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

The proverb “an aged lover” means

  1. A fool and his money are soon parted

  2. There is no fool like an old fool

  3. One man’s meat is another man’s poison

  4. It never rains but pours
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The proverb “an aged lover” in Business Communications means "There is no fool like an old fool".

Multiple choice

Have you read J. K. Rowling's new book?

  1. Yes, I have. Fact, I have read it twice.

  2. Yes, I have. Of fact, I have read it twice.

  3. Yes, I have. On fact, I have read it twice.

  4. Yes, I have. In fact, I have read it twice.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

'In fact' means 'as a matter of fact'.

Multiple choice

keep in with

  1. stay friendly with someone

  2. keep a hostel

  3. stay inside with your family

  4. keep with your first answer
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

To keep in with someone means to maintain a friendly relationship with them, often for one's own benefit or to stay on good terms.

Multiple choice

What is the most suitable meaning of “Ball is in your court”

  1. up to you to make the next decision or step

  2. cannot judge something primarily on appearance

  3. when something is done badly to save money

  4. to present a counter argument
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The idiom 'ball is in your court' means it is someone's turn to make a decision or take action.

Multiple choice

They tied the knot last year.

  1. broke the law

  2. had a child

  3. got married

  4. went sailing
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

"Tying the knot" is a well-known colloquial idiom meaning to get married. It does not refer to breaking laws, having children, or literal sailing knots.

Multiple choice

My mother and I are birds of a feather.

  1. cold

  2. very light

  3. good at flying

  4. very similar
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The idiom "birds of a feather" comes from the proverb "birds of a feather flock together," meaning people who have similar characters, interests, or backgrounds. Thus, it means being very similar to someone.

Multiple choice

Easier said than done.

  1. It’s easier to talk about than actually do.

  2. Better to tell the truth, than to lie.

  3. Women talk more than men.

  4. Trying to be happy is a good way to stop worrying.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

This common phrase is used to describe a task that sounds simple when discussed but is actually difficult to accomplish in reality. Option A is a direct explanation of this meaning. The other options are unrelated proverbs or generalizations.

Multiple choice

All that glitters is not gold.

  1. Those in love often have problems in their relationships.

  2. It’s better to buy silver than gold.

  3. What looks good at first may not actually be a good thing.

  4. You get more friends if you are honest.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

This proverb means that outward appearances can be deceptive, and something that looks valuable or attractive on the surface may not actually be good or genuine. Option C accurately explains this warning against superficial judgments. The other options are unrelated statements.

Multiple choice

The early bird catches the worm.

  1. The early bird catches the worm.

  2. The late bird catches the worm.

  3. The early bird catches the fish.

  4. The late bird catches the fish.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

This proverb means that those who are willing to get up early and work hard are more likely to be successful.

Multiple choice

Blood is thicker than water.

  1. Blood is thicker than water.

  2. Water is thicker than blood.

  3. Blood is thinner than water.

  4. Water is thinner than blood.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

This proverb means that family ties are stronger than any other kind of relationship.