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, an idiom or a phrases has been given, followed by four alternatives, choose the one which best expresses the meaning of the given idiom or phrase.

To turn the other cheek

  1. To sulk and suffer

  2. To respond to violence with violence

  3. To respond to violence with non-violence

  4. To be indifferent to peace overtures
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

 To turn the other cheek is usually used to describe the action of a person who does not repond to violence with violence.

Multiple choice

Directions: The given sentence contains an idiom/phrase. You are to select the alternative which best expresses the meaning of this idiom/phrase.

To be a good orator, you don’t have to play to the galleries.

  1. To offend audiences

  2. Appease select audience

  3. To appeal to the public with lower taste

  4. To go prepared to the hall
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

 'To play to the galleries' means to please people by doing or saying things that will make people admire you, instead of doing and saying something important.

Multiple choice

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

He shows the white feather when it comes to dealing with real life problems.

  1. acts cowardly

  2. tells lies

  3. runs away

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

The white feather was historically associated with cowardice - white feathers in game birds were considered signs of poor fighting spirit. To show the white feather means to act cowardly. Option A correctly captures this meaning. The other options refer to lying, running away, or showing true colors, which are different concepts.