Idioms and Phrases Exercise No- 3

Exercise-3

Directions: In each of the following questions, out of the given alternatives, choose the one which best expresses the meaning of the idiom/phrase in italics in the sentence.

1.If you pass this difficult examination, it will be a (feather in your cap). (Bank P.O. 1993)

(a) you will get a very good job

(b) you will feel proud of it

 (c) your parents will be very happy

(d) you will get a scholarship for higher studies        

2. It is clear that the ideas of both reformers (ran in the same groove).

(a) promoted each other

(b) clashed with each other

 (c) advanced in harmony

(d) moved in different directions

3. He is a( wolf in sheep’s clothing.)

(a) scoundrel

(b) rogue

(c) hypocrite

 (d) crook

4. He is in the habit of (chewing the cuds). (Hotel Management, 1992)

 (a). accusing others

(b) crying over spilt milk

 (c) forgetting things

(d) to muse on  

5. He felt ill (at ease) after receiving the letter from his son.

 (a) disturbed

(b) relieved

 (c) embarrassed

(d) sick

6. With regard to licensing policy, it is advisable for (every state to cut corners).

(a) become lenient

 (b) amend the existing rules

(c) exercise strict control

(d) simplify the procedure

7. If you (rub him the wrong way), he is bound to react. (Railways, 1995)

(a) annoy him

(b) abuse him

(c) flatter him

(d) encourage him

8. He is in the habit of responding (at the drop of a hat).

 (a) thoughtfully

(b) wisely

(c) without delay

(d) foolishly

9. You cannot (throw dust into my eyes.)

(a) hurt me

(b) abuse me

 (c) terrify me

(d) cheat me

10. There was opposition to the new policy by (the rank and file of) the Government. (Stenographers’ Exam, 1995)

(a) the majority

(b) the ordinary members

(c) the cabinet members

(d) the official machinery        

11. The company has been handed over to new masters (lock, stock and barrel).

(a) financially

 (b) partially

(c) completely

 (d) administratively

12. Dowry is a (burning question) of the day. (Assistant Grade, 1994)

 (a) a relevant problem

(b) a dying issue

(c) an irrelevant problem

 (d) a widely debated issue          

13. You must not (mince matters 😉 tell the truth.

 (a) cut short

(b) keep secret

(c) tell with frankness

 (d) not to tell the whole truth

14. The sailor found himself (between the devil and the deep sea.)

(a) lost in the deep ocean

 (b) facing two challenges

(c) facing two equally bad alternatives

 (d) confronting two opportunities

15. The hero of Naipaul’s novel ‘A House for Biwa’s’, like modern young men, wishes( to paddle his own canoe.) (C.B.I. 1995)                                                                                                                                          

 (a) lead an independent life

 (b) depend on himself

 (c) make the best of his life

 (d) have his own means of livelihood

Answers:-

1.(b)         2. (c)

3. (c)        4. (d)

5. (c)        6. (d)

7. (a)        8. (c)

9. (d)       10. (b)

11. (c)      12. (d)

13. (b)     14. (c)

15. (b)

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