Idioms and Phrases

Description: Idioms and Phrases, CDS, CLAT, Practice Tests, English, Grammar
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: Idioms and Phrases
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Directions: Choose the idiomatic phrase/expression that best completes the given sentence. She felt relieved when she ____________. She had felt guilty for years.

  1. got into deep water

  2. got off the track

  3. got on in years

  4. got out of the jam

  5. got it off her chest


Correct Option: E
Explanation:

This is the correct expression as it means to reveal something that is worrying someone or makng them feel guilty.

Directions: Choose the idiomatic phrase/expression that best completes the given sentence. He had ___________ when he realised his daughter had eloped.

  1. gone through the roof

  2. gone home in a box

  3. gone to hell in a hand basket

  4. gone to war

  5. gone with the flow


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

This is the correct expression. This is used to indicate when someone becomes very angry.

Directions: Choose the idiomatic phrase/expression that best completes the given sentence. The company needed a new project manager so he decided to ____________.

  1. take it on the lam

  2. take the bull by the horns

  3. take his hat off to

  4. take the bit between his teeth

  5. take it or leave it


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

This is the correct expression. This means to take charge of something. The company needed a new project manager so he decided to take the bit between his teeth.

Directions: Choose the idiomatic phrase/expression that best completes the given sentence. He __________ at lunch.

  1. made a mountain of a molehill

  2. made a pig of himself

  3. made a fast buck

  4. made a clean breast

  5. made his own way


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

This is the correct expression. This is said about someone who eats too much or too fast. He made a pig of himself at lunch.

Directions: Choose the idiomatic phrase/expression that best completes the given sentence. I found myself ____________ and did not know which way to choose.

  1. on the horns of a dilemma

  2. on the face of it

  3. on the wagon

  4. on the same wavelength

  5. out of the blue


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

This is the correct expression. It indicates facing a choice between two equally undesirable alternatives. I found myself on the horns of a dilemma and did not know which way to choose.

Directions: Choose the idiomatic phrase/expression that best completes the given sentence.

The right to host the next FIFA is _______________ among the nations.

  1. the apple of the eye

  2. an apple of discord

  3. the comparison of apples and oranges

  4. in apple pie order

  5. upsetting the apple cart


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

This is the correct expression. It is used when something is the cause of trouble, discord or jealousy. The right to host the next FIFA is an apple of discord between the nations.

Directions: Choose the idiomatic phrase/expression that best completes the given sentence.

It seems as if I will be _____________ before this case is finished in the court.

  1. fresh as a daisy

  2. pushing ahead

  3. pushing up daisies

  4. pushed around

  5. pushed out


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

This is the correct expression. It is used to indicate that someone will be dead and buried in the future. It seems as if I will be pushing up daisies before this case is finished in the court.

Directions: Choose the idiomatic phrase/expression that best completes the given sentence.

He laughed so hard he ___________.

  1. split the difference

  2. split up

  3. split hairs

  4. split a gut

  5. split off


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

This is the correct expression. It means to laugh very hard. I laughed so hard I split a gut. 

Directions: Choose the idiomatic phrase/expression that best completes the given sentence.

He wants to keep his children ________ all the time.

  1. under his thumb

  2. under pressure

  3. under the influence

  4. under the wire

  5. under a cloud


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

This is the correct expression. It means to keep under complete control. He wants to keep his children under his thumb all the time.

Directions: Choose the idiomatic phrase/expression that best completes the given sentence.

She still _______ and says that it should solve all her problems.

  1. has her wires crossed

  2. has bigger fish to fry

  3. has big ears

  4. has a card up her sleeve

  5. has an axe to grind


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

This is the correct expression and it means having a secret plan. She still has a card up her sleeve and says it should solve all her problems. This expression indicates having a selfish reason for doing something. The members of this organisation have no axe to grind; they just want to help the needy.

Directions: Choose the idiomatic phrase/expression that best completes the given sentence.

I am exhausted and want to ________.

  1. call off the dogs

  2. call it a day

  3. call a spade a spade

  4. call the tune

  5. call someone names


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

This is the correct expression. It means to stop working for the rest of the day. I am exhausted and want to call it a day.

Directions: Choose the idiomatic phrase/expression that best completes the given sentence.

The manager asked him to _________ if he wanted things to go well.

  1. play ball

  2. play the field

  3. play cat and mouse

  4. play away from home

  5. play a joke


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

This is the correct expression. It means to cooperate and agree to work with others. The manager asked him to play ball if he wanted things to go well.

Directions: Choose the idiomatic phrase/expression that best completes the given sentence.

It was a small house with ________.

  1. no use to man or beast

  2. nothing to sneeze at

  3. not a leg to stand on

  4. not a cat in hell's chance

  5. not enough room to swing a cat


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

This is the correct expression. It is used to indicate a very small place. It was a small house with not enough room to swing a cat. It is used to express an inability to achieve something. He does not have a cat in hell's chance to raise enough money to complete the project.

Directions: Choose the idiomatic phrase/expression that best completes the given sentence.

She bought the car _________.

  1. for a song

  2. for all I care

  3. for love nor money

  4. for my money

  5. after fine tuning


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

This is the correct expression because it means for very little money. She bought the car for a song.

Directions: Choose the idiomatic phrase/expression that best completes the given sentence.

Due to lack of intelligence about the enemy the attack being planned is a __________ right from the start.

  1. dead loss

  2. dead duck

  3. dead and buried

  4. dead meat

  5. dead wood


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

This is the correct expression. This is said about someone or something that is certain to fail. Due to lack of intelligence about the enemy the attack being planned is a dead duck right from the start.

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