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.

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Idioms and Phrases Questions

Multiple choice

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

I was at my wit's end when they told me that they no longer needed my service.

  1. I lost my temper

  2. I was very happy

  3. I was quite upset

  4. I was sad
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

'Wits' mean mental resources; the phrase 'at wit's ends' means to be so upset that you don't know what to do.

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.