EXERCISE-23
Choose the exact meaning of the idioms/phrases given in the italic form.
1.Never hit even the worst enemy below the belt, for even a war has some code of morality.
(a) to hit at the wrong position
(b) to fight
(c) to injure
(d) through unfair means
(e) to cheat
2. No one knew what to say, but at last I broke the ice.
(a) to crack the ice
(b) to start a conversation
(c) to start quarrelling
(d) to end the hostility
3. The result of the examination dashed my hopes.
(a) frustrate
(b) kill someone
(c) failed
(d) bring great happiness
4. He chose the path of religion of his own accord.
(a) forcibly
(b) helplessly
(c) half-heartedly
(d) willingly
5. I can never understand him because he has a bad habit of mincing matters.
(a) to leave in difficulties
(b) not to speak plainly
(c) returning
(d) to find fault
6. None of this hanky-panky, please talk straight.
(a) obsession
(b) diversification
(c) jugglery
(d) indifference
7. He has only some hazy ideas about life.
(a) vulgar ideas
(b) masculine ideas
(c) hazardous
(d) confused
8. Hot head
(a) the leader
(b) one who is very rash
(c) the fighter
(d) brave person
9. Have a go
(a) go on leave
(b) ride for happiness
(c) make an attempt
(d) take a walk
10. Mince one’s words
(a) change suddenly
(b) pull back
(c) to speak in a hurry
(d) choose them carefully
11. Frame a person
(a) make him appear guilty
(b) befool
(c) ask him to sit idle
(d) flatter somebody
12. A pipe dream
(a) an impracticable plan
(b) a pleasant dream
(c) a foolish idea
(d) a bad dream
13. Fall flat
(a) to fall in love
(b) fail to win appreciation
(c) lose consciousness
(d) lose confidence
14. Be in the mire
(a) be in love
(b) be uneasy
(c) be in difficulties
(d) be under debt
15. Let on
(a) reveal
(b) quarrel
(c) give
(d) tight
Answers:-
1.d 2.b
3.a 4.d
5.b 6.C
7.d 8.b
9.c 10d
11.a 12.a
13.b 14.c
15.a