Phrases and Idioms MCQs for Competitive Examination
Select the most appropriate meaning of the given phrase/idiom.
Q. 101
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
Answer: (A) To make utmost efforts
Q. 102
To flog a dead horse
(A) To whip a dead horse
(B) To attempt to do the impossible
(C) Waste one’s efforts
(D) To take advantage of a weakness
Answer: (C) Waste one’s efforts
Q. 103
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
Answer: (C) To die while in service
Q. 104
At the eleventh hour
(A) At eleven O’clock
(B) At the wrong time
(C) At the last possible moment
(D) At the initial moment itself
Answer: (C) At the last possible moment
Q. 105
Birds of the same feather
(A) Persons of same caste
(B) Persons of same colour
(C) Birds with same type of feather
(D) Persons of the same character
Answer: (D) Persons of the same character
Q. 106
To call a spade a spade
(A) To be frank
(B) To be shy
(C) To be rude
(D) To be diplomatic
Answer: (A) To be frank
Q. 107
To miss the bus
(A) To miss, the bus that one regularly takes
(B) To miss an opportunity
(C) To have something to fall back upon
(D) To find fault with others
Answer: (B) To miss an opportunity
Q. 108
Fish out of water
(A) Disgusted
(B) Uncomfortable
(C) Disappointed
(D) Homeless
Answer: (B) Uncomfortable
Q. 109
To foam at one’s mouth
(A) To brush properly
(B) To get very angry
(C) To salivate on seeing food
(D) None of the above
Answer: (B) To get very agnry
Q. 110
Sought after
(A) Highly-paid
(B) Pursued by
(C) In great demand
(D) With great talent
Answer: (C) In great demand
Q. 111
To burn one’s fingers
(A) To get hurt physically
(B) To suffer financial losses
(C) To find work
(D) To suffer nervous breakdown
Answer: (A) To get hurt physically
Q. 112
Point-blank
(A) Directly
(B) Desperately
(C) Stubbornly
(D) Rudely
Answer: (A) Directly
Q. 113
By putting two and two together
(A) To mix several things
(B) To make an arithmetical calculation
(C) To keep people in pairs
(D) To deduce from given facts
Answer: (D) To deduce from given facts
Q. 114
To look down one’s nose
(A) To show anger
(B) To retaliate
(C) To insult in the presence of others
(D) To regard with contempt
Answer: (D) To regard with contempt
Q. 115
To burn the candle at both ends
(A) To spend cautiously
(B) To be stingy
(C) To be extravagant
(D) To survive difficulty
Answer: (C) To be extravagant
Q. 116
To hit the jackpot
(A) To gamble
(B) To get an unexpected victory
(C) To be wealthy
(D) To make money quickly
Answer: (D) To make money quickly
Q. 117
To bring to light
(A) To reveal
(B) To conceal
(C) to provide luminescence
(D) to appeal
Answer: (A) To reveal
Q. 118
On the spur of the moment
(A) To act at once
(B) To ride a horse in a race
(C) To act deliberately
(D) To act at the appointed time
Answer: (D) To act at the appointed time
Q. 119
To have something up one’s sleeve
(A) To hide something in the sleeve
(B) To play a magician trick
(C) To have a secret plan
(D) To play hide and seek
Answer: (C) To have a secret plan
Q. 120
Build castles in the air
(A) Waste time
(B) Daydream
(C) Build houses
(D) Work hard
Answer: (B) Daydream