Phrases and Idioms MCQs for Competitive Examination
In the following questions, four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase bold in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom/phrase.
Q. 1
My friend is quite hard-hearted.
(A) Emotional
(B) Cruel
(C) Sentimental
(D) Rude
Answer: (A) Emotionless
Q. 2
His popularity is on the wane.
(A) On the heights
(B) Standstill
(C) Gradually declining
(D) Verge of eruption
Answer: (C) Gradually declining
Q. 3
He was in doldrums after the quarrel with his brother.
(A) Jubilant
(B) In low spirits
(C) Angry
(D) Left the house
Answer: (B) In low spirits
Q. 4
We must work with all our might and main, otherwise we cannot succeed.
(A) Full force
(B) Complete trust
(C) Exceptional skill
(D) Full unity
Answer: (A) Full force
Q. 5
The soldiers fought tooth and nail to save their country.
(A) Using unfair means
(B) With strength and fury
(C) With weapons
(D) As best as they could
Answer: (B) With strength and fury
Q. 6
If you read between the lines, you will appreciate what he writes.
(A) Can read leaving lines in between
(B) Can read a lot quicker
(C) Know what the writer thinks
(D) Can read and write in the language
Answer: (C) Know what the writer thinks
Q. 7
I am tired of the rat-race in the corporate sector.
(A) Corruption
(B) Misery
(C) Unpleasant sight
(D) Fierce competition
Answer: (D) Fierce competition
Q. 8
Sachin is an indifferent student. He is often all at sea.
(A) In a state of shock
(B) Very knowledgeable
(C) In danger
(D) Completely confused
Answer: (D) Completely confused
Q. 9
The manager hesitated to assign the job to the newcomer as he was wet behind the ears.
(A) Drenched in the rain
(B) Unpunctual and lethargic
(C) Stupid and slow-witted
(D) Young and inexperienced
Answer: (D) Young and inexperienced
Q. 10
The mother was right in giving a piece of her mind to the daughter.
(A) Speaking kindly
(B) Speaking cheerfully
(C) Speaking sadly
(D) Speaking sharply
Answer: (C) Speaking sharply
Q. 11
If you want to be happy, cut your coat according to your cloth.
(A) Be honest in your dealings
(B) Work according to your capacity
(C) Live within your means
(D) Don’t be too ambitious
Answer: (B) Work according to your capacity
Q. 12
He is as hard as nail, never moved by anything.
(A) Tough
(B) Emotionless
(C) Physically strong
(D) Hard working
Answer: (B) Emotionless
Q. 13
He turned a deaf ear to his parents’ advice.
(A) Listen carefully
(B) Refuse to obey
(C) Big help
(D) Attentively
Answer: (B) Refuse to obey
Q. 14
Most people live from hand to mouth these days because of inflation.
(A) Lavishly
(B) Happily
(C) Comfortably
(D) Miserably
Answer: (D) Miserably
Q. 15
Sarala is always ready to eat anyone’s salt.
(A) To be one’s guest
(B) To cook tasty dishes
(C) An infectious disease
(D) To deceive someone
Answer: (A) To be one’s guest
Q. 16
He will come to grief if he does not leave his present friends.
(A) Addicted
(B) Go up to the extreme
(C) Suffer
(D) Enjoy
Answer: (C) Suffer
Q. 17
Nowadays, one gets goods literary books once in a blue moon.
(A) From renowned publisher
(B) At very low cost
(C) When moon gives blue light
(D) Rarely
Answer: (D) Rarely
Q. 18
He decided to bury the hatchet.
(A) To keep a secret
(B) To make peace
(C) To fool someone
(D) To bury the wealth
Answer: (B) To make peace
Q. 19
Reena is the kind of person who wears her heart on her sleeve.
(A) Expresses her emotions freely
(B) Expresses her emotions freely
(C) Suppresses her emotions openly
(D) Suppresses her excitement sparingly
Answer: (B) Expresses her emotions freely
Q. 20
His utopian idea was entertaining but not acceptable.
(A) Unworthy idea
(B) Imaginary idea
(C) Classic idea
(D) Intelligent idea
Answer: (B) Imaginary idea