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: Five alternative illustrations are given below the text representing an idiom, a phrase or an aphorism. Choose the option that best illustrates the essence of the phrase.

The only way to deal with the analysis paralysis is to ride the tide.

  1. Practise what you say.

  2. Take the problem squarely in the face.

  3. Experience is the greatest teacher.

  4. Take decision when the chips are down.

  5. Make hay while the sun shines.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

If you do things practically, the theoretical problems also get solved easily.

Multiple choice

Directions: Five alternative illustrations are given below the text representing an idiom, a phrase or an aphorism. Choose the option that best illustrates the essence of the phrase.

Thinking within an accepted tradition is one thing; to challenge the tradition itself is another.

  1. Society needs iconoclasts, not conformists.

  2. Marshalling the notes of a lecture is one experience; the opportunity to argue with a teacher is another.

  3. Traditions are important, but blind faith is abhorrence.

  4. Out of the box thinking is highly valued.

  5. Compartmentalised thinking is often counter-productive.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Learning is not all about mimicking the wisdom of others. It needs to go beyond 'what is established wisdom.

Multiple choice

Directions: Five alternative illustrations are given below the text representing an idiom, a phrase or an aphorism. Choose the option that best illustrates the essence of the phrase.

It is not enough to be dilettantes in everything without striving also to be craftsmen in something.

  1. One must not be jack of all trades.

  2. One must practise an art till one achieves perfection.

  3. One must try to gain expertise in something or the other.

  4. One has to go deep into things to understand them.

  5. One must try to learn one craft or the other.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The argument states that being a jack of all trades is not enough. One has to be a master of one.

Multiple choice

Directions: In the following question, four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in bold. Choose the one which best expresses the meaning of the idiom/phrase given in bold.

He is a captain absolute and it is difficult to expect him to change his decision.

  1. A very powerful

  2. A self willed person

  3. A trained officer

  4. A whimsical man
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

A captain absolute refers to someone who is self-willed, dictatorial, or insists on their own way regardless of others. This aligns with being stubborn or unwilling to change a decision.

Multiple choice

Directions: In the following question, four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in bold. Choose the one which best expresses the meaning of the idiom/phrase given in bold.

It was not a difficult problem, but he has drawn the long bow to such an extent that others are finding it difficult to interfere.

  1. To set humbly

  2. To exaggerate

  3. To be formal

  4. To delay

  5. none
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

To draw the long bow is an idiom meaning to exaggerate or tell tall tales. It implies stretching the truth beyond reality.

Multiple choice

Directions: In the following question, four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in bold. Choose the one which best expresses the meaning of the idiom/phrase given in bold.

Some of the most interesting shots I have seen have been taken by the candid camera.

  1. Frank camera

  2. Shy camera

  3. A concealed camera taking pictures of the people not aware of it

  4. Movie camera
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

A candid camera refers to photography or filming where the subjects are unaware they are being recorded, allowing for natural, unposed behavior.

Multiple choice

Directions: In the following question, four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in bold. Choose the one which best expresses the meaning of the idiom/phrase given in bold.

Since the President is away to Spain, the decision on this important matter has fallen into abeyance.

  1. In suspense

  2. In a double mind

  3. In trouble

  4. Likely to be dropped
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

To fall into abeyance means to be in a state of temporary disuse, suspension, or inactivity. It is often used for laws, rules, or decisions.

Multiple choice

Directions: In the following question, four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in bold. Choose the one which best expresses the meaning of the idiom/phrase given in bold.

As the thief was trying to run away, the police treaded on his heels and finally caught him.

  1. To refer pointedly in a disagreeable way to something in other's conduct

  2. To follow close behind

  3. To follow the example of other

  4. To despise another

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Correct Answer: To follow close behind The idiom means to follow close upon or behind.

Multiple choice

Directions: In the following question, four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in bold. Choose the one which best expresses the meaning of the idiom/phrase given in bold.

The mangoes you have brought home are the pick of the basket.

  1. Became ripe in the basket

  2. Very best of anything

  3. Unripe

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

The pick of the basket refers to the best items from a group or collection. It denotes superior quality.

Multiple choice

Directions: In the following question, four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in bold. Choose the one which best expresses the meaning of the idiom/phrase given in bold.

By imposing President’s rule in the state, the government has taken the bull by the horns; otherwise the situation might have gone behind control.

  1. To face difficulty with courage

  2. To show anxiety in a difficult situation

  3. To show grit and patience

  4. To be in a control of difficult situation

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

To take the bull by the horns means to deal with a difficult or dangerous situation in a direct and courageous manner.

Multiple choice

Directions: In the following question, four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in bold. Choose the one which best expresses the meaning of the idiom/phrase given in bold.

Had I known that this venture would flounder and split on a rock, I would never have launched it. I have suffered a great loss.

  1. To make an exception

  2. To meet unforeseen difficulties

  3. To make a distinction

  4. Attached by violence

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

To split on a rock is a nautical metaphor for a ship hitting an obstacle, meaning to encounter unforeseen difficulties or failure in a venture.

Multiple choice

Directions: In the following question, four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in bold. Choose the one which best expresses the meaning of the idiom/phrase given in bold.

When you know that you cannot achieve your aim, why are you trying to plough the sands?

  1. To labour unnecessarily

  2. To hope for a good result

  3. To act in harmony with someone

  4. To advance one’s position in life

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

To plough the sands means to engage in futile or unproductive labor, as sand cannot be cultivated.