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

The two brothers are at cross purposes and never agree to each other's view point.

  1. do things differently and often contrarily

  2. having different tastes and habits

  3. living at two difference places

  4. working differently and hatefully
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

'At cross purposes' means having conflicting goals, intentions, or understandings, leading to miscommunication or opposition. Option A correctly identifies this - doing things differently and often contrarily, which leads to disagreement. The phrase suggests two parties working against each other without realizing it.

Multiple choice

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

To shuffle the deck is the only option left in such a crisis.

  1. change the policy

  2. change the living place

  3. change course

  4. to rethink
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

'To shuffle the deck' means to change the existing order, rearrange things, or alter one's approach to achieve different results. Option A ('change the policy') is the closest match, suggesting a fundamental change in approach. The idiom comes from card games where shuffling creates new arrangements and possibilities.

Multiple choice

Directions: In the given question, four alternatives are given for the underlined idiom/phrase. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the underlined idiom/phrase.

He has resigned his job & burnt his boats as far as government service is concerned.

  1. Felt dejected

  2. Blasted his hopes

  3. Ruined himself

  4. Left with no mean of retreat
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

'To burn one's boats' means to do something that will make it impossible to change your plans and go back to a previous situation.

Multiple choice

Directions In the given question, four alternatives are given for the underlined idiom/phrase. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the underlined idiom/phrase.

The question of high membership fees was brought up at the last meeting.

  1. Discussed at great length

  2. Introduced for discussion

  3. Criticised vehemently

  4. Vaguely referred to
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

 To 'bring up' something means to start talking about something.

Multiple choice

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

A few days before his death, he made a clean breast of everything.

  1. Confessed

  2. Took off his shirt

  3. Suffered

  4. Spoke ill
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The idiom 'make a clean breast of something' means to confess fully and openly, typically about something one has been hiding or feeling guilty about. The metaphor suggests revealing everything clearly, like exposing one's chest. It doesn't mean literally removing clothing, suffering, or speaking negatively about others.

Multiple choice

Directions: In the given question, four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase bold in the sentence. Choose the alternative, which best expresses the meaning of the idiom/phrase. I am done for.

  1. Ruined

  2. Rewarded

  3. Answered

  4. Questioned
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The phrase 'done for' is an informal expression meaning to be ruined, finished, or in a hopeless situation. When someone says 'I am done for,' they mean they are defeated or beyond help. It doesn't mean being rewarded, answered, or questioned - it indicates a state of complete failure or loss.

Multiple choice

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

The foolish young man soon made ducks and drakes of the vast property his father left him.

  1. Squandered

  2. Distributed

  3. Spent

  4. Gave in charity
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The idiom 'make ducks and drakes of something' means to squander or waste it, typically referring to money, resources, or opportunities. It comes from the game of skipping stones across water. 'Squandered' means to waste something in a reckless or foolish manner, which perfectly matches the meaning. 'Distributed' or 'spent' don't capture the sense of wastefulness, and 'gave in charity' implies a positive purpose.

Multiple choice

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

All his ventures went to the winds.

  1. Dissipated

  2. Spread all over

  3. Got speed of the winds

  4. Became well-known
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The phrase 'went to the winds' means to vanish, disperse, or be completely lost or wasted. When ventures or efforts 'go to the winds,' they are dissipated and come to nothing. 'Dissipated' means to scatter or disperse, which matches this meaning perfectly. It doesn't mean spreading for good coverage, gaining speed, or becoming famous - it means being lost or destroyed.