Phrase and Idioms - Exercise - 4 for University Admission Test, Job Application Test, BCS Exam and Any Competitive Examination

1. He was in a reverie means --

a) He was sleeping

b) He was dreaming

c) He was unconscious

d) He was relaxing

Ans: b

(Note: To be 'in a reverie' means to be lost in a pleasant daydream. In Bengali: 'দিবাস্বপ্নে মগ্ন'.)

2. He was excused - his age. [RU (Accounting) 09-10, KU (Sociology) 11-12]

a) in view of

b) in the light of

c) in quest of

d) in accordance with

Ans: a

(Note: The phrase 'in view of' means considering something. In Bengali: 'বিবেচনায়'.)

3. The country was left needing massive reconstruction and rebuilding - of the war. [BU (A, C, D) 12-13]

a) in the aftermath

b) at the outset

c) in full swing

d) in the event

Ans: a

(Note: 'In the aftermath' means in the period following a destructive event. The other phrases mean: 'at the outset' (at the beginning), 'in full swing' (at the peak of activity), and 'in the event of' (if something happens).)

4. What is the meaning of 'be in a fix'? [KU (Sociology) 10-11]

a) in a stagnant situation

b) in a difficult situation

c) in some binding

d) in hurry

Ans: b

5. "In a fix" means - [RU 08-09]

a) in conclusion

b) in activity

c) briefly

d) in a difficult position

Ans: d

6. I am in a fix- আমি মুশকিলে পড়েছি; আমি --- [RU 08-09]

a) বিপদে

b) কষ্টে

c) চিন্তায়

d) হতাশায়

Ans: a

(Note: For questions 4-6, to be 'in a fix' means to be 'in a difficult position' or situation. In Bengali: 'বিপদে'.)

7. In order of means - [RU (Law) 09-10]

a) In order to

b) According to

c) Discipline

d) Punctuality

Ans: b

(Note: 'In order of' means arranged 'according to' a particular sequence (e.g., in order of merit).)

8. Not many people can commit such a heinous crime in cold blood. [14th BCS]

a) in cool brain and calculated thought

b) so patiently and thoughtfully

c) so impatiently and thoughtlessly

d) stirred by sudden emotion

Ans: a

9. The murder was carried out in —. [RU (BBA) 04-05]

a) cold hand

b) cold head

c) cold blood

d) cold swing

Ans: c

10. In cold blood অর্থ? [স্বাস্থ্য অধিদপ্তর-09]

a) ঠাণ্ডা রক্তে

b) ঠাণ্ডা মাথায়

c) ঠাণ্ডা অবস্থায়

Ans: b

(Note: For questions 8-10, the idiom 'in cold blood' means deliberately and without emotion or pity; with 'calculated thought'. In Bengali: 'ঠান্ডা মাথায়'.)

11. "Any good doctor would solve it in no time." The underlined phrase means- [NU (Hons) 13-14]

a) instantly

b) never

c) lifetime

d) hardly

Ans: a

12. What is the meaning of the phrase 'In no time'? [SUST 09-10]

a) Timeless

b) Soon

c) Overtime

d) Time bound

Ans: b

13. 'In no time' means — [CAAB]

a) ahead of time

b) very quickly

c) in good time

d) at the best of times

Ans: b

14. I shall come back in no time. The underlined phrase means- [ডাক বিভাগ]

a) before the time

b) short of time

c) very soon

d) finishing the time

Ans: c

(Note: For questions 11-14, the phrase 'in no time' means 'very quickly', 'soon', or 'instantly'. In Bengali: 'তৎক্ষণাৎ'.)

15. 'Ins and outs' idiom— টির অর্থ [জনশক্তি ও কর্মসংস্থান ব্যুরো (সহকারী পরিচালক)-01]

a) Briefly

b) Summary

c) In details

d) None

Ans: c

(Note: The 'ins and outs' of a matter are all the details, including the complicated or secret ones. In Bengali: 'খুঁটিনাটি'.)

16. 'In the right' means [Medical 99-00, KU 09-10]

a) wisely placed

b) rightly served

c) appropriate

d) correct

Ans: c

(Note: To be 'in the right' means to have justice or truth on one's side; to be morally or factually 'correct' or 'appropriate'. In Bengali: 'ন্যায্য'.)

17. 'In the bargain' means -- [DU (D) 09-10]

a) haggling

b) arguing

c) come to an agreement

d) in addition

Ans: d

(Note: The phrase 'in the bargain' means 'in addition' to what has already been mentioned; moreover. In Bengali: 'অধিকন্তু'.)

18. 'Jog trot' means- [IU (B) 13-14]

a) slow motion (ধীর গতি)

b) monotonous rhythm (একঘেয়ে ছন্দ)

c) tedious move (বিরক্তিকর চাল)

d) concurrent march (যুগপৎ যাত্রা)

Ans: a

(Note: A 'jog-trot' is a slow, regular trot or pace. It refers to 'slow motion'.)

19. To keep the wolf away from the door means- [বাংলাদেশ পরিসংখ্যান ব্যুরো (তদন্তকারী)-14, RU D 18-19]

a) to keep away from extreme poverty

b) To keep off an unwanted and undesirable person

c) to keep alive

d) To keep the difficulties and dangers in check

Ans: a

(Note: 'To keep the wolf from the door' means to have just enough money to be able to eat and live. In Bengali: 'চরম দারিদ্র্য থেকে দূরে থাকা'.)

20. To keep one's head [30th BCS, বাংলাদেশ ব্যাংক অফিসার-18]

a) to save oneself

b) to be self respectful

c) to keep calm

d) None of these

Ans: c

(Note: 'To keep one's head' means 'to keep calm' and remain sensible in a difficult situation. In Bengali: 'মাথা ঠান্ডা রাখা'.)

21. We must keep our fingers — that the weather will stay fine for the picnic tomorrow. [22nd BCS]

a) raised

b) pointed

c) lifted

d) crossed

Ans: d

(Note: 'To keep one's fingers crossed' is an expression of hope for a good outcome. In Bengali: 'ভালো কিছুর জন্য আশা করা'.)

22. At last Saddam had to kiss the dust to the American army. [JU 08-09]

a) To rebel

b) To oppose

c) To surrender

d) To rebuke

Ans: c

(Note: 'To kiss the dust' means to be defeated, humiliated, or killed. In this context, it means 'to surrender'. In Bengali: 'আত্মসমর্পণ করা'.)

23. "Keep your nose out of something" means ----

a) to avoid

b) to interfere

c) not to smell

d) be controlled

Ans: a

(Note: 'To keep one's nose out of something' means 'to avoid' interfering in matters that do not concern one. In Bengali: 'নাক না গলানো'.)

24. What does the phrase 'keep your chin up' mean? [RU (E1) 10-11]

a) be brave

b) be careful

c) be cheerful

d) be smart

Ans: c

(Note: 'To keep your chin up' is an encouragement to 'remain cheerful' in a difficult situation. In Bengali: 'সাহসী বা উৎফুল্ল থাকা'.)

25. Please keep an — on the baby. [প্রাথমিক শিক্ষক নিয়োগ-08, MBSTU (C) 13-14, BWDB]

a) ear

b) look

c) eye

d) hand

Ans: c

(Note: 'To keep an eye on' someone or something means to watch or look after them. In Bengali: 'নজর রাখা'.)

26. 'Kith and kin' stands for- [RU 05-06, পল্লী উন্নয়ন বোর্ড (সহকারী পল্লী উন্নয়ন কর্মকর্তা)-13]

a) relatives

b) friends

c) foes

d) beloved

Ans: a

27. 'Kith and kin' অর্থ? [পরিবার পরিকল্পনা পরিদর্শক-09]

a) নিকট বন্ধু

b) আত্মীয়-স্বজন

c) পরিচিত লোকজন

Ans: b

28. 'Kith and kin' means: [DU (A) 05-06, RU (Law) 07-08]

a) friends

b) family

c) ancestors

d) family and friends

Ans: d

29. 'Kith and kin' means [RU 04-05, IU 04-05, JKKNIU (Fine Arts) 12-13]

a) Name of two brothers

b) Blood relations

c) Name of two gentlemen

d) Name of two sisters

Ans: b

30. All my — left me. [বাংলাদেশ রেলওয়ে-01]

a) kith and kin

b) friends and relative

c) enemies and friends

d) beloved

Ans: a

(Note: For questions 26-30, 'kith and kin' refers to one's friends and 'relatives' or 'blood relations'. In Bengali: 'আত্মীয়-স্বজন'.)

31. You are at loggerheads, when - [DU (B-EE) 15-16]

a) you are in strong disagreement

b) you are in a confused state of mind

c) you are cutting wood into logs

d) you are unable to think logically

Ans: a

(Note: To be 'at loggerheads' with someone means to be in 'strong disagreement' or conflict with them. In Bengali: 'তীব্র মতবিরোধে থাকা'.)

32. 'Look blank' means- [RU (B) 14-15, PUST (C) 14-15]

a) look at blank space

b) firm in heart

c) bewildered

d) unmindful

Ans: c

(Note: To 'look blank' means to have an expression that shows no understanding or emotion, often because of confusion or shock; to be 'bewildered'. In Bengali: 'হতভম্ব হওয়া'.)

33. "Mr. John's face lit up like the sun." This sentence means that Mr. John was - [BRUR (C) 13-14]

a) confused

b) happy

c) kind

d) shy

Ans: b

(Note: When a person's face or eyes 'light up', it means they suddenly look 'happy' and excited. In Bengali: 'আনন্দে উজ্জ্বল হওয়া'.)

34. To let the grass grow under one's feet means: [CU (G) 12-13]

a) to miss the opportunity

b) To let things go in their natural way

c) To be indolent and let others take advantage of one's indolence

d) To delay and linger

e) To cause harm to another

Ans: d

(Note: 'To let the grass grow under one's feet' means 'to delay' taking action or to remain idle when one should be doing something. In Bengali: 'বিলম্ব করা'.)

35. 'To lose heart' is [BU (D-Advanced English) 12-13, DU (D) 13-14]

a) to have a heart attack

b) to lose courage

c) to fall in love

d) to be without passion

Ans: b

36. When he heard that he had once again not been selected he lost heart. [নির্বাচন কমিশন-11]

a) became desperate

b) became angry

c) felt sad

d) became discouraged

Ans: d

(Note: For questions 35 and 36, 'to lose heart' means to 'lose courage' or 'become discouraged', especially after a setback. In Bengali: 'হতাশ হওয়া'.)

37. Learn the poem by —. (কবিতাটি মুখস্থ কর।) [JnU (C) 09-10]

a) memory

b) study

c) force

d) heart

Ans: d

38. He learnt the poem - heart. (সে কবিতাটি মুখস্থ করেছিল।) [প্রাথমিক শিক্ষক নিয়োগ]

a) with

b) in

c) by

d) at

Ans: c

(Note: For questions 37 and 38, the correct idiom is 'to learn something by heart', which means to memorize it perfectly. In Bengali: 'মুখস্থ করা'.)

39. 'Losing ground' means -- [RU (BBA) 05-06]

a) Ground is far away

b) Becoming less powerful or acceptable

c) Ground is lost

d) Becoming less hopeful or ambitious

Ans: b

(Note: To be 'losing ground' means to be 'becoming less powerful or acceptable' or to be falling behind in a competition or argument. In Bengali: 'পিছিয়ে পড়া'.)

40. 'Lay before' means — [KU 09-10]

a) to return

b) to place

c) to accompany

d) to sleep

Ans: b

(Note: To 'lay something before' someone means to present it to them for their consideration; to 'place' it in front of them. In Bengali: 'উপস্থাপন করা'.)

41. 'Loaves and fishes'—phrase টির অর্থ- [পররাষ্ট্র মন্ত্রণালয় (প্রশাসনিক কর্মকর্তা)-09, IU (B) 16-17]

a) Personal gains

b) Personal loss

c) Bread with fishes

d) None

Ans: a

(Note: The idiom 'loaves and fishes' refers to 'personal gains' or material benefits, especially as a motive for holding a position of authority.)

42. 'Living from hand to mouth' means-

a) live a poor life

b) live a rich life

c) live an active life

d) live an idle life

Ans: a

43. 'Live from hand to mouth' in Bangla — [JnU (D-Advanced English) 08-09]

a) খেয়ে না খেয়ে বেঁচে থাকা

b) মুখে তুলে দিলে খাওয়া

c) দিন এনে দিন খাওয়া

d) হাতে কাজ মুখে খাওয়া

Ans: c

(Note: For questions 42 and 43, to 'live from hand to mouth' means to have just enough money to survive, without any savings; to 'live a poor life'. The correct Bengali equivalent is 'দিন এনে দিন খাওয়া'.)

44. Live and let live means - [বাংলাদেশ ব্যাংক (সহকারী পরিচালক)-01]

a) to become friendly to other people

b) to accept other people's opinions

c) to unite and stand together

d) to struggle for survival and peace

Ans: b

(Note: 'Live and let live' is a saying that means one should tolerate the opinions and behavior of others so that they will tolerate your own.)

45. The phrase 'lock and load' means- [KU (BBA) 08-09]

a) Think after locking the door

b) Wait with patience

c) Get ready

d) None of the above

Ans: c

(Note: Originally a military command to prepare a firearm for shooting, 'lock and load' is now used idiomatically to mean 'get ready' for action. In Bengali: 'প্রস্তুত হওয়া'.)

46. 'Lead story' means — [RU (BBA) 07-08, (C) 16-17]

a) Leading business

b) Leading Case

c) Important news in a newspaper

d) Main story

Ans: c

(Note: The 'lead story' is the most 'important news' story featured on the front page of a newspaper or at the beginning of a news broadcast. In Bengali: 'প্রধান সংবাদ'.)

47. 'Leave no stone unturned' means- [DU (A) 11-12, শিল্প মন্ত্রণালয় (সাঁটলিপিকার)-05]

a) Try every possible means

b) Heavy stone

c) Impossible

d) Rare stone

Ans: a

(Note: 'To leave no stone unturned' means to do everything possible to achieve a goal; to 'try every possible means'. In Bengali: 'চেষ্টার কোনো ত্রুটি না করা'.)

48. 'Lend me your ears.' What does this mean — [DU (B) 10-11, BRUR (C) 15-16]

a) Let me check your ears

b) Let me whisper into your ears

c) Listen to me

d) Come close to me

Ans: c

(Note: 'To lend an ear' to someone means to 'listen to me' patiently and sympathetically.)

49. The words 'loads of mistakes' stand for- [DU 09-10]

a) gross errors

b) grave mistake

c) many mistakes

d) number of mistakes

Ans: c

(Note: The phrase 'loads of' is an informal way of saying a large number or amount of something, i.e., 'many mistakes'.)

50. The idiom 'let things slide' means- [DU (A) 12-13, PUST (A) 14-15, RU (E, Law) 16-17]

a) ignore

b) lose gradually

c) reveal a secret

d) set free

Ans: a

(Note: 'To let things slide' means to 'ignore' a situation or let it deteriorate through neglect. In Bengali: 'উপেক্ষা করা' or 'অবহেলা করা'.)

51. I'd like to make — with you. (আমি তোমার সাথে বন্ধুত্ব করতে চাই।) [BRUR (A) 14-15, RU (F) 15-16]

a) a friend

b) friend

c) friends

d) the friend

Ans: c

(Note: The correct idiom is 'to make friends with' someone, which means to become their friend.)

52. The bank will not accept the guarantee of a man of straw. [DU (B-EE) 15-16]

a) one who refuses to surrender

b) a man of no substance

c) one who never thinks of material gains

d) a liar

Ans: b

53. 'A man of straw' means — [RU (E-Marketing) 14-15, জেলা সমবায় কর্মকর্তা-05]

a) A man with no substance

b) A very active person

c) an unreasonable person

d) a worthy fellow

Ans: a

54. In the sentence, "Mr. Karim is not a man of straw; even the governor consults him on important issues", the underlined part means— [JU (C) 14-15]

a) Puppet

b) Influential

c) Unimportant

d) Helpless

Ans: c

55. A man of straw means — [DU (C) 04-05, COU (B) 12-13, JKKNIU (Social Science) 12-13, JU (E2, Unit) 13-14]

a) Thin

b) Healthy

c) Good for nothing

d) Active

Ans: c

(Note: For questions 52-55, 'a man of straw' is an idiom for an 'unimportant' person, a person 'of no substance', or someone who is 'good for nothing'. In Bengali: 'অপদার্থ লোক'.)

56. A man of letters means - [JU (Law) 03-04, RU (E-odd) 13-14, JKKNIU 16-17, BSMRSTU (E) 17-18]

a) A postman

b) A good man

c) A postmaster

d) A scholar

Ans: d

(Note: A 'man of letters' is 'a scholar' or a well-read person. In Bengali: 'পণ্ডিত ব্যক্তি'.)

57. Sher-e-Bangla was a---- [বাংলাদেশ রেলওয়ে]

a) man of sorrow

b) man of mark

c) man of soft heart

d) man of justice

Ans: b

(Note: A 'man of mark' is a prominent or distinguished person. In Bengali: 'বিশিষ্ট ব্যক্তি'.)

58. 'Maiden speech' means — [23rd BCS, 34th BCS, DU (C) 10-11, RU 05-06, 07-08, 08-09, 09-10, 10-12, IU (B) 15-16, KU (B) 14-15]

a) First speech

b) Last speech

c) Late speech

d) Early speech

Ans: a

59. His — pleased us all. [বাংলাদেশ রেলওয়ে (টিকিট কালেক্টর)-03]

a) slow coach

b) silver spoon

c) weal and woe

d) maiden speech

Ans: d

60. 'maiden voyage' is closest in meaning to - [NU (Hons) 14-15]

a) longest

b) most elegant

c) inaugural

d) help

Ans: c

61. 'Maiden century' means - [RU 06-07]

a) First century

b) Last century

c) Late century

d) Early century

Ans: a

62. The term 'Maiden Speech' means — [RU 04-05]

a) A speech in the middle of a function.

b) The last speech of a function.

c) First speech made by a person in an assembly.

d) A musical drama

Ans: c

(Note: For questions 58-62, the adjective 'maiden' signifies the first of its kind. A 'maiden speech' is the 'first speech', a 'maiden voyage' is an 'inaugural' journey, and a 'maiden century' is the 'first century' scored by a sportsperson.)

63. You should try to make good your loss. The underlined phrase means- [খাদ্য অধিদপ্তর-09]

a) be better

b) to make one's good

c) take into confidence

d) compensation

Ans: d

64. The meaning of the phrase 'to make good' is - [CU (E) 11-12, IU (BBA) 13-14]

a) to help others

b) to do good works

c) to compensate

d) to gain something

e) to do justice (ন্যায় বিচার)

Ans: c

(Note: For questions 63 and 64, the phrase 'to make good' means to 'compensate' for a loss or damage. In Bengali: 'ক্ষতিপূরণ করা'.)

65. The phrase 'make headway' means - [JU (B) 13-14, DU (C) 16-17, পরিকল্পনা বিভাগ (সাঁটমুদ্রাক্ষরিক)-18]

a) doing hard work

b) to make progress

c) to make loss

d) to find a highway

Ans: b

(Note: 'To make headway' means 'to make progress' or move forward, especially when progress is slow or difficult. In Bengali: 'অগ্রগতি করা'.)

66. They are mad about every thing Japanese. [RU (Law) 11-12]

a) angry about

b) foolish about

c) very enthusiastic about

d) fierce about

Ans: c

(Note: To be 'mad about' something means to be 'very enthusiastic about' it. In Bengali: 'কোনো কিছুর ব্যাপারে প্রচণ্ড উৎসাহী'.)

67. 'To move heaven and earth to do something' means— [CU 06-07]

a) to trap face

b) to get pie in the sky

c) to have a fish to fry

d) to have no stone unturned

Ans: d

(Note: 'To move heaven and earth' means to do everything you can to achieve something, which is synonymous with 'to leave no stone unturned'. In Bengali: 'সাধ্যমত সবরকম চেষ্টা করা'.)

68. When it started raining, she made a dash - the building. [NU (Hons) 03-04]

a) to

b) of

c) for

d) upon

Ans: c

69. He saw an opportunity and ------------------------------------------- [JnU (D) 07-08]

a) made a reversal

b) made a dash for it

c) made a turn for it

d) made a mess of it

Ans: b

(Note: For questions 68 and 69, 'to make a dash for' a place means to run there very quickly, often to escape something.)

70. 'Milk and water' means --- [বিসিএস (স্বাস্থ্য)-15]

a) brave (সাহসী)

b) timid (ভীরু)

c) daring (দুঃসাহসী)

d) courageous (সাহসী)

Ans: b

71. 'Milk and water' phrase টির অর্থ কি? [বাংলাদেশ ব্যাংক (সহকারী পরিচালক)-10, BSMRSTU (A) 12-13]

a) Pure milk and water

b) Dirty milk and water

c) Lifeless, dull

d) Colourless things

Ans: c

(Note: For questions 70 and 71, the idiom 'milk and water' describes something that is weak, 'lifeless, dull', and lacks force or conviction. In Bengali: 'তেজহীন', 'দুর্বল'.)

72. The phrase 'To make a living' means -. [SAU 07-08]

a) To earn living experience

b) To equip your life with ornament

c) To earn reputation

d) To earn a livelihood

Ans: d

(Note: 'To make a living' means 'to earn a livelihood' or to earn enough money to live on. In Bengali: 'জীবিকা নির্বাহ করা'.)

73. To meet trouble half-way means - [CU (E) 09-10, বাংলাদেশ ব্যাংক অফিসার (ক্যাশ)-12]

a) To be puzzled

b) To bear up

c) To get nervous

d) To be disappointed (হতাশ)

Ans: c

(Note: 'To meet trouble halfway' means to worry or 'get nervous' about potential problems before they actually happen. In Bengali: 'অহেতুক উদ্বিগ্ন হওয়া'.)

74. 'to nurse a grudge'-- [DU (B) 08-09]

a) to bear ill will

b) to look after carefully

c) to be feverish

d) to be ready to cure

Ans: a

75. I don't bear any grudge against you. What does the underlined word mean? [JnU (B) 05-06, CU (A1) 14-15]

a) love

b) anger and dislike

c) love and respect

d) affection

Ans: b

(Note: For questions 74 and 75, 'to nurse a grudge' or 'to bear a grudge' means to maintain a persistent feeling of ill will, 'anger and dislike' towards someone because of a past incident. In Bengali: 'মনে বিদ্বেষ পোষণ করা'.)

76. I think I'll just go upstairs and have sleep for a while, if nobody objects. [CU (A) 07-08]

a) have a bash

b) have a rest

c) have a bite

d) have a nap

e) have a go

Ans: d

(Note: 'To have a nap' means to have a short sleep, especially during the day.)

77. He does not know how to behave with the people, because he is a 'numbscull'." Here, 'numbskull' means- [RU (E-even roll) 12-13]

a) a great idler

b) an arrant fool

c) fearless man

d) stupid person

Ans: d

(Note: A 'numbskull' is a very silly or 'stupid person'. In Bengali: 'নির্বোধ ব্যক্তি'.)

78. All his dreams were nipped in the bud. (তার সব স্বপ্ন অঙ্কুরেই বিনষ্ট হয়ে গেল।) Here 'nipped in the bud' means — [RU (B-Law) 12-13, JnU (D) 12-13]

a) Fulfilled

b) were like buds of a flower

c) Cherished well

d) Destroyed at the very beginning

Ans: d

79. Bad habits should be nipped in the bud. The underlined phrase means- [সচিবালয়-01, প্রাথমিক শিক্ষক]

a) to be stopped in the beginning

b) to shun

c) crop up

d) to be cultivated

Ans: a

80. 'Nip in the bud' means- [PSTU (A) 03-04, JU 09-10, সহকারী থানা শিক্ষা অফিসার-12]

a) Destroy at the very beginning

b) Bed of roses

c) Beginning

d) Rare-up

Ans: a

(Note: For questions 78-80, 'to nip something in the bud' means to stop a bad situation from developing by taking action at an early stage; to 'destroy at the very beginning'. In Bengali: 'অঙ্কুরে বিনষ্ট করা'.)

81. He agreed to the plan of his own accord. The underlined phrase means- [RU (B-Law) 10-11, 14-15, PUST (C) 14-15]

a) enthusiastically

b) voluntarily

c) unwillingly

d) unhesitatingly

Ans: b

82. The soldiers went to the battle [RU (F-Arts) 14-15]

a) at their own accord

b) of their own accord

c) by their own accord

d) on their own accord

Ans: b

(Note: For questions 81 and 82, the correct idiom is 'of one's own accord', which means to do something 'voluntarily' and willingly, without being asked. In Bengali: 'স্বেচ্ছায়'.)

83. 'Out of one's wits' idiom টির সঠিক অর্থ? [RU (Arts) 06-07]

a) হতবুদ্ধি

b) বুদ্ধিমানের মতো

c) বুদ্ধিহীন

d) চালাক

Ans: a

84. The horror movie scared them out of their— [30th BCS, JnU (B) 15-16]

a) wits

b) seats

c) lives

d) funds

Ans: a

(Note: For questions 83 and 84, the idiom 'to scare someone out of their wits' means to make them extremely frightened. In Bengali: '(ভয়ে) হতবুদ্ধি'.)

85. What is the meaning of the underlined phrase? He left the town once for all. [IU (C) 09-10]

a) for good

b) one by one

c) quizzical

d) with all grades

Ans: a

(Note: The phrase 'once for all' means finally and decisively. It is synonymous with 'for good', which means permanently. In Bengali: 'শেষবারের মতো' or 'চূড়ান্তভাবে'.)

86. I haven't been feeling very well -. [DU (A) 14-15]

a) of late

b) not long ago

c) currently

d) by now

Ans: a

87. He has grown rich 'of late'. What is the meaning of the underlined phrase? [BSMRSTU (F, Law) 14-15]

a) much behind late

b) in old age

c) recently

d) too late

Ans: c

88. What is the meaning of 'of late'? [KU (Law) 10-11, (BBA) 13-14, পরিবার পরিকল্পনা পরিদর্শিকা-18]

a) lateness

b) too late

c) delayed

d) recently

Ans: d

(Note: For questions 86-88, the phrase 'of late' means 'recently' or lately. In Bengali: 'সম্প্রতি'.)

89. 'Once in a blue moon' means- [বাংলাদেশ ব্যাংক-01, KU (L) 14-15, জেলা রেজিস্টার-18]

a) full moon night

b) very rarely

c) very often

d) moon-lit night

Ans: b

90. Choose the correct sentence. [JU (D-Adv.English) 08-09]

a) I see him once in a red moon

b) I see him once in a yellow moon

c) I see him once in a blue moon

d) I see him once in a black moon

Ans: c

(Note: For questions 89 and 90, the correct idiom is 'once in a blue moon', which means 'very rarely'. In Bengali: 'কদাচিৎ'.)

91. I decided to go to the picnic on the spur of the moment. Choose the closest meaning of the underlined phrase-. [DU (D) 10-11, JnU (D) 10-11]

a) after careful thought

b) for only a short time

c) without previous thought

d) at the earliest possible time

Ans: c

(Note: To do something 'on the spur of the moment' means to do it suddenly, 'without previous thought' or planning. In Bengali: 'হঠাৎ কোনো চিন্তা ছাড়াই'.)

92. Olive Branch means— [DU (C) 98-99, JUST (C) 12-13]

a) Ingredient of cooking oil

b) Oil made of olive fruit

c) Symbol of flattery

d) Symbol of peace

Ans: d

(Note: The 'olive branch' is a traditional 'symbol of peace'.)

93. 'On the eve of' means — [RU 03-04, (BBA) 07-08, বাংলাদেশ ব্যাংক অফিসার-08]

a) Just before

b) Just after

c) Dark evening

d) Beautiful evening

Ans: a

(Note: The phrase 'on the eve of' an event means the period 'just before' it. In Bengali: 'প্রাক্কালে'.)

94. 'Out of date' means-- [RU (A, Arts) 14-15]

a) old-fashioned

b) without a date

c) beyond date

d) timeless

Ans: a

95. The meaning of 'out of date' --- [CU (E) 10-11]

a) not in fashion

b) spoiled

c) expired

d) primitive

e) ancient

Ans: a

(Note: For questions 94 and 95, something that is 'out of date' is 'old-fashioned' and 'not in fashion' anymore. In Bengali: 'সেকেলে'.)