Idioms & Phrases
Q.1
Easy
Choose the correct meaning of the idiom 'Bite the dust'.
A
To taste something bitter
B
To be defeated or fail
C
To eat soil
D
To clean teeth
Correct Answer:
B. To be defeated or fail
Explanation:
Bite the dust means to be defeated, fail, or die. It's commonly used in competitive contexts.
Q.2
Easy
Identify the correct use of 'Break the ice' in a sentence.
A
The athlete will break the ice championship next month.
B
He broke the ice by making a funny joke at the meeting.
C
Breaking the ice requires a hammer.
D
The ice will break the window.
Correct Answer:
B. He broke the ice by making a funny joke at the meeting.
Explanation:
'Break the ice' means to initiate conversation or ease tension in an awkward situation.
Q.3
Easy
What does 'Burning the midnight oil' signify?
A
Wasting electricity at night
B
Working hard late into the night
C
Using candles instead of lamps
D
Setting fire to oil containers
Correct Answer:
B. Working hard late into the night
Explanation:
This idiom means working late or studying hard, often for exams or important work.
Q.4
Easy
Select the sentence with correct use of 'Raining cats and dogs'.
A
The shelter is raining cats and dogs today.
B
It's raining cats and dogs outside; we need an umbrella.
C
The farmer is raining cats and dogs on his field.
D
Cats and dogs are raining from the sky.
Correct Answer:
B. It's raining cats and dogs outside; we need an umbrella.
Explanation:
The idiom means heavy rainfall. Option B correctly uses it in context.
Q.5
Easy
What is the meaning of 'Hit the books'?
A
To damage books physically
B
To start studying seriously
C
To write a book
D
To organize books
Correct Answer:
B. To start studying seriously
Explanation:
'Hit the books' is a common idiom meaning to study hard, especially used by students.
Q.6
Easy
Choose the correct interpretation: 'Once in a blue moon'.
A
Every month when moon is blue
B
Very rarely or almost never
C
On a sad occasion
D
During moonlight
Correct Answer:
B. Very rarely or almost never
Explanation:
This idiom means something happens very rarely or almost never. A blue moon occurs approximately every 2-3 years.
Q.7
Easy
What does 'Keep your fingers crossed' imply?
A
Maintain a specific hand gesture
B
Hope for good luck or a positive outcome
C
Avoid touching anything
D
Exercise hand muscles
Correct Answer:
B. Hope for good luck or a positive outcome
Explanation:
'Keep your fingers crossed' is an idiom expressing hope or wishing for good luck in a situation, often used before exams or important events.
Q.8
Easy
Read the passage and identify the idiom: 'After the CEO's announcement, the employees felt like they were between a rock and a hard place regarding the new policy.'
A
In a situation of complete freedom
B
In a difficult situation with no easy solution
C
Standing between two physical objects
D
Feeling trapped in a confined space
Correct Answer:
B. In a difficult situation with no easy solution
Explanation:
'Between a rock and a hard place' means facing a dilemma where both choices are equally unfavorable.
Q.9
Easy
Which phrase best completes the sentence: 'The new employee's constant mistakes made the manager realize that he was _______.'
A
barking up the wrong tree
B
playing with fire
C
not cut out for the job
D
burning the midnight oil
Correct Answer:
C. not cut out for the job
Explanation:
'Not cut out for the job' means lacking the necessary abilities or qualities for a position.
Q.10
Easy
In the context of modern workplace dynamics, 'going the extra mile' implies:
A
Working beyond assigned office premises
B
Putting in additional effort or taking extra steps
C
Commuting a longer distance to office
D
Competing with colleagues on physical fitness
Correct Answer:
B. Putting in additional effort or taking extra steps
Explanation:
'Going the extra mile' metaphorically means doing more than expected or required in work or service.
