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.

idiom meaningsphrase substitutionsunderlined phrase interpretationcommon english expressionsidiomatic error detection

Idioms and Phrases Questions

Multiple choice

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

In order to survive in this competitive world and maximise the profitability, a businessman must keep his fingers on the pulse of the market.

  1. to co-operate with associated businessmen

  2. to stay familiar with the most recent happenings

  3. to initiate steps to tackle the problems

  4. to maintain cordial relations with employees and customers
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Explanation for option 1: It means to remain in touch with recent trends or developments. So, this option is incorrect.

Explanation for option 2: For survival in the competitive world, a businessman must be in touch with recent developments coming in the market.

Explanation for option 3: It is an incorrect option.
Explanation for option 4: It means a strategy designed to counter another strategy. It is not conveying the meaning of the idiom.

Multiple choice

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

As restructuring is in the offing, the government of India is making provisions to offer a golden handshake to the employees.

  1. giving respect to the high profile employees

  2. showing respect to high performing employees

  3. giving sum of money to an employee when he is forced to retire

  4. giving big sum of money to high profile employees when they join a company
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Explanation for option 1 and 2: These are incorrect. Golden handshake is related to money and not respect.

Explanation for option 3: it is correct as Golden handshake is a large sum of money given to someone when they leave a company especially, if they are forced to leave.

Explanation for option 4: Giving sum of money at the time of joining of an employee does not convey right meaning.

Multiple choice

Directions: In the following question, choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom/phrase printed in bold type.

To talk shop

  1. To talk nonsense

  2. To talk reasonably

  3. To talk about business or professional affairs

  4. To abuse someone

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

The idiom 'to talk shop' refers to the act of discussing one's work, business, or professional affairs, especially in a social setting where it might be inappropriate.

Multiple choice

Directions: In the following question, choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom/phrase printed in bold type.

To live fast

  1. To lead a life of dissipation

  2. To accomplish a purpose

  3. To do a task hurriedly

  4. To use up one's income as fast as it comes in

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

To 'live fast' refers to living a life of excitement, often involving excessive pleasure, indulgence, or dissipation, which can be harmful to one's health or reputation.