English Language

Idioms and Phrases

524 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.

idiom meaningsphrase substitutionsunderlined phrase interpretationcommon english expressionsidiomatic error detection

Idioms and Phrases Questions

Multiple choice

Directions: Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the underlined idiom/phrase.

The police did not want to jump the gun and give a statement about the reason for the crime.

  1. act with caution

  2. move in front of people who are already waiting

  3. do everything possible to please someone

  4. act too hastily

  5. .
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

This is the correct option as the idiom 'jump the gun' here implies to ‘act too hastily’ and give a statement about the reason for the crime.

Multiple choice

Directions: Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the underlined idiom/phrase.

In the times of recession, expansion of business is an uphill battle.

  1. a very difficult task

  2. a very easy task

  3. a task that should have been done long ago

  4. an insignificant task

  5. .
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

This is the correct option. The idiom 'an uphill battle' here implies a task that is a very difficult to do often because other people are causing problems.

Multiple choice

Directions: Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the underlined idiom/phrase.

Both the resorts being equally good for holidays, I was caught between two stools.

  1. trapped between two arguing people

  2. finding it easier to choose between two alternatives

  3. overwhelmed by whatever is happening

  4. finding it difficult to choose between two alternatives

  5. ,
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

This is the correct option as the idiom 'caught between two stools' implies finding it difficult to choose between two alternatives. In this context, as both the resorts are equally good, he is finding it difficult to decide where to go.

Multiple choice

Directions: Read the following sentence and pick the correct option after guessing the meaning of the underlined word.

Do you think youngsters usually have an ardor for bikes?

  1. Yes

  2. No

  3. Don't know

  4. Partially true
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Ardor means passion, enthusiasm, or intense eagerness. The question asks if youngsters usually have an ardor (passion) for bikes. Many young people are indeed passionate about bikes and motorcycles, making 'Yes' the correct answer. This tests vocabulary knowledge of 'ardor' which means the same as passion or zeal.

Multiple choice

Directions: Read the following sentence and pick the correct option after guessing the meaning of the underlined word.

Is an Idyllic sophisticated?

  1. Yes

  2. No

  3. Don't know

  4. Partially true
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Idyllic means peaceful, charming, and typically rural in a simple, picturesque way. It does not mean sophisticated or elegant. The answer 'No' correctly distinguishes between these different concepts. The grammar is unusual but the meaning is clear.

Multiple choice

Directions: Read the following sentence and pick the correct option after guessing the meaning of the underlined word.

Are you scared of something eerie?

  1. Yes

  2. No

  3. Don't know

  4. Partially true
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Eerie means strange, scary, or spooky in a way that makes you uncomfortable. Being scared of something eerie is a normal human reaction - the word itself describes something that causes fear. The other options don't make sense because eerie specifically refers to fear-inducing things.