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Idioms and Phrase questions are very important components of English comprehension that are frequently tested in India’s competitive exams. Candidates will benefit from practising questions from each topic within the specified period. To perform well in the Verbal Ability section of the exam, candidates need to practice answering Idioms and Phrases Questions and learn 50 phrases that are mentioned in this article
Before practising idioms and phrases questions let us understand these basic terms. A phrase or expression that contains every word with more than one definition is called an idiom. Since idioms are frequently used in speech, using them is enjoyable. Examples of idioms are stated below:
- Bite the bullet
- Hit the nail on the head
- Kick the bucket
- Break the ice
- Beat around the bush
Phrases are defined as the combination of multiple related words and act as a single unit but do not contain a subject-verb pairing. A phrase can consist of anywhere from two to ten syllables. It is integrated into a phrase or statement elaborating on a topic that gives additional information. Examples of phrases are stated below:
- Time flies when you’re having fun
- Actions speak louder than words
- Every cloud has a silver lining
- Don’t cry over spilled milk
- Better late than never
Tips to Solve Idioms and Phrases Questions
If you wish to become an expert in Idioms and Phrases Questions, it requires dedication and practice. Before trying to learn 50 Phrases With Meanings stated later in the article let us go through some effective tips and shortcuts to ace 50 Phrases With Meanings:
- Continuous reading: Read more and more books to observe the usage of idioms in various contexts.
- Understanding meaning: It’s important to not just memorize idioms but also understand their meanings, origins, and usage.
- Note down: Keep a handy list of commonly used idioms, phrases, and words along with their meanings for quick revision.
- Avoid cramming: Focus on understanding the underlying concept of each idiom instead of rote memorization.
- Visual imagery: Create mental images or stories associated to help in memorization.
Practice Idioms and Phrases Questions | Verbal Ability
Improve your understanding of 50 phrases with meanings. Practice over 50 idioms and phrases questions which are provided below:
What does the phrase “Yellow press” refer to?
a) Newspapers that publish scientific articles
b) Newspapers that publish sensational and unscrupulous stories
c) Newspapers that focus on political news
d) Newspapers that prioritize international news
Answer: b) Newspapers that publish sensational and unscrupulous stories
What does the idiom “One swallow does not make a summer” imply?
a) One positive event doesn’t guarantee overall success
b) Summer is the best time for bird-watching
c) Swallows are rare birds
d) Summer is fleeting
Answer: a) One positive event doesn’t guarantee overall success
What does the expression “Spread like a wildfire” mean?
a) To spread gradually
b) To spread quickly
c) To spread unevenly
d) To spread in a controlled manner
Answer: b) To spread quickly
What does the idiom “Die in harness” signify?
a) To retire comfortably
b) To die while in service or actively working
c) To live a long life
d) To die suddenly
Answer: b) To die while in service or actively working
Also Read: Questions of Analogies Reasoning with Answers
What does the phrase “To be snowed under” imply?
a) To be overwhelmed or buried with work
b) To be enjoying the snow
c) To be stuck in a snowstorm
d) To be stranded due to heavy snowfall
Answer: a) To be overwhelmed or buried with work
What does the idiom “To cook the books” mean?
a) To prepare a delicious meal
b) To modify financial statements
c) To follow a recipe book
d) To write a cookbook
Answer: b) To modify financial statements
What does the expression “Don’t give up a day’s job” imply?
a) Don’t quit your job
b) Don’t procrastinate
c) Don’t overwork yourself
d) Don’t rely on temporary work
Answer: a) Don’t quit your job
What does the phrase “To balance the books” signify?
a) To maintain financial stability
b) To follow accounting principles
c) To make certain that expenses don’t exceed income
d) To manipulate financial records
Answer: c) To make certain that expenses don’t exceed income
What does the idiom “A ballpark figure” mean?
a) A precise calculation
b) A general financial estimate
c) A fluctuating amount
d) A specific budget
Answer: b) A general financial estimate
Also Read: Blood Relation Reasoning Questions
What does the expression “A nine day’s Wonder” imply?
a) An event lasting nine days
b) A short-lived sensation
c) A recurring phenomenon
d) A significant achievement
Answer: b) A short-lived sensation
What does the idiom “To move heaven and earth” signify?
a) To explore celestial bodies
b) To exert all efforts
c) To cause natural disasters
d) To travel extensively
Answer: b) To exert all efforts
What does “A miss is as good as a mile” imply?
a) A failure is preferable to partial success
b) A near miss is still a miss
c) Missing the target by any distance is acceptable
d) Any attempt is better than none
Answer: b) A near miss is still a miss
What does the idiom “Lock, stock, and barrel” mean?
a) Only the essential parts
b) The entire thing, including all its parts
c) The outer covering
d) The final result
Answer: b) The entire thing, including all its parts
What does the expression “Make hay while the sun shines” imply?
a) To procrastinate
b) To work efficiently
c) To avoid sunny weather
d) To wait for the right opportunity
Answer: b) To work efficiently
Must Read: 45+ Questions of Letter and Symbol Series with Answers
What does the phrase “All that glitters is not gold” mean?
a) Not everything that is shiny is valuable
b) Only valuable things shine
c) Gold is not always valuable
d) Valuable things are always shiny
Answer: a) Not everything that is shiny is valuable
What does the idiom “To jump from a frying pan into the fire” imply?
a) To avoid a dangerous situation
b) To move from one trouble to a worse one
c) To escape from a fire
d) To make a risky decision
Answer: b) To move from one trouble to a worse one
What does the expression “Foul play” signify?
a) Unfair competition b) Cheating or unethical behavior
c) A sports foul
d) Unpleasant weather conditions
Answer: b) Cheating or unethical behaviour
What does the phrase “A fish out of water” mean?
a) Feeling uncomfortable in a new environment
b) Being an expert swimmer
c) Being lost at sea
d) Living in a coastal area
Answer: a) Feeling uncomfortable in a new environment
What does the idiom “A burnt child dreads the fire” imply?
a) Learning from past experiences
b) Enjoying camping trips
c) Fear of punishment
d) Appreciation for warmth
Answer: a) Learning from past experiences
What does the expression “To set the Thames on fire” signify?
a) To create chaos
b) To do something sensational or remarkable
c) To cause environmental damage
d) To achieve a minor accomplishment
Answer: b) To do something sensational or remarkable
What does the phrase “A white elephant” mean?
a) A rare animal
b) A precious gift
c) A useless possession which is extremely expensive to keep
d) An albino elephant
Answer: c) A useless possession which is extremely expensive to keep
What does the idiom “To throw dust in one’s eyes” imply?
a) To deceive or mislead someone
b) To protect someone from dust
c) To express gratitude
d) To create confusion
Answer: a) To deceive or mislead someone
What does the expression “Every dog has his day” signify?
a) Every dog deserves a treat
b) Every person experiences good fortune at some point
c) Dogs are loyal animals
d) Every dog needs a friend
Answer: b) Every person experiences good fortune at some point
What does the phrase “To step into a dead man’s shoes” mean?
a) To replace someone who has passed away
b) To inherit someone’s belongings
c) To fill a vacant position
d) To enter a haunted house
Answer: c) To fill a vacant position
What does the idiom “Halcyon Days” signify?
a) A period of peace, tranquillity, and happiness
b) A time of natural disasters
c) A historical event
d) A famous vacation destination
Answer: a) A period of peace, tranquillity, and happiness
50 Phrases With Meanings and Examples
In case you are getting the above questions incorrect. Worry not! Improve your language proficiency with our collection of 50 phrases with meanings as well as their examples. Learning these phrases not only enhances your English but also improves your performance in competitive exams.
| 50 Phrases With Meanings | 50 Phrases With Meanings | 50 Phrases With Meanings and Example |
| Off the cuff | Impulsive or spontaneous | During the chemistry lecture, the professor started asking questions off the cuff. |
| Boon companion | Closest friend whose company one enjoys | Living hand-to-mouth |
| Economical with the truth | Conveying untrue events and facts | The panel of judges punished an eyewitness for economizing with the truth. |
| Twenty-four/seven | Continues throughout the day | The news channels work twenty-four/seven to provide us with information. |
| On pins and needles | Anxious/Nervous/ in a state of suspense | I was on pins and needles the whole day waiting for the exam result. |
| Find the pony | To find something good even when the situation is bad | Even during the financial crisis, Amanda managed to find a pony in this mess. |
| Badger to death | To poke, nag and pester relentlessly | My younger sister can badger me to death with her questions. |
| Out of the jaws of death | To be saved from a fatal situation | Anil was lucky enough to be out of the jaws of death after his accident. |
| One-stop-shop | A single establishment offering all products/services | Leverage Edu is a one-stop-shop for pursuing higher education abroad. |
| Sleep like a log | Sound sleep | After working hard, I slept like a log on Sunday. |
| Pardon my French | Leverage Edu is a one-stop shop for pursuing higher education abroad. | He is a bloody fool! Oops, pardon my French. |
| Kettle of fish | A difficult or awkward situation | Sitting on the first bench of a classroom is like a kettle of fish for some students. |
| Kicking one’s heels | Wasting time while waiting for something/someone | Antonio was kicking his heels while waiting for his friends to arrive. |
| Might and main | Doing something by putting in all the effort | Mike shouted might and main for help but no one came to his rescue. |
| Elvis has left the building | Punchline to disband the crowd after an event | The concert is over, and Elvis has left the building. You can go home now. |
| Donkey’s years | Something happening for a long time | Anny has been a vegan for donkey’s years. |
| Draw a blank | An unsuccessful/failed attempt | We have drawn a blank in our search for Ivan’s lost dog. |
| Keep/hold someone’s feet to the fire | Pressure someone to approve/undertake something | The press has been holding the actress’s feet to the fire for her pictures. |
| Living hand to mouth | Having only enough money for food and shelter | Sneha was living hand to mouth before she got a job. |
| Keep a stiff upper lip | Show bravery or courage in adversity and pain | George has been keeping a stiff upper lip after his friend’s death. |
| Take the bit between your teeth | Face a hard task resolutely with determination | Smith took the bit between his teeth once he started understanding the concepts. |
| The crack of doom | Doomsday; the judgement day | Harry and Jones’s friendship will last until the crack of doom. |
| Twelve good men and true | A jury | Ben was convicted by the twelve good men and true. |
| Turn up trumps | Succeeding when success seemed unlikely | Richa turned up trumps by hiring a manager for the project. |
| Upset the apple cart | Spoil someone’s plan; cause trouble | The weather upset the apple cart of our family vacation plans. |
| Four corners of the earth | From all directions | People from four corners of the earth attended the festival. |
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