Exercise-4
Directions: In each of the following questions, some alternatives are suggested for the idiom/phrase in italic in the sentence. Choose the one which best expresses the meaning of the idiom/phrase in italics.
1.The police are used to seeing the (seamy side of life).
(a) an adventurous life
(b) a life full of risks
 (c) immoral aspects of society
 (d) criminal society
2. Do not add fuel to the fire.
 (a) create problem
(b) harass
 (c) aggravate trouble
 (d) calm down
3. Some people have a habit of (wearing their heart on their sleeve). (Bank P.O. 1996)
 (a) avoiding being friendly with others
(b) saying something which is not to be taken seriously
(c) exposing their innermost feelings to others
(d) wasting their time on unnecessary details
4. When I saw him in the morning, he looked (like a duck in a thunderstorm).
 (a) timid
(b) peaceful
(c) distressed
 (d) indomitable
5. It was a (Herculean task for me).
 (a) work requiring great effort
(b) impossible task
(c) easy work
(d) an entirely new task
6. In everything that he does he has (an eye to the main chance).
(a) he organizes it well.
(b) he evinces interest only in big things.
(c) he does not leave things to chance.
(d) his object is to make money.
7. The sight of the accident (made my flesh creep). (Section Officers, 1993)
 (a) worried one
(b) frightened me
(c) confused me
 (d) drew my attention
8. Manor always (keeps himself to himself).
(a) is selfish
(b) does not take sides
(c) is unsociable
 (d) is too busy
9. She was received by her friends (with open arms).
 (a) indifferently
 (b) warmly
 (c) casually
 (d) coldly
10. The Kama was left( high and dry )by his friends when he lost all his money. (C.B.I. 1994)
 (a) isolated
(b) rejected
(c) wounded
 (d) depressed  Â
11. This report (calls in question) all previous research on the subject.
(a) recalls
 (b) criticizes
(c) challenges
 (d) takes note of
12. I am sure he (means business).
(a) is earnest
(b) is inquisitive
(c) is a trader
 (d) is anxious to make profit
13. I just paid him a( left-handed compliment. ) (Clerks’ Grade, 1993)
 (a) an honest
(b) a well deserved
 (c) an insincere
 (d) a flattering
14. (Once in a while) he might gamble a little.
(a) frequently
(b) continually
(c) seldom
(d) occasionally
15. I (stood my ground) inspire many pressures.
(a) remained firm
(b) was obstinate
 (c) was prejudiced
(d) felt shaky
Answers:-
1.(c)Â Â Â Â Â 2. (c)
3. (c)Â Â Â Â Â 4. (c)
5. (a)Â Â Â Â Â 6. (d)
7. (b)Â Â Â Â Â 8. (c)
9. (b)Â Â Â Â Â 10. (b)
11. (c)Â Â Â Â 12. (a)
13. (c)Â Â Â Â 14. (d)
15. (a)
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