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

Multiple choice

Directions: Choose the correct, nearest meaning for the underlined from the given options:

Inheriting the farm became a bone of contention among brothers.

  1. cause of disagreement

  2. cause of fight

  3. cause of dispute

  4. cause of quarrel
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

A 'bone of contention' is a subject or issue over which there is continuing disagreement. While the other options are synonyms for conflict, 'cause of disagreement' is the standard definition.

Multiple choice

Directions: Choose the correct, nearest meaning for the underlined from the given options:

Victor's club has lately degenerated into a den of vice and iniquity.

  1. a place where undesirable activities take place

  2. a place where unpleasant activities take place

  3. a place where nasty activities take place

  4. a place where dreadful activities take place
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

A 'den of vice and iniquity' refers to a place where immoral or wicked activities occur. Option C is the most accurate choice among the provided synonyms.

Multiple choice

Directions: Choose the correct, nearest meaning for the underlined from the given options:

Jose is a dog in the manger as he cannot ride a horse and will not allow others to ride.

  1. deny others to use

  2. refuse to others to use

  3. reject others to use

  4. decline others to use
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

A 'dog in the manger' is someone who prevents others from using something they cannot use themselves. Option A captures this obstructive behavior.