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, 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.

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.

Rajesh threatened to lie down on the job if his salary was not raised.

  1. Abstain from work

  2. Remain in office throughout the night

  3. Ask for other's help

  4. Lie down in protest

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

Correct Answer: Abstain from work The phrase means to do less than one could or should do; shirk one's obligations.

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 wash ones dirty linen in public

  1. To criticese one's nature in public

  2. To quarrel in the open

  3. To do some ugly work in public

  4. To discuss dirty and scandalous matters of personal nature in the presence of strangers
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

 The phrase means to discuss or quarrel about ones personal matters in front of strangers.

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 rip up old sores

  1. To revive a quarrel which was almost forgotten

  2. To ensure someone in strong terms

  3. To strain ones thoughts to the most

  4. To preserve one self from harm
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

 The phrase means to remember or start old fights or quarrels which have been forgotten. 

Multiple choice

Directions: Out of the four given alternatives, choose the correct meaning of the following Idiom/expression:

A red herring

  1. A challenge of great intensity

  2. A warning against danger

  3. A change for the better

  4. Argument that leads attention away
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

A red herring refers to something that misleads or distracts from a relevant or important question or topic. It originates from the practice of using strong-smelling fish to distract hunting dogs.