Choosing the correct meaning of an idiom as used in a sentence
 In this type of questions, a sentence is given in which an idiom has been italicized. It is followed by four or five alternatives. The candidate is required to choose that alternative which best expresses the meaning of the italicized idiom.
Directions: Choose the correct meaning of the italicized idiom in the following sentences:
Example 1: Tell me the (sum and substance) of your pleadings.
(a)summary           (b) explanation
(c) result                           (d) effect
Solution: The idiom ‘sum and substance’ means the summary’. Hence, the answer is (a).
Example 2: In summer, woollen goods are (a drug in the market).
(a) Rarely available                                        (b) worthless products
(c) Commodities not in demand                   (d) available at cheap rates
Solution: The idiom ‘a drug in the market’ means something which is not in demand. Hence, the answer is (c).
Exercise-1
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 boy (turned a deaf ear) to the pleadings of all his well-wishers. (Asset Grade, 1992)
(a) Listened carefully
 (b) Was deadly opposed
(c) Posed indifference
(d) Did not pay any attention
2. The (mealy-mouthed) politician succeeded in influencing the voters
(a) Ill-tempered
(b) soft-tongued
 (c) Cunning
 (d) Ambitious
3. It is a (moot point) whether we should stop work or struggle on.
(a) All too clear
 (b) A fixed belief
 (c) A burning question
 (d) A debatable point
4. We should (give a wide berth) to bad characters. (Railways, 1995)
(a) Keep away from
 (b) Publicly condemn
(c) Give publicly to
(d) Notsympathies with
5. Parliamentary inquiry into the Boors deal has not (brought to light) any startling facts.
 (a) Proved
 (b) Highlighted
(c) Disclosed
 (d) Probed
6. He works (by fits and starts).
 (a) Consistently
(b) Irregularly
(c) In high spirits
 (d) Enthusiastically
7. Summit had to look (high and low) before he could find his scooter key. (C.B.I. 1993)
 (a) Nowhere
 (b) Always
(c) Everywhere
(d) Somewhere
8. To (all intents and purposes) he is a good man.
(a) Finally
(b)Prettily
(c) Above all
 (d) In practice
(e)To censure someone in strong terms
9. I am ambitious and never want to (rest on my laurels).
(a) Be dissatisfied
(b) Be satisfied
 (c) Be complacent
 (d) Be good
10. The casting vote of the chairman (clinched the issue.)
 (a) Dosed
(b) Decided
 (c) Finished
 (d) Started
11. It was such a messy affair but Mulish somehow managed (to wash his hands of) the entire affair.
(a) Subdue
 (b) Twist the facts of
(c) Proven innocent in
(d) Disclaim responsibility
12. He (threw cold water over) the project that the secretary had prepared.
 (a) Encouraged
(b) Discouraged
(c) Cleared
(d) Rejected
13. He is a plain, simple and sincere man. He will always (call a spade a spade.) (Bank P.O. 1993, 96)
(a) Say something to be taken seriously
 (b) Desist from making the controversial statement
(c) Find meaning or purpose in your action
(d) Avoid controversial situations
(e) Be outspoken in language
14. He is (at loggerheads) with his assistants about the management of the concern.
 (a) Differing strongly
(b) In agreement
(c) In confusion
(d) undecided
15. She rejected his proposal of marriage (point-blank.) (Clerks’ Grade, 1993)
(a) Directly
 (b) Pointedly
(c) Abruptly
 (d) Briefly
Answers:-
1.(d)Â Â Â Â Â 2. (c)
3.(d)Â Â Â Â Â 4. (a)
5. (c)Â Â Â Â Â 6. (b)
7. (c)Â Â Â Â Â 8. (b)
9. (c)Â Â Â Â Â 10. (b)
11. (d)Â Â Â Â 12. (b)
13. (e)Â Â Â Â 14. (a)
15. (b)
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