Idioms-Phrases Asked in Recent Exams

Idioms/Phrases Asked in Recent Exams (Total: 629)
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1.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the given 2.) In the following question, out of the given four
idiom. alternatives, select the alternative which best
Slap on the wrist expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase.
1. Wild with excitement Body and soul
2. Misunderstand each other 1. Life and death
3. A mild punishment  2. Happiness and sorrow
4. Criticize someone strongly and angrily 3. To solve a difficulty
4. Wholly and entirely 
3.) In the following question, out of the given four 4.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the given
alternatives, select the alternative which best idiom.
expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase. A shot in the dark.
To burn one’s finger 1. Shooting in the night
1. To suffer a loss by acting rashly  2. A blind man's cane
2. To have one’s finger chopped 3. Looking at the stars
3. A question without any agreed answer 4. Randomly doing something, the outcome of
4. To accidentally touch a hot utensil which is unknown 
5.) In the following question, out of the given four 6.) In the following question, out of the given four
alternatives, select the alternative which best alternatives, select the alternative which best
expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase. expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase.
A bull market Take your eye off the ball
1. Market where prices are rising  1. Take an advice from a wrong person
2. To boast 2. To stop paying attention for a moment 
3. A fertile field 3. Deteriorating and headed for complete disaster
4. A market where cattle is traded 4. Take someone for grated
A fish out of water To shake in one’s shoes
1. To criticize someone 1. To be afraid 
2. To kill somebody 2. To leave no remark
3. A person out of accustomed environment  3. To fail to understand
4. A dead person 4. An unpleasant scenario
To be in two minds To meet one’s water loo
1. To migrate 1. To be badly defeated in a contest 
2. To be over confident 2. To face the reality
3. To be less effective 3. To meet one’s look alike
4. In a dilemma  4. To realize one’s mistake
11.) In the following question, out of the given four 12.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the
alternatives, select the alternative which best given idiom.
expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase. Slack off
Pig in a poke 1. To make most effort
1. To bring something to an end 2. To understand a hidden meaning
2. A brave man amongst all the cowards 3. To be very rude
3. Something that is bought without examining 4. To ease pressure on something 
properly 
4. To obstruct someone’s work
expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase. Ace in the hole
Over and above 1. To create noisy disturbances so that competitors
1. To sum up the conversation are unable to work
2. In addition to  2. A major advantage that one keeps hidden until
3. Highest rank an ideal time 
4. Above all 3. To attempt to do the impossible
4. To suffer an injury on the lower body
Dead ringer For old time’s sake
1. Game of race 1. To consider the options
2. In writing 2. Deliberately stop someone
3. Detailed information 3. To be friends with an old person
4. An exact duplicate  4. Because of sentimental memories of the
past 
expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase. Water under the bridge
To keep an eye on 1. A paranormal sense that allows you to
1. To see someone in a bad light communicate with the dead
2. To be able to understand everything 2. Anything from the past that isn't significant or
3. To keep distance from important anymore 
4. To watch over closely  3. To be very sick
4. Someone else who takes the blame
expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase. Green light
All and sundry 1. To permit something to proceed 
1. Holidays 2. To be lost and confused
2. Full moon 3. To always compare
3. Advantages and disadvantages 4. To misunderstand
4. Everyone without distinction 
21.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the 22.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the
given idiom. given idiom.
Sea change Wear your heart on your sleeve
1. Major transformation  1. To suspect a trick
2. Hatred 2. To go through a heart break
3. To pursue 3. To understand
4. Jealousy 4. To openly display one's emotions 
expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase. Give cold shoulder
To twiddle one’s thumbs 1. Think only of one thing
1. To play safe 2. Be guiltless
2. To waste one’s resources 3. Ignore, avoid or be unfriendly towards
3. To be idle  someone 
4. To show no mercy 4. Start doing something before the appropriate time
25.) In the following question, out of the given four

alternatives, select the alternative which best
expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase.
To sleep like a dog
1. To sleep soundly 
2. To be insomniac
3. To be less mindful
4. To make noise while sleeping
SSC Updates: EZSSC
Armed to the teeth Once in a blue moon
1. Fully armed, having many weapons  1. Frequently
2. Safeguard oneself in every possible way 2. Once a week
3. Different attacking techniques 3. Once in a day
4. To have no weapon to fight 4. Rarely 
expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase. A bolt from the blue
Apropos of nothing 1. A sudden run
1. To be enraged 2. An unexpected event 
2. Any difficult situation or obstacle 3. To get hold of someone
3. Almost everything and anything has been 4. An electric shock
included
4. Having no relevance to any previous discussion
or situation 
Lion’s mouth Neck of the woods
1. A dangerous situation  1. Barren land
2. Having no sense 2. Neighbourhood 
3. Very talkative 3. Highways
4. A large share 4. Valley
At daggers drawn with To bridge the gap
1. To help someone in time of need 1. To reduce differences and reconcile 
2. To be bitterly hostile towards each other  2. To push people apart
3. At the lowest estimate 3. To mend a broken bridge
4. To accept someone 4. To slander someone
34.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the 35.) In the following question, out of the given four
given idiom. alternatives, select the alternative which best
Zero tolerance expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase.
1. A policy of not allowing any violations of a In black and white
rule or law  1. In brief
2. Riding in the front passenger seat of a car 2. In writing 
3. To detect someone in the group is betraying the 3. In trouble
others 4. In suspense
4. To escape and not have to pay
Bite the dust Blessing in disguise
1. To grieve over 1. Something that happens very rarely
2. To die  2. Bad thing that turns out to be good 
3. To hate 3. A good deed rewards as a blessing
4. To lose a fight 4. A good thing introduced into your life as a
blessing
given idiom alternatives, select the alternative which best
Pedal to the metal expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase.
1. To enjoy yourself by going out High and dry
2. To go full speed, especially while driving a 1. Abandoned 
vehicle  2. Occasionally
3. Very excessive 3. Perplexed
4. Avoid responsibility by giving it to someone else 4. Failed
The whole ball of wax Dead lock
1. Sagacious 1. To be anxious
2. Everything  2. A state in which progress is impossible 
3. Meagre 3. To attract
4. Complete disaster 4. To lose an important asset
Method to my madness expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase.
1. To state a fact so that there are no doubts or To make one’s mark
objections 1. To make no effort
2. Strange or crazy actions that appear 2. To attain success 
meaningless but in the end are done for a good 3. To prove a point
reason  4. To be indifferent
3. To get someone drunk
4. Someone who is unpredictable and can cause
damage if not kept in check
To lay someone by the heels Have people rolling in the aisles
1. To praise someone 1. To use false promises to pull people on one’s side
2. To force someone for something 2. To have a dispute with someone
3. To confine somebody in prison  3. Make an audience laugh uncontrollably 
4. To gain support 4. Willing to do something immediately
expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase. Piece of cake
In the flesh 1. Invitation for birthday
1. To be near death 2. Intuition for something dangerous
2. In bodily form  3. Extremely difficult
3. To get a tattoo 4. Something which is very simple 
4. To talk
To breast the tape To jump out of one’s skin
1. To win a race  1. To be extremely surprised 
2. To bring joy 2. To argue with someone
3. To shut someone’s mouth 3. To show one’s real side
4. To create problems 4. To feel immense pain
50.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the

given idiom.
Good grief
1. To be very systematic
2. An expression of surprise or frustration 
3. To dig a hole
4. To try everything possible
SSC Updates: EZSSC
Get into hot water Penny wise and pound foolish
1. To get a costly gift 1. Dissipating money without caring about
2. To get into trouble  consequences
3. A private end to serve 2. Careless with large amounts, but not small 
4. To reach nowhere 3. An intelligent person who behaves foolishly
4. To act like a fool
All bark and no bite expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase.
1. Someone who sticks to his words Appeal to Caesar
2. Full of talk, but low on action  1. Appeal to the highest possible authority 
3. Not being able to understand anything 2. To expect good from a wrong person
4. Actions are stronger than mere words 3. To live in a false reality
4. An authority given to a foolish person
A bite at the cherry To make a mountain of a mole hill
1. To have a leverage over someone 1. To violate the rules
2. A wrong move 2. To give great importance to trifles 
3. A dog bite 3. To make unnecessary comments
4. An attempt or opportunity to do something  4. To achieve big success
Save your breath Burn your bridges
1. To make an effort that will be futile  1. To have a fight
2. To hold one’s anger 2. To be puzzled
3. To be resentful 3. To eliminate the possibility of return or
4. To work hard retreat 
4. To disclose a secret
To lose one’s head A beast of burden
1. To lose the track of time 1. A liability
2. To have bad memory 2. A violent man
3. To reach nowhere 3. A person who works hardly
4. To lose one’s self-control  4. An animal that carries luggage 
New kid on the block expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase.
1. Someone new to the group or area  Cast someone adrift
2. Nonsense or meaningless speech 1. To change plan suddenly
3. Don't hurt anyone that helps you 2. To leave someone without any support or
4. Savings set aside for future use purpose 
3. To blame someone for one’s mistakes
4. Call someone repeatedly
To the manner born expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase.
1. To have high manners To take the veil
2. To give a ride to someone 1. To help someone
3. To be sophisticated 2. To become a nun 
4. To do something as though it is coming 3. To take a responsibility
naturally  4. To show interest
Buy a lemon Be my guest
1. To give importance to little things 1. Be with me
2. To buy something that is of much less 2. Stop, don't go ahead
value  3. Come with me
3. To lose foundation 4. Please do it 
4. To work through the day and shop in the evening
To have a nodding acquaintance To miss the bus
1. To have nothing in common 1. A problem in a situation
2. Know somebody/something slightly  2. To lose an opportunity 
3. To have a great experience 3. Escape by a thin margin
4. To neglect all the parameters 4. Short lived glory
expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase. Backseat driver
To play with fire 1. To miss an appointed meeting
1. Show disappointment 2. To conclude proceedings
2. Feel sick 3. Attempt to get control over someone
3. To abuse 4. A person who offers unsolicited advice 
4. To take foolish risk 
The whys and wherefores As hard as nails
1. Reasons  1. Hard working
2. Requirements 2. Physically or mentally tough 
3. References 3. To feel no pain
4. Circumstances 4. To be stubborn
73.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the 74.) Identify the idiom that conveys the meaning
given idiom. given in brackets.
Bread and butter When asked why he had lied, the student (avoided
1. Livelihood  talking), narrating the events of the day.
2. Simplicity 1. beat in the bush
3. Food 2. beat out the bush
4. Basic understanding 3. beat behind the bush
4. beat around the bush 
75.) Select the most appropriate idiom to fill in the

blank.
Mona’s appeal always seems to ________ of the

authority so she finally left the job.
1. boil the ocean
2. fall on deaf ears 
3. cut corners
4. cool the heals
SSC Updates: EZSSC

76.) Select the option in which the phrases are in 77.) Select the most appropriate option that can
correct order, thus forming a meaningful sentence. substitute the underlined segment in the given phrase.
1. in the year of 1945, / United Nations If there is no need to substitute it, select ‘No
Organisation/ came into being as / the successor of substitution required’.
the League of Nations 
2. came into being as / in the year of 1945, / United A leopard does not change its coat.
Nations Organisation/ the successor of the League of 1. blots
Nations 2. No substitution required
3. came into being as / the successor of the League of 3. stripes
Nations / in the year of 1945, / United Nations 4. spots 
Organisation
4. in the year of 1945, / the successor of the League
of Nations / United Nations Organisation / came into
being as
Sticky fingers By and large

1. A habit of licking fingers 1. At some future time
2. A habit to interfere 2. On the whole 
3. A tendency to steal  3. Certainly
4. A tendency to forget 4. On the contrary
80.) Select the most appropriate idiom that can 81.) Select the most appropriate idiom that can
substitute the underlined segment in the given substitute the underlined segment in the given
sentence. sentence.
I was puzzled and didn’t know what to do the moment Why don’t you act promptly and ask for a promotion
I realised that my credit card had neen stolen. while your boss is favourably inclined towards you?
1. at arm’s length 1. make much ado about nothing
2. at loggerheads 2. strike while the iron is hot 
3. at my wit’s end  3. weather the storm
4. at point blank 4. play the second fiddle
82.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the 83.) Select the most appropriate idiom that can
given idiom. substitute the underlined segment in the given
Broken reed sentence.
1. Someone or something too frail to provide The accountant at the store, having admitted
support  defalcation, was handed over to the police.
2. Someone who has broken off all ties with the 1. given in charge 
family 2. cut him off
3. Something which is not perfect and in good 3. crow over
condition 4. currying favour
4. Someone or something in a danger of being
forgotten
underlined phrase. given idiom.
She wanted to buy a new pair of shoes in case French leave
someone asked her to the dance, but I told her not to 1. To take someone for granted
count chickens before they hatch. 2. To take unauthorised leave 
1. Don’t follow local customs when you visit a place 3. To leave an unfinished meeting
2. Don’t interfere in someone else’s matter 4. To take leave to go to France
3. Don’t be upset over a thing that has already
happened
4. Don’t make plans based on events that have not
yet happened 
substitute the underlined segment given below. substitute the underlined segment in the given
I feel sorry for Rekha. Her home catering business sentence.
has failed completely. Raju’s joke about Ramesh’s limp was certainly unfair
1. gone belly up  and cruel.
2. counting pennies 1. above board
3. sparked up 2. splitting sides
4. gone south 3. below the line
4. below the belt 
underlined idiom. substitute the underlined segment in the given
Most private companies try to rein in spending during sentence.
times of financial difficulty. We need practical people in the office not those who
1. Flush with huge numbers think of impossible hopes and dreams.
2. Limit or control something  1. bide their time
3. Have an expertise in 2. build castles in the air 
4. Provide for 3. beat a retreat
4. blow their own trumpet
substitute the underlined segment in the given substitute the underlined segment in the given
sentence. sentence.
He who talks in a straightforward manner wins He flatters the boss to his face but criticises him in his
admiration in the long run. absence.
1. cuts the Gordian knot 1. at home
2. beats about the bush 2. at random
3. calls a spade a spade  3. behind his back 
4. has a bee in his bonnet 4. behind the scenes
92.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the 93.) Select the most appropriate option that can
underlined idiom. substitute the underlined segment in the given
Dhanishta had always worked very hard and hoped sentence and complete the given phrase. If there is no
she would get a promotion but now felt that she had need to substitute it, select ‘No substitution required’.
hit a glass ceiling. Strike while the plate is hot.
1. A hard place to be where everything is brittle 1. silver
2. A point after which you cannot go any further, 2. head
usually in improving your position at work  3. iron 
3. A point where one has always aspired to reach 4. No substitution required
4. A place that was transparent and open for all
participants
94.) Select the most appropriate option that can 95.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the
substitute the underlined segment in the given underlined idiom.
sentence and complete the given idiom. If there is no Mr. Kundra had his heart in his boots as he thought
need to substitute it, select ‘No substitution required’. about the long and difficult week ahead at work.
Take it with some salt. 1. Felt enthusiastic
1. No substitution required 2. Prepared to be busy
2. some pickle 3. Felt sad and despondent 
3. a pinch of salt  4. Planned in advance
4. a little sugar
96.) Choose the right option that can be substituted 97.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the
for the phrase highlighted in the given sentence. given idiom.
Except a baby carriage, rolling chair, any traveler's Jump on the bandwagon
vehicle, bicycle is forbidden to be parked in or driven 1. Be active and alert always
into the park. 2. Mechanically join a new trend or fashion 
1. cart 3. Play all musical instruments well
2. coach 4. Ask anyone for a favour
3. perambulator 
4. curricle
98.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the 99.) Select the appropriate idiom that can replace the
highlighted idiom. underlined phrase in the following sentence.
The youth involved in the accident escaped by the
skin of his teeth. My father’s office is at a close distance from home.
1. Barely managed to escape  1. a part and parcel
2. Very arrogant 2. from hand to mouth
3. Deficiency of funds 3. at a stone’s throw 
4. Always taking calculated decisions 4. at sixes and sevens

highlighted idiom.
It was a Catch 22 situation for the manager.
1. Hailed as the ultimate champion
2. A difficult situation in which the solution to a
problem is impossible 
3. A positive outcome in a tough situation
4. Worthy successor to the throne
SSC Updates: EZSSC
highlighted idiom. highlighted idiom
The team members seem to be running around in The actress’ daughter is just a chip off the old block
circles. 1. To chip off the edges
1. To be extremely successful 2. To get into the enemy’s territory
2. Hardly any time to breathe 3. Similar to one's parents in behaviour 
3. To be very active but with few results  4. To console the dreary
4. Very dynamic and hardworking
Achilles’ Heel Water under the bridge

1. Irrelevant thing 1. Promises that are made to someone and never
2. Costly item fulfilled
3. Fast runner 2. Past events that are not important anymore 
4. Vulnerable point  3. A seasoned crop with a heavy demand
4. Difficult situations in one’s life
highlighted idiom. given idiom.
The employee took the manager’s remark with a
pinch of salt A night owl
1. Ever ready to condemn someone 1. Someone who has good eyesight
2. Distasteful and boring 2. Someone who works very hard
3. Going for the truth 3. Someone who never works
4. Doubt the truth or value of something  4. A person who prefers to be awake late at
night 
At your beck and call Bag and baggage

1. To call someone respectfully 1. Lots of bags
2. To have no control over someone 2. Close friends
3. To call someone and then deny 3. With all belongings 
4. To have absolute control over someone  4. To make a beginning
Bed of roses
1. Be bound to obey After one’s own heart
2. As one wishes 1. Having likes and dislikes far to one’s own
3. With all of one’s belonging 2. Having a face as one's own
4. A pleasant condition of life  3. Having likes and dislikes dissimilar to one’s own
4. Having likes and dislikes similar to one’s
own 
111.) Select the most appropriate idiom to substitute 112.) Select the correct pair of words for the blanks
the underlined group of words in the given sentence. in the given sentence.
Once in a year, the management of the institute My cousin likes ________ root and ________ around
surveys the whole situation. the bush is one of the idioms in English.
1. take stock of  1. beet; beat 
2. comes to the front 2. beat; beat
3. perplexed with 3. beat; beet
4. makes a mark 4. beet; beet
The whys and wherefores To call in question

1. Interrogation 1. Dislike the arrangement
2. Underlying reason  2. Take a resolute stand
3. Minute observation 3. Challenge 
4. Summary 4. Show indifference
underlined idiom in the given sentence. given idiom.
Siraj-ud Daula’s defeat can be attributed to a snake in In dire straits

the grass. 1. Very bad situation 
1. A disloyal soldier 2. Crumble under autocracy
2. A devoted attendant 3. Eliminate doubts and fears
3. A coiled serpent 4. Futuristic hope
4. A deceitful person 
117.) Select the most appropriate idiom that can 118.) Select the correct idiom that can substitute the
substitute the italicised words in the given sentence. italicised group of words in the given sentence.
It was a difficult task to complete a relay run of 5 km Soma has made a mess of her financial affairs.
in minutes yet our team managed to do it 1. made a mountain out of a molehill
successfully. 2. made a hash of 
1. a Herculean effort  3. made up one’s mind
2. seeing pink elephants 4. made both ends meet
3. kangaroo court
4. the heels of Achilles
Steal someone’s thunder Flash in the pan

1. To imitate others 1. A place where people gather to buy and sell
2. To find it difficult to choose between two inexpensive goods
alternatives 2. Someone who helps others when they are in need,
3. To follow a successful person’s instructions with no discussion for compensation, and no thought of
4. To take the credit for something someone else a reward
did  3. Something that looks promising in the
beginning but fails to deliver anything in the
end 
4. Not willing or wanting to change from your
normal way of doing something
Go the extra mile Get the picture

1. Spend more money than required 1. To understand what’s happening 
2. Walk more than required 2. To watch with own eyes
3. Do much more than required  3. To buy something
4. Talk more than required 4. To control something
given idiom. idiom in bold in the given sentence.
An axe to grind Because the shop is closing down, most of the stock is
1. To act justly going for a song.
2. Handling sharp items 1. Incredibly inexpensive 
3. Personal and selfish reason  2. Something that is soothing to your ears
4. Extra effort for solving problems 3. Incredibly expensive
4. Receive punishment

given idiom.
Light at the end of tunnel

1. Something that signals the end of a difficult
situation 
2. Preparing for examinations
3. New light coming out from darkness
4. An opening at the end of a matter
SSC Updates: EZSSC
Take it with a grain of salt Fit as a fiddle

1. To misinterpret that the real situation is hidden 1. To be of perfect size
2. To understand that something is likely to be 2. Limited in scope
untrue  3. Emergency situation
3. To calculate things with utmost precision 4. In good health 
4. To imagine that someone is working against you
Wild goose chase Blow one’s own trumpet

1. To do something pointless  1. To be confused
2. Competing fiercely 2. To disgrace oneself
3. To hunt wild animals 3. To praise oneself 
4. Going on world tour 4. To be very keen
130.) Select the appropriate idiom that can replace 131.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the
the underlined phrase in the following sentence. given idiom.
As he is never on time, he regrets uselessly on Add fuel to the flames

missing the flight. 1. On the point of dying
1. cries over split milk  2. At the slightest signal or provocation
2. cries wolf 3. Performing a desirable action
3. finds fault with 4. Making a bad situation even worse 
4. cries for the moon
To put a spoke in one’s wheel Hang in there

1. To leave someone without any provision 1. Overcoming joy
2. To thwart someone in execution of one’s 2. A wise decision
design  3. Don’t give up 
3. To receive cold reception 4. Don’t rake up a controversy
4. Narrating a false story
Bite off more than you can chew Lose your marbles
1. Overcome gluttony 1. To lose the wealth
2. Destructive power 2. To become insane 
3. Too courageous 3. To be hopeful
4. Take on a task that you cannot finish  4. To waste the resources
The best thing since sliced bread To be in the doldrums

1. A sincerely made apology 1. To be in utter confusion
2. A thoroughly examined food 2. To be in low and dull spirits 
3. An openly performed confession 3. To be in high energy and happiness
4. A really good invention  4. To be in helpless condition
given idiom. underlined idiom that can be substituted in the
following sentence.
A herculean task
1. A machine work She knows Spanish after a fashion.
2. An important work 1. to only a certain extent 
3. A tough job  2. in a fashionable way
4. A simple work 3. only after the fashion is done
4. in a certain fashion
underlined idiom in the following sentence. given idiom.
The local police were working hand in glove with Bounce something off someone
Federal Bureau of Investigation to find the reasons 1. Discuss ideas with someone to get their
behind the murder. views 
1. To be in close association  2. Throw stones at others without any reason
2. To have liking for each other 3. Select members for something without their
3. To progress at equal rate consent
4. In keeping with 4. Distribute materials to the poor and the needy
Raining cats and dogs Level playing field

1. At the exact time 1. Avoiding differences
2. A very heavy downpour  2. A fair competition 
3. To escape from the situation 3. Lack of intelligence
4. Cats and dogs getting wet in rain 4. Forgetting conflicts
the underlined word/phrase in the following sentence. given idiom.
Grandmother revealed the secret. In the blink of an eye

1. let the chips fall where they may 1. To allow someone to move fast
2. let the chance slip by 2. To flourish
3. let things slide 3. Happen fast and instantaneously 
4. let the cat out of the bag  4. To make progress
An arm and a leg Rain on someone’s parade

1. Very expensive  1. To restore the disturbed law and order situation
2. Willing to work 2. To spoil and ruin a happy moment 
3. Too much bothering 3. To blame and hurt an innocent child
4. Too much criticism 4. To test and check a brilliant student
following sentence.
Miss the boat
1. Fail to take advantage of an opportunity  The fate of the accused hangs in the balance.
2. Boat will leave on time 1. gets an unfair decision
3. Opportunity never knocks twice 2. gets a fair decision
4. It is late for the boat 3. remains undecided 
4. gets a very fast decision

given idiom.
Bone to pick
1. Making a feast
2. Cleaning the floor for any garbage
3. Having a complaint that needs to be
discussed 
4. Having a fond memory to tell
SSC Updates: EZSSC

Out of the woods Hit the sack

1. Not in danger  1. To go to bed in order to write
2. Risking life 2. To go to bed in order to read
3. Being arrogant 3. To go to bed in order to sleep 
4. Always happy 4. Go to bed in order to sit
given idiom. underlined idiom in the given sentence.
On the ball She had to break the bank to buy that purse.
1. Aware of any changes or developments but avoid 1. To be very expensive 
to react to them 2. To go beyond one’s means
2. Aware of any changes or developments and 3. To buy something exclusive
quick to react to them  4. To rob a bank
3. Unaware of any changes or developments and lazy
to react to them
4. Sceptic of changes or developments and thoughtful
to react to them
Bear a grudge Gate-crasher

1. To consider people with kindness and care 1. A person who enters an event without any
2. To entertain the guests with utmost happiness invitation 
3. To feel satisfied with the achievements 2. A cobra that lives in gardens
4. To feel angry against somebody for a past 3. Thick grass
incident  4. A blind person
the underlined phrase in the following sentence. underlined idiom.
Geet talks incessantly about cycling in her town. The husband promised the earth to his wife.
1. has a bee in her bonnet  1. Promised land
2. gives a buzz 2. Promised a necklace
3. put a bee on someone 3. Promised an impossible thing 
4. makes a bee line 4. Promised an inexpensive thing
159.) Choose the appropriate meaning of the 160.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the
underlying idiom. underlined idiom in the given sentence.
She wants to reach the target by hook or by crook. The businessman agreed to grease the palm of the
1. Very rapidly bank manager for a loan.
2. By one or the other means  1. To thank
3. With all of one’s (her) belongings 2. To remind
4. Without deception 3. To cooperate
4. To bribe 
161.) Select the correct idiom to substitute the 162.) Select the appropriate idiom that can replace
underlined word segment in the following sentence. the underlined phrase in the following sentence.
When the teacher asked him about the homework, he
started speaking vaguely to avoid talking about it . He is straightforward and honest and that’s why
1. searching the bird in the bush everyone appreciates him.
2. writing in the bush 1. a big hit
3. beating around the bush  2. an open book 
4. searching around the room 3. an apple of one’s eyes
4. bad blood
Beside oneself Risk life and limb

1. To remain silent 1. Something that happened unexpectedly
2. Very shocked or distraught 2. Seriously ill
3. Feeling overwhelming fear or worry  3. In danger of death or serious injury 
4. To be happy 4. Making unnecessary fuss
idiom in bold in the given sentence. given idiom.
Throw caution to the wind
I am going to take a leaf out of your book and start 1. Careful
packing my own lunches. 2. Ignore the risk 
1. Be in somebody's favour or good opinion 3. Be cautious
2. A book containing a list of secret contacts 4. Carefree
3. Imitate or emulate someone in a particular
way 
4. To study very hard
italicised idiom in the given sentence. given idiom.
“Hold your horses !” said Mom as I reached for a
cookie. “They are still too hot to eat.” Lay hands on
1. Be in a rage 1. To gently lay one’s hand on someone
2. Be in a hurry 2. To try new things
3. Be patient  3. To touch or grasp someone, often with the
4. Be docile threat of violence 
4. To give up
169.) Select the correct idiom that can substitute the 170.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the
italicised group of words in the given sentence. given idiom.
To succeed in competitive exams is not an easy task. Wrangle for an ass’s shadow
1. a black sheep 1. Losing temper easily
2. child’s play  2. Fighting for a just cause
3. cat’s paw 3. Argue over petty issues 
4. a bed of thorns 4. Making false allegations
given idiom. underlined idiom in the following sentence.
Snake in the grass Keep an eye on the situation around, and take your
1. Friendly person decision accordingly.
2. Loyal person 1. Be aggressive with red eyes
3. Clever person 2. Cries over spilt milk
4. Treacherous person  3. Observe continually and carefully 
4. Ignore
underlined idiom that can be substituted in the given idiom.
following sentence.
Bury the hatchet
My son was disappointed with his failure, but he took 1. To end a quarrel 
heart and tried again 2. To face a risk
1. was deeply affected 3. To convince someone
2. loved dearly 4. To be in fear
3. felt encouraged 
4. cried miserably
given idiom.
Chew someone out

1. To eat
2. To scold someone 
3. To tackle a difficulty
4. Make someone laugh
SSC Updates: EZSSC
176.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the 177.) Select the correct idiom that can substitute the
given idiom. italicised group of words in the given sentence.
The pot calling the kettle black Will humanity overcome the greed of leaders all
1. Preparing the tea without boiling water around the world? This is the most important issue to
2. People are guilty of the very fault they identify be discussed today.
in others  1. burn the candle at both ends
3. Speaking strangely in an official meeting 2. burning question 
4. Making things ready quickly 3. burn a hole in the pocket
4. burn one’s fingers
Explore all avenues Spinning one’s wheels

1. To discover new ideas 1. To make a lot of effort without achieving
2. To discover new things anything 
3. Try out every possibility to get a result  2. To talk about oneself for achieving something
4. To discover new routes 3. To talk about random things
4. To do a lot of work for achieving something
Grease someone’s palm A man of means

1. To borrow money from an official 1. A well-mannered man with noble behaviour
2. To bribe one discreetly  2. Someone who is an iconic personality for
3. To lend money to an official youngsters
4. To give a loan to someone 3. A wealthy man with lots of money and
assets 
4. Someone who has earned a lot of fame
following sentence.
Done for
1. Finished a job The new Prince is not fit to hold a candle to his dead
2. Ruined  father.
3. Retreated 1. holding in high esteem,
4. Depreciated 2. showing the way to
3. holding the light to
4. cannot to be compared with 
It takes two to tango Called for

1. Two people are needed for any game 1. To cast a spell
2. Diagonally across 2. Brief visit Refresh
3. A conflict where both people are at fault  3. To require something 
4. Two people crossing the street together 4. Recollect
Spill the beans Back to square one

1. Tell something that should be kept secret  1. To hope something happens the way you want it
2. To hide important information to
3. To swallow beans curry 2. To escape
4. To spit the bitter fruits 3. To be treated badly
4. Having to start all over again 
Fish out of water
He is experienced and full of wisdom as he is 1. Be a survivor
teaching chemistry at a university at a very young age 2. Be nostalgic about something
of 25. 3. Not feeling comfortable in a new
1. an old head on young shoulders  environment 
2. a frog in a small pond 4. Go fishing
3. a silver fox
4. an alpha mom
190.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the 191.) Select the most appropriate idiom for the
underlined idiom in the given sentence. underlined segment in the given sentence.
It is hard to believe that many smokers didn’t go cold Without any question, Naresh is my good friend.
turkey even after they got lung cancer. 1. Beyond a doubt 
1. Quite addictive or dangerous behaviour  2. A good deal of
2. Losing sensory inputs 3. Care a hang
3. Dead 4. Account for
4. Withered
Sow wild oats Let the cat out of the bag

1. Engaging in disobedience 1. To reveal a secret accidentally 
2. Engaging in planning 2. To praise oneself
3. Engaging in fighting 3. To make an announcement
4. Engaging in rebelliousness or promiscuity  4. To work continuously
Pull yourself together Even though his car was badly damaged in the
1. Brew new problems accident, Rohan did not turn a hair.
2. Enervate the downtrodden 1. To show no outward emotion 
3. Transform society 2. Change the hairstyle
4. Calm down  3. Demand compensation
4. Understand anything
underlined idiom that can be substituted in the given idiom.
following sentence.
Royal road
The robber showed a clean pair of heels when the 1. Achieving something by birth
policeman came nearer. 2. Achieving something by false means
1. stole and ran away with heels 3. Achieving something by truth
2. stood so as to show the heels 4. Achieving something trouble free 
3. showed how clean the heels were
4. ran away 
Face the music Public enemy number one

1. To face the unpleasant consequences of one's 1. The opposition party leader
actions  2. One who helps the poor
2. Dance according to the tune 3. A person who always smiles
3. Listening to melodies from music albums 4. Someone who is the greatest threat to a group
4. Music for peace and health or community 

given idiom.
Silver tongue
1. Speaking to annoy people
2. Speaking with an eloquent expression to
convince people 
3. Speaking to bore people
4. Speaking to discourage people
SSC Updates: EZSSC
Where the shoe pinches The second wave of the pandemic left everyone in the
1. Tight fitting shoes doldrums.
2. Where the comfort is more 1. In deep sympathy
3. Where the difficulty lies  2. In confusion
4. Expensive shoes 3. In need of help
4. In low spirits and despair 
Penny wise and pound foolish In the fast lane

1. Careful in trivial matters but wasteful in 1. In perfect discipline
large  2. In complete fear
2. Writing powerfully but speaking poorly 3. In great excitement 
3. Serious about wealth but never working hard 4. In terrific speed
4. Good at spending but bad at earning
Spick and span
1. To be in trouble Blaze the trail
2. To leave a place quickly 1. To receive fame
3. To be untidy 2. Be first to do something important 
4. To be neat and clean  3. To be defeated
4. To cause a damage
given idiom. highlighted idiom in the given sentence.
Keep a straight face The marriage of my elder brother has been on the
1. When a plan suddenly fails cards for some time now.
2. To be stingy 1. Certain
3. To pretend to be cheerful 2. Improbable
4. Look serious though you want to laugh  3. Probable 
4. Stuck
At the drop of a hat A vicious cycle

1. Extremely pleased about something 1. Victorious efforts
2. Do something immediately without 2. When one problem causes another problem 
hesitation  3. Cyclical relationships
3. Force someone to behave in a disciplined manner 4. Series of fortunate events
4. Refuse to do something
following sentence.
Be riding high
1. A person who is a pilot He is not a great leader but, he has the gift of gab.
2. A drunken person 1. gift of sleeping
3. To be very successful  2. gift to gamble
4. To be in good mood 3. gift of speaking 
4. gift of a leader
213.) Select the most appropriate idiom that can 214.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the
substitute the underlined segment in the given given idiom.
sentence.
He has got this notorious reputation of teasing and Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t.
making fun of people. 1. Being cruel is better with known people
1. falling prey 2. Do not trust unknown and known devils
2. pulling someone's leg  3. Being good is better with evil people
3. cutting corners 4. It is easier to be in a known bad situation than
4. pulling oneself together being in an unknown worse situation 
Will-o-the-wisp White elephant

1. Being greedy for money 1. Something that costs a lot of money but has no
2. Having a strong will useful purpose 
3. An unrealistic or unattainable goal  2. A big lie that is concealed from all
4. A splendid dream 3. A business company in bankruptcy
4. Something very rare and precious
Like oil and water Has bigger fish to fry

1. Two people who like to work with each other 1. Has greater plans to discuss
2. Two people who are different from each 2. Has more important work to do 
other  3. Has easier plans to solve the issue
3. Two people who like each other 4. Has better choice of food
4. Two people who are similar to each other
following sentence.
A cakewalk
1. An unexpected twist I am at sea after listening to the arguments.
2. A precious memory to cherish 1. stuck in the seas
3. A stylish walk 2. perplexed 
4. An easy task or victory  3. sailing on the seas
4. totally relaxed
221.) Select the most appropriate idiom for the 222.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the
underlined segment. given idiom.
I thought I finished my work but I realised that all of Be in seventh heaven
my work is faulty. I have to start it over again. 1. To be impossible to understand
1. get a pat on the back 2. To be extremely happy 
2. break the back of something 3. To support someone strongly
3. break new ground 4. To be prepared for trouble
4. go back to the drawing board 
The child made a wry face when he was denied entry Taste of your own medicine
into the museum. 1. Have the same bad treatment that you have
1. An earnest request given to others 
2. An obscene gesture 2. Try to manage something which went wrong
3. An offending remark 3. Extremely pleased and excited about something
4. A disappointed look  4. Try everything possible

given idiom.
To go through fire and water

1. To face many challenges 
2. To punish
3. To do something easy
4. To tolerate
SSC Updates: EZSSC
It was a great chance. You missed out an opportunity. Forty winks

1. are in the middle of nowhere 1. To take a short nap 
2. are dead as a dodo 2. To do something forty times
3. missed the boat  3. To be worried
4. are a blessing in disguise 4. To hurry and rush
A Penelope’s web If the linguistic minority refuses to vote, it may rock

1. An important job the boat.
2. A daily job 1. Restore the equilibrium
3. A meaningless job 2. Topple the government
4. An endless job  3. Upset the balance 
4. Lead to protests
Once in a blue moon Have your heart in your mouth

1. A quick response 1. Not being of your kind
2. To agree reluctantly 2. Feeling extremely nervous 
3. Very rarely  3. Doing immediately
4. Moon in the night 4. Accusing someone of faults which you have
Head over heels A chip on one’s shoulder

1. To be madly in love  1. Injured shoulder
2. To have immense patience 2. Huge achievement
3. To be very angry 3. An attitude that leads one to become easily
4. To have dispute angered 
4. Being appreciated
Pour out one’s heart He had to bite the bullet when the doctor told him that
1. To express openly  his injured foot had to be amputated.
2. To create a record 1. Expedite the procedure
3. To challenge 2. Commit suicide
4. To ask for something 3. To accept a difficult or unpleasant situation 
4. Refuse to do something
A slap on the wrist Armed to the teeth

1. A wrist watch 1. Very frustrated
2. A secret alliance 2. Decide to continue in spite of difficulties
3. A small punishment  3. Carrying a lot of weapons 
4. A tiny gift 4. Very difficult to do
In the long run The matrimonial alliance between the two kingdoms
1. In the end  was actually a Judas kiss.
2. Careful running 1. Deceitful pretence of friendship 
3. Purposeful refusing 2. A strong bond
4. Simultaneously 3. Made through intense bloodshed
4. Incestuous relationship
240.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the 241.) Select the correct idiom that can substitute the
underlined idiom. italicised group of words in the given sentence.
One can always start off with a clean slate for a new My mother ensures every corner of our home is clean
and better life. and organised before my grandmother arrives.
1. A person with no crimes to his record 1. spick and span 
2. Situation in which you can start again  2. a queer fish
3. Provide a clear record to one’s superiors 3. root and branch
4. An innocent man who has nothing to spend 4. a rainy day
On the fence To add fuel to fire.

1. Halting between two options  1. To fight over trivial thing
2. On very intimate terms 2. To start the conversation
3. Undaunted by anything 3. To make a bad situation worse 
4. Under all conditions 4. To speak against someone
Wear your heart on your sleeve An ox on their tongue was the only way officers
1. Spreading scandals mercilessly would have allowed him to carry on the unlawful
2. Wearing untidy clothes intentionally activities he was involved in.
3. Expressing emotions very openly  1. Being frank
4. Imagining unreal things about others 2. Bribed to remain silent 
3. Telling lies
4. Getting no appreciation
Up a creek without a paddle Get a second wind

1. In an unfinished mission 1. Have two different choices
2. In a partially complete construction work 2. Have less energy and be extremely tired
3. In a troublesome and serious situation  3. Have renewed energy after having been
4. In a satisfied and calm atmosphere tired 
4. Having less energy after resting
248.) Substitute the underlined word segment with 249.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the
most appropriate idiom. underlined idiom in the given sentence.
Some look to legislation to hasten the progress of
They had to cancel their trip at the last minute due to social reforms.
bad weather. 1. ignore
1. at the eleventh hour  2. see
2. at a stone’s throw 3. rely on 
3. at somebody’s beck and call 4. peek at
4. at sixes and sevens

given idiom.
That’s all she wrote
1. An unreal and imaginary story
2. One-sided story
3. Limited information
4. There is nothing more to be said 
SSC Updates: EZSSC

251.) Select the idiom that can substitute the 252.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the
underlined group of words. given idiom.
Chew the fat
All the candidates have strong determination to 1. To make a difficult decision
succeed 2. To get into an argument
1. Food for thought 3. To eat a large meal
2. Raise the roof 4. To gossip or chat casually 
3. Flash in the pan
4. Fire in their bellies 
253.) Choose the most appropriate meaning of the 254.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the
She knew that the best way to get into hot water was Fly off the handle
to anger her boss. 1. To make a mistake while performing a task
1. To enter into a hot water pond 2. To lose one’s temper suddenly and
2. To be confused unexpectedly 
3. To have a shower 3. To fly somewhere in hurry
4. To get into trouble  4. To forget something important
255.) Choose the most appropriate meaning of the 256.) Choose the correct meaning of the underlined
underlined phrase. idiom in the given sentence.
In light of his financial situation, he decided to cancel The trip to Europe cost us an arm and a leg!
his holiday plans. 1. Was cheap
1. Because of  2. Was more than assumed
2. Appreciation of 3. Was very expensive 
3. A dark room 4. Cost nothing
4. Poor light to be replaced
given idiom. highlighted idiom.
To crow over something My friend was playing the devil’s advocate in the
1. To revel boastfully over something  discussion.
2. To be sensitive over something 1. One who is good at judgement
3. To interfere in something 2. One who argues against something just for the
4. To cry over defeat sake of arguing 
3. One who pits the culprit against the lawyer
4. One who is composed at all times
259.) Select the option that can be used as a one- 260.) Select the option that can be used as a one-
word substitute for the given group of words/phrase. word substitute for the given group of words/phrase.
Eternal; lasting forever or indefinitely An extra profit or allowance additional to a main

1. perpetrate income etc.
2. perplex 1. persecute
3. perpetual  2. persevere
4. permit 3. perquisite 
4. perplexity
Break sweat Wet behind the ears
1. To make a futile attempt 1. To be young and without experience 
2. To lie 2. A sudden change in fortune due to a windfall
3. To be caught stealing 3. To win a bet
4. To use a lot of energy or effort  4. To place a bad bet
To have the heart of stone To have a foot in the grave
1. Not being able to make a decision 1. To be near death 
2. To have a hidden agenda 2. To take risks
3. To be fearless 3. To hire a contract killer
4. To feel no pity  4. To trip somebody over
Born with silver spoon in one’s mouth Loaves and fishes
1. A work which needs tremendous energy 1. Material gain 
2. Useful for one’s purpose 2. To let bygones be bygones
3. To accomplish two tasks in one attempt 3. To bury the dead
4. Born in a very rich family  4. Accidently kill someone
On the job To kill two birds with one stone
1. In the war 1. To accidentally hurt someone’s feelings
2. Working at a particular job  2. The weak point in a person
3. On the contrary 3. A work which needs tremendous efforts
4. Avoiding the work 4. To achieve two things with a single effort 
Cold fish To scratch one’s head
1. A dead body 1. To think about good days
2. To retract one’s statements 2. To think hard in a puzzled way 
3. To make a lot of money 3. To lose all the wealth
4. A person lacking in sympathy  4. To come up with an idea
Know the ropes On account of
1. To reveal a secret 1. To mark one’s territory
2. To break the rules 2. Because of 
3. To understand the details  3. To make excuses
4. To fight without any reason 4. To settle dues
To work against the clocks To bear the brunt of
1. To work fast  1. To become free from
2. To move anti-clockwise 2. For one’s sake
3. To fill one with terror 3. An inexperienced person
4. To die while still working 4. To endure the impact of something 
275.) In the following question, out of the given four

alternatives, select the alternative which best
expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase.
To button one’s lips
1. To kidnap somebody
2. To advance in harmony
3. To keep silence 
4. To rain heavily
SSC Updates: EZSSC
To go a long way Rolling in cash
1. To join a foreign company 1. A business magnate
2. To avoid short cuts 2. To borrow a costly attire
3. To become successful in life  3. Have a large quantity of money 
4. To go on a long drive 4. Buying things on interest
At all costs Pros and cons
1. Whatever is needed to achieve something  1. Arguments for and against something 
2. An expensive purchase 2. Undecided on a topic
3. To be master of 3. Doubtful
4. Not to be trifled with 4. To advance in harmony
280.) Identify the idiom that best expresses the 281.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the
meaning of the underlined group of words. underlined idiom/phrase in the given sentence.
He is in a very bad situation after being caught with Henry said he would help with the rent, but he left me
drugs at school. in the lurch.
1. Square an account 1. To comfort someone
2. At cross purposes 2. To blame someone
3. In dire straits  3. To impersonate someone
4. Last resort 4. To desert someone 
282.) Select the idiom that gives the most 283.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the
appropriate meaning of the underlined phrase in the given idiom.
following sentence.
To show a clean pair of heels
My neighbour has decided to join the air force. 1. Show clean feet
1. Made up his mind  2. To run fast 
2. Made a fuss 3. Show clean shoes
3. Made his own way 4. To clean shoes fast
4. Made a clean sweep
284.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the 285.) Select the idiom that gives the most
given idiom. appropriate meaning of the underlined phrase in the
following sentence.
He brought his servant to book for breaking the
beautiful showpiece. ‘Honesty is the best policy’ does not remain valid in
1. Rewarded his servant the present times of corruption and greed.
2. Scolded his servant  1. Go through thick and thin
3. Relieved his servant 2. Keep pace with
4. Sent his servant away 3. Hold good 
4. Put up
Easier said than done Throw caution to the wind

1. Not as moderate as it appears to be 1. To be overly cautious or hesitant
2. Not as restricted as it appears to be 2. To take a big risk or be reckless 
3. Not as difficult as it appears to be 3. To be too strict or rigid in following rules
4. Not as easy as it appears to be  4. To be indecisive or unsure about a decision
following sentence.
Through the grapevine Chanda always annoys everyone by praising herself
1. Succeeded brilliantly all the time.
2. Via gossip  1. Crying over the spilt milk
3. Through difficulties 2. Catching one’s eyes
4. Extremely ill 3. Blowing her own trumpet 
4. Facing the music
given idiom. underlined idiom.
Get out of hand Those were only crocodile tears.

1. Fall from hand 1. Mild regret
2. Hands should be crossed 2. Pretended sadness 
3. Go out of control  3. Very gloomy
4. Keep control of hand 4. A weeping sign
To go down in flames Ruffle someone’s feathers

1. To burn completely 1. Make more of an effort
2. To fail miserably at something  2. Make someone annoyed 
3. To mend permanently 3. Be relaxed and in control
4. To take risks whole heartedly 4. Do something very easily
294.) Select the idiom that gives the most 295.) Identify the idiom/phrase that can best
appropriate meaning of the underlined phrase in the substitute the underlined segment.
following sentence.
I finally understood how to operate the new smart They discussed everything in the meeting and
television. finalised the next step.
1. Figured out  1. the eleventh hour
2. Cast aside 2. the home stretch
3. Hit the sack 3. through thick and thin
4. Don’t know 4. the whole nine yards 
following sentence.
A piece of information received by word of mouth has
no authenticity. Our secretary is always in the mood for an argument.
1. in spoken form  He must learn to keep quiet.
2. through an official order 1. To hold his tongue 
3. through rumours 2. To turn up
4. in written form 3. To take off
4. To go through
298.) Identify the idiom that best expresses the 299.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the
meaning of the underlined group of words. underlined idiom.
There are a number of things that the country needs to We must draw the line somewhere as living expenses
improve but the main part of the problem is are increasing daily.
corruption. 1. Line up expenses
1. Dodged a bullet 2. Fix the broken line
2. Crux of the matter  3. Draw a straight line
3. Last resort 4. Fix the limit 
4. Grasping at straws
given idiom.
I don’t buy it
1. I do not like to buy
2. Purchasing should be controlled
3. I am not convinced 
4. Only good decisions can be agreed on
SSC Updates: EZSSC
Hand and glove
Pull yourself together 1. Discourage
1. Help the needy 2. Intimate 
2. Work overtime 3. Oppressive
3. Fight violently 4. Enemy
4. Calm down 
303.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the 304.) Select the sentence that has the most
given idiom. appropriate meaning of the given idiom.
On cloud nine Kill two birds with one stone

1. To be extremely cautious 1. He ruined his chances of getting into college as he
2. To be extremely shaky got distracted while studying for two different entrance
3. To be extremely happy  tests and not perfecting even a single one
4. To be extremely sad 2. Maya decided to clean the house but at the end
of the day, she realised it was a great workout 
3. Today’s fishing session was a success as both the
fishermen were working together
4. He was so unlucky that he never won a single coin
toss in the entire tournament
305.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the 306.) Select the sentence that has the most
given idiom. appropriate meaning of the given idiom.
A cock and bull story Die a dog’s death

1. A true story 1. The old businessman died in peace after meeting
2. A foolish and concocted story  his whole family on his deathbed
3. A children’s story 2. The doctor who used illegal methods to conduct
4. A story of animals experiments on humans must die a shameful
death 
3. Yesterday, a poor vegetable seller died in an
unfortunate accident
4. Wars compel people to starve to death and they are
helpless
Julia has the habit of comparing apples to oranges. Beat around the bush
1. Purchasing different fruits for different purposes 1. Avoid praising someone and demean
2. Choosing things after careful scrutiny 2. Avoid using foul words to make someone
3. Comparing two things that cannot be uncomfortable
compared  3. Avoid saying what you mean, usually because it is
4. Blaming others for her mistakes not funny
4. Avoid the main point by talking in a
roundabout way 
309.) Select the option that can be used as a one- 310.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the
word substitute for the given group of words/phrase. underlined idiom in the given sentence.
“Just add a bit of cheese to your pasta and Bob’s your
Adjust or make right; correct, amend uncle!” Reena suggested to me over dinner last night.
1. Recreate 1. It changes nothing
2. Recourse 2. It changes the appearance
3. Rectify  3. It becomes easily and quickly achievable 
4. Recruit 4. It ruins everything
underlined idiom in the given sentence. substitute the italicised words in the given sentence.
When the District Attorney asked the convict about He was sacked from his job because of a grave error
details of the day of the crime, he started beating on his part.
about the bush. 1. minding one’s p’s and q’s
1. Accusing others of the crime 2. raining cats and dogs
2. Speaking in a confusing manner without giving 3. picking holes in one’s cot
a correct answer  4. Himalayan blunder 
3. Trying to invoke sympathy
4. Being excessively aggressive
substitute the italicised words in the given sentence. substitute the italicised words in the given sentence.
I have been a vegetarian for a very long time. Some people still feel that they have very little
1. die in harness freedom to be innovative in their work.
2. duck in the thunderstorm 1. an old lady
3. Damocles’ sword 2. elbow room 
4. donkey’s years  3. an old head on young shoulders
4. to make a pile
315.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the 316.) Choose the correct meaning of the given
underlined idiom in the given sentence. idiom.
Turn over a new leaf
The lecture by the French professor seemed Latin and 1. To stop finally
Greek to the young students. 2. To plant a tree
1. Incomprehensible  3. To take a break
2. Interesting 4. To begin again 
3. Lucid
4. Unbiased
underlined idiom in the given sentence. underlined idiom that can be substituted in the
following sentence.
A fair-weather friend can never be trusted in the times
of exigency. The game is now in full swing.
1. An old acquaintance 1. very uninteresting
2. A close friend 2. very active 
3. A selfish friend  3. very passive
4. A pen friend 4. playing on the swings
Nobody in the conference seemed to believe the cock On cloud nine
and bull story about such a major movie star. 1. Flying
1. Factual story 2. Floating
2. Secretive story 3. Very happy 
3. Interesting story 4. Dreaming
4. Wildly exaggerated or falsified story 
Someone’s heart is in the right place The new intern is a greenhorn and thus his superiors
1. Someone is good even if they sometimes take advantage of him.
behave in a wrong manner  1. Sick
2. Share secret worries with someone else 2. Jealous
3. Suddenly feel so excited or frightened that your 3. Inexperienced 
heart beats faster 4. Overenthusiastic
4. Change your opinion or the way you feel
underlined idiom in the given sentence. underlined idiom.
The sailor tells great tales of adventure that you
The anxious duke was found strolling in the garden to should take with a grain of salt.
and fro. 1. Great admiration
1. From west to east 2. Great patriotism
2. From north to south 3. Be afraid to refrain from
3. Upward and downward 4. Not take too seriously 
4. Forward and backward 

underlined idiom that can be substituted in the
following sentence.
Let us know what you think in black and white.

1. in darkness and light
2. verbally
3. in black and white paint
4. in writing 
SSC Updates: EZSSC

given idiom. substitute the italicised words in the given sentence.
Red tape
1. Something unimportant that takes attention away My mother said, “Make consistent progress for
from the main subject success.”
2. Official rules and bureaucracy that make it 1. do’s and don’ts
difficult to do something  2. slow and steady 
3. Have a negative amount in your bank balance 3. in and outs
4. Catch someone at the moment they are doing 4. make a habit
something wrong
328.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the 329.) Select the option that can be used as a one-
underlined idiom in the given sentence. word substitute for the given phrase.
The intern aspired to understand the ins and outs of A person who is well experienced in something
the operating systems of the institution. 1. Veteran 
1. Elaborate theories 2. Imposter
2. Prior conditions 3. Mountebank
3. Detailed description  4. Charlatan
4. Stern regulations
word substitute for the given phrase. word substitute for the given phrase.
‘A person who practises calligraphy, the art of writing ‘A person who practises calligraphy, the art of writing
beautifully with a special pen or brush’ beautifully with a special pen or brush’
1. Cartographer 1. Topographer
2. Choreographer 2. Choreographer
3. Calligrapher  3. Cartographer
4. Topographer 4. Calligrapher 
332.) Select the option that can be used as a one- 333.) Select the most appropriate meaning that can
word substitute for the given phrase. replace the underlined idiom in the given sentence.
I meet my school friends once in a blue moon .
One who speaks less with the others 1. every weekend
1. Slapdash 2. very rarely 
2. Reticent  3. once a month
3. Scatter-brained 4. quite frequently
4. Sober
To carve out a niche A cloud on the horizon
1. To do hard work 1. A state of extreme, euphoric happiness
2. To manufacture idols 2. To be impractical, aloof, or fanciful or to be very
3. To develop a specific position for unproductive
himself/herself  3. To be viewed with suspicion, distrust or
4. To do an archeological survey disapproval
4. A sign of trouble or difficulty to come 
336.) Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the 337.) Select the option that can be used as a one-
underlined word/phrase in the given sentence. word substitute for the given phrase.
His friends liked everything about him except his
frugality. Someone who never makes mistakes
1. Temper 1. Indigestible
2. Shabbiness 2. Infallible 
3. Punctuality 3. Inexorable
4. Extravagance  4. Indefeasible
word substitute for the given phrase. given idiom.
Nailed their colours to their mast
Someone who never makes mistakes 1. To accept the loss
1. Infallible  2. To bring adversities
2. Indefeasible 3. To draw tattoo on nails
3. Inexorable 4. To refuse to cease or surrender 
4. Indigestible
340.) Choose the most appropriate meaning of the 341.) Select the option that can be used as a one-
given idiom. word substitute for the given phrase.
To throw dust into the eyes That can be verifiable and not based only on
1. To come upon one unexpectedly assumption
2. To issue a challenge 1. Experimental
3. To deceive  2. Theoretical
4. To speak ill 3. Logical
4. Empirical 
342.) Choose the most appropriate meaning of the 343.) Select the option that can be used as a one-
In one’s good books
1. In the right mood Inscription on a tombstone
2. In one’s highest achievement 1. Epitaph 
3. In one’s favour  2. Epigraph
4. In a great difficulty 3. Epilogue
4. Epitome
To set Thames on Fire
Inscription on a tombstone 1. To achieve something impossible 
1. Epitome 2. To destroy someone
2. Epigraph 3. To pollute the environment
3. Epitaph  4. To turn someone’s efforts useless
4. Epilogue
Information that is very confidential and protected To set Thames on Fire
1. Enclosed 1. To destroy someone
2. Categorised 2. To pollute the environment
3. Encrypted 3. To turn someone’s efforts useless
4. Classified  4. To achieve something impossible 
word substitute for the given phrase. word substitute for the given group of words/phrase.
Information that is very confidential and protected The crime of murdering one’s own wife
1. Classified  1. Sororicide
2. Enclosed 2. Fratricide
3. Categorised 3. Regicide
4. Encrypted 4. Uxoricide 
350.) Select the option that can be used as a one-

word substitute for the given group of words/phrase.
The crime of murdering one’s own wife
1. Sororicide
2. Uxoricide 
3. Regicide
4. Fratricide
SSC Updates: EZSSC

The crime of murdering one’s own wife The crime of murdering one’s own wife
1. Uxoricide  1. Fratricide
2. Sororicide 2. Uxoricide 
3. Fratricide 3. Regicide
4. Regicide 4. Sororicide
353.) In the given sentence, four words/phrases have 354.) In the given sentence, four words/phrases have
been underlined and the underlined words/phrases are been underlined and the underlined words/phrases are
given as options. Select the option that contains an given as options. Select the option that contains an
error. error.
Though he was alone on the island else he survived. Though he was alone on the island else he survived.
1. was 1. survived
2. Though 2. Though
3. survived 3. was
4. else  4. else 
given idiom. given proverb/idiom.
Stood his ground. It takes two to tango.
1. To stand on one’s own land 1. Two soldiers can win a war when trying together
2. To be clearly aware 2. Two people turn things worse
3. To stand on the ground 3. Two people are equally responsible for a
4. To maintain one’s own position  situation 
4. Two and two make four
357.) Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the 358.) Select the option that can be used as a one-
underlined word/phrase in the given sentence. word substitute for the given phrase.
This offer has come as a great boon to me. One who has divine reverence for nature
1. Curse  1. Atheist
2. Misfortune 2. Anaesthetist
3. Blemish 3. Pantheist 
4. Trouble 4. Theist
359.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the 360.) Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the
given idiom. underlined word/phrase in the given sentence.
Stood his ground. This offer has come as a great boon to me.
1. To maintain one’s own position  1. Trouble
2. To stand on the ground 2. Misfortune
3. To stand on one’s own land 3. Blemish
4. To be clearly aware 4. Curse 
word substitute for the given phrase. given proverb/idiom.
One who has divine reverence for nature It takes two to tango.
1. Anaesthetist 1. Two soldiers can win a war when trying together
2. Atheist 2. Two people are equally responsible for a
3. Pantheist  situation 
4. Theist 3. Two and two make four
4. Two people turn things worse
363.) Select the idiom that means 364.) Select the idiom that means
‘to take a decisive and dramatic action that resolves ‘to take a decisive and dramatic action that resolves
a problematic, troublesome, or unpleasant situation’. a problematic, troublesome, or unpleasant situation’.
1. A watched kettle never boils 1. A watched kettle never boils
2. Make one’s blood boil 2. Boil the ocean
3. Lance the boil  3. Make one’s blood boil
4. Boil the ocean 4. Lance the boil 
365.) Select the idiom that means 366.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the
‘to take a decisive and dramatic action that resolves given idiom.
a problematic, troublesome, or unpleasant situation’. To take the bull by the horns
1. A watched kettle never boils 1. To be very angry
2. Lance the boil  2. To be quickly defeated
3. Boil the ocean 3. To behave with an indifferent attitude
4. Make one’s blood boil 4. To face the danger boldly 
An extremely self-centred person with an exaggerated To take the bull by the horns
sense of self-worth 1. To be very angry
1. Optimist 2. To be quickly defeated
2. Anarchist 3. To behave with an indifferent attitude
3. Narcissist  4. To face the danger boldly 
4. Altruist
An extremely self-centred person with an exaggerated
sense of self-worth To kick the bucket
1. Optimist 1. To die 
2. Anarchist 2. Be sad
3. Narcissist  3. Be happy
4. Altruist 4. To be ill
371.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the 372.) Select the appropriate idiom to fill in the
given idiom. blank.
Miss the boat The police have not yet been able to solve the case; it
1. Missing good moments of your life seems to be ____________.
2. Being too late 1. a hard nut to crack 
3. Missing a good opportunity  2. in a nutshell
4. Missing your medium of travel 3. in a pink
4. turning over a new leaf
To bell the cat Sharp practice
1. To face risk  1. Dishonesty 
2. To feed pets 2. Nearby
3. To play with kids 3. Briefly
4. To love cats 4. Frequently
375.) Select the most appropriate idiom/phrase that

can substitute the underlined segment in the given
sentence.
Vennela made a big fuss about a small problem.

1. A storm in a teacup 
2. Get a taste of your own medicine
3. Add insult to injury
4. Barking up the wrong tree
SSC Updates: EZSSC
Pooja tried to explain the problem, but soon she tied
Lily-livered herself up in knots.
1. Comical 1. Make no progress in an argument or discussion
2. Brave 2. Won’t modify an opinion or agree to even small
3. Naughty changes that another person wants
4. Not brave  3. Become very confused when you are trying to
explain something 
4. Be forced to explain your actions and (probably)
punished
378.) Select the sentence that uses the given idiom 379.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the
correctly. given idiom.
A dime a dozen
1. The concert tickets were a dime a dozen and sold Scrape the barrel
out quickly 1. Using all the ways to achieve the desired result
2. The restaurant had some delicious desserts that 2. Hiding something
were a dime a dozen 3. Trying to find something
3. The antique store had some rare finds, but they 4. To be forced to use one's last and weakest
were a dime a dozen resource 
4. Her ideas were worth a dime a dozen and didn't
impress the boss 
underlined idiom. given idiom.
To prime the pump
Do not beat about the bush when you have anything 1. Ask others to be ambitious
to say. 2. Manipulate someone to achieve success
1. To try to influence 3. To use a pump efficiently
2. To shift blame on others 4. Encourage the growth or action of
3. To avoid giving a definite answer or something’ 
position 
4. To argue
Back against the wall Keep someone at arm’s length

1. Be in an easy situation from where escape is 1. Being someone’s enemy
difficult 2. Avoid becoming friendly with someone 
2. Be in a difficult situation from where escape is 3. Avoid becoming bitter with someone
easy 4. Avoid playing with someone
3. Be in a relationship which one wants to escape
4. Be in a difficult situation from where escape is
difficult 
underlined idiom/phrase in the given sentence. given idiom.
Today, the country's nationalists rule the roost and By the skin of your teeth
hand out the jobs. 1. Kind towards the weak
1. To save a criminal 2. Determined to strike
2. To be prejudiced 3. Just barely 
3. To be in charge  4. Confident of victory
4. To exploit someone
Through thick and thin It turns out to be a blessing in disguise.

1. In good times and in bad times  1. Has a very good effect on a situation or a thing
2. Only assist during good times 2. Has a good effect even though at first it seemed
3. Weak and lonely it would be bad 
4. Hope during trying times 3. When a simple solution solves a problem very
well
4. When things get better and better when least
expecting it
Has he lost his mind? He is falling foul of everybody. To be in two minds

1. Maintaining a sort of coldness 1. To work on somebody else’s advice
2. Quite puzzled with 2. To be dominated by someone else
3. Quarrelling with  3. To be in a critical state
4. Having an amicable talk with 4. To be uncertain 
390.) Select the most appropriate idiom or phrase to 391.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the
fill in the blank in the given sentence. given idiom.
Sweety has been _________ since her painting won Bad iron
first prize. 1. Bad behaviour
1. walking on air  2. Bad luck 
2. walking into the lion’s den 3. No steam
3. walking on eggshells 4. Not hot
4. waiting in the wings
392.) Select the most appropriate option that can 393.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the
substitute the underlined word in the given idiom. given idiom.
She is an awful bore; she is always blowing her own Blow something out of (all) proportion.
saxophone. 1. Control the level of something in order to stop it
1. flute increasing
2. lyre 2. Behave as if something that has happened is
3. violin much worse than it really is 
4. trumpet  3. Make things difficult for someone without reason
4. Leave someone at a time when they need you to
stay and help them
394.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the 395.) Identify the idiom/phrase that can best
given idiom. substitute the underlined segment.
To go to the dogs I’m going to be in trouble if I don’t submit my

1. To win a race homework to the teacher.
2. To become worse  1. the lion’s share
3. To win support 2. off base
4. To stand on guard 3. up the creek 
4. a devil’s advocate
Go back to the drawing board Forsaken or neglected child who has no home and
1. Start over  spends most of his/her time on the streets
2. Leave a work unfinished 1. Fugitive
3. Accomplish a task 2. Waif 
4. Mediate a task 3. Miscreant
4. Vulnerable
Gift of the gab Get into a scrape

1. Fluency of speech  1. Solving a problem
2. Figures of speech 2. Involved in a problem 
3. First speech 3. Creating a problem
4. Freedom of speech 4. Explaining a problem

given idiom.
To face the music
1. Not knowing the real chords in music
2. Being challenged to a music competition
3. To bear the negative consequences of wrongful
actions 
4. Barring the entire audiences view at a concert
SSC Updates: EZSSC

Taking a bull by the horns
Stir up a hornets’ nest 1. To deal with a difficult situation in a very direct
1. Create doubts or confident way 
2. Resist a fight 2. To decapitate a bull for beef
3. Scare the birds 3. To make a stupid decision thinking it to be daring
4. Provoke trouble  4. Wearing a skull cap
It is raining cats and dogs means:
1. it is raining very heavily  Waver between different opinions or actions
2. something that does not upset you 1. Sway
3. there are showers 2. Thrifty
4. it is drizzling 3. Vacillate 
4. Viaduct
405.) Select the most appropriate idiom to substitute 406.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the
the underlined segment in the given sentence. given idiom.
The peasants worked the whole day in the fields and
stopped working in the evening and went to their On the ball
homes. 1. Doing a job in a slow and incorrect manner
1. put ice on it 2. Exercising using a ball
2. called it a day  3. Doing a job in a quick and competent
3. ran around in circles manner 
4. gave it a whirl 4. Playing with a ball
407.) Select the most appropriate idiom for the given 408.) Select the option that can be used as a one-
situation. word substitute for the given phrase.
I was very excited about my new assignment. I sent
the email without the required attachment. What have Gradual recovery of health and strength
I done? 1. Potency
1. Shook a leg 2. Rejuvenation
2. As swift as an eagle 3. Convalescence 
3. Tested the waters 4. Benefaction
4. Jumped the gun 
409.) Select the sentence that has the most 410.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the
appropriate meaning of the given idiom. given idiom.
Bad blood A perfect storm

1. She is so scared of cockroaches that she fainted 1. Pretty good judgement
when she saw them crawling near her foot 2. Appropriate for all occasions
2. Sushant always gets in trouble for telling lies but 3. The worst possible situation 
he never learns anything 4. Healing from trauma
3. The gangster had some bitter relations with a
local activist so he warned him to stay out of his
business 
4. The doctor dropped the bad news to Ravi as he
was suffering from a serious disease
411.) Select the most appropriate idiom/phrase that 412.) Select the sentence that uses the given idiom
can substitute the underlined segment in the given correctly.
sentence. Cut corners
1. The artist cut corners on the painting, and it ended
Your career is now completely obsolete. up looking unfinished
1. hanging by a thread 2. He cut corners on his homework and got a bad
2. moving like a worm grade 
3. dead even 3. I always make sure to cut corners when I'm driving
4. as dead as a doornail  to save time
4. I cut corners to finish my project on time, and my
boss praised me for my hard work
Hit the jackpot Once in a blue moon

1. Receiving a reward 1. Very colorful
2. Found a piece of gold 2. Very high
3. Gaining a big success  3. Very ancient
4. Harm the opportunity 4. Very rare 
415.) Identify the sentence that provides the 416.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the
meaning of the given idiom. underlined phrase.
Under the cloud Ravish is ready to throw caution to the wind.

1. The classmates were dancing together under the 1. Fight with wind
rain 2. Act foolishly
2. The driver was under suspicion after the police 3. Spend lavishly
found blood on his car  4. Take risk 
3. The Red fort looks beautiful amidst the cloudy
weather and cold atmosphere
4. It was the best place to sit under the sky with
hands full of food
417.) Select the most appropriate idiom/phrase that 418.) Choose the most appropriate meaning of the
can substitute the underlined segment in the given underlined phrase.
sentence. Many analysts are tipping stable, blue-chip companies
to weather the storm.
Mahesh has learnt not to take things seriously. 1. to deal with a difficult situation without being
1. Pull someone's leg harmed 
2. Your guess is as good as mine 2. to deal with a situation without thinking
3. Take it with a grain of salt  3. to deal with a simple situation without being
4. That's the last straw harmed
4. to deal with a simple situation without harming
anyone else
419.) Select the most appropriate idiom that can 420.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the
substitute the underlined segment in the given given idiom.
sentence. Pass the buck
1. Providing essential services
Vinay missed his flight but good luck came to him 2. Trying to calm down
from bad circumstances as the flight crashed in the 3. Blaming another person 
sea. 4. Saying something unpleasant
1. it was a blessing and a curse
2. it was a blessing in disguise 
3. it was a tinker’s curse
4. it was counting his blessings
421.) Select the correct idiom to replace the 422.) Identify the idiom/phrase that can best
underlined segment in the given sentence. substitute the underlined segment.
Harry always speaks his eye but he is not always very You showed me your true personality when you asked
diplomatic! me to get out of the house at midnight.
1. listens his ear 1. white elephant
2. reads his heart 2. true colours 
3. speaks his tongue 3. hot potato
4. speaks his mind  4. bed of roses
423.) Select the most appropriate idiom/phrase that 424.) Select the correct idiom that can substitute the
can substitute the underlined segment in the given italicised group of words in the given sentence.
sentence.
You must not participate in the marathon this year
This incident occurred without a warning. without any training. It is an unreal hope on your
1. Play devil's advocate part!
2. Bolt from the blue  1. a will-o’-the-wisp
3. On thin ice 2. carrying coal to new castle
4. Ignorance is bliss 3. to lose one’s temper
4. a pipe dream 

given idiom.
At cross purposes
1. Developing and amplifying ideas given
2. Disagreeing with each other’s ideas 
3. Finalising ideas and plans
4. Blindly following each other’s ideas
SSC Updates: EZSSC
I just went to Bali on a backpacking trip and did
everything by the ear without any itinerary. Out of the blue
1. by asking 1. Unbelievably
2. by spreading rumors 2. Unexpectedly 
3. while criticising 3. Unconcerned
4. by improvisation  4. Undoubtedly
428.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the 429.) Identify the option that can be substituted as
given idiom. the correct idiom for the underlined part of the given
You snooze, you lose sentence.
1. Laziness is not good
2. If you are not alert, you are likely to miss As soon as the principal came to know about the
opportunities  inspection in the school, he put everything in perfect
3. If you oversleep, you are likely to lose a job order.
4. You may lose your money if snoozing is not 1. Apple of one’s eye
stopped 2. Apple pie order 
3. Alley apple
4. Apple of discord
430.) Select the correct idiom that can substitute the 431.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the
italicised group of words in the given sentence. underlined phrase.
Shelley has been contemplating for a few days but Though very rich, Alexander always saves for a rainy
still has not decided to quit the job. day.
1. biting the dust 1. Accumulates less wealth
2. cooling one’s heels 2. Saves money for later 
3. chewing the cud  3. Lives like a miser
4. getting into hot waters 4. Spends too much
432.) Choose the most appropriate meaning of the 433.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the
His voice gets on my nerves.
1. Makes me sad In a soup
2. Makes me ill 1. To exhibit cowardice
3. Pierces my eardrums 2. Extremely short of money
4. Irritates me  3. In trouble 
4. To get nothing
434.) Select the most appropriate idiom/phrase that 435.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the
can substitute the given group of words. underlined idiom in the following sentence.
I really don’t want to pour cold water on your theory
The better you know someone the less you like him. but it cannot be applied to real life situations.
1. Familiarity breeds contempt  1. To be critical or doubtful of a plan that
2. Save for a rainy day someone is excited about 
3. Spill the beans 2. To destroy someone’s written piece of work
4. The elephant in the room 3. To give goosebumps by showing a prospect
4. To take revenge on someone by destroying their
lives’ work under the pretext of bad quality
436.) Select the option that can substitute the 437.) Select the most appropriate idiomatic
underlined segment with the correct idiom. expression to fill in the blank.
After finishing this assignment, the employees make
it a day. Anita keeps on repeating that she is innocent, but
1. ring it a day there is ___________.
2. call it a day  1. no smoke without fire 
3. consider it a day 2. no rubbing of the shoulders
4. stop it a day 3. no love lost between
4. no pulling up of the socks
438.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the 439.) Select the most appropriate idiom or phrase to
given idiom. fill in the blank in the given sentence.
Treading on thin ice
1. Skating on ice fallen in a hailstorm He is rich and famous and expects everyone to
2. Playing with a sharp icicle _________ on him.
3. To be in a dangerous risky position  1. dead duck
4. Making a thin ice sculpture 2. dance attendance 
3. tap dance like mad
4. give a song and dance
440.) Identify the option that can be substituted as 441.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the
the correct idiom for the underlined part of the given given idiom.
sentence.
Get up on the wrong side of the bed
My cousin sister Neetu had an aerial view of the trade 1. Someone who is having a horrible day 
fair from the top of the giant wheel. 2. Destroy or ruin a plan
1. Birds of same feather 3. Go to bed or go to sleep
2. Bird brain 4. Someone who is having a good day
3. Bird’s eye view 
4. A bird in the gilded cage
442.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the 443.) Select the most appropriate idiom for the given
given idiom. underlined segment in the sentence.
Hard nut to crack Riya always considers sincerity, devotion and

1. A problem difficult to solve  dedication as the highest priority of a good employee.
2. A situation that can be altered 1. Fair and square
3. To leave an effect 2. Free and easy
4. To bid farewell 3. First and foremost 
4. Ever and anon
following statement. underlined idiom.
It's better to get less than what you want than get The new electric car costs an arm and a leg.
nothing. 1. Needs physical strength to drive
1. Half a loaf is better than none  2. Is very expensive 
2. A storm in a teacup 3. Has no gears
3. Waste not, want not 4. Is very cheap
4. Where there is smoke, there is fire
446.) Select the most appropriate idiom for the 447.) Select the most appropriate idiom to fill in the
following sentence. blank.
The government arrested the opposition leader, Ashu is a dedicated guy, always ready to _________
making the situation worse. for the betterment of his company.
1. To be on the last leg 1. rain on his parade
2. To add fuel to the fire  2. lose his marbles
3. To cast pearls before swine 3. go the extra mile 
4. To bite the dust 4. snug as a bug in a rug
The doctor who treats bone problems A person who has features of extrovert and introvert
1. Gynaecologist 1. Stoic
2. Physiotherapist 2. Ambivert 
3. Obstetrician 3. Dual
4. Orthopaedist  4. Ambiguous

given idiom.
Play it by ear
1. Discontinue impulsively
2. Act as suggested
3. Perform without any rehearsals 
4. Obey the rules blindly
SSC Updates: EZSSC

underlined segment in the following sentence. given idiom.
Brave people never hide at the moment of decision. Bite the bullet
1. Turn back the hands of time 1. To take a risk
2. Beat the clock 2. To endure a painful situation 
3. When the crunch comes  3. To enjoy something immensely
4. A hell of time 4. To criticise someone harshly
453.) Select the most appropriate idiom for the given 454.) Select the most appropriate idiom for the given
situation. situation.
Aurangzeb, the famous Mughal ruler, found that he Geetika spoke a lot about her new movie. However, it
had caught someone more powerful than him in the came to nothing in the theatres.
form of the brave Maratha, Shivaji. 1. To give the devil his dues
1. Catching a tartar  2. To get into hot water
2. Nipping in the bud 3. To end in smoke 
3. Changing the hands 4. To dig the grave
4. Blazing the trail
underlined segment in the following sentence. underlined phrase in the following sentence.
Raima takes her classes very attentively. As the actors gathered backstage, the director
1. By blazing a trail shouted, “Break a leg, everyone!” before they took
2. Be all ears  the stage for their opening night performance.
3. By losing in a cloud 1. To get a good night's sleep
4. In accordance with 2. To wish someone good luck 
3. To take a risk
4. To keep a secret
Memory like sieve
Make up one’s mind 1. Feeling ill
1. To leave 2. Being healthy
2. To cheat 3. Remembering everything
3. To disturb 4. Poor memory 
4. To decide 
459.) Select the most appropriate idiom for the 460.) Select the most appropriate idiom to fill in the
underlined words in the given sentence. blank.
Her son came from Europe to meet her _________
The candidate blamed the persistent traffic jam as after 20 years.
reason of his being late and the interviewer believed 1. like a cakewalk
him though he was not convinced. 2. stepping up his game
1. gave the benefit of doubt  3. blowing off the steam
2. did not judge the book by its cover 4. out of the blue 
3. thought err is human and to forgive is divine
4. changed his tune
underlined idiom. statement.
Coming from the movie around midnight, the boys hit One who hurries up always gets the best.
the sack. 1. The early bird catches the worm 
1. shouted at parents 2. His bark is worse than his bite
2. jumped with joy 3. Brevity is the soul of wit
3. hit a wall 4. Forewarned is forearmed
4. went to sleep 
463.) Select the most appropriate idiom to fill in the 464.) Select the most appropriate idiom for the
blank. underlined segment in the given sentence.
When I was in Italy for a tour, the tourist guide
provided by Azim was ____________. Because of The new entrant in the class felt uncomfortable as all
him, the whole tour was successful. were unfamiliar to him.
1. burning the midnight oil 1. Was fish out of water 
2. worth his weight in gold  2. Left out in cold
3. armed to the teeth 3. Was not given a fig
4. looking for a needle in a haystack 4. Buried his head in the sand
underlined words in the given sentence. underlined phrase in the following sentence.
After procrastinating for weeks, I finally had to bite
Ritika had a narrow escape as she was driving the bullet and ask my boss for a raise.
recklessly on the highway. 1. To take the easy way out
1. close shave  2. To be indecisive
2. cock a snook 3. To endure a painful or difficult situation with
3. cut both ends courage and determination 
4. come in handy 4. To give up easily
Getting the long-awaited promotion is a milestone in Forty winks

her career. 1. A precarious situation
1. Burden 2. A short nap 
2. Important event  3. An opportunity in hand
3. Mishap 4. A small talk
4. Wonder
469.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the 470.) Select the INCORRECTLY spelt word.
given idiom.
The Greeks are considered to be a courageous race
Cut to the chase valuing the knowledge, beauty and wisidiom.
1. To change the subject 1. Valuing
2. To get to the point  2. Wisidiom 
3. To take a shortcut 3. Courageous
4. To interrupt someone 4. Knowledge
given idiom. underlined segment in the sentence given below.
Like a cat on a hot tin roof
1. Being in a state of agitation  Most of the people say that some people fight for the
2. Being lazy cause but most of them don’t support it.
3. Studying very hard 1. Are out of frying pan onto the fire
4. Urging somebody not to worry about something 2. Spare the rod and spoil the child
3. Pay only lip service 
4. Mind their P’s and Q’s
given idiom. situation.
Cutting corners
1. To follow the rules strictly Shayam was accused of bribery, but he submitted
2. To be honest and fair proofs for his innocence.
3. To do something quickly or cheaply, often at 1. Beating about the bush
the expense of quality or safety  2. Chapter and verse 
4. To take the long way around 3. Cast pearls before they swine
4. Buying the pig in a poke
given idiom.
Devil’s advocate
1. One who is very precise and accurate
2. One who presents very logical arguments
3. One who takes an opposing position for the
sake of argument 
4. One who never argues
SSC Updates: EZSSC
given idiom. word substitute for the given group of words.
Spill the beans A word or a phrase formed by rearranging a different

1. Disclose the secrets accidentally  word
2. Open the flow of the stopped water 1. Amateur
3. Liberate the controlled emotions 2. Anaphora
4. Distribute food grains freely 3. Anagram 
4. Accessible
478.) Select the most appropriate idiom to fill in the 479.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the
blank. given idiom.
Never believe anything you hear from others. Try to
get every bit of information _____________, if On the straight and narrow
possible. 1. The unpredictable though genuine
1. in the fast lane 2. The unrefined and complicated
2. fair and square 3. The honest but dubious
3. straight from the horse's mouth  4. The straightforward and ethically
4. down the line acceptable 
following sentence. given idiom.
Her visits to her family are very rare because she lives A hard nut to crack
out of the country. 1. Any subject which several folks are talking about
1. Beck and call 2. A problem that is difficult to solve 
2. All in all 3. Something that people believe or accept as true
3. Few and far between  without questioning it
4. Egg on 4. An excessive enthusiasm or rage about a minor
matter
given idiom. underlined segment in the following sentence.
Head in the clouds We should protect ourselves from jealous people.

1. Being absent minded  1. High-spirited
2. Being extremely happy 2. Any Tom, Dick or Harry
3. Being extremely sad 3. Green-eyed 
4. Being extremely tall 4. One trick pony
given idiom. situation.
Fallen flat
1. To do something ultimately Mayank was speaking a lot about honesty, but when
2. To fall on the ground Rita reminded him about the money paid to him for
3. To resolve the work, he behaved cowardly and left the place.
4. To fail or be ineffective  1. Gliding the pill
2. Going with his tail between his legs 
3. Falling flat
4. Flogging a dead horse
Meera is not qualified much but has the art of Have a bash
speaking. 1. to make an attempt 
1. Gift of the gab  2. to put something on hold
2. A lick of paint 3. to spoil a moment
3. Hope against hope 4. to betray a close friend
4. An acid tongue
488.) Select the most appropriate idiom for the given 489.) Select the most appropriate idiom for the given
situation. statement.
Don’t annoy or irritate Raghav, otherwise he will Doing things in a hurry does not give fruitful results.
oppose our proposal in the meeting. 1. Still waters run deep
1. Pass the buck 2. Haste is waste 
2. Pour oil on troubled water 3. Wisdom is too high for a fool
3. Loose the ground 4. Nothing succeeds like success
4. Rub in the wrong way 
490.) Select the most appropriate idiom for the 491.) Select the most appropriate idiom for the
underlined segment in the following sentence. underlined segment in the following sentence.
The servants know the secrets of the family they are Shruti is a strange person because of her attitude.
working for. 1. Queer fish 
1. Latin and Greek 2. A straw man
2. Hornet’s nest 3. A scarlet woman
3. Long and short 4. A one man
4. Ins and outs 
underlined segment in the following sentence. underlined segment in the following sentence.
The child played the video game as much as he Rohit is very mischievous and always annoys his
wanted to. teachers.
1. To his heart’s content  1. A storm in a tea cup
2. To gild the pill 2. Leads up the garden path
3. To assume airs 3. Puts his shoulders to the wheel
4. To kick the bucket 4. Gets in his teacher’s hair 
Queer pitch
The proud people forget the fact that the world is 1. Act out of normal
tangible. 2. Spoil somebody's chance of doing
1. Head and shoulders something 
2. Hobson’s choice 3. Make a lot of progress
3. Hard-nosed attitude 4. Make a weird request
4. High and mighty 
following statement. underlined words in the given sentence.
We should be together to fight any danger. Otherwise, Playing fantasy games on internet is an easy way to
separately, we won’t be able to fight. make money quickly but it’s risky.
1. Well begun is half done 1. bigger fish to fry
2. Nothing ventured, nothing gained 2. making a quick buck 
3. A full purse makes the mouth speak 3. in for a penny in for a pound
4. United we stand, divided we fall  4. not fair and square
Turn his hand to
Having a chip on one’s shoulder 1. To resolve
1. Having a proud and self-centred arrogance 2. To adapt or apply to
2. Having an irritated and unfriendly attitude  3. To try new things 
3. Showing great resistance to any adversities 4. To try hard
4. Having an unnecessary feeling of guilt
500.) Select the option that can be used as a one-

word substitute for the given group of words/phrase.
Spoken or done without preparation

1. Debate
2. Elocution
3. Extempore 
4. Declamation
SSC Updates: EZSSC
underlined segment in the sentence given below. given idiom.
Richa was provoking her neighbours against her maid Cry for the moon
Shanta who spoke against her but none of them 1. To start performing better
responded. 2. To have patience
1. Egging on  3. To be extremely happy
2. Smelling a rat 4. To desire the unattainable 
3. Rising like a phoenix
4. Carrying the conviction
given idiom. underlined words in the given sentence.
Have a narrow escape
1. Just manage to avoid danger or trouble  The childhood days are peaceful days of our life.
2. Only just succeed in doing something 1. live wire days
3. Likely to fall in the near future 2. hard and fast days
4. Do something very risky 3. all years
4. halcyon days 
underlined words in the given sentence. given idiom.
Throw cold water on
Piyush is inexperienced in leather industry. 1. To rinse thoroughly
1. in great hands 2. To talk nicely
2. hang fire 3. To encourage
3. a sore thumb 4. To show indifference 
4. a greenhorn 
following statement. underlined segment in the following sentence.
The manager was punished for his negligence in Everything in the mansion was in great confusion
work. after the robbery.
1. Burn one’s boats 1. Pell-mell 
2. Bid defiance 2. Pick holes
3. Bring to book  3. Damp squib
4. Bolt from the blue 4. Turn over a new leaf
underlined words in the given sentence. given idiom.
Costs an arm and a leg
He was alone and knew the dangers ahead during his 1. To be moderately priced
journey, but he tried to keep up his confidence. 2. To be affordable
1. wouldn’t be caught dead 3. To be very expensive 
2. stepped up his game 4. To be free of charge
3. made a sterner stuff
4. whistled in the dark 
underlined segment in the following sentence. following sentence.
The recent strike of the employees left the factory and
Nitish’s promotion is due. its machinery in disorder.
1. With due respect 1. Lock and key
2. Done to death 2. Out of gear 
3. Not worth his salt 3. Need of the hour
4. On the cards  4. Pin-money
513.) Select the most appropriate idiom for the 514.) Choose the correct meaning of the underlined
underlined segment in the given sentence. idiom in the given sentence.
There is no point developing bad blood with your
When he made fun of the sage, who was already neighbours.
infuriated, it made a bad situation worse. 1. Family relations
1. Budged up 2. Enmity 
2. Made them at the loggerheads 3. Business relations
3. Pulled someone’s legs 4. Friendship
4. Added fuel to the fire 
515.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the 516.) Select the idiom that can substitute the
given idiom. underlined group of words.
The officer asked his subordinates to keep him posted My manager is very angry
of the workplace developments. 1. Loses face
1. not disturb him in matters 2. Fat cat
2. maintain secrecy 3. Pulls a face
3. send letters by post 4. Has a face like thunder 
4. keep sharing the latest information 
Hit the nail on the head Add insult to injury
1. Win something by chance 1. Humiliated badly
2. Hit the wrong note 2. Worst attitude due to humiliation
3. Get something exactly right  3. Injured due to a road accident
4. Making too many errors 4. To make a bad situation worse 
The elephant in the room
1. The hazards of negligence Bread and butter
2. A happy situation 1. Running after money
3. Embracing problems 2. Feeling extra hungry
4. The problem people are avoiding  3. Comfortable luxurious living
4. Means of livelihood 
complete the given sentence. given idiom.
I failed this semester, but now I am_______. Blaze the trail

1. back to the drawing board  1. To burn an evidence
2. giving a penny for your thoughts 2. To get into trouble
3. going to miss the boat 3. To start a movement 
4. going to bite the bullet 4. To escape narrowly
523.) Select the most appropriate idiom based on the 524.) Select the option that can be used as a one-
situation given below. word substitute for the given group of words/phrase.
The government is keen to end the disagreement and Any organisation’s involvement with or influence in
offer peace after the death of several innocent people. the community; especially in the context of social
Hence, they decided to ___________ to the terrorists. welfare
1. hold out an olive branch  1. Outright
2. have a brush with 2. Outrigger
3. hit the nail on the head 3. Outreach 
4. hit the jackpot 4. Outride

underlined idiom in the following sentence.
If you think you can buy everything with money, you

are still in a fool’s paradise.
1. In a village of fools
2. A state of imaginary happiness 
3. In another planet
4. A real world
SSC Updates: EZSSC
526.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the 527.) Select the idiom that can substitute the
given idiom. underlined group of words.
Between Scylla and Charybdis Shyam is a very small part of a big organisation.
1. Choice between two avoidable alternatives 1. Bad egg
2. Choice between two unpleasant 2. Swan song
alternatives  3. A cog in the machine 
3. Choice between two unavoidable alternatives 4. Zero in on
4. Choice between two pleasant alternatives
528.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the 529.) Select the most appropriate idiom or phrase to
given idiom. complete the given sentence.
ABC of something The thief _______ when he thought he heard someone

1. Chief support coming.
2. Essential fact  1. upset the apple cart
3. Simply natural 2. was behind one’s back
4. Human instinct 3. took to his heels 
4. had a tight spot
complete the given sentence. underlined idiom.
The final round contestants at the Miss Thailand The company was on thin ice.
pageant will be tested for brains because 1. Depending on business competitors
__________. 2. In a situation of comfort
1. they bring to book 3. In a precarious or risky situation 
2. beauty is only skin deep  4. Forcing itself to collaborate
3. of their polished performance
4. they hit the nail on the head
Cup of tea
1. Long held desire The council president is known to play devil’s
2. A cup brimming with tea advocate often.
3. Favourite pastime 1. To play risky games
4. Something one likes/excels in  2. To argue, just for the sake of it 
3. Make one’s own destiny
4. To allow others to rise
The police inspector knows the ins and outs of the
murder case.
Call it a day 1. laws
1. To refer to something as something else 2. full details 
2. To have the greatest day ever 3. all the witnesses
3. To be very straightforward 4. lawyers and judges
4. To stop working 
Spill the beans
1. Behave or speak in a rash manner The executives were running around in circles,
2. Things always get worse without any success.
3. To reveal a secret information 1. Successfully accomplishing the target
unintentionally  2. Suffering huge profits and losses
4. Excellent health 3. Putting efforts into something that does not
give a worthwhile result 
4. Achieving maximum mileage
Let sleeping dogs lie Sell like hot cakes
1. Leave an existing situation as it is  1. Being ignored
2. To fall sick intentionally 2. Eating hot cake
3. To let somebody sleep 3. Quick sell out 
4. To care for the pet 4. Selling cakes
540.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the 541.) Select the most appropriate idiom to fill in the
given idiom. blank.
The play I saw last night was a ________.
Call the shots 1. smash hit 
1. To be in a powerless position that follows orders 2. hit the hay
2. To be in a position to make decisions that 3. hit the roof
influences a situation  4. hit the road
3. To be a follower that makes less important
decision
4. To be in a neutral position
following sentence. given idiom.
Shweta organises the sale of handmade pottery at a Barking up the wrong tree
cheap rate. 1. Provoke trouble
1. Having one’s cake and eating it too 2. To make a bad situation worse
2. Go for a song  3. Getting a good start is important
3. Making a fuss out of something 4. To be mistaken, to be looking for solutions in
4. Hush money the wrong place 
blank. given idiom.
Rajat is known for his notorious nature. He will be
friendly to your face but likes ____________.
1. to blow his trumpet Blessing in disguise
2. to get all bent out of the shape 1. Something that remains hidden from everyone
3. to paint the whole town red 2. Something that seems good but is harmful for you
4. to stab you in the back  3. Something that cannot be hidden from anyone
4. Something that seems bad but provides some
benefit 
blank. given idiom.
Our trainer asked for _______ on her for the next
informative session.
1. all eyes and ears  To cut someone some slack
2. chasing rainbows 1. Avoid talking about problems till the very end
3. being around the bend 2. To get the conversation going
4. going bananas 3. To criticise someone very strictly
4. To not manage someone very strictly or
critically 
548.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the 549.) Select the most appropriate idiom from the
given idiom. given options to fill in the blank.
Beat around the bush We broke the traffic rules unknowingly while coming
1. To avoid addressing a topic correctly  back from the party, now we have to ________ sooner
2. To be persistent in pursuing a goal or later.
3. To be direct and formal 1. bid defiance
4. To be impatient and short-tempered 2. look sharp
3. cry for the moon
4. face the music 

underlined idiom in the following sentence.
I ordered a dozen doughnuts, but the kind baker gave

me a baker’s dozen.
1. A group of 12
2. A group of 13 
3. A group of 12 bakers
4. A group of 12 bakery items
SSC Updates: EZSSC

underlined idiom. underlined idiom.
My friend’s business has grown by leaps and bounds. The shopkeeper was sly as a fox and tried to sell off
1. slowly the old stock.
2. perfectly 1. slow
3. aimlessly 2. in confusion or disagreement
4. rapidly  3. suspicious
4. smart and clever 
After years of rivalry, the two families decided to Day and night
bury the hatchet. 1. Diligently
1. To end a quarrel and become friendly  2. Adversely
2. To end a quarrel by never talking to each other 3. Clumsily
3. To start a new quarrel 4. Continuously 
4. To continue an old quarrel
555.) Select the most appropriate idiom to fill in the 556.) Select the most appropriate idiom to fill in the
blank. blank.
Jane, please don’t tell me fairy tales; I just want to
know the real matter ________. I don’t think you should go out in the rain, it's
1. in a fortnight ________.
2. in a nutshell  1. raining cats and dogs 
3. in the cold 2. raining dogs and puppies
4. in the long run 3. rain on cats and dogs
4. storming cats and dogs
A poem of lamentation on the death of someone loved
and admired. Break the ice
1. Epitaph 1. To say something that makes people excited for a
2. Tragedy group project
3. Elegy  2. To say something that makes people who are
4. Soliloquy meeting for the first time more comfortable 
3. To say something mean to people in a group
4. To say something that makes strangers
uncomfortable
To get cold feet To keep one’s temper
1. To be indifferent 1. To remain calm 
2. To run for life 2. To become impatient
3. To be afraid  3. To meet with disaster
4. To fall sick 4. To become angry
561.) Select the option that can be used as a one- 562.) Select the most appropriate idiom to fill in the
word substitute for the given phrase. blank.
A person who is known for his hatred towards the I asked my friend to ___________________ against
entire mankind. her employers who are doing wrong to her.
1. Philogynist 1. fight the good fight
2. Mercenary 2. fight fire with fire 
3. Insolvent 3. finders keepers, losers weepers
4. Misanthrope  4. fine words butter no parsnips
underlined idiom. underlined idiom in the given sentence.
The actor decided to live life in the fast lane.

1. A life of extreme speed Rina’s house is at a stone’s throw from the school.
2. Racing away to the moon 1. A very long distance
3. Dropping charges of crime 2. Next to
4. A life filled with excitement  3. Not very close to
4. A very short distance 
underlined idiom in the following sentence. blank.
By living in a rural area with access to the city, she
After having invested so much time and energy into gets _______________.
the project, we are now back to square one. 1. to keep an ear to the ground
1. In the same city 2. in for a penny in for a pound
2. Not ready for the consequence 3. on cloud nine
3. Fighting with each other 4. the best of both worlds 
4. Having to start all over again 
Get your act together Mary is a ball of fire and is always engaged in
1. Get organised and do things better  something creative.
2. To have patience 1. To be good and beneficial for someone
3. To act in a play 2. A talkative person
4. To stay together 3. A dull and insipid person
4. An active and energetic person 
underlined idiom. given options to fill in the blank.
Greta Thunberg _____________ when she dared to
The judge wanted to hear straight from the horse’s question about accountability with respect to global
mouth. warming and climate change.
1. Having ears which never fail 1. kept the pot boiling
2. Directly from the person involved  2. sowed wild oats
3. In close vicinity to the juror 3. hit the nail on the head 
4. Directly from the lawyer 4. gave the devil his due
given idiom. given options to fill in the blank.
Be like chalk and cheese Being a journalist, your first duty is to ____________
1. To be completely different from each other  or else your colleagues might surpass you.
2. To be very similar to each other 1. keep your ear to the ground 
3. To be distantly related to each other 2. have an axe to grind
4. To have a close relation with another person 3. build castles in the air
4. eat a humble pie
A storm in a teacup
1. Easy money
2. Suffering in silence Bigger fish to fry
3. A signal for upcoming storm 1. To barely get something done
4. Much excitement over something trivial  2. Having something more important to take care
of 
3. Having work more than one’s capacity
4. To be similar to one’s parents in some way
underlined idiom.
The Indian team had its back against the wall, but
managed to fight back.
1. Forced to indulge in propaganda
2. In extreme joy or exhilaration
3. Stuck in a difficult circumstance with no
escape 
4. Throwing the opposition off guard
SSC Updates: EZSSC
From scratch
Buying a home in the city centre will cost you an arm 1. From utter disorder
and a leg. 2. From death
1. A large amount of money  3. From a skin disease
2. A small amount of money 4. From the beginning 
3. Physical pain
4. Nothing extra
Into hot water
The detective went the whole nine yards in his 1. Into trouble 
investigation. 2. Not on good terms
1. Taking the distant call 3. Came to nothing
2. Everything, all the way  4. In favour with
3. Close affinity with the law
4. Measuring every step
Have egg on your face Bite the dust
1. Defeat someone thoroughly 1. To suffer a defeat 
2. To be made to look foolish or embarrassed  2. To fall asleep
3. Making a choice between two unpleasant choices 3. To remain calm
4. Reveal a secret 4. To fall from a height
As phony as a three-dollar bill
“Do not turn a blind eye to all the mischief your child 1. Something that is fake 
is up to”, the teacher told the young parent. 2. Something that is attractive
1. Give rewards 3. Something that is disgusting
2. Take pride in 4. Something that is genuine
3. Pretend not to notice 
4. Close the door
584.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the 585.) Choose the option which best expresses the
underlined idiom. meaning of the given idiom.
Ramesh always blows his own trumpet.
1. does his own work By fair means or foul
2. praises himself  1. To find difficulty in completing some work
3. depends on others 2. To work without planning
4. criticises himself 3. To get one’s way with honesty or
dishonesty 
4. To provoke someone into quarrelling
He was on cloud nine when he got admission in To cross swords
Cambridge University. 1. To kill
1. very happy  2. To fight 
2. available to be called to go to work 3. To defend
3. involved in useless journey 4. To arrange
4. unsettled
blank. underlined idiom in the following sentence.
You are an intellectual with a professional degree;
you can do wonders as _____________. Riddhi believes in wearing her heart on her sleeve.
1. you are playing with fire That is why she has so many friends.
2. you can say it again 1. To talk aloud
3. the world is your oyster  2. To openly and freely express one’s
4. your mileage may vary emotions 
3. To wear a badge of honour
4. To criticise everybody
blank. underlined idiom in the following sentence.
The deal was ________ for three months.
1. broken the ice Irrespective of the chaos in the classroom, our class
2. cut no ice teacher stays cool as a cucumber.
3. put on ice  1. Scolds all the students in the classroom
4. tipped of the iceberg 2. Develops a fever
3. Stays calm and composed 
4. Behaves like a vegetable
blank. blank.
It’s risky to invest all your savings in one company; Naina has six children, and I always ________ with
it’s like _______________. their names.
1. breaking a leg 1. get rid of
2. going down in flames 2. get mixed up 
3. biting the bullet 3. get away clean
4. putting all your eggs in one basket  4. get cold feet
underlined idiom in the given sentence. blank.
Please tell me about the meeting ________.
1. in a nutshell 
A man of character, he stuck to his guns even in the 2. in a spin
most difficult situations. 3. in a huff
1. To stand firm against all difficulties and 4. in a stew
challenges 
2. To do things that would please people
3. To behave disrespectfully
4. To find a treasure
Pay an arm and a leg for something One who lends money to others at a very high rate of
1. Pay a lot of attention to an incident interest.
2. Give a lot of love and care to someone 1. Usurer 
3. Pay a lot of money for something  2. Curator
4. Be devoted to unwanted things 3. Numismatist
4. Bankrupt
blank. given idiom.
Rahul speaks easily in front of a small group, but he Beat around the bush
seems ________ before a large audience. 1. To have patience
1. ill at ease  2. To talk about important things
2. ill-disposed to 3. To avoid people
3. think ill of 4. To avoid talking about what is important 
4. man of ill repute
600.) Select the most appropriate idiom for the

following sentence.
He made the business profitable from unprofitable in
about a year of joining.
1. Still waters run deep
2. Throw up
3. Where there is a will, there is a way 
4. Easy come, easy go
SSC Updates: EZSSC
601.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the 602.) Choose the most appropriate meaning of the
By the skin of your teeth
1. By a very narrow margin  As soon as Rohan learned that he had topped the
2. To be less affected by criticisms and rebuffs examination, he was on cloud nine.
3. Saved by others 1. Very tense
4. Very protective 2. Very sad
3. Very happy 
4. Very confused
The two neighbours will probably stop fighting when
pigs fly The apple of one’s eye
1. When their families meet 1. Very cheerful
2. Something that is impossible  2. Very nice
3. When it rains 3. Very pleasing
4. When there is magic 4. Very dear 
605.) Select the appropriate meaning of the given 606.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the
idiom. given idiom.
Grasping at straws Bone to pick

1. Wasting time enjoying and relaxing 1. To not give up
2. Holding the last strands of straw 2. To be angry about something and want to
3. Desperate attempt to succeed  discuss it 
4. Futile attempts to win 3. Putting in extra effort
4. To stop trying hard
blank. given idiom.
She told me, ________, that she was going to live in
New York.
1. once in a blue moon Castles in the air
2. blue blood 1. Realistic and possible plan
3. out of the blue  2. Unexpected change in the climate
4. black and blue 3. Strong hope to get success
4. Unrealistic and impossible plan 
underlined idiom. underlined idiom in the following sentence.
He managed to save his father’s business by the sweat
of his brow. He was quaking in his boots when he had to give a
1. hard work  speech on the stage.
2. tricks and strategies 1. To shake in excitement
3. any way possible 2. To shake in happiness
4. incidentally 3. To tremble in excitement
4. To tremble with fear 
611.) Select the option that can be used as a one- 612.) Select the most appropriate idiom to fill in the
word substitute for the given phrase. blank.
A place where water is collected and stored for future Instead of answering the question directly, the
use. politician kept ___________.
1. Sanatorium 1. spilling the bean
2. Aquarium 2. pointing at his laurels
3. Reservoir  3. crying over spilt milk
4. Resort 4. beating around the bush 
The mother requested the nurse to keep an eye on the
baby while she went for tea.
Spill the beans 1. Keep informed
1. To tell a secret  2. Watch for the arrival or appearance
2. To cry over what is done 3. Mistreat
3. To believe something as it seems 4. Watch and take care 
4. To do things in a fair way
Child’s play
The entrepreneur decided to throw caution to the 1. Weakness
wind. 2. Something very easy 
1. Take the best option 3. Just behaviour
2. Take a risk  4. In someone’s role
3. Think innovatively
4. In extreme windy conditions
blank. blank.
Jack took on three jobs at once but soon realised he
had _____________. I know it was wrong to distract his friends, but
1. taken it with a grain of salt ________.
2. bitten off more than he could chew  1. all’s fair in the world
3. played by the ear 2. all’s fair in love and war 
4. cut corners 3. all’s unfair in love and war
4. all’s unfair in the world
blank. given idiom.
The CEO has _____________ than worrying about Keep someone at arm’s length
individual customer complaints. 1. Angry about something
1. bigger fish to fry  2. To ruin someone’s plans
2. taken a rain check 3. To avoid becoming too close or friendly with
3. thrown caution to the wind someone 
4. been walking on thin ice 4. Having energy again after being tired
given phrase. blank.
It's easy to say that you'll start exercising every day,
All of a sudden but it is ______________.
1. Quickly and unexpectedly  1. crying wolf
2. Accidently 2. going the extra mile
3. Intentionally 3. easier said than done 
4. Quickly and Expectedly 4. like fish out of water
blank. underlined idiom.
The decision to go on a trip after my vacations was These things are very hard to swallow.
the ________. 1. difficult to speak
1. icing on the cake  2. difficult to eat
2. apple on the cake 3. difficult to believe 
3. ice on the cake 4. difficult to resist
4. icing on the brownie
625.) Select the most appropriate idiom to fill in the

blank.
If Peter said he would get that book for you, he will
do it. He always ________.
1. keeps his word 
2. keeps him at arm’s length
3. keeps under his hat
4. keeps his shirt on
SSC Updates: EZSSC
blank. underlined idiom in the given sentence.
Sameera has been in ________ since she got selected
for a highly paid job at a multinational company.
1. all the rage Today’s question paper felt like a cakewalk.
2. a cold day in July 1. Very tasty
3. the dark 2. Very difficult
4. seventh heaven  3. Very sweet
4. Very easy 
Beauty of it We prefer going to movies once in a blue moon.
1. Good points  1. Very diligently
2. Cause for dispute 2. Very rarely 
3. Make things worse 3. Very often
4. Quite ordinary 4. Very amazingly
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Idioms/Phrases Asked in Recent Exams (Total: 629)

25.) In the following question, out of the given four

SSC Updates: EZSSC

50.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the

SSC Updates: EZSSC

75.) Select the most appropriate idiom to fill in the

Mona’s appeal always seems to ________ of the

SSC Updates: EZSSC

Sticky fingers By and large

100.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the

SSC Updates: EZSSC

Achilles’ Heel Water under the bridge

At your beck and call Bag and baggage

The whys and wherefores To call in question

Siraj-ud Daula’s defeat can be attributed to a snake in In dire straits

Steal someone’s thunder Flash in the pan

Go the extra mile Get the picture

125.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the

Light at the end of tunnel

SSC Updates: EZSSC

Take it with a grain of salt Fit as a fiddle

Wild goose chase Blow one’s own trumpet

As he is never on time, he regrets uselessly on Add fuel to the flames

To put a spoke in one’s wheel Hang in there

The best thing since sliced bread To be in the doldrums

Raining cats and dogs Level playing field

Grandmother revealed the secret. In the blink of an eye

An arm and a leg Rain on someone’s parade

150.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the

SSC Updates: EZSSC

Out of the woods Hit the sack

Bear a grudge Gate-crasher

Beside oneself Risk life and limb

Chew someone out

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Explore all avenues Spinning one’s wheels

Grease someone’s palm A man of means

It takes two to tango Called for

Spill the beans Back to square one

Sow wild oats Let the cat out of the bag

Face the music Public enemy number one

200.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the

SSC Updates: EZSSC

Penny wise and pound foolish In the fast lane

At the drop of a hat A vicious cycle

Will-o-the-wisp White elephant

Like oil and water Has bigger fish to fry

225.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the

To go through fire and water

SSC Updates: EZSSC

It was a great chance. You missed out an opportunity. Forty winks

A Penelope’s web If the linguistic minority refuses to vote, it may rock

Once in a blue moon Have your heart in your mouth

Head over heels A chip on one’s shoulder

A slap on the wrist Armed to the teeth

On the fence To add fuel to fire.

Up a creek without a paddle Get a second wind

250.) Select the most appropriate meaning of the

SSC Updates: EZSSC

Eternal; lasting forever or indefinitely An extra profit or allowance additional to a main

275.) In the following question, out of the given four

Easier said than done Throw caution to the wind

Get out of hand Those were only crocodile tears.

To go down in flames Ruffle someone’s feathers