Exercise-15
Directions: In each of the following questions, some alternatives are suggested for the idiom/phrase in italics in the sentence. Choose the one which best expresses the meaning of the idiom/phrase in italics.
1.The new boy always had a (hard-nosed) attitude.
 (a) inquisitive
(b) abusive and rude
 (c) liberal
(d) tough and aggressive
2. We, being in a hurry, had (to cut of a corner) to reach in time.
 (a) to go fast
 (b) to take a short cut
 (c) to take an alternative route
 (d) None of these
3. Those persons who are ready (to sail close to the wind) can be successful in life. (Railways, 1996)
(a) to take risk
 (b) to manage the situation
 (c) to work hard
 (d) to be regular
4. The lady was murdered (in cold blood).
 (a) coolly
 (b) deliberately
 (c) unfeelingly
(d) thoughtlessly
5. He (put us in a real fix) when he did not turn up to pick us up.
(a) feel awkward
(b) bad mood
 (c) made us feel bad
(d) difficult situation
6. A good teacher should have the (gift of the gab.) (Clerk’s Grade, 1993)
 (a) a good personality
 (b) a talent for acting
(c) a talent for speaking
(d) an interest in discipline
7. Suresh was truly (in his elements) and he easily impressed the audience with his erudition.
(a) in high spirits
(b) unusually confident
(c) at his best
(d) feeling relaxed and confident
8. Rancher will do anything (to rock the boat), if he knows about your progress.
 (a) agitate against
(b) conspire against
(c) create difficulties
(d) upset the balance
9. It was not long before the captain of the ship decided to (weigh anchor) that sudden storm overtook the ship.
(a) estimate the load in the ship
 (b) prepare to sail again
 (c) unload the ship to keep balance
 (d) drop the anchor
10. She exhibited remarkable (sang frond) during the crisis. (G.I.C.A.A.G. 1990)
 (a) temper
(b) irritation
(c) composure
 (d) anger
11. He resigned the post of (his own accord). (Section Officers, 1993)
(a) according to his judgment
(b) which he liked
 (c) voluntarily and willingly
 (d) according to his convenience
12. It has been the first time in this office that a clerk (wiped the nose) of the boss.
(a) abused
 (b) slapped
(c) cheated
(d) complained against
13. Keshena is a (chicken-hearted) fellow.
(a) weak
(b) kind hearted
 (c) bold
(d) cowardly
14. The poor women do manual labour even when they are (in the family way.)
 (a) in domestic routine
(b) doing household jobs
(c) unwell
(d) pregnant
15. He (faced the music) for reaching home late. (I. Tax, 1994)
 (a) faced punishment
(b) faced entertainment
(c) faced reprimand
 (d) faced pleasure
ANSWERS
1.(d)Â Â Â Â Â Â 2. (b)
3. (a)Â Â Â Â Â 4. (c)
5. (d)Â Â Â Â Â 6. (c)
7. (d)Â Â Â Â Â 8. (d)
9. (b)Â Â Â Â Â 10. (c)
11. (c)Â Â Â Â Â 12. (c)
13. (d)Â Â Â Â 14. (d)
15. (c)
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