Idioms and Phrases Exercise No- 2

Exercise-2

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.It is difficult to (keep a level head) in these days of mounting prices. (C.B.I. 1996)

(a) Remain cool and composed

(b) Eke out existence

(c) Make both ends meet

(d) Maintain standard of living

2. The doctor says the patient has (turned the corner).

 (a) Completely recovered

(b) Become worse

 (c) Passed the crisis

 (d) Died

3. He is in the habit of (fishing in troubled waters.)

 (a) Putting others in trouble

 (b) Indulging in evil conspiracies

 (c) Aggravating the situation

(d) Taking advantage of troubled conditions for personal profit

4. At a party, he is always (in high spirits). (N.D.A. 1991)

 (a) Talkative

 (b) Cheerful

(c) Drunk

(d) Uncontrollable

5. Things are progressing well-don’t do anything (to rock the boat).

 (a) Create difficulties

 (b) Conspire against

 (c) Upset the balance

(d) Agitate against

6. It (goes to his heart) to see so much misery.

 (a) Influences him

(b) Touches him deeply

 (c) Makes him yield

(d) Annoys him

7. Rahall fought (tooth and nail) to save his company.(I. Tax & Central Excise, 1994)

 (a) With weapons

 (b) As best as he could

(c) Using unfair means

(d) With strength and fury

8. Mr. Roy is known as a (shop-lifter) in the city commercial centre.

 (a) Daily visitor

 (b) Buyer of all new things

(c) Smuggler

 (d) A thief in guise of customer

9. The robbery was committed (in the wee hours of the day).

 (a) After midnight

(b) At dawn

(c) At noontime

(d) In the evening

10. Harassed by repeated acts of injustice, he decided (to put his foot down). (P.O. 1994)

 (a) Resign

(b) Not to yield

(c) Withdraw

 (d) Accept the proposal unconditionally MILL                                                                          

11. Mrs. Hanna has been (in the blues for) the last several weeks.

 (a) Unwell

 (b) Lonely

(c) Penniless

 (d) Depressed

12.The popularity of the yesteryears’ superstar is (on the wane). (Section officers, 1993)

(a) Growing more

(b) At its peak

(c) Growing less

(d) At rock bottom 

13. His father advised him to be (fair and square) in his dealings lest he should fall into trouble.

 (a) Considerate

(b) Upright

(c) Careful

(d) Polite

14. Rajeev achieved success by resorting to a (hole and corner) method.

(a) Obscure

 (b) Usual

(c) Underhand

 (d) Clever

15. He has made his mark in politics. (Stenographers’ Exam, 1993)

 (a) Attained notoriety

(b) Ruined his wealth e “cleanup

(c) Acquired wealth .fit “to ‘Asti

 (d) Distinguished himself

Answers:-     

1.(a)           2. (c)

3. (d)         4. (b)

5. (c)         6. (b)

7. (d)         8. (d)

9. (b)         10. (b)

11. (d)       12. (c)

13. (b)       14. (c)

15. (d)

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