Idioms and Phrases Exercise No- 6

Exercise-6

Directions: In each of the following questions, choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom in italics.

1.The involvement of teachers in the scheme of education proves to be a (mare’s nest.) (I.I.R.B. 1995)

 (a) a false invention

(b) a noble thing

 (c) a successful idea

(d) a timely step                                                                                                                              

2. I want none of your (back-chat).

(a) impertinent remarks

(b) complaints

 (c) trenchant criticism

(d) pleasing remarks

3. We must always (bear in mind) that only hard work leads to success.

 (a) understand

(b) remember

 (c) forget

 (d) think

4. Pt. Nehru was (born with a silver spoon in his mouth). (Asset. Grade, 1994)

 (a) born in a royal family

 (b) born in a middle class family

(c) born in a family of nationalists

 (d) born in a wealthy family

5. There was a job for me (to cut my teeth on.)

(a) to try

(b) to gain experience

(c) to sharpen my wits 

(d) to earn a decent salary

6. Inspire of his poverty, Ravi believed in (keeping up appearances.)

 (a) Showing indifference

(b) Maintaining outward show

 (c) Showing good manners

(d) revealing the truth

7. It is evident from the minister’s statement that (heads will roll).

(a) government will change

 (b) transfers will take place

(c) dismissals will occur

 (d) heads of department will have to repent

8. He has such a nature that he must (have a finger in every pie).

(a) do things with his own hands

(b) help everyone in need

 (c) meddle in every affair

(d) dominate everybody else.

9. He (burnt his fingers) by interfering in his neighbor’s affairs. (G.I.C.A.A.O. 1990)

(a) got rebuked

(b) got himself insulted

 (c) burnt himself

 (d) got himself into trouble

10. The present syllabus leaves very (little elbowroom) for teachers to be innovative.

 (a) cause

 (b) possibility

 (c) freedom

(d) necessity

11. Most of the present day politicians have (an axe to grind).

 (a) have promises to fulfill

 (b) have obstacles to face

(c) have personal end to serve

(d) None of these

12. When the police came, the thieves (took to their heels). (Bank P.O. 1993, S.B.1.P.O. 1995)

(a) were taken by surprise

 (b) took to flight

 (c) took shelter in a tall building

 (d) unconditionally surrendered

(e) opened indiscriminate fire          

13. The sworn enemies have decided to (bury the hatchet).

 (a) to help each other

(b) to avoid each other

 (c) to make peace

 (d) to become partners

14. He is a strange fellow. It is very difficult to deal with him; it seems that he has a (bee in his Bonnet). (S.B.I.P.O. 1995)

 (a) an achievement to be proud of

 (b) an obsession about something

 (c) to face problems as a result of his senseless actions

(d) peculiar habit of confusing others

(e) unreliable and inconsistent way of behaving

15. The politician was able to sway the mob with his (gift of the gab). (Translator’s Exam, 1994)

 (a) fluency of speech

 (b) flattering words

 (c) abundance of promises

(d) political foresight

Answers:-       

1.(a)           2. (a)

3. (b)         4. (d)

5. (b)         6. (b)

7. (c)          8. (c)

9. (d)         10. (c)

11. (c)        12. (b)

13. (c)        14. (b)

15. (a)

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