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EK DUM BASIC
COMPLETE SSC PREVIOUS YEAR VOCAB PACKAGE
EK DUM BASIC
ALPHABETICAL
SEQUENCE GIVEN IN
BOOK. AFTER
WATCHING VIDEO,
THIS PDF WILL BE
HELPFUL IN REVISION
1. At one’s wit’s end
EK DUM BASIC
(perplexed)
EX- By looking at difficult question in exam
he was at his wit’s end..
2. At one’s fingertips
EK DUM BASIC
(complete knowledge)
Ex- All idioms will be at your
fingertips after watching this class.
3. At the spur of moment
EK DUM BASIC
(without delay)
EK DUM BASIC
(most important)
Ex – As he is single son to his
parents, so he is all in all at home.
5. At close quarters
EK DUM BASIC
(close examinations)
EK DUM BASIC
(in perfect order)
At the time of CM visit everything was in apple
pie order.
7. Above board
EK DUM BASIC
(honest & straight forward)
He is known for his above-board
personality.
8. ABOVE ALL
EK DUM BASIC
(BEFORE EVERYTHING ELSE)
Above all, I really liked his sales experience but his
language skills are great too.
•Above all, get there by 7 a.m. or you
won't get a seat on the bus.
9. As fit as a fiddle
EK DUM BASIC
(strong and healthy)
He has recovered from illness and now as fit as
fiddle.
10. At random
EK DUM BASIC
(aimlessly)
The militants fired at random and
killed 10 people in market.
11. At a loose end
EK DUM BASIC
(unoccupied , idle)
EX- 1. Many boys in villages remain
at a loose end.
EK DUM BASIC
(to be at strife)
Ex- The partners of our firm are at
logger heads these days.
13. An odds
EK DUM BASIC
(in dispute)
EK DUM BASIC
(cause of quarrel)
EK DUM BASIC
(have conflicting
intentions)
EK DUM BASIC
(to one’s liking)
EK DUM BASIC
(to be mainly responsible for)
EK DUM BASIC
(to be unable to decide)
EK DUM BASIC
(to have bitter enmity)
Both brothers are at dagger’s
drawn now a days.
20. At large
EK DUM BASIC
(to keep unchained)
People keep their dogs at large at
night.
21. At Sea
EK DUM BASIC
(Applied to a person confused)
MY SISTER IS QUITE AT SEA IN MATHS
22. Add fuel to the flame or
EK DUM BASIC
fire
To make matter worse
EX-MINISTER’S PROVOCATIVE SPEECH DURING
VIOLENCE ADDED FUEL TO THE FIRE.
23. At sixes and sevens
EK DUM BASIC
(In disorder)
After robbery everything in the house was at sixes and sevens
24. Assume Airs
EK DUM BASIC
(to pretend superiority)
Ex – The rich are in the habit of assuming airs
in the presence of poor people.
25. Argus Eyed
EK DUM BASIC
(careful, observant)
Ex – As a politician he is Argus
eyed and never overlooks even a
small matter.
26. At a stone’s throw
EK DUM BASIC
(very close)
Ex – My friend’s house is at a
stone’s throw from mine.
EK DUM BASIC
1. By hook or by crook
EK DUM BASIC
(by one means or another)
Ex – He is determined to obtain first
division by hook or crook
2. Bear the brunt of
EK DUM BASIC
(to bear the main shock of)
EK DUM BASIC
(to take first step at personal risk)
Many people can boast of their bravery
,but very few can bell the cat.
4. Bid defiance
EK DUM BASIC
(to ignore)
EK DUM BASIC
(To praise oneself)
No one like to talk to those who blows their own
trumpet.
6. Break the news
EK DUM BASIC
To give bad news
He broke the news of her husband’s death very
gently so as to lessen the intensity of shock.
7. Burn a hole in one’s pocket
EK DUM BASIC
(money spent quickly)
EK DUM BASIC
(to make peace)
EK DUM BASIC
(to feel shocked/excessively)
EK DUM BASIC
(bitter relations)
The riots have created bad blood
between the two communities in
India.
11. Black and Blue
EK DUM BASIC
(To beat mercilessly)
Ex – The thief was beaten black and
blue by police.
12. Beat about the bush
EK DUM BASIC
(to talk in a round
about manner)
Ex – When police did interrogation he was
beating about the bush.
13. Beat the air
EK DUM BASIC
(to make useless effort)
To argue with him is like beating the air.
14. Build castles in the air
(To make visionary scheme/to create
EK DUM BASIC
dreams or plans that are
impossible/daydreaming)
Don't build castles in the air when you
design this important project.
15. Break the ice
EK DUM BASIC
To start the conversation
16. Bring to book
EK DUM BASIC
TO PUNISH ,TO CALL TO
ACCOUNT
The manager was brought to
book for his negligence.
17. Breath one’s last
EK DUM BASIC
To die
Rakesh took his last breath in ganga hospital
yesterday.
18. Back stairs influence
EK DUM BASIC
By unfair means
He got govt. job by back stairs
influence.
19.
Bird’s eye view
EK DUM BASIC
Concise view
EK DUM BASIC
Sudden or unexpected
shock/A complete surprise
The news of his friend’s death
came to him as a bolt from blue
21. Burn one’s boats/bridges
EK DUM BASIC
Point of no return
EK DUM BASIC
By the way
EK DUM BASIC
To be equal to
EK DUM BASIC
In anxiety /expectancy
He was waiting for result with
bated breath.
25. Bandy words
EK DUM BASIC
To argue
Obedient children don’t bandy words with
parents when they are advised .
26. Bee in one’s bonnet
EK DUM BASIC
To keep talking about
something again and again
EK DUM BASIC
To be defeated
Abrahim lodhi bite the dust in
first battle of panipat.
28. Blue stocking
EK DUM BASIC
Educated but pedantic lady
EK DUM BASIC
A person in the habit of
pouring over books
He has no time for social activities
because he is book worm.
30.
Bring down the house
EK DUM BASIC
Receive applause
EK DUM BASIC
To bully
EK DUM BASIC
a worthless
EK DUM BASIC
Irrelevant
EK DUM BASIC
To get into trouble
EK DUM BASIC
Day dreaming
EK DUM BASIC
Depend on
EK DUM BASIC
To start a movement
Gandhi ji blazed the trail of quit India
movement in 1942.
38. Bull in a china shop
EK DUM BASIC
One who causes damage
The 5 year old boy was like bull in a china
shop.
39. By the rule of thumb
EK DUM BASIC
According to practical experience
In older times business was run by the rule of
thumb.
40. Big draw
EK DUM BASIC
A huge attraction
The match between India & Pakistan is always a
big draw.
41.
Broken reed
EK DUM BASIC
Support that failed
When he needed help , his friend proved a broken
reed
42. By the skin of teeth
EK DUM BASIC
Narrowly
He escaped death in accident by the skin of
teeth.
43. Bone of contention
EK DUM BASIC
cause of quarrel
Kashmir is a bone of contention between
India & Pak.
44. Bit/piece of one’s mind
EK DUM BASIC
To express one’s opinion
strongly/dissatisfaction/to
scold
That is the fourth time this week my
neighbour's barking dog has woken me
up. I'm going to give her a piece of my
mind about it.
EK DUM BASIC
45. Born with silver spoon
EK DUM BASIC
To be born in a rich family
My friend born with a silver spoon in his
mouth.
46. Burn candle at both ends
EK DUM BASIC
Exhaust someone’s energies or resources by
leading a hectic life
47.
By fits and starts
EK DUM BASIC
Irregularly
EK DUM BASIC
By force of
He achieved success in life by dint of
hard work.
49. Blow hot and cold
EK DUM BASIC
To speak in favour and against
at the same time
Don’t trust those who blow hot and
cold in the same breath.
50. By and by
EK DUM BASIC
Gradually
He is recovering by and by.
51. Blue blood
EK DUM BASIC
Aristocratic blood
Though my friend has blue blood yet
her conduct is very mean and vulgar.
1. Carry matters with a high hand
EK DUM BASIC
To deal with person strictly
The policemen deals with high
hand during remand.
2. Clip one’s wings
EK DUM BASIC
To weaken the power
My elder sister is very ambitious
but my mother will surely clip her
wings.
3. Come home to
EK DUM BASIC
To understand
A solution finally came home to me as
I was falling asleep last night.
4. Come to a standstill
EK DUM BASIC
Come to a sudden stop
EK DUM BASIC
To come out successfully
The final football match was very crucial
but finally we came off with flying colors.
6.
Cross one’s mind
EK DUM BASIC
To occur to oneself
In examination hall it crossed my
mind that I have left pen outside.
7. Cry for the moon
EK DUM BASIC
To wish for something
impossible
Thinking of getting an IAS post
without preparation is like crying
for the moon.
8. Curry favour with
EK DUM BASIC
Win favour of somebody
Neena gave a lot of costly presents to
curry favour of teacher.
9. Call a spade a spade
EK DUM BASIC
To speak plainly
Parents are often reluctant to see any
faults in their children. It is always
better to call a spade a spade rather
than spoiling the children with this.
10.
Carry the day
EK DUM BASIC
To win a victory
After initial setback India carried the
day in the test match.
11. Cut a sorry figure
EK DUM BASIC
To give a poor show
EK DUM BASIC
Repent /Regret
Careless students often have to cry over spilt
milk.
13. Cut one’s coat according to
EK DUM BASIC
one’s cloth
To live within one’s means
A wise man always cuts his coat according to his cloth if
he wants to be successful in his life.
14. Call names
EK DUM BASIC
To abuse/insult someone
Neeta called me names ,so she was
severely punished by the teacher.
15. Chip of the old block
EK DUM BASIC
Resembling one’s parents in habits
My friend is quite helpful like her father , so
she is a chip of the old block.
16. Curtain lecture
EK DUM BASIC
A reproof by wife to her husband
My brother never pays any attention to curtain
lecture and does what he thinks.
17. Cut throat
EK DUM BASIC
Tough
It is difficult for indian
industry to survive in the
teeth of international cut
throat competition
18. Cloven hoof
EK DUM BASIC
The evil intention
The chinese showed cloven hoof in 1962.
19. Cave in
EK DUM BASIC
To fall for Something/To Succumb/
To Collapse/Admit defeat
1. The building caved in by itself after erected for 70 years.
EK DUM BASIC
Doubt
1. You should not call in question my honesty.
EK DUM BASIC
Close together
In metropolitan cities it is common that
affluence and poverty exist cheek by jowl.
22. Come to a pass
EK DUM BASIC
▪ To happen
▪ To take place
▪ To occur
▪ To realise or understand
It came to pass that the respect that I hold
for my parents shallhave
The things nevercome
decrease
to such a
pretty pass that he is financially
ruined.
23. Close shave
EK DUM BASIC
A narrow escape
EK DUM BASIC
Ready made form
There is no cut and dried formula for success
in life.
25. Clinch the issue
EK DUM BASIC
Decide the matter
The minister clinched the issue by accepting
genuine demand of students.
26. Carry one’s point
EK DUM BASIC
Win approval
EK DUM BASIC
Full of Ups and downs
EK DUM BASIC
Argue in favour of both sides
He is ambiguous because he
always cuts both ends.
29. Cock sure
EK DUM BASIC
Very sure and certain
EK DUM BASIC
To show contempt
EK DUM BASIC
In full details/to give proof
He has such a sharp memory that
he can narrate the story chapter
and verse.
32. Cool one’s heels
EK DUM BASIC
To be kept waiting
EK DUM BASIC
Reward and punishment
A successful businessman
follows the carrot and stick policy
towards his employees.
34. Come in handy
EK DUM BASIC
To be useful
Take some woolen clothes. They
may come in handy in Shimla.
1.
Dig the grave
EK DUM BASIC
• To destroy
• Do something stupid that will
seriously harm someone
1. By taking side of culprit he dug the grave of his
reputation.
2. If she continues to behave like this to her
senior , she’ll be digging her own grave.
2. Draw the long bow
EK DUM BASIC
To exaggerate
EK DUM BASIC
DIE WHILE WORKING/
DIE BEFORE RETIREMENT
EK DUM BASIC
Bravery under alcoholic
influence
EK DUM BASIC
Fearless person
Only a dare devil can face land
mafia.
6.
Dead broke
EK DUM BASIC
Penniless
EK DUM BASIC
Poor and ruined
EK DUM BASIC
Extremely severe law
EK DUM BASIC
Persistent in struggle
EK DUM BASIC
Time for answer one’s actions
EK DUM BASIC
Unhappy /sad
EK DUM BASIC
A person who prevent others from
enjoying what he himself can not
Our teacher was like a dog in the
manger during picnic.
13. DAMP SQUIB
EK DUM BASIC
COMPLETE FAILURE
1. The visit of our foreign minister to china
proved a damp squib on border issue.
2. The event was a bit of damp squib, only
20 people turned up.
1. EAT HUMBLE PIE
EK DUM BASIC
TO APOLOGIZE
EK DUM BASIC
TAKE A STATEMENT BACK
EK DUM BASIC
COME TO NOTHING
EK DUM BASIC
TO URGE/ENCOURAGE SOMEBODY TO DO
WRONG THING
1. The captain egged the players on to continue to play foul till
the end of match.
2. I will egg them on to say something which they will soon
regret.
5.
Eke Out
EK DUM BASIC
Supplement income
To eke out his income he also works
as a part time accountant in the
evening.
6. Every dog has his day
EK DUM BASIC
हर कुत्ते का दिन आता ह
EK DUM BASIC
Now and then/Sometimes
He visits his parents ever and anon.
8.
Eye wash
EK DUM BASIC
A pretence
My friend’s promise to help me just
proved an eye-wash.
1. Flesh and blood
EK DUM BASIC
Human nature
EK DUM BASIC
To take advantage of trouble
of others
EK DUM BASIC
To act in a like manner
EK DUM BASIC
To have no effect
EK DUM BASIC
To attempt to avoid a thing or
a person
EK DUM BASIC
Policy of delaying decision
1. Politicians generally follow a Fabian policy in
order to keep everyone satisfied.
7.
For no rhyme or reason
EK DUM BASIC
An absence of common sense or
reason
EK DUM BASIC
Fight to the end
Army has vowed to fight to the
finish and turn every intruder out
of indian territory.
9. Few and far between
EK DUM BASIC
Very rare
1. His visits to his hometown are
few and far between because of
his expanding business.
2. The buses to our village are few
and far between.
10.
Flog a dead horse
EK DUM BASIC
To waste effort by trying to do
something which is no longer possible
You keep trying to convince him to join
your company, but I think
you're flogging a dead horse.
11. Fool’s errand
EK DUM BASIC
Useless undertaking
1. His visit to other state to earn money
proved to be a fool’s errand.
EK DUM BASIC
• To quarrel
• Get into trouble by doing
something illegal
1. They were once good friends but
now they have fallen foul of each
other.
13. Fly off the handle
EK DUM BASIC
Loose self control
To loose temper
1. He flew of the handle at
slightest things.
2. He is extremely irritable-he flies
off the handle at slightest
things.
14. French leave
EK DUM BASIC
To be absent without
permission
Did she take French leave at the
party last Saturday?
15. Fair and square
EK DUM BASIC
Correctly/In an honest way
EK DUM BASIC
Make money for oneself
EK DUM BASIC
Rush in all direction & suffer much
harassment
Failing to get a satisfactory answer from
her doctor, Mary went from pillar to
post searching for a cure for her illness.
18. Foot the bill
EK DUM BASIC
Bear expenses
Although he hosted the feast but
his elder brother had to foot the
bill.
19. Fair weather friend
EK DUM BASIC
Selfish friend
1. A fair-weather friend will
never stand by you in
difficulty.
2. He is just a fair-weather
friend.
20.
Flash in the pan
EK DUM BASIC
Sudden success
EK DUM BASIC
Match For/Equal in quality
EK DUM BASIC
• The press
EK DUM BASIC
Additional success
By completing computer course he
has added new feather in the cap.
24. Fly in the face of
EK DUM BASIC
To defy
EK DUM BASIC
To succeed slowly & steadily
1. The belief in the abolition of dowry
system is gaining ground.
2. Our new product is gaining ground
against competitor
2.
Get off scot free
EK DUM BASIC
To escape without punishment
EK DUM BASIC
To bribe
Now a days if you want to get your
work done, you will have to grease
the palm of someone or other.
4. Gird up the loins
EK DUM BASIC
To prepare for hard work
He already girded up his loins for
final exams.
5. Go to the dogs
EK DUM BASIC
To be ruined
EK DUM BASIC
To drift into trouble
Due to ignorance, Vijay seems to have got
himself into a mess in his office.
7. GIVE A WIDE BERTH
EK DUM BASIC
TO AVOID
We should always give a wide berth to all selfish
and mean persons.
8. Gentleman at large
EK DUM BASIC
An unreliable person
We must not believe a gentlemen at large.
9. Good samaritan
EK DUM BASIC
One who help stranger
A good Samaritan offered us a room
in the house.
10. Give a good account of oneself
EK DUM BASIC
POOR
Perform well (often in challenging
situation)
As the eldest son in his family he gave a good
account of himself when any problem came
on family.
11. Give the devil his due
EK DUM BASIC
Give credit to a worthless person for his good qualities
1. The new car mechanic is very angry, rude person, also give the
devil his due he is a good mechanic.
2. Their service is awfully expensive but there is none other like
them so I have to give the devil his due.
12.
Green horn
EK DUM BASIC
Unexperienced
1. Though he is a green horn in political field he appears to have
a bright future.
EK DUM BASIC
Pass Away/Die
After long illness he gave up the ghost last week.
14. Go the whole hog
EK DUM BASIC
To do something thoroughly
Many families go the whole hog during
Christmas and have lot of enjoyment.
15.
Get into a scrape
EK DUM BASIC
Awkward situation
He got into a scrape when his wife refused
to let him help his sister.
16. Go broke
EK DUM BASIC
Become Bankrupt
As a result of heavy gambling he had to go
broke in the long run.
17. Get into hot waters
EK DUM BASIC
Get into trouble
He got into hot waters by marrying a girl
of other caste .
18. GIVE CURRENCY
EK DUM BASIC
TO MAKE PUBLICLY KNOWN
The govt. has refused to give currency
to a number of scams.
19.
Great hands
EK DUM BASIC
Expert
He has great hand in organising parties.
20. Get down to brass tacks
EK DUM BASIC
To deal with matter straight
Instead of wasting time get down
to brass tacks.
21. Give a long rope
EK DUM BASIC
To let someone commit mistakes
He never gives his employees a long rope.
22.
Good turn
EK DUM BASIC
An act of kindness
He did me a good turn by recommending me for the post of vice
president.
1. Hold water
EK DUM BASIC
Appear to be valid /sound/reasonable
His statement will not hold water as it
is not based on facts.
2. Hang together
EK DUM BASIC
Support one another
The two statements delivered by
party leader do not hang together.
3.
Hope against hope
EK DUM BASIC
• Hope in spite of disappointment
• To hope even when a situation is
hopeless
I rang my parents hoping against hope that
they hadn’t left yet.
4. Have an axe to grind
EK DUM BASIC
To have a selfish interest
Reema is very rude but the way she is being polite with
everyone gives expression that she is having an axe to grind.
5. Have the gift of gab
EK DUM BASIC
Art of speaking
Meena is not highly qualified but she has
gift of the gab
6. HIT BELOW THE BELT
EK DUM BASIC
• TO STRIKE UNFAIRLY
• CRUEL/UNFAIR/HURTFUL
1. Saying he was not good in math just because he got 99 in the test is really hitting below
the belt.
2. Rekha was hitting below the belt when she called ram as an unfit father.
7. HOLD ONE’S TONGUE
EK DUM BASIC
TO KEEP QUIET
We should always hold our tongue
before our elders.
8. HERCULEAN TASK
EK DUM BASIC
VERY DIFFICULT/REQUIRING GREAT STRENGTH
9. Haul over the coals
EK DUM BASIC
To take to task
1. She was hauled over the coals by her parents for
misconduct.
2. Seetu hauled her husband over the coals for
forgetting her birthday .
10. HAVE ONE’S FINGERS IN EVERY PIE
EK DUM BASIC
INVOLVED IN MANY THINGS
EK DUM BASIC
PEACEFUL DAYS
The days we spend to our school life
are the halcyon days of our life.
12. Have an iron will
EK DUM BASIC
Strong will
He cleared exam after failing three times in
written exam , he is really a person of iron will.
13. Hold out an olive branch
EK DUM BASIC
Offer of peace
1.The terrorist are not prepared to hold out an olive
branch to the govt of India.
2. He hold out an olive branch to the opposition by
releasing 42 political prisoner.
14. Hanky panky
EK DUM BASIC
Jugglery
None of this hanky panky , tell me the truth.
15. HAVE FEET OF CLAY
EK DUM BASIC
FULL OF FAULTS
The CBI inquiry has revealed that many
ministers have feet of clay.
16. HEART AND SOUL
EK DUM BASIC
• WHOLE HEARTEDLY
• DEVOTEDLY
1. He took part in the annual function
heart and soul.
2. He did preparation heart and soul to
qualify exam.
17.
HARD AND FAST
EK DUM BASIC
STRICT
No hard and fast rule laid down for
uniform in the college .
18. HANG FIRE
EK DUM BASIC
REMAIN UNSOLVED
Reservation problem has been
hanging fire for many years.
19. HIGH & DRY
EK DUM BASIC
A DIFFICULT SITUATION
20. HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD
EK DUM BASIC
TO DO THE RIGHT THING AT THE RIGHT TIME
1. He hit the nail on the head by resigning his job.
2. When my car didn’t start, my friend took one
look and said that its due to a dead battery.
Seems like he hit the nail on the head.
21. HOBSON’S CHOICE
EK DUM BASIC
NO CHOICE
1. It's a case of Hobson's choice, because if I
don't agree to their terms, I'll lose my job.
2. They must take this . It is Hobson's choice.
22. HAVE TOO MANY IRONS IN THE FIRE
EK DUM BASIC
DOING MANY THINGS AT A TIME
He is fickle minded and has too many
irons in the fire.
23. HOLD IN ABEYANCE ठं डे बस्ते
• POSTPONE
EK DUM BASIC
For lack of funds the district administration has held the
construction of road in abeyance.
24. HIGH AND MIGHTY
EK DUM BASIC
PROUD PERSONS
The high and mighty forget that
everything in the world is transient.
25. HARD NOSED ATTITUDE
EK DUM BASIC
AGGRESSIVE
1. I don’t know why my teacher always has a hard nosed
attitude towards me.
2. Mr. Howe was known to be very hard-
nosed, but he could really be friendly if you got to
know him.
26. HOLD IN LEASH
EK DUM BASIC
TO RESTRAIN
As a responsible person of the party you must
hold criticism of party workers in leash.
27. HEAD AND SHOULDERS
EK DUM BASIC
SUPERIOR
1. Mr. Atal bihari vajpayee was head and shoulders above his
predecessors.
2. There’s no competition, our team is simply head and
shoulders above the rest.
28. HOLD A BRIEF
EK DUM BASIC
TO DEFEND SOMEONE
1. It is very improper for parents to hold a brief for their
children who are doing wrong things.
2. Gandhi ji hold a brief for the poor and fought for their
rights.
29. Hush Money
EK DUM BASIC
Bribe
(Money given to keep someone silent)
CM gave hush money to his accomplice.
30. Hold at Bay
EK DUM BASIC
To prevent enemy from coming
1. Maharana partap could not hold the Mughal army at bay for
long.
2. The area was hit by a serious epidemic, but luckily he
could keep himself at bay.
31. Hit the jackpot
EK DUM BASIC
UNEXPECTED SUCCESS
He hit the jackpot by investing his money in shares.
32. Helter Skelter
EK DUM BASIC
HERE AND THERE
When police arrived ,the rioters ran
helter skelter.
33.
Have a brush with
EK DUM BASIC
To have encounter
I had a brush with death when I was in that car
accident.
34. Hornet’s nest
EK DUM BASIC
• Raise controversy
• Arising many problems
His remarks about the lack of good women badminton
players stirred up a hornet's nest.
35. Hold somebody to ransom
EK DUM BASIC
To demand concession by making someone captive
It is unfortunate that a handful of militants are
holding the nation to ransom.
36. Hole and corner
EK DUM BASIC
To do something Secretly
EK DUM BASIC
UNCOMFORTABLE
1. A student is often ill at ease when he has to see
the principal after doing something wrong.
2. Students were ill at ease when roll numbers were
not released.
2. IN A FIX
EK DUM BASIC
In a dilemma
1. The whole police department is in a fix about the
threatening letters written by the kidnappers.
2. We are going to be in a real fix if we miss that bus.
3. IN A FAIR WAY
EK DUM BASIC
Hopeful
The doctor feels that patient is in a fair way
on to recovery.
4. In the good books of
EK DUM BASIC
To be in favour with a person
Sunita’s brilliant success in her final examination
has led her to be in the good books of her teachers.
5. In tune
EK DUM BASIC
In a mood
The teacher asked the students if they were in tune
for study.
6. In the lurch
EK DUM BASIC
To leave a friend in difficulty
He left his friend in the lurch during stampede.
7. Ins and outs
EK DUM BASIC
Secrets
The servants are generally familiar with the ins and
outs of the family.
8.
In the blues
EK DUM BASIC
Depressed
After his failure in the examination he is
in the blues.
9. In the red
EK DUM BASIC
Suffer a loss
Most of our public sector undertakings are
in the red for lack of efficient administration.
10. In the limelight
EK DUM BASIC
▪ To be in the centre of attention
▪ Prominent
The actor tweeted controversially just to come in the
limelight.
EK DUM BASIC
INSPITE OF BITTER OPPOSITION
GST bill was passed in the teeth of various parties.
12. IN A TIGHT CORNER
EK DUM BASIC
In difficult situation
After loosing in gambling heavily he is in a
tight corner.
13. IN COLD BLOOD
EK DUM BASIC
TO DO SOMETHING DELIBERATELY
One young lady was shot dead in cold
blood inside the premises of shopping
complex.
14. IN DOLDRUMS
EK DUM BASIC
TO BE INACTIVE/DULL/DEPRESSED
After his failure in the examination he is in doldrums
these days.
15. IN THE FAMILY WAY
EK DUM BASIC
PREGNANT
1. She has been advised complete rest because she is in the
family way.
2. I was most concerned for my dear wife, who was in the
family way
16. IVORY TOWER
EK DUM BASIC
IMAGINARY WORLD
Those who talk of violence as a useful tool in
international politics live in ivory tower.
17. IN THE DUMPS
EK DUM BASIC
In low spirits
Her visit cheered me up as I was in the
dumps before her visit.
18. IN A FLUTTER
EK DUM BASIC
EXCITED
My sister is in a flutter today because she is going for
the interview.
1.
Jaundice eye
EK DUM BASIC
Prejudice
You must not evaluate the success of your
rivals with a jaundiced eye.
“All seems infected that the infected
spy, As all looks yellow to
the jaundiced eye.”
1. KEEP BODY AND SOUL TOGETHER
EK DUM BASIC
TO MAINTAIN LIFE
These days because of rising prices it is difficult to
keep body and soul together.
2. KEEP AT ARM’S LENGTH
EK DUM BASIC
TO KEEP AT A DISTANCE
Selfish people should always be kept at an arm’s length.
3. KEEP THE WOLF FROM THE DOOR
EK DUM BASIC
TO AVOID STARVATION
In India millions of people struggle hard to keep wolf
from the door.
4.
KITH AND KIN
EK DUM BASIC
BLOOD RELATION
If we have no love for our kith and kin , we
cannot be expected to love humanity.
5. KNIT THE BROW
EK DUM BASIC
To frown
Her mother in law always knits the brow at everything
she does.
6. KICK THE BUCKET
EK DUM BASIC
TO DIE
He kicked the bucket after long illness in the
hospital.
7. KEEP UP APPEARANCES
EK DUM BASIC
TO MAINTAIN OUTWARD SHOW
Though he is in financial crisis, he is able to keep up
appearances.
8. KEEP ONE’S FINGERS CROSSED
EK DUM BASIC
TO WAIT EXPECTANTLY
EK DUM BASIC
EARN HARDLY ENOUGH FOR LIVING
He is earning just to keep the pot boiling.
10.
KICK ONE’S HEELS
EK DUM BASIC
To waste time in waiting
As the train was late we had to kick our heels
at the station.
11.
KEEP ABREAST
EK DUM BASIC
To have knowledge /to keep oneself updated
EK DUM BASIC
CONFUSED
My teacher often lost in clouds as she sometime
is unable to explain the questions clearly.
2. LOSE GROUND
EK DUM BASIC
FAIL TO KEEP POSITION
The belief in horoscope is losing ground
these days.
3. LAUGH IN ONE’S SLEEVES
EK DUM BASIC
TO LAUGH SECRETLY
The students laughed in their sleeves at the
teacher’s ignorance of the subject.
4. LEAVE NO STONE UNTURNED
EK DUM BASIC
To make all possible efforts
EK DUM BASIC
TO TAKE A RISK DELIBERATELY
You must not leap in the dark by entering the
business without experience.
6. LOOK SHARP
EK DUM BASIC
TO PAY ATTENTION
BE VIGILANT
The coach told the team they would have to look
sharp if they wanted to win
7. LET THE CAT OUT OF THE BAG
EK DUM BASIC
TO DISCLOSE A SECRET
Amit let the cat out of the bag about my surprise birthday
party.
8. LIVE IN A FOOL’S PARADISE
EK DUM BASIC
FALSE HOPE
My brother is living in a fool’s paradise, if he
thinks that he can be rich without working
hard.
9.
LION’S SHARE
EK DUM BASIC
LARGE PART
The lion’s share of the medals have gone to
china in Olympic.
10. LOAVES AND FISHES
EK DUM BASIC
MATERIAL BENEFIT
MORE MININSTERS ARE CONCERNED WITH
LOAVES AND FISHES OF OFFICE THAN THE SERVICE
OF MAN
11. LIVE WIRE
EK DUM BASIC
ACTIVE / ENERGETIC
1. India needs live wire political leaders who can put
the country on right track.
2. She is a wonderful girl, a real live wire and full of
fun.
12. LOOK A GIFT HORSE IN THE MOUTH
EK DUM BASIC
CRITICIZE A GIFT
One should not look a gift horse in the mouth because it
is given with love .
13. LOSE ONE’S HEAD
EK DUM BASIC
LOSE SELF CONTROL/PANIC
1. He is usually very calm and does not lose his head in stressful
situations
2. Parents should not lose their head and have patience while
handling their young kids .
14. LONG AND SHORT
EK DUM BASIC
1. The GIST OF SOMETHING
2. IN BRIEF
1.The long and short of it is that Seema is quitting, so we
need to fill her position fast.
2. The long and short of principal’s speech was that exams
would be held at time.
15. LATIN AND GREEK
EK DUM BASIC
Something that you can not
understand
The speech of literary persons is always Latin And
Greek to illiterate persons.
16. LAST NAIL IN THE COFFIN
EK DUM BASIC
• To put an end of something/ruined
• An event that causes the failure of something that had
already started to fail
The latest evidence is final nail in the coffin of corrupt Minister.
17. LEAD UP THE GARDEN PATH
EK DUM BASIC
TO CHEAT
The traders lead the credulous customers up
the garden path by assuring them of warranty.
18. LEAPS AND BOUNDS
RAPIDLY
EK DUM BASIC
India is progressing by leaps and bounds in
science and technology.
19. LAST STRAW
THE FINAL TRIAL OF PATIENCE
EK DUM BASIC
The rowlet act was the last straw on the
camel’s back and the whole india rose in
protest against the british rule.
20. LET THE GRASS GROW UNDER FEET
EK DUM BASIC
TO DELAY THE MATTERS
We are bound to suffer if we let the grass grow
under feet by postponing action.
1. MAKE BOTH ENDS MEET
EK DUM BASIC
To live within one’s means
To earn and spend equal amount
of money
As vikash has to bring up five children, he finds it
difficult to make both ends meet.
2. MEND ONE’S FENCES
EK DUM BASIC
To make peace
EK DUM BASIC
TO CONFESS
EK DUM BASIC
To give compensation
EK DUM BASIC
• To utilize time
• To use or enjoy something as much as
possible.
Students should make the most of their time if they
want to get good marks.
6. MOVE HEAVEN AND EARTH
EK DUM BASIC
To try utmost
I will move heaven and earth to build up your vocab.
7. MAKE SURE
EK DUM BASIC
To ascertain
We went to the office to make sure if our exams
would start in the next week.
8. MAKE NEITHER HEAD NOR TAIL
EK DUM BASIC
Not to understand
The students can make neither head nor tail of what
Mr. Dev teaches them.
9. MOOT POINT
EK DUM BASIC
Debatable point
EK DUM BASIC
To face final defeat
EK DUM BASIC
LITERARY PERSON
EK DUM BASIC
NOT TO CARE
He is in the habit of making light of the advice of his
parents.
13. MIDAS TOUCH
EK DUM BASIC
A TOUCH WHICH TURNS ANYTHING INTO GOLD
EK DUM BASIC
A MAN OF QUALITIES/TALENTED
EK DUM BASIC
SOFT SPOKEN
Politicians are generally mealy mouthed.
16. MAN OF STRAW
EK DUM BASIC
A WEAK PERSON
The king being a man of straw, his orders
were often disobeyed.
17. MINCE MATTERS
बनाकर बोलना
EK DUM BASIC
HIDE THE TRUTH AND PRETEND
EK DUM BASIC
A FALSE INVENTION
He made a discovery after number of years but it proved
mare’s nest.
1. NULL AND VOID
EK DUM BASIC
INEFFECTIVE
EK DUM BASIC
ALMOST NOTHING
EK DUM BASIC
COMPLETELY
The dacoits finished him off neck and crop beyond
recognition.
4. NO LOVE LOST
EK DUM BASIC
INTENSE DISLIKE
There is no love lost between the two neighbors.
5. NIP IN THE BUD
EK DUM BASIC
To destroy in the very beginning
The evils of the society must be nipped in the bud .
6. NOT WORTH ONE’S SALT
EK DUM BASIC
NOT DESERVING
EK DUM BASIC
WITHOUT PREPARATION
1. He is very poor in English and can’t answer all the
questions off hand.
2. She went for examination off hand and failed.
2. OVER HEAD AND EARS
EK DUM BASIC
• COMPLETELY TRAPPED
• EXCESSIVE
He was over head and ears in the debt of SBI.
3. OUT OF QUESTION
EK DUM BASIC
CERTAIN
His success is out of question because he is working
hard these days.
4. OUT OF THE QUESTION
EK DUM BASIC
UNCERTAIN
His success is out of the question because he is not
working hard these days.
5. OUT OF WOODS
EK DUM BASIC
Out of danger
The patient is not out of the woods yet.
6. ORDER OF THE DAY
EK DUM BASIC
IN FASHION
EK DUM BASIC
ON THE GROUNDS OF
He was debarred from appearing in the examination on
the score of indiscipline.
8. ON THAT SCORE
EK DUM BASIC
FOR THE REASON
EK DUM BASIC
MOREOVER, BESIDES
EK DUM BASIC
Completely
Bhagat Singh was a patriot out and out.
11. OFF AND ON
EK DUM BASIC
OCCASIONALLY
Since she is over busy these days, she visits me off
and on .
12. ONE’S ACHILLES HEEL
EK DUM BASIC
A WEAK POINT
1. Though he is a good person but short temper is his Achilles
heel.
2. He is a good student but English is his Achilles heel.
13. OFF COLOUR
EK DUM BASIC
NOT IN USUAL FORM
EK DUM BASIC
AT ODDS
SCATTERED THINGS
The thief made away with the odds and ends lying
about the drawing room .
15. OFF THE HOOK
EK DUM BASIC
OUT OF TROUBLE
He is still not off the hook because income tax
department is making a thorough inquiry into his
financial status . BY HOOK OR CROOK
16. OILY TONGUE
EK DUM BASIC
FLATTERING WORDS
SMOOTHE TALKER
1. She has an oily tongue but bad heart.
EK DUM BASIC
CONFUSION TO CHOOSE TWO EQUALLY UNDESIRABLE SITUATION
Many students, when final exams are coming, are on the horns of a
dilemma. If they study all night, the lack of sleep may hamper their thinking
during the exam, but if they go to sleep early, they may not be prepared.
18. ONE’S CUP OF TEA
EK DUM BASIC
TO ONE’S LIKING
Some people like to play cricket but it’s not my cup of tea.
19. OUT OF SORTS
EK DUM BASIC
TO BE UNWELL
Sohan had been out of sorts the whole day and
could not do his office work properly.
20. ON ITS LAST LEG
EK DUM BASIC
ABOUT TO COLLAPSE/DIE
In many sections of Indian society the system of
child marriage is on its last leg .
21. ON THE CARPET
EK DUM BASIC
TO BE UNDER CONSIDERATION
EK DUM BASIC
AN EXPERT
He is a past master in befooling the people by his
oily tongue.
GREAT HAND
2. PALMY DAYS
EK DUM BASIC
PROSPEROUS
AFFLUENT DAYS
HALCYON DAYS
3. PART AND PARCEL
EK DUM BASIC
INSEPARABLE PART
INTEGRAL PART
Discipline is part and parcel of defence services .
4. PASS THE BUCK
EK DUM BASIC
PASS RESPONSIBILITIES TO OTHER PERSON
EVADE RESPONSIBILITY BY PASSING IT TO OTHER
1.You forgot to pay electricity bill , so don’t pass the buck to me now.
2. Political parties are expert in passing the buck to each other.
5. PAY OFF OLD SCORES
EK DUM BASIC
TO TAKE REVENGE
EK DUM BASIC
PAID LARGE AMOUNT OF MONEY
1. I paid through the nose for my computer but it broke
in first week.
7. PAY LIP SERVICE
EK DUM BASIC
PRETEND TO REGARD
1. Most of political parties pay lip services to poor people .
2. Politicians pay lip services to crime.
8. PAY ONE BACK IN THE SAME COIN
EK DUM BASIC
TIT FOR TAT
We should not hesitate in paying china and pakistan
back in their own coins.
9. PIN MONEY
EK DUM BASIC
ALLOWANCE GIVEN TO HOUSEWIFE FOR PERSONAL USE
EK DUM BASIC
A confused or disorderly manner
EK DUM BASIC
BEHAVE IRRESPONSIBLY AND IMMORALLY
EK DUM BASIC
TO PLAY A SUBORDINATE PART
Sheila was determined to be the star of the show and
she was not going to play second fiddle to anyone.
AS FIT AS A FIDDLE
13. PLAY TRUANT
EK DUM BASIC
To be absent from duty without permission
It is bad habit of employees to play truant from office .
14. PLAY TO THE GALLERY
EK DUM BASIC
PLAY TO THE CROWD
To gain cheap popularity
to behave in a way intended to make people admire or support you
The speeches of our leader are not sincere , they are intended to
play to the gallery..
15. PLAY DUCKS AND DRAKES
TO SQUANDER MONEY
EK DUM BASIC
After death of his father he got into heavy
debt by playing ducks and drakes.
16. PLAY FOUL
EK DUM BASIC
TO DO SOMETHING WRONG
EK DUM BASIC
FUTILE LABOUR
I know that I'm just ploughing the sands by telling you to
stay away from that boy, but I'm your
father, and I don't want to see you get hurt.
18. POUR OIL ON TROUBLED WATERS
TO PACIFY THE MATTERS
EK DUM BASIC
The two good friends exchanged hot words but the
intervention of their teacher poured oil on troubled
water.
19. PULL A LONG FACE
EK DUM BASIC
Seema pull a long face when she was
scolded by her teacher.
20. PULL ONE’S SOCKS UP
EK DUM BASIC
WORK HARD
You must pull your socks up for board
exams.
21. PULL STRINGS
EK DUM BASIC
TO EXERCISE INFLUENCE SECRETLY
He managed his promotion by pulling strings.
22. PUT HEADS TOGETHER
EK DUM BASIC
CONSULT SERIOUSLY
Our leaders should put their heads together to
solve national problems.
23. PUT A SPOKE IN A WHEEL
EK DUM BASIC
TO OBSTRUCT
We planned a picnic but continuous rain put spoke
in a wheel.
24. PUT THE CART BEFORE THE HORSE
EK DUM BASIC
TO DO THINGS IN WRONG ORDER
EK DUM BASIC
FOR AND AGAINST A THING
EK DUM BASIC
VICTORY AT A HIGH COST
Greek victory over trojans proved to be a pyrrhic victory.
27. PICK HOLES
EK DUM BASIC
TO FIND FAULT WITH
He is always picking holes in every project.
1. QUEER FISH
STRANGE PERSON
EK DUM BASIC
One cannot make anything out of Sohan’s
attitude as he is such a queer fish.
2. QUIXOTIC PROJECT
EK DUM BASIC
FOOLISHLY /
IMPRACTICAL
Being not worldly wise he wasted his money in quixotic
projects.
1. RISE TO THE OCCASSION
EK DUM BASIC
TO ACT AS THE OCCASION DEMANDS
To face critical situations boldly you should
rise to the occasion.
2. RUN SHORT OF
EK DUM BASIC
SHORTAGE
These days due to some financial crisis my friend
is running short of money.
3. RANK AND FILE
EK DUM BASIC
COMMON MAN
If we want our country to progress in every field we
must improve economic status of rank and file.
4. RED TAPISM
EK DUM BASIC
OFFICIAL DELAY
Red tapism is a big problem in government
related works.
5. REST ON ONE’S LAURELS
EK DUM BASIC
COMPLACENT / SELF SATISFIED
EK DUM BASIC
UPSET THE BALANCE
If your party withdraws support from government , it
may rock the boat.
7. RED HERRING
EK DUM BASIC
SOMETHING TO DISTRACT ATTENTION
The demand of inquiry into his conduct is just a red herring
as there is no truth in it.
8. RIP UP OLD SORES
EK DUM BASIC
TO REVIVE FRGOTTON QUARREL
EK DUM BASIC
TO UNDERSTAND THE HIDDEN MEANING
EK DUM BASIC
TO DOMINATE
EK DUM BASIC
ANYTHING THAT PROVOKE
The law against the dowry system is like
red rag to a bull for greedy persons.
12. RIDE ROUGH SHOD OVER
EK DUM BASIC
TO TREAT IN A HIGH HANDED FASHION
They accused the government of riding roughshod
over parliamentary procedure. Disregard
13. RUB ONE THE WRONG WAY
TO ANNOY
EK DUM BASIC
If you rub him in the wrong way he is bound to react.
1. SIT ON THE FENCE
EK DUM BASIC
NOT TO DO SOMETHING
When the party split ramesh was accused of sitting
on the fence.
2. SMELL A RAT
EK DUM BASIC
TO BE SUSPICIOUS
I smelt a rat when I found some items missing from
my desk.
3. SPLIT HAIR
EK DUM BASIC
To argue or worry about small details
We should not try to split hair with our elders.
4. SHED CROCODILE TEARS
EK DUM BASIC
TO SHOW FALSE SORROW
EK DUM BASIC
During the time of distress the advice of elders always stands in
good stead.
6. SHOW WHITE FEATHER
TO SHOW COWARDICE
EK DUM BASIC
Brave people never show white feather in
the face of difficulties.
FEATHER YOUR OWN NEST
ADD FEATHER IN YOUR CAP
7. SEE EYE TO EYE
EK DUM BASIC
TO AGREE
EK DUM BASIC
TO VALUE
TO BELIEVE THAT SOMETHING IS VERY
IMPORTANT
I have always set store by my father’s opinion.
9. SNAP ONE’S FINGER AT
EK DUM BASIC
TO SHOW CONTEMPT
The industry owner feels that he may snap his fingers at
the demands of his workers, but he is greatly mistaken.
POINT THE FINGER AT SOMEONE ?
10. SPEAK VOLUMES FOR
EK DUM BASIC
A SITUATION VERY CLEAR WITHOUT USE OF WORDS
TO HAVE ABUNDANT PROOF
EK DUM BASIC
GAIN AN ADVANTAGE OVER OPPONENT
EK DUM BASIC
TO AVOID
Everyone if possible , should steer clear of selfish
people.
13. SWAN SONG
EK DUM BASIC
LAST ACTIVITY
FINAL PERFORMANCE
He has decided to make this tour as swan song.
14. SNAKE IN THE GRASS
EK DUM BASIC
A SECRET ENEMY
The country is always betrayed by the snakes in the grass.
15. SWORD OF DAMOCLES
EK DUM BASIC
FACING IMMINENT DANGER
A sword of Damocles is always hanging over the head of a
soldier in the event of war.
16. SAIL UNDER FALSE COLOURS
A HYPOCRITE
EK DUM BASIC
Disguise one’s true nature or intentions
We should not believe our political leaders as they sail
under false colours.
WITH FLYING COLOURS
17. SPARTAN LIFE
EK DUM BASIC
LIFE OF ASCETIC
Simple ,strict with no luxuries
Swami vivekananda led a spartan life for promoting health of mind and body.
18. SAVE ONE’S FACE
EK DUM BASIC
TO AVOID DISGRACE
He is making lame excuses to save his face as he could
not qualify the exam.
19. A SCARLET WOMEN
EK DUM BASIC
A WOMEN WITH LOOSE MORALS
EK DUM BASIC
TO INCITE/PROVOKE PEOPLE
EK DUM BASIC
TO ACHIEVE SOMETHING IMPOSSIBLE
These days Qualifying civil services exam is like setting
Thames on fire
22. SWEAT OF THE BROW
EK DUM BASIC
HARD LABOUR
The honest persons live by sweat of the brow.
23. STEAL SOMEONE’S THUNDER
EK DUM BASIC
Take credit for someone else’s work
They all did project together but while submitting it one of
them stole the thunder.
24. STRAIGHT FROM THE SHOULDERS
EK DUM BASIC
CANDIDLY
My lawyer told me straight from the shoulders that my
case was weak.
25. SHOP LIFTER
EK DUM BASIC
ONE WHO STEALS FROM THE SHOP
EK DUM BASIC
IN ORDER
EK DUM BASIC
ENCOURAGING
Winning this award has been a big shot in the arm for
the students.
28. SOMETHING UP ONE’S SLEEVE
EK DUM BASIC
A SECRET PLAN
She is quite a mischievous lady. There is always something
up her sleeves.
LAUGH IN ONE’S SLEEVE
29. SEND ABOUT ONE’S BUSINESS
EK DUM BASIC
TO DISMISS
TO SEND SOMEONE AWAY
His manager sent him about his business when he behaved rudely.
30. STAND ONE’S GROUND
EK DUM BASIC
REMAIN FIRM
He did not melt down to pressure and stood his ground till the end.
31. SMALL FRY
EK DUM BASIC
PERSONS /THINGS OF LITTLE IMPORTANCE
INSIGNIFICANT PERSON
EK DUM BASIC
IMMORAL SIDE OF SOCIETY
1. The picture depicts realism and presents the seamy side of life
in modern india.
2. It’s well known that the world of entertainment has its seamy si
de: drug abuse, corruption, alcoholism.
33. SOW WILD OATS जंगली जई
EK DUM BASIC
IRRESPONSIBLE PLEASURE SEEKING
You can't sow your wild oats forever! Soon, you'll want a wife an
d you'll regret the things you're doing now.
34. SPILL THE BEANS
EK DUM BASIC
TO GIVE INFORMATION
Continuous interrogation finally made the man spill the
beans and true story came out .
35. A STALKING HORSE
EK DUM BASIC
PRETENCE
It is feared that talks are just a stalking horse for a much wider
deal between two parties.
1. TURN UP ONE’S NOSE
EK DUM BASIC
TO REFUSE TO ACCEPT SOMETHING
TO TAKE SOMETHING LIGHTLY
Meena has failed twice in her class and yet she turns up her
nose at my advice.
2. TURN THE TABLES
EK DUM BASIC
TO REVERSE THE CONDITION
EK DUM BASIC
ONE WHO CHANGES POLITICAL AFFILIATIONS
A successful politician knows when to turn his coat .
4. TAKE UP THE CUDGELS
EK DUM BASIC
TO SUPPORT OR DEFEND
Marie and her friends are willing to take up the
cudgels for women’s rights.
5. TURN THE CORNER
EK DUM BASIC
TO PASS A CRITICAL STAGE AND STARTS IMPROVEMENT
EK DUM BASIC
EXAGGERATE THE MATTERS
No one likes to be in the company of neema as she always indulges
in tall talk.
7. TOOTH AND NAIL
EK DUM BASIC
VIOLENTLY
All the students revolted tooth and nail against the
partiality of the teachers towards some students.
8. THROW IN THE TOWEL
TO QUIT, TO ADMIT DEFEAT
EK DUM BASIC
My brother was so fed up of his manager that he threw in the towel.
EK DUM BASIC
TO ACCEPT WITH DOUBT
EK DUM BASIC
SHOW ANY REACTION
EK DUM BASIC
EXAGGERATED STORIES
What she says about her grandfather being a Foreign
prince sounds like a tall story to me.
12. TAKE THE FLOOR
EK DUM BASIC
MAKE A SPEECH
When the prime minister took the floor in the cabinet meeting
there was a pin drop silence.
13. TAKE LYING DOWN
EK DUM BASIC
ACCEPT INSULT
EK DUM BASIC
TURN TO ADVANTAGE
EK DUM BASIC
FEEL BOLD
EK DUM BASIC
FEEL EXCESSIVELY
EK DUM BASIC
TO MEET THE DANGER BOLDLY
TO CONFRONT A DIFFICULT SITUATION
The government will have to take the bull by the horns and tackle
the inflation.
18. THROUGH AND THROUGH
EK DUM BASIC
ENTIRELY
He was drenched in the rain through and through.
19. THE BACK BONE OF SOMETHING
EK DUM BASIC
MOST IMPORTANT
EK DUM BASIC
TO CAUSE SOMEONE TO LOOSE CONFIDENCE OR ENERGY
TO DISCOURAGE
Farsighted generals can win war by taking wind out of
enemy’s sails..
21. TURN A DEAF EAR
EK DUM BASIC
NOT TO PAY ATTENTION TO
REFUSE TO LISTEN
EK DUM BASIC
TO EMULATE
FOLLOW SOMEONE
Some countries that took a leaf out of American industry's book are now
doing very well for themselves.
EK DUM BASIC
TO SURPRISE UNEXPECTEDLY
(THAT MAY BE SUCCESS,OR ATTACK ON SOMEONE)
EK DUM BASIC
SOMETHING DIFFICULT
To finish that work was a tall order but we did it by
working day and night.
HERCULEAN TASK
25. THROW A SPANNER IN THE WORKS
EK DUM BASIC
TO DO SOMETHING THAT PREVENTS A
PLAN FROM SUCCEDING
TO SABOTAGE A PLAN
We will complete the project this week if
somebody will not throw a spanner in this.
26. TAKE TO TASK
EK DUM BASIC
PUNISH /TO SCOLD
He took his younger sister to task for not obeying her
elders.
27. THROW DOWN THE
EK DUM BASIC
GLOVE/GAUNTLET
TO CHALLENGE
READY FOR FIGHT
EK DUM BASIC
NOT WORKING PROPERLY
Many of our small scale industries have been
thrown out of gear due to lack of finance
29. TAKE TO HEELS
EK DUM BASIC
TO RUN AWAY
Thieves took to their heels when they saw the police approaching.
EK DUM BASIC
TO DISCOURAGE
NEGATIVE ABOUT SOMETHING
Instead of encouraging me, my business partner threw cold
water on my plans.
31. TURN OVER A NEW LEAF
EK DUM BASIC
TO BE ENTIRELY CHANGED
A MAJOR CHANGE
After drifting from one job to another rahul turned over a new leaf
and started his own work.
32. TAKE SOMEBODY FOR A RIDE
EK DUM BASIC
TO DECEIVE / TRICK / CHEAT SOMEONE
The traders took the customers for a ride by selling fake foreign
goods to them.
33. TAKE UP ARMS
EK DUM BASIC
TO FIGHT
The tribals of this region have taken up arms against the
government.
34. TO AND FRO
EK DUM BASIC
FORWARD AND BACKWARD
He was strolling in the garden to and fro.
35. THROW UP THE SPONGE
EK DUM BASIC
SURRENDER
EK DUM BASIC
DIFFICULT TASK
To eradicate corruption is an uphill task.
2. UPS AND DOWNS
EK DUM BASIC
GOOD AND BAD EXPERIENCES
EK DUM BASIC
SECRETLY
They used to meet each other under the rose.
BED OF ROSES
(COMFORTABLE SITUATION)
4. UP AND DOING
EK DUM BASIC
ACTIVE
You should be up and doing in life otherwise you cannot succeed.
5. UNDER A CLOUD
TO BE UNDER SUSPICION
EK DUM BASIC
His secret connection with smugglers have brought him
under a cloud.
6. UPTO THE MARK
EK DUM BASIC
AS GOOD AS IT SHOULD BE
Your speech was upto the mark.
1. WITH OPEN ARMS
EK DUM BASIC
CORDIALLY (WITH FULL RESPECT)
IN A FRIENDLY WAY
When my cousin came back from england after ten years he
was welcomed with open arms by all relatives.
2. WIN LAURELS
EK DUM BASIC
TO WIN DISTINCTION
Dr. Tagore won laurels in the world of literature.
TO REST ON ONE’S LAURELS ?
3. WHITE ELEPHANT
EK DUM BASIC
ANYTHING WITH LESS UTILITY AND MORE EXPENDITURE
My old car is a white elephant for me now.
4. WELL DISPOSED TO
EK DUM BASIC
FRIENDLY OR HELPFUL TO SOMEBODY
EK DUM BASIC
SIGNAL / WARNING THAT SOMETHING BAD GOING TO HAPPEN
The factory owner read the writing on the wall and closed down the
factory.
6. WHEN THE CRUNCH COMES
EK DUM BASIC
THE MOMENT OF DECISION
EK DUM BASIC
WHETHER ONE WISHES OR NOT
EK DUM BASIC
TO LOOK AT GOODS DISPLAYED
BUT NOT FOR BUYING
Though I did not have any mind to make purchases, I
just went out for window shopping in the evening.
9. WEAR AND TEAR
EK DUM BASIC
DAMAGE CAUSED BY USE
Wear and tear of machinery is known as depreciation in accountancy.
10. WEAL AND WOE
EK DUM BASIC
JOY AND SORROW
We must learn to bear weal and woe of life with patience.
11. WASH HANDS OF
EK DUM BASIC
TO HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH
TO AVOID RESPONSIBILITY
I have washed hands of your affairs because you do not take
me seriously.
12. WIDE BERTH
EK DUM BASIC
KEEP AWAY
We should give a wide berth to bad company.
13. WILL O’ THE WISP
EK DUM BASIC
UNREAL
Full employment is the will-o'-the-wisp that politicians
have been chasing for decades.
14. WRY FACE
EK DUM BASIC
DISAPPOINTED LOOK
He made a wry face when he was refused admission to
the college of his choice.
15. WIN HANDS DOWN
EK DUM BASIC
WIN EASILY
Australia won hands down in the Davis cup finals.
16. WITHIN AN ACE OF
EK DUM BASIC
VERY CLOSE TO SOMETHING
EK DUM BASIC
DOMINANT
EK DUM BASIC
AT DAWN
The Car accident took place in wee hours of the day.
19. WITH A HIGH HAND
EK DUM BASIC
OPPRESSIVELY
He was a king who ruled his subjects with a high hand.
20. WET BLANKET
EK DUM BASIC
ANY PERSON THAT DAMPENS ENTHUSIASM
The principal proved a wet blanket while the students were on picnic.
21. WILD GOOSE CHASE
EK DUM BASIC
FRUITLESS
UNPROFITABLE
EK DUM BASIC
SUDDEN GAIN/WEALTH
EK DUM BASIC
KEEP AWAY
We should give a wide berth to bad characters.
23. WRANGLE OVER AN ASS’S SHADOW
EK DUM BASIC
TO QUARREL OVER TRIFLES
Their long friendship ended because they wrangled over an
ass’s shadow.
1. YELLOW PRESS/
EK DUM BASIC
YELLOW JOURNALISM
NEWSPAPER PUBLISHING SENSATIONAL NEWS
Role of Riya in Sushant’s death was yellow journalism.
2. YEOMAN’S SERVICE
EK DUM BASIC
EXCELLENT WORK
EK DUM BASIC
FACING TWO EQUALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION
The police knew with certainty he had drugs in his car, so he became
trapped between the devil and the deep sea: either lie to the police,
or admit that the drugs belonged to him.
2. CATCH A TARTAR
EK DUM BASIC
To deal with someone or something that proves
unexpectedly troublesome or powerful.
While fighting with Indian army, enemy realised they
had caught a tartar.
3. CAT’S PAW
EK DUM BASIC
A PERSON USED BY ANOTHER CLEVERLY TO ACCOMPLISH HIS OWN PURPOSE
EK DUM BASIC
A TRAITOROUS ACTION DISGUISED AS A SHOW OF AFFECTION
FALSE LOVE
Rohan don’t try to be my friend now , it’s a Judas kiss
,because i know you have complained to principal
yesterday.
5. PANDORA’S BOX
EK DUM BASIC
LOT OF NEW PROBLEMS
Rahul who was trying to fix the bug opened a Pandora's
box of other issues with the computer.
6. WOLF IN THE SHEEP’S CLOTHING
EK DUM BASIC
A DANGEROUS PERSON WHO IS PRETENDING TO BE
HARMLESS AND DISGUISED AS A FRIEND
My former best friend was a real wolf in sheep's clothing. He was
always saying the worst things about my girlfriend and helped us to
break up—but guess who he's dating now?
7. CAST PEARL BEFORE SWINE
EK DUM BASIC
To offer a good thing to someone
who doesn’t know its value
Most of the time, playing classical music for high
School students is like casting your pearls before swine.
8. ONCE IN A BLUE MOON
EK DUM BASIC
VERY RARELY
HE IS NOT A ALCOHOLIC BUT HE TAKES ONCE IN A BLUE MOON.
9. KEEP THE BALL ROLLING
EK DUM BASIC
MAINTAIN / CONTINUE THE ACTIVITY
Tom started the project, and we kept the ball rolling.
10. POISON SOMEONE’S EAR
EK DUM BASIC
TO BACKBITE
EK DUM BASIC
COMPLETE SSC PREVIOUS YEAR VOCAB PACKAGE