Phrase and Idioms - Exercise - 11 for University Admission Test, Job Application Test, BCS Exam and Any Competitive Examination

Phrase and Idioms Exercise

1. My sister has supported me through —. The correct phrase is: [RU (A) 16-17]

a) good and bad

b) thick and thin

c) hot and cool

d) in and out

Answer: b

Explanation: 'Through thick and thin' means through good times and bad times.

2. 'For the time being' means- [RU (E) 16-17]

a) later

b) temporarily

c) enduring

d) lasting

Answer: b

Explanation: 'For the time being' means for a short period of time; 'temporarily'.

3. 'beating around the bush' means— [RU (E, Law) 16-17]

a) solving a problem

b) attacking aggressively

c) speaking to the point

d) avoiding the main point

Answer: d

Explanation: 'To beat around the bush' means to talk about irrelevant things to avoid talking about the main subject.

4. The phrase 'by and by` means— [RU (E, Marketing) 16-17]

a) suddenly

b) in course of time

c) soon

d) as it would be

Answer: c

Explanation: 'By and by' means after a short time; 'soon'.

5. He is a man wicked to the backbone. [RU (B) 17-18]

a) to the backbone

b) to the heart

c) on the heart

d) on the backbone

Answer: a

Explanation: 'To the backbone' means completely or thoroughly.

6. 'Black and blue' এর অর্থ - [JKKNIU (D) 18-19]

a) sorely (নির্মমভাবে)

b) infinity

c) higher

d) extravagance

Answer: a

Explanation: 'Black and blue' refers to being badly bruised. Beating someone 'black and blue' means beating them severely or 'sorely'.

7. Choose the correct meaning of the idiom 'To spill the beans' from the four options. [DU (D) 16-17]

a) To eat clumsily

b) To reveal a secret

c) To get exhausted

d) To fight

Answer: b

Explanation: 'To spill the beans' means to reveal secret information.

8. 'Bad blood' এর অর্থ— [RU (Law) 16-17]

a) বিষাক্ত রক্ত

b) দূষিত রক্ত

c) শত্রুতা

d) খারাপ রক্ত

Answer: c

Explanation: 'Bad blood' means feelings of hatred or strong dislike between people. In Bengali: 'শত্রুতা'.

9. 'Dead of night' এর অর্থ— [RU (Law) 16-17]

a) মৃতপ্রায় রাত্রি

b) মৃত রাত্রি

c) মধ্যরাত্রি

d) নিঃশব্দ রাত্রি

Answer: c

Explanation: The 'dead of night' is the quietest, darkest part of the night; 'midnight'. In Bengali: 'মধ্যরাত্রি'.

10. 'Hush money' এর সঠিক অর্থ -------- [RU (Law) 16-17]

a) ঘুষের টাকা

b) ঘুষ

c) ঘুষ দেওয়া

d) ঘুষখোর

Answer: b

Explanation: 'Hush money' is money paid to someone to keep something secret; a bribe. In Bengali: 'ঘুষ'.

11. Critical problems cannot be solved by the ---- [CU (D3) 16-17]

a) rule of thumb

b) rule of hand

c) Penelope's web

d) the pros and cons

Answer: a

Explanation: A 'rule of thumb' is a general principle based on experience, which may not be adequate for critical problems.

12. This policy of the government will not hold water in this bitter situation. Here 'hold water' means ---- [BSMRSTU (D) 16-17]

a) be applied

b) be effective

c) be complete

d) be failed

Answer: b

Explanation: If an argument or plan 'holds water', it is sound, logical, and likely to be 'effective'.

13. "Achilles' heel" means-. [JKKNIU (A) 15-16]

a) the heel of Achilles

b) the strength of Achilles

c) the fault of Achilles

d) the weak point of a person

Answer: d

Explanation: An 'Achilles' heel' is a weak point in someone who is otherwise strong.

14. 'They are sticking out for better terms.' The underlined phrase means- [BSMRSTU (D) 16-17]

a) decide to give concession

b) win

c) decide not to negotiate

d) none

Answer: c

Explanation: 'To stick out for' something means to persist in demanding it and refuse to compromise.

15. 'Worth one's while' means- [BSMRSTU (D) 16-17]

a) to be lucrative (লাভজনক হওয়া)

b) to be courageous (সাহসী হওয়া)

c) to be jealous (ঈর্ষান্বিত হওয়া)

d) to be precious (মূল্যবান হওয়া)

Answer: a

Explanation: If something is 'worth one's while', it is sufficiently important or rewarding to justify the effort spent on it; lucrative.

16. You have talked on the topic for ten minutes. Stop —, and let me clarify it. [RU (C2) 15-16]

a) biting around the bush

b) beating around the bush

c) betting round the bush

d) butting around the bush

Answer: b

Explanation: 'To beat around the bush' means to avoid talking about the main point.

17. A____ of our GNP comes from agriculture. [COU (A) 19-20]

a) lion's share

b) key stone

c) lay figure

d) jog trot

Answer: a

Explanation: The 'lion's share' is the largest part of something.

18. Raju is someone you can — your confidence. [DU (D) 16-17]

a) get into

b) take into

c) build up

d) boost up

Answer: b

Explanation: 'To take someone into your confidence' means to tell them a secret.

19. Do not trust a man who blows his own trumpet. What does the underlined idiom mean? [CU (A) 16-17]

a) Praises himself

b) Praise others

c) Admonishes others

d) Flatters

e) Makes worse

Answer: a

20. In the sentence "Do not trust a man who blows his own trumpet", the underlined part means- [JU (C2) 15-16]

a) rebuke others

b) praise others

c) proudly express yourself

d) scold others

Answer: c

Explanation: 'To blow one's own trumpet' means to boast or talk proudly about oneself.

21. The phrase 'stand out' means [JnU (A) 15-16]

a) to sit properly

b) be noticeable by being exceptional

c) to stand erect

d) to kick out to

Answer: b

Explanation: 'To stand out' means to be very noticeable or impressive.

22. What is the meaning of the idiom "the coast is clear"? [BRUR (A) 15-16]

a) Bright and sunny day

b) Easy shipment of goods

c) There is no danger of being seen or caught

d) Activities which are performed with a lot of effort

Answer: c

Explanation: 'The coast is clear' means there is no one around to see you, so it is safe to do something.

23. What is the meaning of the idiom "at a low ebb"? [BRUR (A) 15-16]

a) in a safe situation

b) in a poor state

c) increasing something abruptly

d) Any incident which is apparently bad

Answer: b

Explanation: To be 'at a low ebb' means to be in a weak or depressed state.

24. In the sentence "In the organized society of today, no individual nation can plough a lonely furrow." The underlined part means- [JU (C2) 15-16]

a) remain unaffected

b) do without the help of others

c) plough in isolation

d) remain non-aligned

Answer: b

Explanation: 'To plough a lonely furrow' means to act alone, 'without the help of others'.

25. In the sentence 'Companies producing goods play to the gallery to boost their sales', The underlined part means- [JU (C2) 15-16, BSMRSTU (F) 15-16]

a) advertise

b) depend upon the public for approval

c) cater to the public taste

d) attempt to appeal to popular taste

Answer: d

Explanation: 'To play to the gallery' means to behave in an exaggerated way to attract popular approval.

26. 'A piece of cake' means [JU (C3) 15-16]

a) be alert

b) earn much wealth

c) at the right time

d) an easy task

Answer: d

Explanation: 'A piece of cake' is an 'easy task'.

27. A sizable number of today's students don't read books thoroughly; they just—. [CU (D) 18-19]

a) go through them

b) skim through them

c) skim throughly them

d) read them to the syllable

Answer: b

Explanation: 'To skim through' means to read quickly to get the main points.

28. Meaning of 'at home' is - [JU (C8) 15-16]

a) expert

b) comfortable

c) powerful

d) without the house

Answer: a, b

Explanation: To be 'at home' in a subject means to be 'expert'. To 'feel at home' means to feel 'comfortable'.

29. He appears to be a fish out of water. The underlined phrase means- [JnU E 16-17]

a) uneasy

b) frustrated

c) bored

d) unnatural

Answer: a

Explanation: To be a 'fish out of water' means to feel 'uneasy' and uncomfortable.

30. The people got so frightened that they started running helter-skelter. [JnU E 16-17]

a) black and white

b) to and fro

c) hard and fast

d) bag and baggage

Answer: b

Explanation: 'Helter-skelter' means in disorderly haste. 'To and fro' (back and forth) is the closest option among the choices to represent movement, though the idiomatic meaning is disordered haste.

31. You should make good for the loss. [JnU (D) 16-17]

a) Pay

b) Redress

c) hard and fast

d) bag and baggage

Answer: a

Explanation: 'To make good' means to 'pay' for or compensate for a loss.

32. Do it—. Right phrase to fill in the gap. [RU (B-Law) 16-17]

a) hook or crook (by any means)

b) nook or corner (everywhere)

c) on account of (because of)

d) now or never (immediately)

Answer: d

Explanation: 'Now or never' is an exhortation to do something immediately.

33. Your green eyes will ruin you one day. [JUST (D) 15-16]

a) disappointed

b) proud

c) jealousy

d) disgrace

e) bright

Answer: c

Explanation: 'Green eyes' symbolize 'jealousy'.

34. What is the meaning of "far and wide"? [BRUR (A) 15-16]

a) Nowhere

b) Far away

c) Everywhere

d) in a special place

Answer: c

Explanation: 'Far and wide' means over a large area; 'everywhere'.

35. He was a king who ruled his subjects with a high hand. [বাংলাদেশ ব্যাংক (AD)-17]

a) Oppressively

b) Harshly

c) Courageously

d) Sympathetically

Answer: a

Explanation: 'With a high hand' means in an arrogant or 'oppressive' manner.

36. Before taking such a test, one had better brush up on his/her vocabulary. [JU D 10-11]

a) outline

b) translate

c) revise

d) review

Answer: c

Explanation: 'To brush up on' a skill means to refresh one's knowledge of it; to 'revise'.

37. It is next to impossible for me to assist him always. What is the meaning of 'next to' in this sentence? [SUST (A) 16-17]

a) Almost possible

b) Almost impossible

c) Impossible

d) Possible

e) Partially Possible

Answer: b

Explanation: 'Next to' can mean 'almost'. Therefore, 'next to impossible' means 'almost impossible'.

38. 'Stay the course' means- [IU (B) 13-14]

a) to stop doing something until it has been complete.

b) to continue doing something until it has been complete.

c) to give up doing something until it has been complete.

d) to avoid doing something until it has been complete.

Answer: b

Explanation: 'To stay the course' means to continue with a difficult task until it is finished.

39. Her health has improved by leaps and bounds. [BSMRSTU (C) 15-16]

a) very quickly

b) abruptly

c) enormously

d) excessively

Answer: a

Explanation: 'By leaps and bounds' means with impressively rapid progress.

40. 'Odds and ends' এর অর্থ কী? [RU (Accounting) 09-10, JU (A) 13-14, BRUR (B) 16-17]

a) নিয়মিত ঘটনা

b) টুকিটাকি জিনিস

c) বিশেষ ঘটনা

d) গুরুত্বপূর্ণ বিষয়

Answer: b

Explanation: 'Odds and ends' are various small, unimportant items. In Bengali: 'টুকিটাকি জিনিস'.

41. 'Loggerheads' এর অর্থ- [RU (BBA) 08-09]

a) খারাপ সম্পর্ক

b) ভালো সম্পর্ক

c) শত্রুতা

d) বন্ধুত্ব

Answer: c

Explanation: To be at 'loggerheads' means to be in strong disagreement or conflict. In Bengali: 'শত্রুতা'.

42. 'Dilly dally' এর অর্থ- [RU (Management) 08-09]

a) ধীরে চলা

b) সময় নষ্ট করা

c) কাজ শুরু করা

d) তাড়াতাড়ি করা

Answer: b

Explanation: 'To dilly-dally' means to waste time by being slow or indecisive. In Bengali: 'সময় নষ্ট করা'.

43. 'Play truant' [RU (Management) 08-09]

a) অনুমতি ছাড়া খেলা

b) অনুমতি ছাড়া আসা

c) অনুমতি ছাড়া বাইরে যাওয়া

d) না বলে স্কুলে অনুপস্থিত থাকা

Answer: d

Explanation: 'To play truant' means to stay away from school without permission. In Bengali: 'না বলে স্কুলে অনুপস্থিত থাকা'.

44. I told my brother to - of evil company. [JnU (A) 09-10]

a) scot free

b) stay away

c) moot point

d) steer clear

Answer: d

Explanation: 'To steer clear of' means to avoid.

45. I'll give you my answer tomorrow without --. [বিসিএস (স্বাস্থ্য)-12]

a) miss

b) lack

c) less

d) fail

Answer: d

Explanation: The phrase is 'without fail', meaning certainly.

46. My sister has supported me through—. The right phrase is: [RU (E) 16-17]

a) good and bad

b) thick and thin

c) hot and cool

d) in and out

Answer: b

Explanation: 'Through thick and thin' means through good times and bad times.

47. A— is respected everywhere. [RU (E) 16-17, BSMRSTU (G) 17-18]

a) man after letter

b) man in letter

c) man with letters

d) man of letters

Answer: d

Explanation: A 'man of letters' is a scholar.     

1. He has been nominated the chief director of the company as he has — in the company. [JKKNIU (A) 15-16]

a) a sleeping partner

b) a lion heart

c) a lion's share

d) great courage

Answer: c

Explanation: To have 'a lion's share' of something (like shares in a company) means to have the largest part.

2. The new policy was adopted — fierce criticism. [JKKNIU (A) 15-16]

a) in the teeth of

b) in the hand of

c) in the face of

d) in the eyes of

Answer: a

Explanation: 'In the teeth of' means in spite of strong opposition.

3. Yesterday he had a — from a serious accident. [JnU (A) 15-16]

a) narrow escape

b) possibility

c) danger

d) chance

Answer: a

Explanation: A 'narrow escape' means one barely avoided a dangerous situation.

4. The phrase 'Over and again' means [MBSTU (D) 15-16]

a) once more

b) again

c) wonderful

d) once

Answer: a

Explanation: 'Over and again' means repeatedly. 'Once more' is the closest meaning among the options.

5. Fill in the blank: "-- his merit, he was given a prize." [BSMRSTU (B) 12-13]

a) In spite of

b) In view of

c) In point of

d) In the event of

Answer: b

Explanation: 'In view of' means considering or taking into account.

6. Students think for a bit before answering. Here 'a bit' means [RU (BBA) 09-10]

a) a small amount

b) a short time

c) a large amount

d) profoundly

Answer: b

Explanation: 'A bit' in this context means 'a short time'.

7. What is the synonym of the word 'blood-bath'? [RU (BBA) 07-08]

a) blood

b) massacre

c) blonde

d) massacre

Answer: d

Explanation: A 'bloodbath' is a 'massacre', a brutal slaughter of many people.

8. To leave no stone unturned means- [DU (B) 10-11]

a) To remain idle

b) To try in all possible ways

c) To work hard

d) To apply unfair means to achieve something

Answer: b

Explanation: 'To leave no stone unturned' means to try every possible means to achieve something.

9. The gift of the gab: [PUST (B) 12-13]

a) a gift of nature

b) agility

c) a reward

d) ability to speak easily

Answer: d

Explanation: 'The gift of the gab' is the ability to speak easily and persuasively.

10. What does the phrase mean: At one's wits' end? [JU (D) 13-14]

a) Perplexed

b) Clear up

c) Explain

d) Enlightened

Answer: a

Explanation: To be 'at one's wits' end' means to be completely puzzled or 'perplexed'.

11. At any cost [PUST (B) 12-13]

a) at a heavy cost

b) under any circumstances

c) with full strength

d) in an expensive way

Answer: b

Explanation: 'At any cost' means 'under any circumstances' or regardless of the price/effort.

12. Cool as a cucumber [PUST (B) 12-13]

a) very hasty

b) very dull

c) very slow

d) very calm and controlled

Answer: d

Explanation: 'Cool as a cucumber' means to be very calm and controlled, especially in difficult situations.

13. Do's and don'ts [HSTU (A) 13-14]

a) disobedience

b) restrictions

c) instructions

d) wisdom

Answer: c

Explanation: 'Dos and don'ts' are rules or 'instructions' about what one should and should not do.

14. First language [PUST (A) 13-14]

a) Lingua franca

b) Mother tongue

c) English

d) Official language

Answer: b

Explanation: A person's 'first language' is their native language or 'mother tongue'.

15. What is the opposite of 'Yellow Dog'? [RU (G) 16-17]

a) great man

b) unkind man

c) hopeless man

d) foolish man

Answer: a

Explanation: A 'yellow dog' is a cowardly or contemptible person, so the opposite would be a 'great man'.

16. The man was arrested — the murder of his wife. [BU (B) 11-12, (D) 14-15]

a) in connection with

b) in compliance with

c) with reference to

d) with regards to

Answer: a

Explanation: 'In connection with' means regarding or relating to.

17. The phrase 'to drive home' means- [JU (E2) 13-14, BU (A) 14-15]

a) to find one's roots

b) to return to the place of rest

c) back to the original position

d) to emphasize

Answer: d

Explanation: 'To drive something home' means 'to emphasize' a point so that it is clearly understood.

18. Choose the meaning of the idiom: Round table conference. [BU (B) 14-15]

a) big public meeting

b) well-attended seminar

c) political or other discussion

d) debating competition

Answer: c

Explanation: A 'round-table conference' is a meeting between parties/equals for discussion.

19. Choose the meaning of the idiom: Break the record. [BU (B) 14-15]

a) destroy property

b) do damage to property

c) attempt impossible things

d) do something that has not been done before

Answer: d

Explanation: 'To break a record' means to surpass a previous best achievement or do something unprecedented.

20. Our family is on very good terms with his family. Here 'good terms' means- [NU (Hons) 14-15]

a) good conditions

b) warm relationship

c) give and take

d) hospitality

Answer: b

Explanation: To be on 'good terms' means to have a good, friendly, or 'warm relationship'.

21. 'A slip of the tongue' means something is said — [JnU (C) 14-15]

a) wrongly by choice

b) unintentionally

c) without giving proper thought

d) to hurt another person

Answer: b

Explanation: 'A slip of the tongue' is a minor mistake in speech made 'unintentionally'.

22. The students wrote the essay in accordance with the instruction of their teacher. [BU (C) 13-14]

a) accordance with

b) accordingly

c) in accordance to

d) according to

Answer: a

Explanation: The correct phrase is 'in accordance with'.

23. I'm so mad at my friend. He was supposed to return the money he had borrowed from me but he stood me up. [CU (E) 13-14]

a) forgot

b) came without the money

c) pretended he forgot

d) kept me standing for a long time

e) didn't come

Answer: e

Explanation: 'To stand someone up' means to fail to keep an appointment with them.

24. Men of light and leading supported the cause of our liberation. [RU (Accounting) 09-10]

a) disrepute

b) fanatic

c) familiar

d) renowned

Answer: d

Explanation: 'Men of light and leading' are eminent, influential, or 'renowned' people.

25. Rahim is every inch a gentleman. Here 'every inch' means — [RU (E-Marketing) 13-14]

a) top to bottom

b) heavily

c) moderately

d) roughly

Answer: a

Explanation: 'Every inch' means completely or in every respect; figuratively 'top to bottom'.

26. 'He could not believe his ears' means - [JnU (B) 13-14]

a) incredulous

b) deaf

c) guilty

d) hurt

Answer: a

Explanation: To not believe one's ears means to be 'incredulous' or unable to believe what one is hearing.

27. `.to the full' means: [RU (A, Arts) 13-14]

a) to exhaust

b) to complete

c) thoroughly

d) to the highest extent

Answer: c

Explanation: 'To the full' means completely or 'thoroughly'.

28. 'in his own way' means: [RU (A, Arts) 13-14]

a) in the right way

b) properly

c) naturally

d) according to his own desire

Answer: d

Explanation: 'In one's own way' means according to one's own methods or desires.

29. 'To lighten the atmosphere' means: [RU (A, Arts) 13-14]

a) to remove darkness

b) to bring light

c) to ease a tense situation

d) to make comedy out of a tragedy

Answer: c

Explanation: 'To lighten the atmosphere' means to make a situation less serious, tense, or formal.

30. We must— catch the 7:30 train. Otherwise we won't be able to reach the campus in time. [CU (C) 07-08]

a) at once

b) at best

c) at all costs

d) surely

e) instantly

Answer: c

Explanation: 'At all costs' means by any means necessary or regardless of difficulty.

31. Choose the correct sentence. [বিসিএস-08]

a) Quote this poem from memory.

b) Quote this poem from the memory.

c) Quote this poem from heart.

d) Quote this poem from the heart.

Answer: a

Explanation: The correct idiom is 'from memory'. 'By heart' is also commonly used.

32. The idiom "Man does not live by bread alone" means: [DU (D) 04-05, BRUR (A) 10-11, IU (B) 10-11]

a) Man needs water too

b) Hunger is a relative concept

c) Man needs other things too

d) Man is never content

Answer: c

Explanation: This proverb means that people have spiritual, emotional, and artistic needs in addition to basic physical necessities.

33. Every time he lights a cigarette, I tell him it's another -- [বাংলাদেশ ব্যাংক-08]

a) thorn in the flesh

b) storm in a tea cup

c) nail in his coffin

d) spoke in his wheel

Answer: c

Explanation: 'A nail in one's coffin' is an action or event that contributes to someone's failure or death.

34. 'To make a clean breast of' means — [CU (E) 14-15]

a) To gain prominence

b) To praise oneself

c) To confess without reserve

d) to remain without tension

Answer: c

Explanation: 'To make a clean breast of' means to confess something fully and openly.

35. The good old days have gone --. [বিসিএস-08]

a) never returned

b) never to return

c) never have returned

d) never return

Answer: b

Explanation: 'Never to return' expresses a future certainty that something will not come back.

36. I don't think we have very much —; we are very different people. [CU (D) 12-13]

a) together

b) in common

c) the same

d) similar

Answer: b

Explanation: To 'have something in common' means to share interests or characteristics.

37. You'll fail in the exam, if you — from school. [বিসিএস-08]

a) take to task

b) put off

c) put out

d) play truant

Answer: d

Explanation: 'To play truant' means to be absent from school without permission.

38. — he is coming today. [বিসিএস-08]

a) At length

b) Ten to one

c) At large

d) All in all

Answer: b

Explanation: 'Ten to one' is an idiom meaning it is very likely or probable.

39. Make the correct interpretation of 'A tree is known by the fruit it bears.' [BU (B) 12-13]

a) Evil can never be disguised.

b) A person is known by his/her deeds.

c) Only a fool would look for apples on a pear tree.

d) Flower does not give a correct impression.

Answer: b

Explanation: This proverb means that a person is judged by their actions, results, or "fruit" rather than appearances.

40. 'Across the board' means — [CU (E) 14-15, (C) 17-18]

a) travelling between countries

b) everyone or everything is included

c) from end to end/ face to face

d) giving something across the table

Answer: b

Explanation: 'Across the board' means applying to all categories or members of a group.

41. A yellow suit with a yellow cap puts him over the top. Choose the correct meaning of 'over the top'. [SUST (A1) 14-15]

a) Excessive

b) On the bank

c) on the top

d) Look smart

e) Benign

Answer: a

Explanation: 'Over the top' means excessive, exaggerated, or extreme.

42. At the spur of the moment [KU (B) 14-15]

a) difficult moment

b) without delay

c) great moment

d) beautiful moment

Answer: b

Explanation: 'On the spur of the moment' means suddenly, without planning; 'without delay'.

43. The last straw [KU (B) 14-15]

a) a small amount of money

b) very light thing

c) last relative alive

d) small but additional burden

Answer: d

Explanation: 'The last straw' is the final minor trouble or burden in a series that makes a situation unbearable.

44. Break the ice [KU (B) 14-15]

a) to do something with courage

b) to speak first after long silence

c) to win a prize

d) to win someone's heart

Answer: b

45. No one knew what to say, but at last I broke the ice. 'To break the ice' means [বিসিএস-09]

a) to crack the ice

b) to start quarreling

c) to start a conversation

d) to end the hostility

Answer: c

46. To break the ice [BU (D) 12-13, বিসিএস-14]

a) to predict good weather

b) to come closer to the truth

c) to achieve the impossible

d) to be the first to begin

Answer: d

47. To break the ice এর সমার্থক কোনটি? [CU (B) 02-03]

a) বরফ ভাঙ্গা

b) সম্পর্কচ্ছেদ করা

c) সম্পর্ক স্থাপন করা

d) নীরবতা ভঙ্গ করা

Answer: d

Explanation: 'To break the ice' means to initiate social interaction or start a conversation (নীরবতা ভঙ্গ করা).

48. To play the sedulous ape is - [BU (B) 12-13]

a) to imitate a person closely

b) to jump about

c) to play with an ape

d) to play foul

Answer: a

Explanation: 'To play the sedulous ape' means to imitate someone's style or mannerisms slavishly and diligently.

49. To catch one's eye [BU (B) 12-13]

a) to pay attention

b) to reconsider

c) to overlook

d) to attract attention

Answer: d

Explanation: 'To catch one's eye' means 'to attract attention'.

50. 'Down-to-earth' means- [IU (BBA) 14-15]

a) realistic

b) unartistic

c) earthly

d) worldly

Answer: a

Explanation: 'Down-to-earth' means practical, sensible, and 'realistic'.

51. He came off with flying colours. The underlined words mean - [JnU (D) 14-15]

a) to go away

b) to be happy

c) successfully

d) with colourful flags

Answer: c

Explanation: 'To come off with flying colours' means to succeed brilliantly.

52. It doesn't matter how you solve the problem. What is important is you solve it by hook or by crook. [BSMRSTU (G) 15-16]

a) in any way possible

b) without any problem

c) with the help of others

d) in a relaxed manner

Answer: a

Explanation: 'By hook or by crook' means by any possible means, fair or unfair.

53. Which of the following is correct? [JnU (D) 14-15]

a) black and white

b) black and blue

c) black or blue

d) black or white

Answer: a

Explanation: 'Black and white' is a common idiom meaning in writing or print.

54. You are a bad egg. Here 'bad egg' means- [BSMRSTU (G) 15-16]

a) worthless

b) not fresh

c) spoiled

d) good for nothing

Answer: a

Explanation: A 'bad egg' is a dishonest or untrustworthy person; often used to mean 'worthless' or bad character.

55. A person who is 'chicken-hearted' is- [RU (D, Law) 15-16]

a) kind-hearted

b) timid

c) hard-hearted

d) generous

Answer: b

Explanation: 'Chicken-hearted' means cowardly or 'timid'.

56. The rich man was brought up with a silver spoon in his mouth. [RU (A) 15-16]

a) Born in a poor family

b) Born with a disease

c) Born in a rich family

d) Born at night

Answer: c

Explanation: To be 'born with a silver spoon in one's mouth' means to be born into wealth.

57. The expression 'take into account' means- [RU (C, Law) 15-16]

a) count numbers

b) consider

c) assess

d) think seriously

Answer: b

Explanation: 'To take into account' means to 'consider' particular facts or circumstances.

58. He is an old hand at teaching English. Here 'an old hand' means- [BSMRSTU (A) 15-16]

a) an old man

b) an experienced person

c) an expert

d) a retired person

Answer: b

Explanation: 'An old hand' at something is a person with a lot of experience in it.

59. I have no axe to grind. The underlined phrase means- [BSMRSTU (C) 15-16]

a) have a selfish motive

b) have a dull axe

c) have a sharp axe

d) have a personal interest

Answer: d

Explanation: 'To have an axe to grind' means to have a private reason or 'personal interest' for doing something, often a selfish one.

60. Choose the correct use of idiom. [JnU (A) 15-16]

a) He is such a bad guy whom I hate from the core of my heart.

b) She is such a bad girl whom I hate from the core of my heart.

c) He is such a bad guy whom I hate from the bottom of my heart.

d) He is such a bad guy whom I love from the bottom of my heart.

Answer: c

Explanation: The standard idiom is "from the bottom of my heart" (typically used for love or thanks, but here used for intensity).

61. 'A bed of roses' means- [BRUR (F) 14-15]

a) a very soft bed

b) a comfortable situation

c) a beautiful garden

d) an enjoyable state

Answer: b

Explanation: 'A bed of roses' refers to an easy, comfortable situation or life.

62. My father has done his best to bring up his children. Here 'bring up' means - [JnU (B) 14-15]

a) educate

b) feed

c) rear

d) grow

Answer: c

Explanation: 'To bring up' means to care for and raise children (rear).

63. The man is on the wrong track of life. 'On the wrong track' means- [BSMRSTU (D) 15-16]

a) on the wrong path

b) doing something that is unlikely to succeed

c) going on the wrong way

d) being on the wrong side

Answer: b

Explanation: To be 'on the wrong track' means to be acting in a way that is likely to fail or be incorrect.

64. We must not give a cold shoulder to the newcomers. [CU (A1) 14-15]

a) abuse them

b) hate them

c) ignore them

d) scold them

Answer: c

Explanation: To 'give someone the cold shoulder' means to intentionally ignore or be unfriendly to them.

65. What does 'black market' mean? [MBSTU (B) 14-15]

a) illegal trafficking

b) a dark market

c) an open market

d) a cheap market

Answer: a

Explanation: 'Black market' refers to the illegal trade or 'trafficking' of goods.

66. I don't feel like talking to you. Here 'feel like' means- [BSMRSTU (A) 15-16]

a) dislike

b) wish

c) hate

d) love

Answer: b

Explanation: 'To feel like' doing something means to have a 'wish' or desire to do it.

67. 'The pros and cons' means- [RU (C, Law) 15-16]

a) good and bad

b) merits and demerits

c) for and against a thing

d) all of the above

Answer: d

Explanation: 'Pros and cons' refers to the advantages and disadvantages (merits/demerits, for/against) of something.

68. 'To see eye to eye' means- [RU (D, Law) 15-16]

a) stare fixedly

b) be angry

c) take revenge

d) agree

Answer: d

Explanation: 'To see eye to eye' means to be in full agreement.

69. Please keep in mind that I am not a native speaker of English. Here 'keep in mind' means- [BSMRSTU (G) 15-16]

a) remember

b) forget

c) memorize

d) ignore

Answer: a

Explanation: 'To keep in mind' means to 'remember' or consider.