ENGLISH

IDIOMS
For each of the following idiomatic expressions, there are four other words or phrases. Candidate is
required to encircle the one word or phrase that would best keep the meaning of the original idiomatic
phrase in the answer sheet:
(Students’ Inn)
1. Zest and zeal
a) Happiness b) Enthusiasm B
c) Carefully d) Wisdom
2. Spick-and-span
a) Full of things b) Peaceful D
c) Joyful d) Clean and tidy
3. Stand on ceremony
a) To be talkative b) To brag about C
c) To be formal d) To be frank
4. A square deal
a) A bargain marked by fairness b) To reward A
c) Deceive d) To scold
5. Sit on the fence
a) To be partial b) To be impartial B
c) To be honest d) To be decisive
6. Poke one’s nose
a) To meddle b) Toe take interest A
c) To be lax d) to be contemptuous
7. All the pros and cons
a) The advantages b) Disadvantages C
c) For an against points d) To speak not to the point
8. Beat about the bush
a) To be garrulous b) To deceive D
c) To pretend d) To speak not to the point
9. To bury the hatchet
a) to widen controversy b) gain business C
c) to be peaceful d) to be at détente
10. By fits and starts
a) continuously b) At intervals B
c) fiercely d) every – where
11. By leaps and bounds
a) Rapidly b) Irregularly B
c) slowly d) obviously
12. Either by hook or by crook
a) by legal means b) be illegal means C
c) by either means d) by neither means
13. Cut to the quick
a) appalled b) ready to compensate A
c) to remain calm d) to redress
14. Achilles heel
a) goal of life b) necessity D
c) good character d) weak point
15. A white elephant
a) advantageous b) much costly B
c) innovative d) destructive

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IDIOMS
16. At sixes and sevens
a) without harmony b) in abundance A
c) everywhere d) up side down
17. An axe to grind
a) cruel b) selfish B
c) criminal d) coward
18. Blows his own trumpet
a) to disagree b) to be obstinate C
c) speak self praises d) to be proud
19. Give one a piece of one’s mind
a) to scold b) to advise D
c) to criticize d) to inspire
20. Get into hot water
a) get advantage b) in a good position C
c) in a difficult situation d) in a hurry
21. French leave
a) a leave without prior sanction b) a picnic A
c) a legal holiday d) long leave
22. Gift of the gab
a) prize b) success C
c) speaking qualities d) leadership qualities
23. In a fix
a) to be in difficulties b) in a hurry D
c) to be Iffy d) in danger
24. In full swing
a) a master in every field b) with force B
c) in all respects d) operating fully
25. Leave one in the lurch
a) to leave at one’s own discretion b) to leave one in a helpless condition B
c) to put one in one’s best place d) leave in wrong position
26. Make both ends meet
a) living within own means b) living underhand means A
c) to have a free hand d) to mix right and wrong
27. Have one’s hands full
a) to be generous b) being busy D
c) at a higher authority d) to be millionaire
28. Jack of all trades
a) a good businessman b) a dexterous in every field B
c) all thumb d) a dishearten one
29. Rank and file
a) ordinary staff b) high official A
c) orderly arranged d) a scholastic person
30. Take the bull by the horns
a) to invite danger b) misfortune C
c) to face a difficulty boldly d) to admit defeat
31. Straight from the horse’s mouth
a) sudden attack b) to take advantage D
c) to be frightened d) reliable information

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IDIOMS
32. To the bitter end
a) extremely b) unpleasant A
c) ill tempered d) abnormal
33. To the line
a) to abide by the rules b) to hurt one self A
c) to feel dangers d) to be successful
34. Cast pearls before swine
a) impossible desire b) to offer a precious thing to a layman B
c) to make someone rich d) an unfortunate event
35. Eat humble pie
a) a gluttonous person b) to eat greedily C
c) to bear insult d) to be obedient
37. Bolt from the blue
a) a scenic view b) fortune D
c) a resolute person d) unexpected
38. Burn the midnight oil
a) a thorough search b) to work late at night B
c) leave no stone unturned d) to set on fire
39. All at sea
a) confused b) having entertainment A
c) a rough season d) promenade buildings
40. Once in a blue moon
a) a lucky chance b) oddly true C
c) extremely rare d) coming storms
41. Better half
a) wife b) cousin A
c) step brother d) ancestors
42. At the eleventh hour
a) just in time b) lately B
c) passing through difficulties d) one the brink of
43. Hard nut to crack
a) with all energy b) to be successful D
c) a narrow escape d) a difficult task to solve
44. Hang in the balance
a) honestly b) undecided B
c) having equal importance d) destruction
45. A fish out of water
a) an anxious person b) at an improper place B
c) a deadly event d) humiliating
46. To have a finger in the pie
a) a courageous person b) an appalling situation D
c) to be frightened d) to be involved in an affair
47. Watch and ward
a) surveillance b) valuable A
c) uncomfortable d) a dazzling career
48. Worth while
a) surplus b) dignified C
c) useful d) to be proud

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IDIOMS
49. Bear away the palm
a) winner b) to flatter A
c) to give bribe d) to be proud
50. Feather in one’s cap
a) a suspicious person b) to confer honour B
c) a doubtful person d) to be a leader
51. At home in
a) To be expert b) To be disable A
c) To be imprisoned d) To be inside the house
52. Bad blood
a) notorious b) ill feeling B
c) tense d) immoral
53. Play ducks and drakes
a) To waste mercilessly b) In complete order A
c) To pet animal d) To pet birds
54. To hit the nail on the head
a) To strike the nail at correct place b) To adopt unfair means C
c) To hit a correct target d) To hit a balded head
55. A small fry
a) peon b) a small creature D
c) humorous d) insignificant people
56. At bottom
a) at last b) in the end D
c) from beneath d) inwardly
57. To be at logger heads
a) To be at enmity with someone b) To get confused A
c) To be mentally disturbed d) To be double minded
59. The old guard
a) Faithful supporters b) Complacent A
c) A retired person d) Incompetent
60. With might and main
a) big blow b) hard blow C
c) with full vigour d) penetrating
61. A Herculean task
a) An easy job b) A work without a remuneration D
c) An enjoyment d) A terrific task
63. A pipe dream
a) An impracticable plan b) A pleasant dream A
c) A foolish idea d) A bad dream
64. To fly of the handle
a) To break b) To be indifferent D
c) To act foolishly d) To lose self control
65. A black sheep
a) An ugly sheep b) A traitor B
c) A divine sheep d) An unknown person
66. A blue stocking
a) A beautiful pair of stockings b) A beautiful lady D
c) An ugly woman d) A literary woman

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IDIOMS
67. A brown study
a) A late hours study b) A fictitious study B
c) A state of fantasy d) A mental disorder
68. A burning question
a) An important issue b) An unanswerable question A
c) A question without a question d) A useless matter
69. A close shave
a) A close shave b) Not valid D
c) Under one’s control d) A narrow escape
71. Face the music
a) To listen to the music b) To bear the music C
c) To face the criticism d) To handle an issue
72. Bring home to
a) to take a seat b) To convince B
c) To change home d) To decorate home
73. To brow beat
a) To threaten b) To beat someone A
c) To acknowledge one’s vies d) To cry bitterly
74. A far cry
a) A shrilling sound b) A fearful scream C
c) A long distance d) An awkward journey
75. To bury the hatchet
a) To make less important b) To finish the terms C
c) To give up differences d) To join hands
76. In a nutshell
a) Cheaply b) Briefly B
c) Rapidly d) Weak
77. A wild goose chase
a) A dangerous chase b) Useless job B
c) A wrong hunting d) A flash idea
78. Break through
a) Break into pieces b) A failure C
c) To conquer d) A hold up
79. Rainy days
a) Months of July and August b) Pleasant days D
c) Prosperous days d) Difficult time
80. Turn over a new leaf
a) To step forward b) To begin to improve D
c) To forget something d) To start life with a new zeal
81. Feather in one’s cap
a) A suspicious person b) To confer honour B
c) Dubious d) To be a leader
82. To cut the crackle
a) Stop talking and start work b) To dig a wall A
c) To annoy d) To be friendly
83. Irons in the fire
a) In difficult position b) Apprenticeship C
c) Working plans d) The purest form

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IDIOMS
84. Weal and woe
a) Conducive and non conducive circumstances b) To come out facing the difficulties A
c) The negative and positive aspects d) To be cruel and determined
85. An apple discord
a) unwanted person b) a cheap apple A
c) A rotten apple d) A magic
86. A bone of contention
a) An expected disaster b) To bring discredit C
c) Cause of quarrel d) A quarrelsome person
87. A leap in the dark
a) To jump at night b) An act lacking the judgment of consequence B
c) To get astonished d) An act of humiliation
88. A red letter day
a) The day of first May b) The day of judgment D
c) A favourable day d) Very important day
89. A sweet tooth
a) An ailing tooth b) An artificial tooth D
c) A dracoleon tooth d) Liking for sweets
90. A dark horse
a) An unknown person b) A terrific horse A
c) An old horse d) A winning horse
91. Writing in the wall
a) An announcement b) Famous C
c) Warning of disaster d) A burning issue
92. Pull some one down
a) to defeat b) To denounce D
c) To humiliate d) To weaken
93. Raise the roof
a) Reconstruct b) Promotion C
c) Make noise d) Burdon
94. Brain child
a) Original idea b) Infant A
c) Intelligent d) Inexperienced
95. To the hilt
a) Good idea b) United C
c) Completely d) Surprisingly
96. Tug of war
a) Frand b) Contest B
c) Trick d) Struggle
97. Tall story
a) False story b) Difficult to believe B
c) Lengthy description d) Disappointing situation
98. Come to naught
a) Fail b) Mistake A
c) Mischievous d) To be deceived
99. A breach of peace
a) Peaceful place b) Riot B
c) Dangerous d) Friendly

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IDIOMS
100. At a premium
a) In installments b) Deficit D
c) Success d) Highly valued
101. A duck in a thunderstorm
a) entrapped b) distressed B
c) indomitable d) peaceful
102. Within a stone’s throw
a) very far off b) with a certain radius C
c) At a short distance d) Within a definite circumference
103. Burn one’s finger
a) get into trouble b) Burn oneself A
c) get insulted d) get rebuked
104. Not worth one’s salt
a) very strange b) very proud of oneself D
c) quite depressed d) quite worthless
105. Feather one’s own nest
a) To be lazy in doing one’s work b) To be too generous D
c) neglect one’s job d) make money unfairly
107. In the blues
a) Abroad b) Unwell C
c) Depressed d) Penniless
108. Tare with the same brush
a) Treat equally b) Profess the same policies D
c) have the same merits d) possess the same defects
109. Heap coals of fire on one’s head
a) burn someone alive b) agitate someone
D
c) make someone feel sorry by returning good for evil
d) incite someone to a fight
110. An eye on the main chance
a) wait for the appropriate time b) think of outwitting one’s rival D
c) look for better prospects d) look after one’s own welfare
111. Feel like a fish out of water
a) frustrated b) homeless D
c) disappointed d) uncomfortable
112. Ride the high horse
a) become abnormal b) appear arrogant B
c) indulge in dreams d) hate others
113. A host in oneself
a) eat too much b) independent of others
D
c) capable of doing as much as a number of ordinary persons
d) very hospitable
114. Espirit de corps
a) bravery b) loyalty D
c) subordination d) unity
115. Out of the question
a) unthinkable b) impossible A
c) unbecoming d) indecent
116. Lock, stock and barrel
a) completely b) financially A
c) administratively d) partially

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IDIOMS
117. Study of insects
a) anthropology b) zoology D
c) etymology d) entomology
118. All at sea
a) out of reach b) very happy C
c) puzzled d) drowning
119. Heads will roll
a) transfer will take place b) people will die C
c) dismissals will occur d) heads of department will have to repent
120. Awry face
a) abuse b) feel sick D
c) cry with pain d) show disappointment
121. Tread on one’s heels
a) follow closely after b) stab someone in the back A
c) oppose someone immediately d) support someone blindly
122. For a consideration
a) out of love b) in sympathy with the aggrieved D
c) if someone finds some merit in it d) if someone is paid to do something
123. Above board
a) simple b) decent C
c) open d) friendly
124. Throw cold water over
a) reject b) encourage D
c) clear d) discourage
125. Rake up
a) forget b) revive B
c) start d) end
126. Break down
a) meet with an accident b) break into pieces C
c) stop due to mechanical failure d) dashed against another vehicle
127. By leaps and bounds
a) irregularly b) gradually C
c) rapidly d) systematically
128. Keep one’s fingers crossed
a) wait expectantly b) keep praying A
c) feel scared d) keep hopeful
129. Fish in troubled water
a) to make the most in a bad bargain b) to disturb others A
c) to do something silly d) to try to find out an impossible object
130. Between the devil and the deep sea
a) to be in a dilemma b) to be in a temper A
c) to choose correctly d) to live dangerously
131. To cut the crackle
a) to stop talking and start b) to dig a well A
c) to annoy others d) to act in a friendly way
132. To give currency to
a) to give someone b) to pay much attention to B
c) to carry heavy load to d) to offer bribe

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IDIOMS
133. To miss the boat
a) to miss an opportunity b) to feel lonely A
c) to act like a coward d) to swim in a river
134. To have cold feet
a) to feel very cold b) to pay much attention to C
c) to be reluctant d) to pour water on something
135. Blue blood
a) something impossible b) of high birth B
c) something costly d) a funny object
136. At one’s wit’s end
a) to be very witty b) to confuse others C
c) to be completely confused d) to minimize expenses
137. To eat an humble pie
a) to eat cheap food b) to eat slowly C
c) to have to apologize d) to defy authority
138. A snake in the grass
a) a very poisonous snake b) a secret enemy B
c) an unrecognizable enemy d) not a reliable person
139. To turn over a new leaf
a) to change one’s behaviour for the better b) to read something attentively better A
c) to remain vigilant d) to be careful
140. To hold a candle to
a) to be nearly as good as someone in his/her absence
A
b) to light up a candle
c) to find out the true intention d) to support someone
141. Black sheep
a) a costly item b) a dark shiny object C
c) an unworthy person d) a funny man
142. Oily tongue
a) flattery b) hungry person A
c) strong critic d) rich food
143. Lion’s share
a) no share at all b) greater share of a thing B
c) miserly d) very small item
144. Pillar to post
a) one place to another b) very tiresome journey A
c) main supports of a building d) clumsy looking objects
145. To bury the hatchet
a) to dispute over small things b) to destroy C
c) to make up a quarrel d) to repair a costly furniture
146. At sea
a) to travel by boat b) to confuse others C
c) perplexed d) to incite others
147. Heart and soul
a) very seriously and sincerely b) honestly A
c) wearily d) very casually
148. In a nutshell
a) cheaply b) in a few words B
c) very rapidly d) very weakly

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IDIOMS
149. Child’s play
a) a very easy thing b) a very cheap thing A
c) funny thing d) things that can be done without any cost
150. Bird’s eye view
a) to view something closely b) a general view B
c) to view suspiciously d) to look from different angle
151. To scale up
a) to measure b) to discuss A
c) to divide d) to deliver
152. To clear the air
a) to work hard b) to wash properly C
c) to remove tension d) to create confusion
153. To chew the end
a) to be very annoyed b) to think deeply B
c) to eat humble food d) to start doing something new
154. Out and out
a) merely b) slightly D
c) to go a faraway place d) absolutely
155. To come in handy
a) to be useful b) to reach home tired A
c) to stand very close d) to come forward to help others
156. No axe to grind
a) a bad situation b) to rebuke C
c) to act selflessly d) to confuse others
157. To play foul
a) to play rough football b) to tackle carelessly D
c) to oppose others d) to do something wrong
158. To see red
a) to find fault with b) to be very angry A
c) to criticize others d) to victimize someone
159. Not to mince matter
a) to speak out frankly b) to make matters easy A
c) to be at ease d) to be successful in business
160. To play with
a) to be friendly with b) to amuse oneself B
c) to win easily d) fool
161. Turn over a new leaf
a) hopeful situation b) change for the better B
c) promising start followed by failure d) expression of anger
162. Rainy days
a) small hours of the morning b) critical time in any situation D
c) late hours of the night d) unlucky times
163. To bell the cat
a) to take lead in danger b) to tie bell to a cat’s neck A
c) to be alert of the enemy d) to make noise
164. An axe to grind
a) to indulge in evil conspiracies b) to catch a fish in disturbed water C
c) to make a personal profit out of a situation d) to aggravate the situation

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IDIOMS
165. To be in a fix
a) to be perplexed b) making rounds of something A
c) to attain permanence d) to feel happy
166. To get into hot waters
a) to get into trouble b) to enter waters heated by the sun
A
c) to be so impatient as to take bath with hot water before it gets cool
d) to be in a confused state of mind
167. To throw dust into one’s eyes
a) to put sand into one’s eyes b) to make blind C
c) to deceive d) to point out false things
168. To fly off the handle
a) to break something b) to be indifferent D
c) to act foolishly d) to get into a rage and lose self control
169. The alpha and the omega
a) very costly items b) assorted items C
c) the beginning and the end d) a nice act
170. To flog a dead horse
a) to do a thing in rain b) to act in a foolish way
D
c) to criticize strongly d) try to revive interest in a subject that is out
of date
171. To smell a rat
a) bad smell b) to misunderstand C
c) to suspect treachery d) to see a hidden meaning
172. Hobson’s choice
a) first choice b) beautiful choice C
c) no choice at all d) to choose something carefully
173. A good Samaritan
a) a genuinely helpful person b) an honest politician A
c) a clever person d) a priest
174. Gift of the gab
a) lucky b) a big surprise C
c) to have a talent for speaking d) an honest person
175. In deep water
a) in real trouble b) to feel lonely A
c) to act like a coward d) to swim in a river
176. To look blue
a) to be annoyed b) to look sad B
c) to feel happy d) to look sick
177. To steal a march
a) to outshine b) to start early A
c) to command an army d) to overtake
178. fool’s errand
a) to go with a message b) one who takes a message C
c) a useless undertaking d) an observation
179. pull a long face
a) to look disappointed b) feel good A
c) retreat d) run away
180. Fair play
a) honest means b) no cheating B
c) good chances d) good name

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IDIOMS
181. Fair and square
a) successful b) honest means C
c) honest d) worthy
182. In the family way
a) in a domestic manner b) unwell D
c) injured d) pregnant
183. To curry favour
a) to seek favourable attention b) to attract A
c) impartial attitude d) to see in a spirit of joy
184. To cut a sorry figure
a) a nominal head b) to fight to a finish C
c) to be ridiculed d) to struggle
185. Burn one’s fingers
a) incur loss of property b) to get into unexpected trouble A
c) to burn one’s finger d) to get confused
186. The Lion’s share
a) the stronger one b) the smaller part D
c) the worthy part d) the larger part
187. End in smoke
a) to give no practical result b) to fall A
c) to catch fire d) ended in the destruction of building
188. Flesh and blood
a) human nature b) warning A
c) in life d) at the top speed
189. A small fry
a) peon b) a small creature D
c) humorous d) person or thing of litter importance
190. Globetrotters
a) great persons b) foreign countries C
c) travellers around the world d) people of importance
191. To hit below the belt
a) to hit at the wrong position b) to fight C
c) to injure d) through unfair means
192. Break the ice
a) to crack the ice b) to start a conversation B
c) to start quarrelling d) to end the hostility
193. Dash someone’s hopes
a) frustrate b) kill someone A
c) failed d) bring great happiness
194. Of one’s own accord
a) forcibly b) helplessly D
c) half-heartedly d) willingly
195. Mince matters
a) to leave in difficulties b) not to speak plainly B
c) returning d) to find fault
196. Hanky-panky
a) obsession b) diversification C
c) trickery d) indifference

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IDIOMS
197. Hazy ideas
a) vulgar ideas b) masculine ideas D
c) hazardous d) confused
198. Hot head
a) the leader b) one who is very rash B
c) the fighter d) brave person
199. Have a go
a) go on leave b) ride for happiness C
c) make an attempt d) take a walk
200. Mince one’s words
a) change suddenly b) pull back D
c) to speak in a hurry d) choose them carefully
201. Frame a person
a) make him appear guilty b) befool A
c) ask him to sit idle d) flatter somebody
202. A pipe dream
a) an impracticable plan b) a pleasant dream A
c) a foolish idea d) a bad dream
203. Fall flat
a) to fall in love b) fail to win appreciation B
c) lose consciousness d) lose confidence
204. Be in the mire
a) be in love b) be uneasy C
c) be in difficulties d) be under debt
205. Let on
a) reveal b) quarrel A
c) give d) fight
206. Make up
a) get about b) leave D
c) reveal d) reconcile
207. To get along
a) to mange to b) to go with A
c) to leave d) work helplessly
208. Make too much of
a) underestimate b) exploit C
c) overestimate d) ask to do too much
209. Lay bare
a) Expose b) take off all clothes A
c) destroy d) exploit
210. Stem from
a) ruin b) originate B
c) induce d) kill
211. In a jiffy
a) in a moment b) outstanding A
c) in a fix d) appropriate
212. Stir up a hornet’s nest
a) money laid by b) well-mannered people D
c) neighborhood d) create trouble

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IDIOMS
213. One the nod
a) on b) shake one’s head C
c) on credit d) to fall asleep
214. To take occasion
a) to take advantage of an opportunity b) celebrate A
c) to draw a moral attention d) organize a ceremony
215. To oil the knocker
a) to eat greasy items b) to fill the tank D
c) to get the vehicle greased d) to tip the office-boy
216. A fool’s paradise
a) paradise of idiots b) to live in illusions B
c) to live in the past d) to have happy dreams
217. Take it ill
a) to feel otherwise b) to feel good C
c) to be offended d) suffering from fever
218. To chew the end
a) to cut the end b) to think deeply B
c) to be annoyed d) start something new
219. To scale up
a) to kill b) to measure B
c) to die for d) to deepen
220. Extinct and obsolete
a) Exhausted b) Very old C
c) as dead as a dodo d) behind time
221. In a delicate state
a) hanging in balance b) hanging in fire D
c) looming large d) hanging by a hair
222. At bottom
a) at last b) in the end D
c) from beneath d) inwardly
223. In abeyance
a) in absence b) in no time D
c) in a nutshell d) in suspension
224. With might and main
a) big blow b) hard blow C
c) with full vigour d) penetrating
225. In a jam
a) bad b) in trouble B
c) hindrance d) eatable
226. To get at
a) to reach b) to advance A
c) to proceed d) to escape

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