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

Directions: In the following question, the sentence contains an idiom/phrase. You are to select the alternative which best expresses the meaning of this idiom/phrase.

He was in favour of quitting the job, but his mother put her foot down and he had to give up the idea.

  1. rebuked him

  2. tried to reason with him

  3. admitted that he had enough reason to quit

  4. took a firm stand
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

To put one's foot down means to take a resolute stand and be determined.

Multiple choice

Directions: In this question, four alternatives are given for the Idiom/Phrase underlined in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase.

If you rub me the wrong way, I am bound to react.

  1. Annoy me

  2. Abuse me

  3. Flatter me

  4. Encourage me
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Explanation for option 1: “Rub (someone) the wrong way” means to irritate or annoy someone. Hence, this is correct. Explanation for option 2: This does not express the exact meaning of the underlined part. Explanation for option 3: This is incorrect as “rub the wrong way” means to irritate somebody. Explanation for option 4: This is incorrect as the underlined idiom means to annoy someone.

Multiple choice

Directions: Four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase underlined in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom/phrase.

He was completely at sea about the cause of her death.

  1. Anxious

  2. Confused

  3. Ignorant

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

Explanation for option 1: This does not express the best meaning of “at sea”. Hence, this is incorrect. Explanation for option 2: “At sea” means in a state of confusion. Hence, this is correct. Explanation for option 3: This does not express the correct meaning of the underlined part. Explanation for option 4: “At sea” does not mean “certain”. Hence, this is incorrect.

Multiple choice

Directions: In this question, four alternatives are given for the Idiom/Phrase underlined in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase.

The sight of the accident made my flesh creep.

  1. Worried me

  2. Frightened me

  3. Confused me

  4. Drew my attention
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Explanation for option 1: “To make one's flesh creep” means to frighten. Explanation for option 2: This expresses the correct meaning of the phrase. Explanation for option 3: “To make one's flesh creep” means to frighten somebody. Explanation for option 4: This does not express the exact meaning of the underlined phrase.

Multiple choice

Directions: In this question, four alternatives are given for the Idiom/Phrase underlined in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase.

There is no hard and fast rule to top the examination.

  1. Rigid

  2. Strong

  3. Effective

  4. Impressive

  5. None of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Explanation for option 1: 'hard and fast' means 'stiff or hard'. Hence, this is correct. Explanation for option 3: This is invalid as it does not convey the meaning of the underlined idiom.

Multiple choice

Directions: In this question, four alternatives are given for the Idiom/Phrase underlined in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase.

I tried to pacify him but he did not give ear to me.

  1. To donate ear

  2. To listen to

  3. To avoid to

  4. To look at

  5. None of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Explanation for option 1: This is not correct as the underlined idiom means 'to listen to'. Explanation for option 2: This is correct as it conveys the exact meaning of the given idiom. Explanation for option 4: This is invalid as it does not express the meaning of underlined idiom.