Exercise-7
Directions: In each of the following questions, choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom in italics.
1.Having sold off his factory, Mr. Roy is now a (gentleman at large).
 (a) held in high esteem
(b) respected by every body
(c) has no serious occupation
(d) living comfortably
2. They sold their house because it was a real (white elephant).
(a) an expensive one
 (b) a big one
(c) a useless one
 (d) a rare find
3. After a lot of arguments over losses in the partnership firm, Adyta (put his cards on the table) to show Rushed his sincerity.
 (a) withdrew his partnership
(b) reserved his right
(c) concealed nothing
(d) sought pardon
4. It will be wise on your part (to let the bygones be bygones.) (Assistant Grade, 1992)
(a) resist the past
 (b) ignore the past
 (c) recollect the past
 (d) revive the past Â
5. He always says that he will help, but when it( comes to the crunch,) he does nothing.
(a) decisive moment
(b) confused situation
(c) difficult time
(d) troublesome moment
6. The boy had a( hair-breadth escape) from a street accident. (I. Tax and Central Excise, 1994)
(a) lucky
(b) easy
 (c) narrow
(d) quick   Â
7. Despite being under debt, Amity, still (keeps a good table).
(a) keeps up an outward show of prosperity
 (b) entertains his guests sumptuously
(c) helps his friends with money
(d) is lively and gay when his friends call
8. When he tells stories about himself, he is inclined (to draw the long bone). (C.9.I. 1995)
 (a) get excited
(b) exaggerate
(c) get emotional
(d) understate                                                               Â
9. I am afraid he is (burning the candle) at both ends.
(a) putting in sustained effort
 (b) working at night also
 (c) working hard
 (d) overtaxing his energies
10. He always (leads others up the garden path.)
 (a) befools others
(b) advises others to their advantage
 (c) deceives others
 (d) worries others
11. The great warrior, Baja Parch,( held the enemy at bay )but was killed in the end. (Bank P.O. 1994)
(a) prevented the enemy from coming too near
 (b) did not allow the enemy to attack his position
(c) launched a counter-attack after initial success
(d) retreated initially but launched a heavy attack afterwards
(e) made the enemy to run away
12. The recent film ‘Secular India’ has tried (to keep the pot) of Muslim Women’s Bill (boiling.)
(a) to earn enough support for
(b) to force the authorities to reconsider
 (c) keep the controversy alive
(d) none of these
13. Inspire of the efforts of all peace-loving people, world peace is still a (far cry). (Asset. Grade, 1994)
 (a) an abstract ideal
(b) a long way off
(c) an impracticable idea
(d) out of reach
14. One should be prepared to get (a bolt from the blue) in life, but should not get unnerved by them
(a) sad experience
(b) unexpected loss
(c) sudden shock
(d) depreciation
15. He has reached present position in his job through (elbow grease) (Central Excise, 1993)
(a) his persistent fighting
 (b) his good connections
(c) flattering his superiors
(d) his hard work
Answers:-
1.(c)Â Â Â Â 2. (c)
3. (c)Â Â Â 4. (b)
5. (a)Â Â Â 6. (c)
7. (b)Â Â Â 8. (b)
9. (d)Â Â Â 10. (c)
11. (a)Â Â 12. (c)
13. (b)Â 14. (c)
15. (d)
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