Exercise-10
Directions: In each of the following questions, choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom in italics.
1.Discipline is (on the wane) in schools and colleges these days. (Selenographers’ Exam, 1993)
 (a) increasing
(b) declining
(c) spreading
 (d) spiralling
2. He was (cool as a cucumber).
(a) nervous
(b) fainted
(c) dead
 (d) calm and composed
3. Some of us are really (in a Catch-22) situation.
(a) absurd
 (b) dangerous
(c) hopeful
(d) depressive
4. Eloquent lamentations regarding the fate of the flora and fauna are certain to be rendered a (cry in the wilderness). (Railways, 1995)
(a) a cry in vain
 (b) an unpleasant situation
(c) a cry with a laughter
(d) a laughter having no end                                              Â
5. He (took to heart) the death of his wife as he was very much attached to her.
(a) was shocked by
(b) was ruined by
(c) was deeply affected by
 (d) was condoled
6. As our army attacked, the enemy retreated (pell-mell.)
(a) hurriedly
(b) in a disorderly manner
 (c) in a heap
 (d) without the least thought
7. In the organized society of today no individual or nation can( plough a lonely furrow.) (I. Tax, 1995)
 (a) remain unaffected
 (b) do without the help of others
(c) survive in isolation
(d) remain non-aligned
8. He is a (great hand) at organizing public meetings
 (a) very fond of
(b) expert at
 (c) accustomed to
(d) well qualified for
9. Let us admit that we could not (heap coals of fire on his head.)
(a) agitate him
 (b) incite him to a fight
 (c) put him to shame
 (d) make him feel sorry
10. Konica was (cocksure) that she was able to do the job as desired.
 (a) doubtful
 (b) not able to imagine
(c) least worried
(d) perfectly confident
11. Who will (carry the day) in this war?
(a) win
(b) attack first
(c) be defeated
 (d) withdraw first
12. The trade union’s seemingly rightful demand is only a (stalking horse) to blackmail the management. (E.M.I. 1994)
(a) trick
 (b) proposal
 (c) pretence
(d) suggestion
13. Kamala told the audience (to hold their peace) until he had finished his address.
(a) remain peaceful
(b) keep silent
(c) remain seated
 (d) become reconciled
14. Leaders should not only make speeches, they should also be prepared (to bell the cat).
(a) to be alert of the enemy
 (b) to take lead in danger
 (c) to speak against a wrong policy
 (d) to have enough say in the government
15. The teacher was ( as good as his word). (I. Tax, 1994)
(a) incapable of action
(b) better than expected
(c) highly pretentious
(d) ready to fulfill his promise
ANSWERS
1.(b)Â Â Â Â 2. (d)
3. (a)Â Â Â Â 4. (a)
5. (c)Â Â Â Â 6. (b)
7. (b)Â Â Â Â 8. (6)
9. (c)Â Â Â Â 10. (d)
11. (a)Â Â Â 12. (a)
13. (b)Â Â 14. (b)
15. (d)
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