Phrase and Idioms - Exercise - 7 for University Admission Test, Job Application Test, BCS Exam and Any Competitive Examination

526.                      The meaning of 'feel at home'. [ঢাকা বিশ্ববিদ্যালয় ভর্তি পরীক্ষা] a) Calm & Quiet b) Free & Easy c) Familiar & Known d) Proficient & Expert Answer: b Explanation: To 'feel at home' means to feel comfortable and relaxed, as if you were in your own home. 'Free & Easy' captures this sense of comfort.

527.                      The phrase 'hard and fast' means [ঢাকা বিশ্ববিদ্যালয় ভর্তি পরীক্ষা-10] a) difficult and consistent b) fixed and definite c) difficult but not consistent d) quick and consistent Answer: b Explanation: 'Hard-and-fast' rules are ones that are strict, 'fixed and definite', and cannot be changed.

528.                      He goes to his friend's house off and on. What does 'off and on' mean? [পরিবার পরিকল্পনা অধিদপ্তর-10] a) Frequently b) Rarely c) Occasionally d) Never Answer: c Explanation: 'Off and on' (or on and off) means intermittently or 'occasionally'. In Bengali: 'মাঝে মাঝে'.

529.                      'Lose heart' means- [খাদ্য অধিদপ্তর] a) One type of heart disease b) heart attack c) be disheartened (হতাশ হওয়া) d) heart failure Answer: c Explanation: 'To lose heart' means to become discouraged. In Bengali: 'হতাশ হওয়া'.

530.                      'A man of letters' means: [খাদ্য অধিদপ্তর-18] a) A fool b) A stupid person c) A wise person (জ্ঞানী ব্যক্তি) d) A cunning person (চালাক) Answer: c Explanation: A 'man of letters' is a scholar or 'a wise person' well-versed in literature.

531.                      A bolt from the blue means: [খাদ্য অধিদপ্তর-18] a) A thunderstorm b) A sudden unfortunate occurrence c) Sky falling on one's head d) None of the above Answer: b

532.                      'A bolt from the blue' এর সঠিক অর্থ কোনটি? [BADC-12] a) আকস্মিক সাফল্য b) বিনা মেঘে বজ্রপাত c) নিশ্চিত পরাজয় d) কোনটিই সঠিক নয় Answer: b Explanation: For questions 606 and 607, 'a bolt from the blue' is a complete surprise; 'a sudden, unexpected, and usually unpleasant event'. In Bengali: 'বিনা মেঘে বজ্রপাত'.

533.                      When we say 'The two brothers are at daggers drawn' we mean that they are: [BWDB-11] a) acquainted b) unknown c) friendly d) unfriendly Answer: d Explanation: To be 'at daggers drawn' means to be bitterly hostile and 'unfriendly' towards each other. In Bengali: 'খড়গহস্ত'.

534.                      I am desperate. All I need is someone to —. [পরিবার পরিকল্পনা অধিদপ্তর-13] a) take me a hand b) put me in hand c) give me a hand d) show me a hand Answer: c Explanation: 'To give someone a hand' is an idiom meaning to help them.

535.                      Many of the party men did not expect the nomination and victory of a dark horse like him. [দুর্যোগ ব্যবস্থাপনা অধিদপ্তর-13] a) a mischievous person b) a strong person c) an unknown person d) an illiterate Answer: c Explanation: A 'dark horse' is a candidate or competitor about whom little is known but who unexpectedly wins or succeeds.

536.                      What is the meaning of the phrase 'carry the day'? [শ্রম অধিদপ্তর (শ্রম কর্মকর্তা)-03] a) busy all day b) free all day c) win d) loss Answer: c

537.                      The phrase 'carry the day' means to — [বিআরটিএ (সহকারী পরিচালক)-02] a) pass time b) be victorious c) suffer d) hope Answer: b Explanation: For questions 611 and 612, 'to carry the day' means to 'win' or 'be victorious'.

538.                      The phrase 'salt of the earth' means- [বিসিএস] a) worthy persons b) salty earth c) evil persons d) salted persons Answer: a Explanation: 'The salt of the earth' refers to a very good, honest, and reliable person or group of people. In Bengali: 'আদর্শ ব্যক্তি'.

539.                      My friend is a couch potato. What does the idiom/phrase "Couch potato" mean? [বিআরডিবি-13] a) active person b) busy person c) lazy person d) angry person Answer: c Explanation: A 'couch potato' is a 'lazy person' who spends a lot of time sitting and watching television.

540.                      The idiom 'hot potato' means- [JnU (A) 15-16, খাদ্য অধিদপ্তর-18] a) a current issue b) a potato just baked c) a burnt potato d) an old issue Answer: a Explanation: A 'hot potato' is a controversial or sensitive issue that is difficult to handle.

541.                      What is the meaning of the idiom 'finger in the pie'? [ডাক বিভাগ-18] a) involve in something b) uninterested in something c) getting out of something d) showing disliking Answer: a Explanation: To 'have a finger in the pie' means to be involved in a matter, often in an interfering way.

542.                      Which of the following is very near to the underlined words: a matter of life and death? a) very dangerous b) out and out c) extreme serious d) by and large Answer: c Explanation: A 'life-and-death' matter is 'extremely serious'.

543.                      The expression 'true to their salt' means- a) very religious b) very honest c) faithful to their employer d) none of these Answer: c Explanation: To be 'true to one's salt' is an old expression meaning to be loyal or 'faithful to their employer'.

544.                      The idiomatic expression 'cut back' means [বাংলাদেশ পরিসংখ্যান ব্যুরো-18] a) return to a previous position b) reducing expenditure c) stop production d) reducing interest rate Answer: b Explanation: 'To cut back' on something means to reduce it, especially 'reducing expenditure'.

545.                      — my advice, he did not work hard. [ঢাকা বিশ্ববিদ্যালয় ভর্তি পরীক্ষা] a) In point of b) In respect of c) In order to d) In spite of Answer: d Explanation: 'In spite of' means without being affected by the particular factor mentioned.

546.                      The phrase 'at loggerheads' means- [বেসামরিক বিমান পরিবহন-18] a) very close b) belligerent c) quarrelling d) distant relation Answer: c Explanation: To be 'at loggerheads' means to be in strong disagreement or 'quarrelling'.

547.                      What is the appropriate meaning of 'Achilles' heel'? [বিসিএস-18] a) important issue b) Turning point c) Vulnerable point d) Main point Answer: c Explanation: An 'Achilles' heel' is a weakness or 'vulnerable point' in an otherwise strong character.

548.                      What is the meaning of 'face the music'? [বিসিএস-13] a) run away from a problem b) Create a problem c) Deal with a problem d) Hide the truth Answer: c Explanation: 'To face the music' means to accept criticism or punishment for something you have done; to deal with the consequences.

549.                      By hook or by crook means: [বিসিএস-18] a) At any cost b) Trying hard c) Heart and soul d) Never say die Answer: a Explanation: 'By hook or by crook' means by any means possible, fair or unfair; 'at any cost'.

550.                      Choose the correct sentence. a) He found the books at six and sevens. b) He found the books at sixes and sevens. c) He found the books in six and sevens. d) He found the books in sixes and seven. Answer: b Explanation: The correct idiom is 'at sixes and sevens', meaning in a state of confusion or disarray.

551.                      Select the right sentence. [বাংলাদেশ টেলিভিশন-13] a) He will come back by and by. b) He will come back bye and bye. c) He will come back by the by. d) He will come back bye and bye. Answer: a Explanation: The correct phrase is 'by and by', which means 'soon' or 'before long'.

552.                      A political leader should have the gift of the gab. [BREB-16] a) skill b) eloquence c) honesty d) courage e) None Answer: b

553.                      'Gift of the gab' idiom meaning- [NSI-17] a) Maiden speech b) Dumb c) Poor speech d) Fluency of speech Answer: d Explanation: For questions 627 and 628, the 'gift of the gab' is the ability to speak easily and persuasively; 'eloquence' or 'fluency of speech'.

554.                      'A castle in the air' means [বাংলাদেশ রেলওয়ে-18] a) Making Building b) Giving effort c) Absurd imagination d) Silly dream Answer: c Explanation: 'A castle in the air' is a hope or desire that is unlikely to be realized; an 'absurd imagination'. In Bengali: 'আকাশ-কুসুম কল্পনা'.

555.                      'Come into question' means- [মাদকদ্রব্য নিয়ন্ত্রণ অধিদপ্তর-17] a) to become a matter for doubt b) to be a matter for praise c) to be a great event d) to become a matter for writing Answer: a Explanation: To 'come into question' means that something becomes a subject of doubt or discussion.

556.                      'Our teacher told us off'. [বাংলাদেশ রেলওয়ে] The bold-faced phrase is closest to a) expelled us b) detained us c) scolded us d) punished us Answer: c Explanation: 'To tell someone off' is an informal phrasal verb meaning to 'scold' them.

557.                      The idiom 'let things slide' means- [বাংলাদেশ পরিসংখ্যান ব্যুরো-13] a) to be criticizing b) to be indifferent c) to set free d) not to help anyone Answer: b Explanation: 'To let things slide' means to ignore a situation and allow it to deteriorate. In Bengali: 'উপেক্ষা করা'.

558.                      We can safely say that the business is now concluded so —. [বাংলাদেশ ব্যাংক] a) that's him b) that's us c) that's them d) that's it Answer: d Explanation: 'That's it' is an expression used to say that something is finished or completed.

559.                      Let something run its course [CGDF-12] a) to rush something b) to redo a piece of work c) to finish something with importance d) to let something finish in its natural time Answer: d Explanation: 'To let something run its course' means to allow an event or process to develop naturally without interfering.

560.                      Break the ice [CGDF-12] a) get someone out of trouble b) make someone feel comfortable c) meet someone after a long time d) take care of someone Answer: b Explanation: 'To break the ice' means to do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going at the start of a party or when people meet for the first time. In Bengali: 'নীরবতা ভঙ্গ করা'.

561.                      Call it a day [CGDF-12] a) to say the truth about someone or something b) to stop working on something c) to give up d) to be optimistic Answer: b Explanation: 'To call it a day' means to stop working, usually for the rest of the day.

562.                      Under the weather [CGDF-12, CU B 20-21] a) angry b) nervous c) moody d) sick Answer: d Explanation: To be 'under the weather' means to feel slightly ill or 'sick'.

563.                      'The man is over the moon' means: [RU C 19-20] a) He is mad b) He is extremely happy c) He is very tall d) He is very wealthy Answer: b Explanation: To be 'over the moon' about something means to be 'extremely happy' and pleased.

564.                      'Keeping a low profile' means: [RU C 19-20, A 20-21] a) avoiding attention b) attracting attention c) longing for attention d) yearning for attention Answer: a Explanation: 'To keep a low profile' means to deliberately avoid attracting public attention.

565.                      He, being one of the shareholders of the company, is suspected of feathering his own nest. What is the meaning of the underlined phrase? [KU B 19-20] a) neglecting his job b) making money unfairly c) giving access to his relatives d) taking wrong decisions Answer: b Explanation: 'To feather one's own nest' means to make money for oneself in an opportunistic or dishonest way.

566.                      May Bangladesh prosper ---. [বাংলাদেশ টেলিভিশন-10] a) day to day b) day by day c) day with day d) day on day Answer: b Explanation: 'Day by day' is an adverbial phrase meaning gradually and continuously.

567.                      He has gone to the USA for good. [NSI-17] a) for higher study b) forever c) for traveling d) for training Answer: b Explanation: The idiom 'for good' means permanently or 'forever'.

568.                      He shall be taken to task for his ill manners. [BREB-16] a) imitated b) tortured c) avoided d) rebuked e) None Answer: d Explanation: 'To take someone to task' means to scold or 'rebuke' them.

569.                      Arnab was at his wits' end after his father's death. [BREB-16] a) gloomy b) puzzled c) idle d) angry e) None Answer: b Explanation: To be 'at one's wits' end' means to be so worried, confused, or annoyed that you do not know what to do next; to be 'puzzled'.

570.                      He works by fits and starts in the office. [BREB, JU C1 20-21] a) regularly b) slowly c) irregularly d) quickly e) None Answer: c Explanation: To do something 'by fits and starts' means to do it 'irregularly', stopping and starting often.

571.                      All his hopes were —. [আর্মি মেডিকেল কোর] a) null and void b) nipped in the bud (অঙ্কুরে বিনষ্ট) c) out of date d) now and then Answer: b Explanation: 'To be nipped in the bud' means to be stopped at an early stage of development.

572.                      'Null and void' এর অর্থ কি? [মাদকদ্রব্য নিয়ন্ত্রণ অধিদপ্তর-17] a) বাতিল b) কার্যকর c) ফলপ্রসূ d) কোনটিই নয় Answer: a

573.                      'Null and void' এর অর্থ? [বিসিএস-18] a) কার্যকর b) বাতিল c) আংশিক d) পূর্ণ Answer: b Explanation: For questions 647 and 648, 'null and void' is a legal term meaning having no legal force; invalid. In Bengali: 'বাতিল'.

574.                      The custom is in vogue in the office. [BREB-18] a) obsolete b) strong c) irregular d) popular e) None Answer: d

575.                      'In vogue' means- [বিআরডিবি-13] a) in practice b) in agreement c) in search of d) in preference Answer: a

576.                      'In vogue' phrase টির অর্থ কোনটি- [প্রাথমিক শিক্ষক-18] a) অপ্রচলিত b) চালু c) জনপ্রিয় d) নতুন Answer: b Explanation: For questions 649-651, 'in vogue' means to be fashionable, 'popular', and currently 'in practice'. In Bengali: 'চালু'.

577.                      'Pros and cons' means - [বিশ্ববিদ্যালয় ভর্তি পরীক্ষা (খ)-10] a) details (বিস্তারিত) b) liberate c) avoid d) angry Answer: a

578.                      The issue will be discussed-. [ঢাকা বিশ্ববিদ্যালয় ভর্তি পরীক্ষা-18] a) with details b) by details c) in details d) in detail (বিস্তারিতভাবে) Answer: d Explanation: For questions 652 and 653, 'pros and cons' refers to the arguments for and against something. 'In detail' is the correct prepositional phrase for discussing something thoroughly.

579.                      Dec 16 is a --- for us. [ঢাকা বিশ্ববিদ্যালয় ভর্তি পরীক্ষা-18] a) green letter day b) white letter day c) orange letter day d) red letter day Answer: d Explanation: A 'red-letter day' is a day that is pleasantly noteworthy or memorable.

580.                      The idiom 'a hard nut to crack' means- [CU A 19-20] a) tasty nuts b) a hard object c) a strong person d) a difficult problem or situation Answer: d Explanation: 'A hard nut to crack' refers to a difficult problem or a person who is difficult to understand.

581.                      What does the phrase 'at large' mean? [KU B 19-20] a) dependent b) something big c) gigantic d) in general Answer: d Explanation: The phrase 'at large' can mean (of a criminal) escaped or not yet captured, or it can mean as a whole or 'in general'.

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649.                      He told the story —. The right option is- [RU A2 19-20] a) in a nutshell b) in a shell nut c) for a nutshell d) in a bullshit Answer: a Explanation: The idiom 'in a nutshell' means in the fewest possible words; briefly. In Bengali: 'সংক্ষেপে'.

650.                      The phrase 'few and far between' means: [RU A2 19-20] a) not frequent b) long distance c) irregular d) unreachable Answer: a Explanation: The phrase 'few and far between' means scarce and 'not frequent'. In Bengali: 'কদাচিৎ'.

651.                      The phrase 'by the way' is generally used to- [KU B 19-20] a) beg pardon b) request c) digress d) show interest Answer: c Explanation: 'By the way' is used to introduce a new subject that is not directly related to the previous one; to 'digress'. In Bengali: 'প্রসঙ্গক্রমে'.

652.                      What do you mean by 'tooth and nail'? [বাংলাদেশ টেলিভিশন কেন্দ্র (সহকারী প্রকৌশলী)-13] a) very strong b) desperately c) to the core d) dangerous Answer: b Explanation: To fight 'tooth and nail' means to fight with great energy and determination; 'desperately'. In Bengali: 'সর্বশক্তি দিয়ে'.

653.                      The idiom 'at one's wit's end' is synonymous with the word- [NSI AD-17] a) perplexed b) clear up c) explain d) enlighten Answer: a Explanation: To be 'at one's wit's end' means to be so worried or confused that one does not know what to do next; to be 'perplexed'. In Bengali: 'কিংকর্তব্যবিমূঢ় হওয়া'.

654.                      He escaped by- (সে অল্পের জন্য রক্ষা পেল।) [বাংলাদেশ ব্যাংক (AD)-17] a) the hair's breadth b) the breadth of a hair c) a hair's breadth d) a breadth of a hair Answer: c Explanation: The correct idiom is 'by a hair's breadth', meaning by a very narrow margin. In Bengali: 'অল্পের জন্য'.

655.                      Choose the opposite of the following idiomatic expression from the options given: 'To go to the dogs'. a) To turn over a new leaf b) To oil one's own machine c) Be off one's head d) To breathe one's last Answer: a Explanation: 'To go to the dogs' means to be ruined. Its opposite is 'to turn over a new leaf', which means to start a new, better course of life.

656.                      'Lachrymose nature' means __ [অগ্রণী ব্যাংক (SO)-17] a) Lethargic (অলস) b) Prone to anger (রাগান্বিত) c) Prone to tears (অশ্রুপ্রবণ) d) Energetic (কর্মশক্তিপূর্ণ) Answer: c Explanation: 'Lachrymose' means tearful or given to weeping. A 'lachrymose nature' means being 'prone to tears'.

657.                      To come to the fore means to become —. [অগ্রণী ব্যাংক (SO)-17] a) prominent b) aggressive c) weak d) aware Answer: a Explanation: 'To come to the fore' means to move into a position of importance or leadership; to become 'prominent'. In Bengali: 'গুরুত্বপূর্ণ হয়ে ওঠা'.

658.                      In spite of all his brag, he had to 'eat humble pie' means that he had to —. [জনতা ব্যাংক (EO)-17] a) apologize b) surrender c) leave d) eat his food Answer: a Explanation: 'To eat humble pie' means 'to apologize' humbly, especially after being proven wrong. In Bengali: 'অপমান হজম করে ক্ষমা চাওয়া'.

659.                      'A fish out of water' means- [ঢাকা দক্ষিণ সিটি কর্পোরেশন-18] a) Indescribable b) Uneasy state c) Aimlessly d) Stop Answer: b Explanation: 'A fish out of water' refers to a person in a completely unsuitable or uncomfortable environment; an 'uneasy state'. In Bengali: 'অস্বস্তিকর অবস্থা'.

660.                      The carrot and stick policy pays dividends in every organization. Here 'carrot and stick' means— [BSMRSTU (F) 18-19] a) Fair and foul b) Continuous vigilance c) Democratic d) Reward and punishment Answer: d Explanation: The 'carrot and stick' approach is a method of persuasion using a combination of 'reward and punishment'.

661.                      The question of the abolition of private property is still a moot point. [BSMRSTU D 18-19] a) undecided b) uncertain c) unknown d) not clear Answer: a Explanation: A 'moot point' is a debatable question, an issue open to argument, or an 'undecided' one. In Bengali: 'অমীমাংসিত বিষয়'.

662.                      The attempt taken by the authority finally — [BSMRSTU (E) 18-19] a) cut to the quick (মর্মাহত হওয়া) b) turned a deaf ear (উপেক্ষা করা) c) was up to the mark (আশানুরূপ) d) ended in smoke (ব্যর্থ হওয়া) Answer: d Explanation: 'To end in smoke' means to come to no practical result; to fail.

663.                      I.O.U. এর পূর্ণরূপ কোনটি? [BSMRSTU (F) 18-19] a) I am over you b) I offer you c) I am for you d) I owe you (আমি তোমার কাছে ঋণী) Answer: d Explanation: I.O.U. stands for "I owe you" and is an informal document acknowledging a debt.

664.                      'Pardon my French but you are dirty'. Here 'pardon my French' means [JU (F) 16-17] a) Excuse for swear words b) Excuse for failure c) Excuse for absence d) Excuse for being dirty Answer: a Explanation: 'Pardon my French' or 'excuse my French' is an apology for using profanity or 'swear words'.

665.                      'A hard nut to crack' means : [বিসিএস (স্বাস্থ্য)-13] a) to finish (শেষ করা) b) to come to nothing (ব্যর্থ হওয়া) c) tit for tat (ইটের বদলে পাটকেল) d) a difficult problem (কঠিন সমস্যা) Answer: d Explanation: 'A hard nut to crack' refers to a difficult problem to solve or a difficult person to understand.

666.                      The party was — when we arrived. [বিসিএস (সাধারণ শিক্ষা)-13] a) doing in full b) in full swing c) in full d) fully going Answer: b Explanation: 'In full swing' means at the height of activity. In Bengali: 'পুরোদমে'.

667.                      She came to the meeting late on purpose so she would miss the introductory speech. [ঢাকা ব্যাংক (সহকারী ব্যবস্থাপক)-13] a) aiming at b) intentionally c) reasonably d) with a goal Answer: b Explanation: 'On purpose' means deliberately or 'intentionally'. In Bengali: 'ইচ্ছাকৃতভাবে'.

668.                      'Brain-box' means: [বাংলাদেশ ব্যাংক অফিসার-13] a) idea b) wit (বুদ্ধি) c) thought d) intelligent person Answer: d Explanation: 'Brain-box' is an informal term for a very 'intelligent person'.

669.                      What is the meaning of the phrase 'the bottom line'? [বাংলাদেশ ব্যাংক (সহকারী পরিচালক)-14] a) the most important thing b) the lower line c) conclusion d) residue part Answer: a Explanation: 'The bottom line' refers to the most important fact in a situation.

670.                      The idiom 'to show the white feather' means- [বাংলাদেশ ব্যাংক-13] a) to act like a gentleman b) to act like a hero c) to act like a coward (ভীরু) d) to act like a devil Answer: c Explanation: 'To show the white feather' means to display cowardice.

671.                      The idiom 'hit pay dirt' is used to mean — [ঢাকা ব্যাংক-13] a) great attempts but insignificant achievement b) to make futile attempts c) to end up in failures after great labour d) to achieve something valuable after an arduous search Answer: d Explanation: 'To hit pay dirt' means to find or acquire something of great value.

672.                      'Tom, Dick and Harry' means- [বাংলাদেশ টেলিভিশন (অনুষ্ঠান প্রযোজক)-13] a) three bosom friends b) an ordinary or a common man c) important persons in the society d) comic characters in a drama serial Answer: b Explanation: 'Tom, Dick and Harry' is used to refer to ordinary, unspecified people. In Bengali: 'সাধারণ মানুষ'.

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