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
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very light
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very soft
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very nimble
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very delicate
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The idiom 'as light as a feather' means very light in weight. Option A (very light) correctly identifies the meaning of this simile, which compares something's weight to that of a feather, known for being extremely light.
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explosive
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volatile
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fiery
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turbulent
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The idiom 'like a volcano' means explosive, volatile, or prone to sudden outbursts. Option A (explosive) correctly captures the meaning, drawing on the volcanic characteristic of erupting suddenly and violently.
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very old
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very venerable
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very ancient
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very senile
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The idiom 'as old as the hills' means very old or ancient. Option A (very old) correctly identifies the meaning of this simile, which emphasizes great age by comparing something to hills, which have existed for immense periods.
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pure white
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colorless
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ashen
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natural
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The simile 'as white as snow' directly compares something's whiteness to snow, which is the purest white in nature. Snow is universally recognized as the standard for white color.
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beautiful
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pretty
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charming
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glamorous
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Roses are universally associated with beauty in literature and culture. The phrase 'like a rose' is a simile comparing someone or something to this flower's primary quality.
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disgusting
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repulsive
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nauseating
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nasty
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Garbage is universally considered disgusting and repulsive. The simile 'like garbage' compares something to this negative quality.
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very wise
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very intelligent
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very shrewd
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very sensible
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Owls are traditionally associated with wisdom in many cultures and folklore. The simile 'as wise as an owl' compares someone's wisdom to this symbolic animal.
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sweet
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pleasant
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delightful
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appealing
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wonderful
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fantastic
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marvelous
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terrific
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The phrase 'like a dream' is commonly used to describe something wonderful, especially when referring to dreams coming true or perfect experiences.
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bright
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dazzling
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beaming
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sparkling
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Stars are the brightest natural objects in the night sky. The simile 'like stars' compares brightness to this celestial quality.
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inhuman
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beast
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brute
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monster
A
Correct answer
Explanation
'Like an animal' can mean savage, primal, or uncivilized behavior. Inhuman means lacking human qualities, cruel, or barbaric. Both imply behavior beneath human dignity.
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to eat impolitely
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to hog
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glutton
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to gobble
A
Correct answer
Explanation
'To eat like a pig' means to eat messily, greedily, or without manners, focusing on the style of eating rather than the quantity.
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entangled
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twisted
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entwine
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coiled
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The idiom 'like spaghetti' describes something that is tangled, mixed up, or confusingly intertwined, similar to how cooked spaghetti strands get knotted together. 'Entangled' precisely captures this meaning of being twisted together in a complicated way. 'Twisted' and 'coiled' are related but don't convey the same sense of complex intertwining.
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to fight fiercely
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be aggressive
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violent
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gusty
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The idiom 'to fight like cats and dogs' means to engage in intense, aggressive conflict. Option A 'to fight fiercely' correctly captures this meaning of violent and persistent confrontation. 'Be aggressive' and 'violent' are descriptive terms but don't capture the idiomatic expression's full meaning of ongoing conflict.
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garbage dump
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scruffy
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messy
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clustered