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.

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Idioms and Phrases Questions

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.

The closed door meeting was called to discuss the issue as it had caused more heat than light.

  1. Very enlightening disclosures

  2. Causing intense reactions but not clarifying anything

  3. Extremely angry reactions

  4. Noisy and forceful protests
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The phrase, 'more heat than light' refers to causing intense reactions but not clarifying anything. 'Noisy and forceful protests' refers to the phrase, 'ranting and raving'. The others are the incorrect meanings of the given phrase.

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.

Wearing the traditional attire, the bride was cutting a dash on her wedding day.

  1. Wearing glamorous clothes intended to attract attention

  2. Dressed in a special way

  3. Appearing awful, unsuitable and untidy

  4. Making a striking impression by one's appearance
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The phrase, 'cutting a dash' refers to making a striking impression by one's appearance. 'Wearing glamorous clothes intended to attract attention' refers to the phrase, 'dressed to kill'. 'Appearing awful, unsuitable and untidy' refers to the phrase, 'look a sight'. The others are the incorrect meanings of the given phrase.

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.

After a day of vigorous outdoor activities, he was tired and had a five o'clock shadow!

  1. Shockingly unattractive face

  2. Very awful, unsuitable and untidy appearance

  3. Very thin look

  4. Patch of stubble on the face of a man who has not shaved for a day
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The phrase, 'five o’clock shadow' refers to the patch of stubble on the face of a man who has not shaved for a day. 'Shockingly unattractive face' refers to the phrase, 'face that would stop a clock'. 'Very awful, unsuitable and untidy appearance' refers to the phrase, 'look a sight'. The others are the incorrect meanings of the given phrase.

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.

The chief minister got a lot of flak for the way the government machinery handled the recent flood rescue in the state.

  1. Was highly praised

  2. Received a lot of donations

  3. Was annoyed and frustrated

  4. Received severe criticism
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The phrase, ‘got a lot of flak’ refers to receiving severe criticism. The others are the incorrect meanings of the given phrase.

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.

Under the auspices of the local leader, many squatters have set up temporary sheds in this park.

  1. Under the control of

  2. With the patronage

  3. Under the tutelage

  4. In partnership
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The phrase 'under the auspices' means 'with the patronage of'. 'Under the control of' refers to the phrase 'under the thumb of'. The others are the incorrect meanings of the given phrase.

Multiple choice

Directions: Four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase underlined in the sentence given below. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom/phrase.

John burnt his fingers by investing in the realty sector during the days of recession.

  1. did something that will be impossible to rectify in future

  2. minted tremendous money

  3. exhausted himself financially

  4. suffered financially as a result of foolish behavior
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The phrase 'burnt his fingers' refers to suffering financially as a result of foolish behavior. 'Did something that will be impossible to rectify in future' refers to the phrase 'burnt his bridges'. The other options are the incorrect meanings of the given idiom/phrase.

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.

After careful consideration, he decided to sell his assets and invest in stocks, knowing very well that he was crossing the Rubicon.

  1. doing something that will cause his own downfall

  2. preventing himself from performing to the best of his ability

  3. gaining his freedom

  4. making an irreversible decision
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The phrase 'crossing the Rubicon' refers to making an irreversible decision. 'Doing something that will cause his own downfall' refers to the phrase 'digging his own grave'. 'Preventing himself from performing to the best of his ability' refers to the phrase 'cramp his style'. The others are the incorrect meanings of the given phrase.

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.

It was a gentleman’s agreement. How can he turn his back on the deal now!

  1. agreement that was fair and honest

  2. an unofficial agreement with signatures on it

  3. an agreement with all legal formalities completed

  4. agreement that was not written or signed, as the parties trusted each other
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The phrase 'gentleman’s agreement' refers to an agreement that was not written or signed, as the parties trusted each other. 'Agreement that has a written proof' refers to the phrase 'in black and white'. The others are the incorrect meanings of the given phrase.

Multiple choice

Directions: Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the underlined idiom/phrase.

The police did not want to jump the gun and give a statement about the reason for the crime.

  1. act with caution

  2. move in front of people who are already waiting

  3. do everything possible to please someone

  4. act too hastily

  5. .
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

This is the correct option as the idiom 'jump the gun' here implies to ‘act too hastily’ and give a statement about the reason for the crime.