Idioms and Phrases Practice Question English set 1

Idioms and Phrases Practice Question English set 1

Directions : In questions , four alternatives are given for the idiom/ phrase underlined in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom/phrase and mark it in the Answer Sheet.

1. To strain every nerve
(A) to make utmost efforts
(B) to feel weak and tired
(C) to be a diligent worker
(D) to be methodical in work

2. To flog a dead horse
(A) to whip a dead horse
(B) attempt to do the impossible
(C) waste one’s efforts
(D) to take advantage of a weakness

3. To show a clean pair of heels
(A) to hide (B) to escape
(C) to pursue (D) to follow

4. To die in harness
(A) premeditated murder
(B) dying young in an accident
(C)  to  die  while  in  service
(D) to be taken by surprise

5. To feather one’s nest
(A)  to  make  a  residential  house
(B)  something  that  lasts  for  a  short
time
(C) to profit in a dishonest way
(D) none of the above

6. To doctor the accounts
(A) to make changes in account books
(B) to clear the doctors’ bill
(C) to verify the accounts in detail
(D) to manipulate the accounts

 

7. She could never measure up to her parent’s expectation.
(A)  Reach  the  level
(B) Work as hard
(C) Assess the amount
(D)  Increase  her  height

8. The  little  girl  with  her  flawless performance stole the show.
(A) Stole something from the show
(B) Crept into the show
(C) Won everybody’s praise
(D) Disappeared from the show

9. The thief was on good terms with the police.
(A) Kept terms and conditions
(B) Was friendly
(C) Followed the rules
(D) Agreed with them

10. John’s offer of help was turned down by the police.
(A) Sent back
(B) Twisted around
(C) Refused
(D) Handed over

11. To be all at sea
(A) a family voyage
(B) lost and confused
(C) in the middle of the ocean
(D) a string of islands

 

12. To take to one’s heels
(A) to walk slowly
(B) to run away
(C) to march forward
(D) to hop and jump

13. To bite the dust
(A) eat voraciously
(B) have nothing to eat
(C) eat roots
(D) to fail

14. A bolt from the blue
(A) a delayed event
(B)  an  inexplicable  event
(C) an  unexpected event
(D) an unpleasant event

15. Cold comfort
(A) absurdity
(B) deception
(C)  slight  satisfaction
(D)foolish proposal

16. The reputed company is in the reddue to the recession.
(A)  making  money
(B) losing money
(C) in  danger
(D) spending money

17. When the Principal was entering the cl ass,  al l  my  friends  qui etly disappeared,  leaving  me  alone to face the music.
(A) to listen to him
(B) to enter into the class
(C)  to  bear  the  criticism
(D) to listen to a favourable  comment

18. The Kenyan team proved to be the dark  horse in  the  ICC  World  Cup Cricket.
(A) a strong intruder
(B) a skilled team
(C) the most powerful
(D) an unexpected winner

19. Having no arguments to defend his point,  the  speaker  began to  beat about the bush.
(A) wander across the words
(B) speak in a haphazard manner
(C) speak in a round-about manner
(D)  make  use  of  irrelevant  reference

20. They were offered six months’ rent in  lieu  of notice  to  vacate  the building.
(A) in spite of
(B) in place of
(C) despite of
(D) in addition to

 

Answers :

1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20
A	B	B	C	C	D	A	C	B	C	B	B	D	D	C	C	C	D	C	B