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Common Idioms and Phrases with Meanings
Practice idioms-and-phrases with 20 free MCQ questions covering english. Detailed explanations in English and Hindi, perfect for UPSC, SSC, and competitive exam preparation.
idioms-and-phrases — Answer Key & Explanations (20 Questions)
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Q1.Choose the correct meaning of the idiom "a piece of cake".
- A.something sweet
- B.something very easy✓ Correct Answer
- C.something expensive
- D.something dangerous
Explanation: "A piece of cake" describes a task that is very easy to do.
Q2.Choose the correct meaning of the idiom "once in a blue moon".
- A.very rarely✓ Correct Answer
- B.every month
- C.at night
- D.very often
Explanation: A blue moon is a rare event, so the idiom means very rarely.
Q3.Choose the correct meaning of the idiom "break the ice".
- A.to start a conversation in an awkward situation✓ Correct Answer
- B.to melt snow
- C.to end an argument
- D.to cause damage
Explanation: To break the ice is to ease the tension at the start of a meeting or conversation.
Q4.Choose the correct meaning of the idiom "under the weather".
- A.very happy
- B.well prepared
- C.out in the rain
- D.slightly ill✓ Correct Answer
Explanation: "Under the weather" means feeling a little unwell.
Q5.Choose the correct meaning of the idiom "spill the beans".
- A.to waste food
- B.to cook in a hurry
- C.to make a mistake
- D.to reveal a secret✓ Correct Answer
Explanation: To spill the beans is to let out secret information.
Q6.Choose the correct meaning of the idiom "hit the nail on the head".
- A.to hurt oneself
- B.to work with tools
- C.to say or do exactly the right thing✓ Correct Answer
- D.to waste time
Explanation: It means to describe a situation exactly or to find the exact cause.
Q7.Choose the correct meaning of the idiom "cost an arm and a leg".
- A.to be very expensive✓ Correct Answer
- B.to cause injury
- C.to be free of cost
- D.to be slightly costly
Explanation: The idiom means something is extremely expensive.
Q8.Choose the correct meaning of the idiom "bite the bullet".
- A.to avoid a fight
- B.to face a painful situation bravely✓ Correct Answer
- C.to eat quickly
- D.to speak rudely
Explanation: To bite the bullet is to go through something unpleasant with courage.
Q9.Choose the correct meaning of the idiom "burn the midnight oil".
- A.to waste fuel
- B.to work or study late into the night✓ Correct Answer
- C.to sleep early
- D.to start a fire
Explanation: It comes from oil lamps used for working late at night.
Q10.Choose the correct meaning of the idiom "beat around the bush".
- A.to search a garden
- B.to hunt animals
- C.to speak loudly
- D.to avoid coming to the main point✓ Correct Answer
Explanation: To beat around the bush is to talk without getting to the point.
Q11.Choose the correct meaning of the idiom "a blessing in disguise".
- A.a hidden gift
- B.a sudden illness
- C.a religious ceremony
- D.a misfortune that turns out to be beneficial✓ Correct Answer
Explanation: It describes something that seems bad at first but proves good later.
Q12.Choose the correct meaning of the idiom "cut corners".
- A.to draw a square
- B.to travel by a shorter road only
- C.to do something in the cheapest or quickest way, often reducing quality✓ Correct Answer
- D.to be very careful
Explanation: To cut corners is to save time or money by skipping steps.
Q13.Choose the correct meaning of the idiom "call it a day".
- A.to name a holiday
- B.to stop working for the day✓ Correct Answer
- C.to start work early
- D.to make a phone call
Explanation: To call it a day is to decide to stop an activity for now.
Q14.Choose the correct meaning of the idiom "the last straw".
- A.the best solution
- B.the first sign of trouble
- C.the final problem that makes a situation unbearable✓ Correct Answer
- D.a very small gift
Explanation: It comes from "the last straw that broke the camel's back".
Q15.Choose the correct meaning of the idiom "pull someone's leg".
- A.to tease someone playfully✓ Correct Answer
- B.to help someone stand
- C.to hurt someone
- D.to win an argument
Explanation: To pull someone's leg is to joke or tease, usually by saying something untrue.
Q16.Choose the correct meaning of the idiom "throw in the towel".
- A.to start cleaning
- B.to celebrate a win
- C.to ask for help
- D.to admit defeat and give up✓ Correct Answer
Explanation: It comes from boxing, where a towel thrown into the ring means surrender.
Q17.Choose the correct meaning of the phrase "a Herculean task".
- A.an easy job
- B.a task done in secret
- C.a task requiring enormous strength or effort✓ Correct Answer
- D.a task given to a hero
Explanation: It refers to the twelve labours of the Greek hero Hercules.
Q18.Choose the correct meaning of the phrase "a white elephant".
- A.a rare and valuable gift
- B.a sacred animal
- C.a costly possession that is useless and hard to maintain✓ Correct Answer
- D.a sign of good luck
Explanation: The phrase comes from the custom of giving rare white elephants, whose upkeep ruined the receiver.
Q19.Choose the correct meaning of the phrase "Achilles' heel".
- A.a person's only weak point✓ Correct Answer
- B.a great strength
- C.a painful injury
- D.a loyal friend
Explanation: In Greek myth, Achilles could be wounded only at his heel, hence a hidden weakness.
Q20.Choose the correct meaning of the phrase "at sixes and sevens".
- A.in perfect harmony
- B.in a state of confusion or disorder✓ Correct Answer
- C.in a lucky position
- D.at a gambling table
Explanation: The phrase describes a situation of disorder or disagreement.