English Language

Idioms and Phrases

325 Questions

Idioms and phrases are expressions where the meaning differs from the literal definitions of the individual words. The questions require identifying the correct meaning of underlined expressions within sentences. Mastering this topic is essential to score well in the English language section of competitive exams.

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Idioms and Phrases Questions

Multiple choice general knowledge math & puzzles

Choose an idiom to replace the expression in the brackets: The little boy kept asking many questions until his mother finally said that (asking too many questions will get him into trouble).

  1. the cat had got his tongue

  2. you can't teach an old dog new tricks

  3. curiosity killed the cat

  4. there is more than one way to skin a cat
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The proverb 'curiosity killed the cat' is used to warn someone that being too inquisitive or prying into others' affairs can lead to trouble. 'Cat got your tongue' is used when someone is unusually quiet.

Multiple choice

Directions: In the following question some alternatives are given or suggested for the idiom/phrase in italics in the sentence. Choose the one that best expresses the meaning of the idiom/phrase in italics.

In life, we have to take the rough with the smooth.

  1. be tough in order to be successful

  2. use pleasant words to make things smooth

  3. accept unpleasant as well as pleasant things

  4. make unpleasant things better
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

 The phrase means to accept the difficult times in lifes with the good times.

Multiple choice

Directions: In the following question some alternatives are given or suggested for the idiom/phrase in italics in the sentence. Choose the one that best expresses the meaning of the idiom/phrase in italics.

Tell me plainly who broke the mirror ,do not beat about the bush.

  1. put any blame on others

  2. pretend to be in aware of the matter

  3. approach the matter in a round about way

  4. try to impress me with your arguments
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

To beat about the bush means to stall answering a question, to avoid and waste time.

Multiple choice

Directions: In the following question some alternatives are given or suggested for the idiom/phrase in italics in the sentence. Choose the one that best expresses the meaning of the idiom/phrase in italics.

He resigned the post of his own accord.

  1. according to his judgement

  2. which he liked

  3. voluntarily and willingly

  4. according to his convenience
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Of one's  own accord means to do something out of  one's own will.

Multiple choice

Directions: Choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the idiom which is underlined.

Take a leaf out of his book and start practicing to be a more fluent English speaker.

  1. to gain advantage from someone's approach

  2. copy someone

  3. follow someone

  4. not to believe the person
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The idiom 'take a leaf out of his book' means to imitate or copy someone's behavior, approach, or example. It comes from the idea of taking a page from someone's book to replicate their methods. Option B 'copy someone' correctly captures the essential meaning, though it's less idiomatic than the original expression.

Multiple choice

Directions: Choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the idiom which is underlined.

One can't treat all the children alike. They are all a different kettle of fish.

  1. not the same

  2. persons of different tastes

  3. persons of different attitudes

  4. not similarly docile
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The idiom 'a different kettle of fish' means something completely different or distinct from what was previously discussed or expected - it emphasizes contrast and uniqueness. Option A 'not the same' correctly captures this meaning of being fundamentally different from others.

Multiple choice

Directions: Choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the idiom which is underlined.

I have no time for nonsense. Just give me the lowdown.

  1. the main points

  2. full disclosure

  3. the important details

  4. some clues
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

'The lowdown' means the complete, truthful information about something - especially the hidden or confidential details. In this context, the speaker wants full disclosure without any nonsense or evasion. 'Main points' and 'important details' are too general, while 'some clues' suggests incomplete information. 'Full disclosure' best captures the idiom's meaning of complete truth.