1

The residents of my colony ______ in trying to find

out about the increasing number of car thefts.

(a) Hit a purple patch

(b) Hit the sack
(c) Beat about the bush
(d) Pulled all the stops
 2

When you ______ it is best to be patient and have

faith in your inner strength.

(a) remain on high alert

(b) keep someone at an arm's length
(c) call a spade a spade
(d) find yourself in troubled waters
 3

During the staff meeting there was a lot of ruckus since

many didn’t ______ with the authorities.
(a) See eye to eye
(b) Put their best foot forward
(c) Put their foot down
(d) Move up in the world
 4

He tries to perform well but good projects done by him are______. He

needs to put in extra effort.
(a) On edge
(b) Walking on air
(c) Few and far between
(d) Going with the flow
 5

In trying to solve the crime, the detective found himself ______ Yet
the mystery kept deepening.
(a) Beating the bush
(b) Beating his brains out
(c) Letting his hair down
(d) Making room for others
 6

The government has decided to ______ GST on some items in order

to help small traders.
(a) Steer clear of
(b) Roll back
(c) Wash away
(d) Crack down on
 7
The official found himself ______ when he could not explain his
actions and all the members started attacking him with accusations of
cheating.
(a) In the eye of a storm
(b) On the same page
(c) Wet behind the ears
(d) Burning the midnight oil
 8

Suman really has __________. She moved to a new house just a

month back but already has a lovely garden.
(a) A heart of gold
(b) A bad hair day
(c) A foot in the door
(d) Green fingers
 9

That student of yours has such sound values. She’s indeed a ______ .
(a) Rare bird
(b) Barrel of laughs
(c) Pain in the neck
(d) Pot calling the kettle black
 10

Colleges cannot ______ to ragging because of the Anti Ragging Act.

(a) Turn a blind eye
(b) Add fuel to the fire
(c) Look forward
(d) Look someone in the eye
 11

Initially I thought I could participate in the international Scholars

Contest but when I saw the preparatory material I ______ .
(a) Missed the boat
(b) Hit the bull’s eye
(c) Got cold feet
(d) Made a scene
 12

Rohit was ______ when he took important decisions without

consulting the family.
(a) Cutting the red tape
(b) Told to get a new lease of life
(c) In the same boat
(d) Told to fight his own battles himself
 13

Select the most appropriate idiom for the underlined segment in the
following sentence.
He will get his work done by hook or by crook.
a) by any means, good or bad
b) by persuading
c) by bribing
d) by threatening
 14

Making the final paper was a really difficult task but by the end of
the week, I was able to______________.
(a) Bark up the wrong tree
(b) Wrap my head around it
(c) Cry my eyes out
(d) Run out of stream
 15
The festival expenses are bound to ______ in my pocket.
(a) Be out of the blue
(b) Give a clean chit
(c) Be upfront
(d) Make a dent
 16

To restart his cash-strapped company he decided to apply for a bank loan.

(a) impoverished
(b) improving
(c) expensive
(d) expanding
 17

Select the most appropriate idiom for the underlined segment in the
following sentence.
Everything in the mansion was in great confusion after the robbery.
a) Pick holes
b) Pell-mell
c) Turn over a new leaf
d) Damp squib
 18
Select the most appropriate idiom for the underlined segment in the
following sentence.
Costs an arm and a leg
a) To be moderately priced
b) To be free of charge
c) To be very expensive
d) To be affordable
 19

Select the most appropriate idiom for the underlined words in the
given sentence.
He was alone and knew the dangers ahead during his journey, but he
tried to keep up his confidence.
a) whistled in the dark
b) made a sterner stuff
c) stepped up his game
d) wouldn’t be caught dead
 20

Select the most appropriate idiom for the underlined segment in the
following sentence.
The evidence put forward could not confirm his guilt.
a) Bring up
b) Bring down
c) Bear up
d) Doesn’t hold water
 21

Select the most appropriate idiom for the underlined segment in the
given sentence.
When he made fun of the sage, who was already infuriated, it made a
bad situation worse.
a) Made them at the loggerheads
b) Added fuel to the fire
c) Pulled someone’s legs
d) Budged up
 22

The government has decided to ______ GST on some items in order

to help small traders.
(a) Steer clear of
(b) Roll back
(c) Wash away
(d) Crack down on
 23

Select the most appropriate idiom for the following sentence.

The recent strike of the employees left the factory and its machinery
in disorder.
a) Need of the hour
b) Out of gear
c) Pin-money
d) Lock and key
 24

I could make out that the conversation was leading to a fight so I ______ .
(a) Nipped it in the bud
(b) Cut corners
(c) Killed two birds with a stone
(d) Made a song and a dance
 25

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

Throw cold water on
a) To show indifference
b) To rinse thoroughly
c) To encourage
d) To talk nicely
 26
Select the most appropriate idiom for the underlined words in the
given sentence.
Piyush is inexperienced in leather industry.
a) in great hands
b) a sore thumb
c) hang fire
d) a greenhorn
 27

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

Having a chip on one’s shoulder
a) Showing great resistance to any adversities
b) Having an irritated and unfriendly attitude
c) Having a proud and self-centred arrogance
d) Having an unnecessary feeling of guilt
 28

Select the most appropriate idiom for the underlined segment in the
sentence given below.
Richa was provoking her neighbours against her maid Shanta who
spoke against her but none of them responded.
a) Carrying the conviction
b) Egging on
c) Smelling a rat
d) Rising like a phoenix
 29

Select the most appropriate idiom for the underlined segment in the
sentence given below.
Queer pitch
a) Spoil somebody's chance of doing something
b) Make a weird request
c) Make a lot of progress
d) Act out of normal
 30

Select the most appropriate idiom for the underlined words in the given
sentence.
The childhood days are peaceful days of our life.
a) halcyon days
b) live wire days
c) all years
d) hard and fast days
 31
Select the most appropriate idiom for the underlined words in the
given sentence.
Have a bash
a) to spoil a moment
b) to betray a close friend
c) to make an attempt
d) to put something on hold
 32

Select the most appropriate idiom for the given situation.

Don’t annoy or irritate Raghav, otherwise he will oppose our
proposal in the meeting.
a) Pass the buck
b) Pour oil on troubled water
c) Rub in the wrong way
d) Loose the ground
 33

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate option.

She decided to ______ her right to the ancestral property as she
wanted to avoid conflict.
a) sign with
b) sign for
c) sign away
d) sign in
 34

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate option.

Speaking ______ is sometimes considered a virtue especially when the
speaker has an important point to make.
a) out of date
b) out of turn
c) out of control
d) out of hand
 35

Select the most appropriate idiom for the given statement.

Doing things in a hurry does not give fruitful results.
a) Nothing succeeds like success.
b) Still waters run deep.
c) Haste is waste.
d) Wisdom is too high for a fool.
 36
Select the most appropriate idiom for the underlined words in the
given sentence.
Playing fantasy games on internet is an easy way to make money
quickly but it’s risky.
a) in for a penny in for a pound
b) not fair and square
c) making a quick buck
d) bigger fish to fry
 37

Select the most appropriate idiom for the following statement.

We should be together to fight any danger. Otherwise, separately,
we won’t be able to fight.
a) Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
b) A full purse makes the mouth speak.
c) United we stand, divided we fall.
d) Well begun is half done.
 38
Select the most appropriate idiom for the underlined segment in the
following sentence.
Rohit is very mischievous and always annoys his teachers.
a) Gets in his teacher’s hair
b) Puts his shoulders to the wheel
c) A storm in a tea cup
d) Leads up the garden path
 39
Select the most appropriate idiom for the underlined segment in the
following sentence.

The child played the video game as much as he wanted to.

a) To his heart’s content
b) To gild the pill
c) To kick the bucket
d) To assume airs
 40
Select the most appropriate idiom for the underlined segment in the
following sentence.
The proud people forget the fact that the world is tangible.
a) Hobson’s choice
b) Head and shoulders
c) High and mighty
d) Hard-nosed attitude
 41

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

Spill the beans
a) Open the flow of the stopped water
b) Liberate the controlled emotions
c) Distribute food grains freely
d) Disclose the secrets accidentally
 42

Select the most appropriate idiom for the underlined segment in the
following sentence.
Shruti is a strange person because of her attitude.
a) A one man
b) A scarlet woman
c) Queer fish
d) A straw man
 43

Select the most appropriate idiom for the underlined segment in the
following sentence.
The servants know the secrets of the family they are working for.
a) Ins and outs
b) Latin and Greek
c) Hornet’s nest
d) Long and short
 44
Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.
Head in the clouds
a) Being extremely tall
b) Being absent minded
c) Being extremely happy
d) Being extremely sad
 45

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

Like a cat on a hot tin roof
a) Studying very hard
b) Being lazy
c) Being in a state of agitation
d) Urging somebody not to worry about something
 46

Select the most appropriate idiom for the underlined segment in the
sentence given below.
Most of the people say that some people fight for the cause but most
of them don’t support it.
a) Are out of frying pan onto the fire
b) Spare the rod and spoil the child
c) Pay only lip service
d) Mind their P’s and Q’s
 47
Select the most appropriate idiom for the underlined segment in the
given sentence.
The new entrant in the class felt uncomfortable as all were unfamiliar
to him.
a) Left out in cold
b) Was not given a fig
c) Was fish out of water
d) Buried his head in the sand
 48

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. "Might and
main"
a) Approximately, almost, somewhat, to a certain degree
b) Nonsense or meaningless speech
c) With all enthusiasm
d) To keep quiet, To say nothing
 49

Out of all the alternatives given, select the word which closely fits the
given idiom/phrase. Don't count your chickens before they hatch
a) Good things come after bad things.
b) To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem.
c) Do something without having planned beforehand.
d) Don't count on something good happening until it's happened
 50

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. "Go down
like a lead balloon"
a) To be ready
b) To get away from, to escape
c) To be received badly by an audience
d) To gamble everything you have
 51
Select the most appropriate idiom for the underlined segment in the following
sentence.
Nitish’s promotion is due.
a) With due respect
b) Not worth his salt
c) Done to death
d) On the cards
 52

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

"Haste makes waste"
a) Should, ought to, be advisable to
b) Angry and overcome by emotions
c) Doing things quickly result in a poor ending
d) Intelligent people think like each other
 53

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

Bite off more than you can chew
a) to take on a project that you can not finish
b) taking credit for someone else achievement
c) something considered to insignificant to create an impact
d) none of these
 54

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

Barking up the wrong tree
a) to be mistaken,to be looking for solutions in the wrong place
b) to blame someone unfairly
c) to ignore someone
d) none of these
 55
Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. "The last
straw"
a) Make all possible efforts
b) The final event in a series of unacceptable actions
c) Unable to understand
d) To politely ask for someone’s full attention
 56
Out of all the alternatives given, select the word which closely fits the
given idiom/phrase.
The best of both worlds
a) To enjoy two different opportunities at the same time.
b) Producing similar results.
c) An event that happens infrequently.
d) Understand something complicated.
 57

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

"Get up on the wrong side of the bed"
a) Someone who is having a horrible day
b) To move beyond something that is bothering you
c) Working hours from about 12:00 am to 8.00 pm
d) Not having a good night's sleep
 58
Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom in the
given sentence.
Have you seen Claire lately? She's become as thin as a stick in the last
six months!
a)To be suspicious
b) Be extremely weak
c) Extremely skinny
d) Full of enthusiasm
 59

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. "Loaves and
fish"
a) To act in a frenzied manner
b) To get someone drunk
c) Main support
d) Material interests
 60

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom

High and mighty.
a) Good news
b) Very quick
c) Arrogant
d) Good Luck
 61
Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom in the
given sentence.
We're finally at the end of the line with this project-now, we just
have to hand it in and pray for a good grade.
a) An incomplete work
b) The final step of something
c) In the middle of something
d) A task that is finished
 62

Out of all the alternatives given, select t he word which closely fits
the given idiom/phrase.
A blessing in disguise
a) to not judge someone or something based solely on appearance.
b) to describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem.
c) not feeling good.
d) a misfortune that eventually results in something good happening
later on.
 63

Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom in the

given sentence.
Quit banging the drum for that candidate, he is simply not qualified
for the job.
a) To criticize
b) To voice one’s support
c) To compel
d) To be aggressive
 64

Select the most appropriate idiom to fill in the blank.

Despite their differences, the two politicians decided to ________ and
work together for the greater good.
a) bury the hatchet
b) bark up the wrong tree
c) blow off steam
d) burn the midnight oil
 65

Select the sentence which gives the most appropriate meaning of the
given idiom.
Bite the bullet
a) Jack and Jill went up the hill to fetch a pail of water.
b) Despite the pain, Sarah decided to go ahead with the surgery.
c) The chef prepared a delicious meal for the guests.
d) The children played in the park on a sunny day.
 66

Select the most appropriate meaning of the highlighted idiom.

The youth involved in the accident escaped by the skin of his teeth.
a) Barely managed to escape
b) Very arrogant
c) Always taking calculated decisions
d) Deficiency of funds
 67

Select the appropriate idiom that can replace the underlined phrase in
the following sentence.
My father’s office is at a close distance from home.
a) from hand to mouth
b) a part and parcel
c) at a stone’s throw
d) at sixes and sevens
 68
When they read about the proposed strike of buses they said, “We’ll
cross that bridge when we come to it.”
(a) Prevent them
(b) Call them for talks
(c) Solve the problem
(d) Cancel our plans
 69

Select the most appropriate meaning of the highlighted idiom.

The team members seem to be running around in circles.
a) To be extremely successful
b) Hardly any time to breathe
c) To be very active but with few results
d) Very dynamic and hardworking
 70

Select the most appropriate meaning of the highlighted idiom.

It was a Catch 22 situation for the manager.
a) Worthy successor to the throne
b) A difficult situation in which the solution to a problem is
impossible
c) Hailed as the ultimate champion
d) A positive outcome in a tough situation
 71

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

Achilles’ Heel
a) Irrelevant thing
b) Vulnerable point
c) Fast runner
d) Costly item
 72

Select the most appropriate meaning of the highlighted idiom

The actress’ daughter is just a chip off the old block
a) To get into the enemy’s territory
b) Similar to one's parents in behaviour
c) To console the dreary
d) To chip off the edges
 73

Select the most appropriate meaning of the highlighted idiom.

The employee took the manager’s remark with a pinch of salt
a) Going for the truth
b) Distasteful and boring
c) Doubt the truth or value of something
d) Ever ready to condemn someone
 74
Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.
Water under the bridge
a) Past events that are not important anymore
b) Difficult situations in one’s life
c) Promises that are made to someone and never fulfilled
d) A seasoned crop with a heavy demand
 75

A Penelope’s web
a) A daily job
b) An important job
c) An endless job
d) A meaningless job
 76

Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom in the

given sentence.
She had to break the bank to buy that purse.
a) To be very expensive
b) To rob a bank
c) To buy something exclusive
d) To go beyond one’s means
 77
Sitting shotgun
a) Someone who is cherished above all others
b) Someone who is left-handed
c) Riding in the front passenger seat of a car
d) A scamp
 78
Even though his car was badly damaged in the accident, Rohan did not
turn a hair.
a) Change the hairstyle
b) Demand compensation
c) Understand anything
d) To show no outward emotion
 79

Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom in the given
sentence.
She may be the Principal but it is the school administrator who rules the
roost.
(a) is dependent upon her
(b) is totally submissive
(c) is proved right
(d) is in complete control
 80

Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom in the

given sentence.
The friends quarrelled some time ago but now they are trying to
make up with each other.
(a) to part forever
(b) to blame each other
(c) to compete with one another
(d) to settle their differences
 81

In times of economic recession, the demand for goods is on the

wane.
(a) on the rise
(b) on the decline
(c) out of control
(d) at the peak
 82

You must seize the opportunity to make amends for your earlier
curtness.
(a) to correct a mistake
(b) to give a suggestion
(c) to make a proposal
(d) to offer a deal
 83

Select the most appropriate idiom for the following statement.

The manager was punished for his negligence in work.
a) Bid defiance
b) Bring to book
c) Burn one’s boats
d) Bolt from the blue
 84

Rise to the occasion (In the semester exams, Rahul rose to the
occasion and scored brilliant marks)
(a) challenge an opponent who is strong
(b) show you can deal with a situation successfully
(c) assess a critical situation carefully
(d) take a big risk in order to succeed
 85

Sitting on a gold mine (You know you are sitting on a gold mine
because you have thousands of shares in that multinational company.)
(a) wasting a vast treasure
(b) secretly hunting for something precious
(c) to own something potentially valuable
(d) not availing of an opportunity
 86

If we lay our heads together, we will surely find a solution.

(a)take a break
(b)work in isolation
(c)rest for a while
(d)work in consultation
 87

On the spur of the moment (My friend Himanshu decided, on the

spur of the moment, to marry his girlfriend.)
(a) deciding after a lot of thinking
(b) being extremely careful
(c) waiting nervously for something
(d) acting impulsively without thinking
 88
Select the most appropriate option that can substitute the underlined
words in the given sentence.
The young artist spent countless hours perfecting her craft, trying with
various methods and mediums, and honing her creative vision until she
had produced a stunning collection of works that showcased her unique
talent and perspective.
a) exploring with different factors
b) experimenting with different techniques
c) merging with different variations
d) researching with different types
 89
We enjoyed watching the film because it was a down–to-earth depiction of
modern life.
(a) fanciful and dreamlike
(b) pleasing and entertaining
(c) practical and direct
(d) short and meaningful
 90

Back to square one

(a) neglect something
(b) Come to the original point
(c) Draw a square
(d) Move ahead
 91

Kill two birds with one stone

(a) To try something impossible
(b) To be an expert shooter
(c) To achieve two results with a single effort
(d) To plan two murders simultaneously
 92
The abrogation of article 370 was achieved in the teeth of tough
resistance.
(a) In a state of uncertainty
(b) In collaboration with
(c) In a short span of time
(d) In direct opposition to
 93
Simran was under tremendous stress because she had too many irons in
the fire.
(a) She had too many clothes to iron
(b) She had made a lot of risky investments
(c) She was suffering many ailments
(d) She was involved in many activities
 94

Their relationship has run into rough weather ever since they fell in
love with the same girl.
(a) experienced difficulties
(b) brought cool breeze and rains
(c) become stronger and firmer
(d) become pleasant and cordial
 95
I am not thinking of the solution to this problem. I will cross the bridge
when I come to it.
(a) Deal with something only when necessary
(b) Not even think about the problem
(c) Not deal with the problem at all
(d) Let someone else deal with the problem
 96
He kicked up a row when he was denied entry to the amusement park.
(a) cried with sorrow
(b) waited in a queue
(c) kicked the guard
(d) created a fuss
 97
The man heaved a sigh of relief when he was sure he was out of the
woods.
(a) Discharged from hospital
(b) Released from prison
(c) Out of danger
(d) Out of the forest
 98

A friend is no friend if he leaves you in the lurch.

(a) Leave for one’s own work
(b) Take advantage of someone
(c) Make a fool of someone
(d) Leave someone in a helpless condition
 99

I am fed up with his false promises.

(a) Disgusted
(b) Hopeful
(c) Furious
(d) Pleased
 100

Anil and Suresh are just finding their feet in the new venture.
(a) Beginning to understand the work and feeling confident.
(b) Getting comfortable and getting a good salary
(c) Buying and using comfortable footwear
(d) Making people fall at their feet, accepting defeat