Exercise-9
Directions: In each of the following best expresses the meaning of the idiom in questions, choose the alternative which italics.
1.The question of abolition of private property is still a (moot point). (Central Excise, 1995)
 (a) unknown
 (b) undecided
(c) not clear
(d) uncertain
2. He is (on the wrong side of fifty).
(a) not yet fifty
(b) over fifty years old
(c) a sinner
(d) old and haggard
3. It is (out of the question) for only one to have a quiet meal with a set of ultras around him.
 (a) unthinkable
 (b) undesirable
(c) impossible
(d) unbecoming
4. Ladies fall victim to (green eyed monster)
(a) love
(b) hatred
(c) jealousy
(d) flattery
5. The boss (brought matters) to a head by forcing him to work more. (Ana. Grade, 1992)
(a) made him unhappy
(b) created a lot of unhappiness
 (c) created an atmosphere of confrontation
(d) brought matters to a decisive point
6. Wait here, I shall be back (in a jiffy).
 (a) in a hurry       Â
(b) by some vehicle        Â
(c) at once          Â
(d) after some time
7. Please do not indulge in (double dealing).
 (a) dealing improperly        Â
(b) deception         Â
(c) two standards          Â
(d) two jobs
8. The M.P. from our constituency is fond of (blowing his own trumpet) whenever he gets a chance. (Stenographers’ Exam, 1991)
 (a) parading his own good deeds             Â
(b) speaking too loudly
(c) looking after his own interest               Â
(d) making long speeches    Â
9. When he met me at the street corner, he (cut me dead).
(a) surprised me by his arrogance
(b) deliberately insulted me by ignoring me
 (c) showered filthy abuses on me
 (d) made an assault on me
10. He was undecided. He (let the grass grow under his feet).
(a) moved away
(b) loitered around
(c) stayed out
(d) sat unmoving
11. He cannot (make both ends meet). (Hotel Management, 1992)
(a) manage the business
(b) work hard
(c) earn enough
(d) control affairs
12. He (made light) of his father’s advice.
(a) followed readily
(b) disregarded
(c) treated lightly
(d) rejected
13. It is Rashid who (wears the trousers) in their house and he timidly allows it.
 (a) dresses glamorously
(b) earns a living
(c) is dominant
 (d) makes all the decisions
14. I have come to know of your (hole and corner) method of dealing with people. (Asset. Grade, 1993)
(a) strict
(b) servile
 (c) secret
(d) suspicious
15. By putting on the mime act, Deepak (stole some of the thunder) of Peter’s speech.
 (a) made unimpressive
(b) made a lot of noise
 (c) filched something
(d) detracted the listeners from
Answers:-
1.(b)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 2. (b)
3. (a)Â Â Â Â Â Â 4. (c)
5. (c)Â Â Â Â Â Â 6. (a)
7. (b)Â Â Â Â Â Â 8. (a)
9. (b)Â Â Â Â Â Â 10. (c)
11. (c)Â Â Â Â Â Â 12. (c)
13. (c)Â Â Â Â Â Â 14. (c)
15. (d)
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