go to rack and ruin – to become worse, worsen,
decline, deteriorate, get into a bad condition.
Answer – D
2. bite the dust
18. Their attempt to get back the stolen necklace
a) eat poorly
became a (wild goose chase.)
b) suffer a defeat
(a) Wise decision
c) clean something
(b) Useless search
d) attack and defeat somebody
(c) Timely action
(d) Delayed action
Answer – B
bite the dust – to fail or to be defeated or
Answer – B
destroyed, to die.
19. Why do you (fight shy of) me?
3. he expects his subordinates to be always (at
(a) Fight with
his beck and call)
(b) Avoid
a) at rest
(c) Embarrass
b) at work
(d) Shout at
c) at his disposal
d) at their desks
Answer – B
Answer – C
20. They have (latched on to) tourism as a way
To be always at his beck and call: always ready
of boosting the local economy.
to obey somebody’s orders
(a) Promoted
(b) Discovered
4. in the long run
(c) Exposed
a) permanently
(d) Explored
b) universally
c) occasionally
Answer – A
d) ultimately

SET-29 Answer – D
IN the long run: concerning a longer period in
Direction (01-20): In the following question, the future
out of the four alternatives, select the
 (Idioms & Phrases)
5. If you (are in the good books) of the boss, you 9. (the green – eyed monster) strikes a woman
are sure to rise quickly. the moment she sees her husband talking to
a) work well for the boss another pretty woman.
b) praise the boss a) Anger
c) in favour with the boss b) Hatred
d) cooperate with boss b) envy
d) Jealousy
Answer – C
In the good books: used for saying that Answer – D
somebody is pleased with you The green – eyed monster - jealousy personified.

6. He cannot (hold a candle) to his elder brother. 10. Fall back on

a) equal to a) retreat
b) not as clever as b) overtaken
c) cannot be compared to c) suffer an accident
d) duller than d) resort to something

Answer – C Answer – D
Cannot hold a candle – is not so good as fall back on – resort to something, have
recourse to when in difficulty, turn to employ.
7. the question of higher membership fees was
(brought up) at the last meeting. 11.
a) discussed at great length The middle of nowhere
b) introduced for discussion
c) criticized vehemently (a) Isolated place
d) vaguely referred to (b) Deprive of something
(c) Confused in a situation
Answer – B (d) In the middle of a question
Brought up – raise, to care for a child, teaching
him or her how to behave, to mention a subject Answer - A
or start to talk about it Solution - The middle of nowhere - a place that
is very remote
8. His arguments (cut no ice) with me.
a) had no influence on me 12.
b) did not hurt me A snowball effect
c) did not benefit me
d) did not make me proud (a) An aggressive impact
(b) Something grows at an increasing rate
Answer – A (c) A minute effect
Cut no ice with me – to have no influence or (d) A major effect
effect
Answer - B
Solution - A snowball effect - becoming larger.
 (Idioms & Phrases)
13. Answer - B
Bite the bullet Solution - All moonshine - All lies, deception.

(a) To defeat someone 17.

(b) To surrender Touch a sore spot
(c) To rebuke someone
(d) Forced to do something unpleasant (a) to refer to a hot matter that will surprise
someone
Answer - D (b) to refer to a puzzling matter that will upset
Solution - Bite the bullet - to force yourself to do someone
something unpleasant or difficult. (c) to refer to a sensitive matter that will upset
someone
14. (d) None of the above
A perfect storm
Answer - C
(a) A perfect example Solution - Touch a sore spot - to refer to a
(b) Devastating sensitive matter that will upset someone.
(c) A bad situation
(d) A muscular man 18. Keep your wig on
(a) Keep continuing
Answer - C (b) Be successful
Solution - A perfect storm - an especially bad (c) Keep smart working
situation. (d) Calm down

15. Answer - D
Take French leave Solution - Keep your wig on is used to tell
someone to calm down.
(a) Take an official leave
(b) Take a medical leave 19. Vicious circle
(c) Take a casual leave (a) Bad environment
(d) Take a leave without permission (b) Trustworthy friends
(c) Unpleasant situation
Answer - D (d) Disloyal friends
Solution - Take French leave - go away without
telling anyone or taking permission. Answer - C
Solution - Vicious circle - Unpleasant or difficult
16. situation.
All moonshine
20. A bird’s eye view
(a) Resplendent (a) A view from height
(b) All deception (b) A close inspection
(c) All achievable (c) A general inspection
(d) Easy task (d) Neglect
 (Idioms & Phrases)
Answer - A (c) go to all post boxes and post offices.
Solution - A bird’s eye view - a view from a high
angle as if seen by a bird in flight. (d) go to many offices and post letters.
Answer: B
SET-30
Direction (01-20): In the following question,
4. At a party, he is always in high spirits.
out of the four alternatives, select the
alternative that best expresses the meaning (a) talkative
of the idiom/phrase.
(b) cheerful
1. We should give a wide berth to bad (c) drunk
characters.
(d) uncontrollable
(a) keep away from
Answer: B
(b) publicly condemn
(c) give publicity to
5. She rejected his proposal of marriage point
(d) not sympathise with blank.
Answer: A (a) directly
(b) pointedly
2. Sumit had to look high and low before he (c) absurdly
could find his scooter key.
(d) briefly
(a) nowhere
Answer: A
(b) always
(c) everywhere
6. We should guard against our green-eyed
(d) somewhere friends.
Answer: C (a) rich
(b) jealous
3. You may rush from pillar to post, but you (c) handsome
stand no chance of getting what you want
without a bribe. (d) enthusiastic

(a) be very busy Answer: B

(b) rush in all directions and suffer much

harassment.
 (Idioms & Phrases)
7. It was clearly a case of the pot calling the (a) a false invention
kettle black when Jagjit said that Ramu was a
(b) a noble thing
thief.
(c) a successful
(a) Someone criticizing another for a fault
(d) a timely sleep
which he himself has.
Answer: A
(b) A person accusing another of being black.
(c) A person blaming another for something, he
has not done. 11. Chandu used very ugly words against his
kind uncle; he threw down the gauntlet
(d) Both are guilty of the same mistake.
before him.
Answer: A
(a) abused and insulted
(b) threw the challenge
8. The sight of the accident made my flesh
creep. (c) behaved as an important person
(a) worried me (d) put conditions
(b) frightened me Answer: B
(c) confused me
(d) drew my attention 12. The present undergraduate syllabus leaves
very little elbow room for teachers to be
Answer: B
innovative.
(a) room for elbow
9. He is a queer fish. I have failed to understand
him. (b) space
(a) funny person (c) freedom
(b) sensitive person (d) ground
(c) strange person Answer: C
(d) quarrelsome person
Answer: C 13. Komal was left high and dry by her friends
when she lost all her money.
(a) isolated
10. The involvement of teachers in the scheme
of education proved to be a mare’s nest. (b) rejected
 (Idioms & Phrases)
(c) wounded 17. The speaker gave a bird’s eye view of the
political conditions in the country.
(d) depressed
(a) a detailed presentation
Answer: A
(b) a biased view
(c) a general view
14. The party stalwarts have advised the
president to take it lying down for a while. (d) a personal view
(a) to show no reaction Answer: C
(b) to take rest
(c) to be on the defensive 18. After sowing his wild oats Ram has decided
to stick to the straight and narrow path in
(d) to be cautious
future.
Answer: A
(a) becoming a gardener
(b) becoming a farmer
15. A movement for the world unity is in the
offing. (c) a period of wildness
(a) at the end (d) going through a period of irresponsible
pleasure seeking
(b) about to start
Answer: D
(c) on decline
(d) in the air
19. When he tells stories about himself, he is
Answer: B
inspired to draw the long bow.
(a) get excited
16. The politician was able to sway the mob
(b) exaggerate
with his gift of the gab.
(c) get emotional
(a) fluency of speech
(d) underrate
(b) flattering words
Answer: B
(c) abundance of promises
(d) political foresight
20. He was a king who ruled his subjects with a
Answer: A
high hand.
(a) oppressively
 (Idioms & Phrases)
(b) kindly (c) quite depressed
(c) conveniently (d) very strange
(d) sympathetically Answer: A
Answer: A
4. Sita is not cut out for this kind of work.
SET-31
(a) trained
Direction (01-20): In the following question,
out of the four alternatives, select the (b) suitable
alternative that best expresses the meaning (c) recommended
of the idiom/phrase.
(d) considered
1. He did me a good turn by recommending me
Answer: B
for the post of Vice-president.
(a) became suddenly good
(b) improved my prospects 5. His most trusted friend proved to be a snake
in the grass.
(c) did an act of kindness
(a) cowardly and brutal
(d) returned my kindness
(b) an unreliable and deceitful person
Answer: C
(c) a hidden enemy
(d) low and mean
2. Being an introvert, he will only eat his heart
Answer: C
out.
(a) eat too much
(b) keep brooding 6. She exhibited remarkable sang froid during
the crisis.
(c) invite trouble
(a) temper
(d) suffer silently
(b) irritation
Answer: D
(c) composure
(d) anger
3. He is not worth his salt if he fails at this
juncture. Answer: C

(a) quite worthless

(b) very proud of himself
 (Idioms & Phrases)
7. My father strained every nerve to enable me (c) tries to be unfriendly by taking no notice of
to get settled in life. her
(a) worked very hard (d) argues with her on any issue
(b) spent a large amount Answer: C
(c) tried all tricks
(d) bribed several persons 11. It was he who put a spoke in my wheel.
Answer: A (a) tried to cause an accident
(b) helped in the execution of the plan
8. Though she herself was as ugly as sin, she (c) thwarted the execution of the plan
had the audacity to criticize the looks of her
(d) destroyed the plan
companion.
Answer: C
(a) sinfully ugly
(b) very ugly
12. The captain played with determination
(c) exceptionally ugly
because the honour of the team was at stake.
(d) quite ugly
(a) very tense
Answer: C
(b) at the top
(c) in danger
9. He bids fair to be an excellent cricketer.
(d) appropriate
(a) seems likely
Answer: C
(b) is ambitious
(c) is confident
13. His promotion is on the cards.
(d) is unlikely
(a) due
Answer: A
(b) evident
(c) certain
10. He does not like to be friendly with Sarla.
(d) probable
He always gives her a cold shoulder.
Answer: C
(a) pushes her with his shoulder wherever they
meet
(b) insult her in the presence of others
 (Idioms & Phrases)
14. Caesar was done to death by the (d) understand it
conspirators.
Answer: D
(a) attacked
(b) removed
18. The scenery of Kashmir beggars
(c) eliminated description.
(d) murdered (a) beyond the power of description
Answer: D (b) beg for description
(c) describe a beggar
15. His boss was always breathing down his (d) description of a beggar
neck.
Answer: A
(a) abusing and ill-treating him
(b) watching all his actions closely
19. As her result is likely to be declared in a day
(c) shouting loudly at him or so she is on tenter hooks these days.
(d) giving him strenuous work (a) sitting on hooks
Answer: B (b) consfuse’
(c) pleased
16. After having finished the last project, I find (d) anxious suspense
myself at a loose end.
Answer: D
(a) happy
(b) on vacation
20. Seema is a little hard of hearing.
(c) free of troubles
(a) inaudible
(d) with nothing to do
(b) disinterested
Answer: D
(c) deaf
(d) insensitive
17. It was such a strange affair that I would not
Answer: C
make head or tail of it.
(a) face it
SET-32
(b) tolerate it
(c) remember
 (Idioms & Phrases)
Direction (01-20): In the following question, (a) accusing other
out of the four alternatives, select the
alternative that best expresses the meaning (b) crying over spilt milk
of the idiom/phrase. (c) forgetting things

1. Harassed by repeated acts of injustice he (d) to muse on

decided to put his foot down.
Answer: D
(a) resign
(b) not to yield
5. I just paid him a left-handed compliment.
(c) withdraw
(a) an honest
(d) accept the proposal unconditionally
(b) a well deserved
Answer: B
(c) an insincere
(d) a flattering
2. At Christmas, even the elderly fathers paint
Answer: C
the town red.
(a) indulge in rioting
6. The new C.M. stuck his neck out today and
(b) paint the house red
promised 10 kgs free wheat a month for all
(c) spill red wire rural families.

(d) have a lively time (a) extended help

Answer: D (b) took an oath

(c) caused embarrassment

3. His letters to his ward speak volumes for his (d) took a risk
forbearance and good sense.
Answer: D
(a) show indications of
(b) speak ill of
7. He burnt his fingers by interfering in his
(c) are intended to impress neighbour’s affairs.

(d) serve as strong testimony (a) got rebuked

Answer: D (b) got himself insulted

(c) burnt himself
4. He is in the habit of chewing the cud. (d) got himself into trouble
 (Idioms & Phrases)
Answer: D 11. The boy had a hair-breadth escape from a
street accident.
(a) lucky
8. The dispute regarding the emoluments of
junior doctors came to a head this week. (b) easy
(a) settled amicably (c) narrow
(b) reached a crisis (d) quick
(c) took a turn for the better Answer: C
(d) resulted in senseless violence
Answer: B 12. In spite of the efforts of all peace-loving
people, world peace is still a far cry.
(a) an abstract ideal
9. He is a strange fellow, it is very difficult to
deal with him, it seems that he has a bee in his (b) a long way off
bonnet. (c) an impracticable idea
(a) an achievement to be proud of (d) out of reach
(b) an obsession about something Answer: C
(c) to face problems as a result of his senseless
actions
13. It is a pity that our politicians are more
(d) a peculiar habit of confusing others interested in the loaves and fishes than with
the uplift of the poor.
Answer: B
(a) bread and butter
(b) kinds of fishes
10. It will be wise on your part to let the
bygones be bygones. (c) worldly benefits
(a) resist the past (d) means of power
(b) ignore the past Answer: C
(c) recollect the past
(d) revive the past 14. Eloquent lamentations regarding the fate of
the flora and fauna are certain to be rendered
Answer: B
as a cry in the wilderness.
(a) a cry in vain
 (Idioms & Phrases)
(b) an unpleasant situation
(c) a cry with a laughter 18. The Principal proved to be a wet blanket at
the party of the students.
(d) a laughter having no end
(a) discouraged from enjoying
Answer: A
(b) damp clothes
(c) blanket wet in the rain
15. India carried the day by defeating Australia
in hockey series. (d) cold blank
(a) lose Answer: A
(b) loose
(c) win 19. In a parliamentary democracy the Prime
Minister is at the helm of national affairs.
(d) decisive victory
(a) in the main position
Answer: C
(b) in the centre
(c) helm of a boat
16. In modern democratic societies lynch law
seems to have become a common feature in (d) centre of attraction
almost all the spheres of life.
Answer: A
(a) law of the parliament
(b) law of the constitution
20. The arrival of the mother-in-law in the
(c) law of the mob family proved a rift-in the lute.
(d) law of the underworld (a) brought about disharmony
Answer: C (b) brought about a disciplined atmosphere
(c) caused unnecessary worries
17. India must not expect any super power at (d) caused a pleasant atmosphere
the beck and call at the time of attack.
Answer: A
(a) at the service
SET-33
(b) ask for service
Direction (01-20): In the following question,
(c) at the back of out of the four alternatives, select the
alternative that best expresses the meaning
(d) call to help of the idiom/phrase.
Answer: A
 (Idioms & Phrases)
1. Hang together
(a) confirm each other 5. Turn out crabs
(b) live together (a) end in failure
(c) hang with each other (b) to be successful
(d) go together (c) to bring up crabs
Answer: A (d) to be victorious
Answer: A
2. Hard boiled
(a) boiled hard 6. Devil’s Advocate
(b) extremely hot (a) an advocate of a Devil
(c) hardened (b) an advocate like a Devil
(d) hardly boiled (c) discussion of an Advocate
Answer: C (d) one who is against religion
Answer: D
3. Get cold feet
(a) to run for life 7. Between the Devil and the Sea
(b) to get cold (a) in a fix
(c) to be afraid (b) a Devil in the sea
(d) to become discourteous (c) in a worse situation
Answer: C (d) a compromising situation
Answer: A
4. Make no bones about
(a) to make no effort 8. Dance attendance upon
(b) to admit something readily (a) to flatter
(c) to make fuss about (b) to dance with a partner
(d) to create no hindrance (c) to attend upon
Answer: B (d) to attend to
 (Idioms & Phrases)
Answer: A (d) a loin cloth
Answer: A
9. Go abegging
(a) go in vain 13. Pocket an insult
(b) go for begging (a) bear insult without protest
(c) beg for going (b) not to take any action
(d) request for something (c) sit over a resolution
Answer: A (d) ignore a case
Answer: A
10. A Gala day
(a) a day of success 14. In pretty pass
(b) a day of merry-making (a) problems of a passage
(c) an eventful day (b) in difficulties
(d) a day of significance (c) in a difficult way
Answer: B (d) caught in heavy traffic
Answer: B
11. Go hot & cold
(a) get angry 15. Small talk
(b) get irritated (a) light conversation
(c) get out of cold (b) gossip
(d) sudden feeling of fear and anxiety (c) back biting
Answer: D (d) whispering
Answer: A
12. Gird up one’s Loins
(a) get ready for a job 16. Plough a lonely furrow
(b) leave bag & baggage (a) work single handily
(c) hunt for lions (b) plough the field
 (Idioms & Phrases)
(c) plough the sands (b) to die
(d) work in a furrow (c) a turn coat
Answer: A (d) have the majority
Answer: B
17. Rub shoulders with SET-34
(a) come in contact with Direction (01-20): In the following question,
out of the four alternatives, select the
(b) quarrel with a person alternative that best expresses the meaning
(c) rub shoulders of someone of the idiom/phrase.

(d) have a cause to fight 1. Wash dirty linen in public

Answer: A (a) to criticise
(b) make personal quarrels public
18. Run the gauntlet (c) to talk dirty things in public
(a) lash with gauntlet (d) to wash clothers
(b) run away with gauntlet Answer: B
(c) face criticism
(d) accept a challenge 2. Augean stables
Answer: C (a) to remove an evil
(b) to clean the stables
19. Rest on one’s oars (c) a place for horses
(a) take rest after working long (d) stables for Augean horses
(b) tired of working Answer: A
(c) tired of boating
(d) rest with oars 3. At the helm of
Answer: A (a) at the helm of the ship
(b) at the main situation
20. Join the majority (c) in the centre of a storm
(a) on the side of majority (d) in the centre of the ship
 (Idioms & Phrases)
Answer: B (d) bring an issue
Answer: B
4. An apple of discord
(a) the cause of a contention 8. To lose face
(b) sour apple (a) to look angry
(c) a quarrel (b) to be humiliated
(d) a fight for an apple (c) to be helpless
Answer: A (d) to look vacant
Answer: B
5. Call one’s shot
(a) make intentions clear 9. Much ado about nothing
(b) call with a shot (a) to make a noise
(c) shoot at a call (b) to make a fuss over small matter
(d) to show determination (c) a play by Shaw
Answer: D (d) talk about nothing
Answer: B
6. Few and far between
(a) very small in number 10. Make the best of a bad bargain
(b) very small in distance (a) to turn failure to best advantage
(c) very small in quantity (b) to make a bad bargain
(d) between near & far (c) to make the best bargain
Answer: A (d) to make a bargain
Answer: A
7. Force an issue
(a) make an issue 11. Chapter and verse for a thing
(b) force a decision (a) to produce proof
(c) solve an issue (b) to praise a thing
 (Idioms & Phrases)
(c) to make publicity (b) get into trouble
(d) to attach value to a thing (c) face the repercussions
Answer: A (d) share the responsibility
Answer: A
12. Bid fair
(a) have a good prospect 16. Take time by the forelock
(b) to be just (a) forecast on event
(c) try in a fair manner (b) forecast time
(d) fair effort (c) talk one’s own time
Answer: A (d) prepare for action before time
Answer: D
13. Talk shop
(a) talk about shop 17. All agog
(b) talk in shop (a) all happy
(c) talk business (b) rife with rumours
(d) talk to the point (c) restless
Answer: C (d) playful
Answer: C
14. Tread on one’s toes
(a) to give offence 18. Toe the line
(b) walk on toes (a) mark the line
(c) tread with toes (b) cross the line
(d) flatter someone (c) hit on the toe
Answer: A (d) follow others
Answer: D
15. Carry the can
(a) accept the blame 19. Throw up one’s cards
 (Idioms & Phrases)
(a) accept defeat
(b) spoil the card’s game
(c) throw cards in the air
(d) throw away the game
Answer: A

20. Turn tail

(a) run like a coward
(b) one who changes ideas
(c) run with a tail
(d) run at the end
Answer: A