Q.721
Medium
Correct the sentence: 'The company's expansion plan was shelved after the investors decided to cut their losses and pull the plug.'
A Change 'cut their losses' to 'cut the cord'
B The sentence is grammatically and idiomatically correct
C Remove 'and pull the plug' as redundant
D Change 'shelved' to 'derailed'
Correct Answer:
C. Remove 'and pull the plug' as redundant Explanation:
Using both 'cut their losses' and 'pull the plug' is redundant as both convey stopping/ending something. Choose one idiom.
Q.722
Medium
Which idiom is MOST appropriate for: 'The two rival companies finally decided to _______' in a business reconciliation context?
A bury the hatchet
B clear the air
C turn over a new leaf
D let sleeping dogs lie
Correct Answer:
A. bury the hatchet Explanation:
'Bury the hatchet' specifically means to end a conflict and make peace, perfect for rivals reconciling.
Q.723
Medium
Identify the sentence where the idiom is MISUSED:
A The employee's consistent performance kept them in the good books of management.
B The project's failure was a blessing in disguise for the company's long-term strategy.
C The negotiations were dead in the water after the first meeting collapsed.
D She decided to take the bull by its horns despite facing opposition.
Correct Answer:
D. She decided to take the bull by its horns despite facing opposition. Explanation:
The correct phrase is 'take the bull by the horns' (without 'its'). Option D uses incorrect grammar within the idiom.
Q.724
Medium
In 2024-25 corporate jargon, 'synergizing efforts' is often replaced by phrases like _______.
A working hand in hand
B singing from the same hymn sheet
C joining forces
D all of the above
Correct Answer:
D. all of the above Explanation:
All three idioms convey collaborative effort and alignment in modern business communication.
Q.725
Easy
Complete the paragraph with the most suitable idiom: 'The startup faced numerous obstacles, but the founders refused to _______ and continued pursuing their vision despite setbacks.'
A throw in the towel
B rock the boat
C sit on the fence
D beat a dead horse
Correct Answer:
A. throw in the towel Explanation:
'Throw in the towel' means to give up or surrender. The context implies they didn't give up despite challenges.
Q.726
Medium
Which option best captures the meaning of 'the writing is on the wall' in a corporate downturn scenario?
A An announcement has been formally made
B The inevitable outcome is clear, though not officially stated
C There are visible signs of graffiti in offices
D Documents have been distributed to all employees
Correct Answer:
B. The inevitable outcome is clear, though not officially stated Explanation:
'The writing is on the wall' means an outcome is inevitable and obvious, though perhaps not yet formally declared.
Q.727
Hard
Identify the ERROR in idiom usage: 'The proposal was too good to be true; the management felt something was fishy and they decided to dig deeper into the matter.'
A No error; both idioms are correctly used
B 'too good to be true' is overused
C 'something was fishy' should be 'something smelled fishy'
D 'dig deeper' is not an idiom
Correct Answer:
A. No error; both idioms are correctly used Explanation:
Both idioms are correctly used: 'too good to be true' and 'something is fishy' are appropriate and grammatically sound.
Q.728
Medium
Which sentence BEST demonstrates understanding of 'let the cat out of the bag'?
A The project manager accidentally revealed the confidential launch date during the meeting.
B The team organized a surprise party but kept it a secret from everyone.
C The executive made a strategic decision about the quarterly results.
D The department head implemented new policies without prior notice.
Correct Answer:
A. The project manager accidentally revealed the confidential launch date during the meeting. Explanation:
'Let the cat out of the bag' means to accidentally reveal a secret. Option A demonstrates this by the manager revealing confidential information.
Q.729
Hard
In modern AI-driven workplaces (2024-25), the phrase 'on thin ice' could apply to employees who _______.
A refuse to adopt new technologies
B maintain consistent performance records
C develop innovative solutions
D collaborate effectively with teams
Correct Answer:
A. refuse to adopt new technologies Explanation:
'On thin ice' means in a precarious position. Refusing to adapt to new technologies in 2024-25 would put employees in a vulnerable position.
Q.730
Hard
Which idiom CANNOT be substituted for 'level playing field' in a competitive context?
A equal opportunity
B fair competition
C crooked dealing
D unbiased evaluation
Correct Answer:
C. crooked dealing Explanation:
'Level playing field' means fair and equal conditions. 'Crooked dealing' is its opposite, not a substitute.
