Idioms and Phrases constitute a high-yield component of the English Language section across Staff Selection Commission (SSC) examinations, including CGL, CHSL, MTS, and CPO. These expressions convey figurative meanings that diverge from their literal interpretations, testing a candidate’s grasp of nuances and contextual usage. Mastering common idioms not only secures valuable marks in both Tier 1 and Tier 2 objective tests but also enhances overall reading comprehension and verbal fluency.
1. What is the meaning of the idiom 'A piece of cake'?
Correct Answer: b) A very easy task
Explanation:
The idiom 'a piece of cake' refers to something that is very easy to do.
2. Choose the correct meaning of 'A dark horse'.
Correct Answer: a) An unexpected winner
Explanation:
A 'dark horse' is a candidate or competitor about whom little is known but who unexpectedly wins or succeeds.
3. What does the phrase 'A red letter day' mean?
Correct Answer: c) A very important or significant day
Explanation:
A 'red letter day' is a day that is pleasantly noteworthy or memorable.
4. What is the meaning of 'A wild goose chase'?
Correct Answer: b) A foolish and hopeless search
Explanation:
A 'wild goose chase' means a useless or futile search that is bound to fail.
5. What does the idiom 'At the eleventh hour' mean?
Correct Answer: b) At the very last moment
Explanation:
To do something 'at the eleventh hour' means to do it at the latest possible time before it is too late.
6. Choose the correct meaning of 'Apple of discord'.
Correct Answer: b) A cause of quarrel or dispute
Explanation:
'Apple of discord' refers to the core cause or subject of a bitter disagreement.
7. What does it mean to be 'At a loss'?
Correct Answer: c) Unable to decide or know what to say
Explanation:
To be 'at a loss' means to be puzzled or uncertain about what to think, say, or do.
8. What is the meaning of 'At arm's length'?
Correct Answer: b) To keep at a distance to avoid intimacy or danger
Explanation:
Keeping someone 'at arm's length' means avoiding a close or overly familiar relationship with them.
9. What does 'At daggers drawn' mean?
Correct Answer: a) To be bitterly hostile towards each other
Explanation:
If two people are 'at daggers drawn', they are very angry with each other and ready to fight.
10. What is the meaning of 'At sixes and sevens'?
Correct Answer: b) A state of total confusion and disorder
Explanation:
To be 'at sixes and sevens' means to be in a state of confusion, disorder, or disagreement.
11. What does 'Add fuel to the fire' mean?
Correct Answer: c) To make a bad situation worse
Explanation:
Adding fuel to the fire means saying or doing something that makes a bad situation even worse.
12. What is the meaning of 'Apple of one's eye'?
Correct Answer: a) A person who is very dear to someone
Explanation:
The 'apple of one's eye' refers to a person of whom one is extremely fond and proud.
13. What does 'A bed of roses' mean?
Correct Answer: c) An easy and comfortable situation
Explanation:
A 'bed of roses' refers to a situation or activity that is comfortable, easy, and pleasant.
14. What does 'A bone of contention' mean?
Correct Answer: b) A subject of dispute or argument
Explanation:
A 'bone of contention' is a subject or issue over which there is continuing disagreement.
15. What is the meaning of 'A bolt from the blue'?
Correct Answer: a) A complete surprise or unexpected shock
Explanation:
A 'bolt from the blue' means an event or a piece of news which is sudden, unexpected, and often shocking.
16. What does 'A close shave' mean?
Correct Answer: b) A narrow escape from danger
Explanation:
A 'close shave' refers to a narrow escape from a serious danger or trouble.
17. What is the meaning of 'A hard nut to crack'?
Correct Answer: a) A difficult problem to solve
Explanation:
A 'hard nut to crack' is a problem that is very difficult to solve or a person who is very difficult to understand.
18. What does 'A fool's paradise' mean?
Correct Answer: b) A false sense of happiness based on illusion
Explanation:
Living in a 'fool's paradise' means being happy because you do not know or will not accept how bad a situation really is.
19. What is the meaning of 'A snake in the grass'?
Correct Answer: c) A hidden or deceitful enemy
Explanation:
A 'snake in the grass' refers to a person who pretends to be your friend but secretly tries to harm you.
20. What does 'A stone's throw away' mean?
Correct Answer: b) Very near or close
Explanation:
If a place is 'a stone's throw away', it means it is a very short distance away.
21. What is the meaning of 'All and sundry'?
Correct Answer: a) Everyone without distinction
Explanation:
'All and sundry' means each and every one; everyone without exception.
22. What does 'Above board' mean?
Correct Answer: b) Honest, open, and without deception
Explanation:
If a plan or business deal is 'above board', it is completely honest and legal.
23. What is the meaning of 'Achilles heel'?
Correct Answer: b) A fatal weakness in spite of overall strength
Explanation:
An 'Achilles heel' is a weakness or vulnerable point in someone or something that is otherwise strong.
24. What does 'Acid test' mean?
Correct Answer: c) A definitive proof of truth or value
Explanation:
An 'acid test' is a conclusive test of the success or value of something.
25. What is the meaning of 'Alpha and Omega'?
Correct Answer: a) Beginning and end
Explanation:
'Alpha and Omega' means the beginning and the end, or the most important part of something.
26. What does 'An axe to grind' mean?
Correct Answer: b) To have a selfish or personal motive
Explanation:
Having 'an axe to grind' means having a private or selfish reason for doing something.
27. What is the meaning of 'Back up'?
Correct Answer: b) To support or encourage
Explanation:
To 'back up' means to provide support, evidence, or assistance to someone or something.
28. What does 'Bad blood' mean?
Correct Answer: a) Ill feeling or enmity
Explanation:
'Bad blood' refers to feelings of hate or strong dislike between people.
29. What is the meaning of 'Bear the brunt of'?
Correct Answer: c) To endure the main impact or worst part of something
Explanation:
To 'bear the brunt of' means to suffer the worst part of an unpleasant situation.
30. What does 'Beat about the bush' mean?
Correct Answer: c) To talk irrelevantly and avoid coming to the main point
Explanation:
Beating about the bush means avoiding talking about what is important.
31. What is the meaning of 'Beat black and blue'?
Correct Answer: b) To beat severely so that bruises appear
Explanation:
To 'beat black and blue' means to beat someone so badly that their skin becomes bruised.
32. What does 'Between the devil and the deep sea' mean?
Correct Answer: b) To be caught between two equally unpleasant alternatives
Explanation:
Being 'between the devil and the deep sea' means facing a dilemma where both choices are undesirable.
33. What is the meaning of 'Bite the dust'?
Correct Answer: b) To be defeated, fail, or die
Explanation:
'Bite the dust' is an informal phrase meaning to suffer a defeat, to fail, or to fall dead.
34. What does 'Blow one's own trumpet' mean?
Correct Answer: b) To praise oneself boastfully
Explanation:
Blowing one's own trumpet means to talk boastfully about one's own achievements.
35. What is the meaning of 'Blue blood'?
Correct Answer: a) A person of noble or aristocratic birth
Explanation:
'Blue blood' refers to someone belonging to the highest social class or royalty.
36. What does 'Break the ice' mean?
Correct Answer: c) To start a conversation and relieve tension
Explanation:
Breaking the ice means doing or saying something to make people feel more relaxed and comfortable, especially in a new social setting.
37. What is the meaning of 'Bring to light'?
Correct Answer: b) To reveal or make known
Explanation:
To 'bring to light' means to reveal something, especially a secret or something that was previously unknown.
38. What does 'Bull in a china shop' mean?
Correct Answer: b) An extremely clumsy or careless person in a delicate situation
Explanation:
A 'bull in a china shop' refers to someone who is careless and clumsy in a situation that requires tact and care.
39. What is the meaning of 'Burn the midnight oil'?
Correct Answer: b) To work or study late into the night
Explanation:
To 'burn the midnight oil' means to read, study, or work late into the night.
40. What does 'Bury the hatchet' mean?
Correct Answer: b) To end a quarrel and make peace
Explanation:
Burying the hatchet means resolving differences and becoming friends again.
41. What is the meaning of 'By fits and starts'?
Correct Answer: b) Irregularly or sporadically
Explanation:
To do something 'by fits and starts' means to do it intermittently or irregularly, stopping and then starting again.
42. What does 'By hook or by crook' mean?
Correct Answer: b) By any means, whether fair or foul
Explanation:
This phrase means doing something by any possible means, regardless of whether it is honest or dishonest.
43. What is the meaning of 'By leaps and bounds'?
Correct Answer: c) Very rapidly or quickly
Explanation:
If something grows or progresses 'by leaps and bounds', it does so very rapidly.
44. What does 'Call a spade a spade' mean?
Correct Answer: a) To speak plainly and directly, even if it is unpleasant
Explanation:
To 'call a spade a spade' means to speak frankly and truthfully, even about embarrassing or unpleasant things.
45. What is the meaning of 'Carry the day'?
Correct Answer: b) To win a victory or be successful
Explanation:
To 'carry the day' means to be victorious or successful in a contest or argument.
46. What does 'Catch a tartar' mean?
Correct Answer: b) To deal with a person who is more than one's match
Explanation:
Catching a tartar means to encounter a surprisingly formidable opponent or someone who is harder to deal with than expected.
47. What is the meaning of 'Chew the cud'?
Correct Answer: b) To think deeply or ponder over something
Explanation:
To 'chew the cud' means to reflect or think carefully and deeply about something.
48. What does 'Chicken-hearted' mean?
Correct Answer: c) Cowardly or easily frightened
Explanation:
A 'chicken-hearted' person is someone who lacks courage and is easily scared.
49. What is the meaning of 'Child's play'?
Correct Answer: b) A very easy task
Explanation:
If a task is considered 'child's play', it is extremely easy to accomplish.
50. What does 'Come off with flying colours' mean?
Correct Answer: b) To succeed brilliantly
Explanation:
Coming off with flying colours means achieving an overwhelming success in a test or competition.
51. What is the meaning of 'Crocodile tears'?
Correct Answer: b) False or insincere sorrow
Explanation:
'Crocodile tears' refer to a false, insincere display of emotion, such as a hypocrite crying fake tears of grief.
52. What does 'Cry over spilt milk' mean?
Correct Answer: b) To regret something that cannot be undone
Explanation:
Crying over spilt milk means wasting time feeling upset about a past mistake or misfortune that cannot be changed.
53. What is the meaning of 'Cut a sorry figure'?
Correct Answer: a) To create a poor impression
Explanation:
To 'cut a sorry figure' means to perform poorly or make a bad impression on others.
54. What does 'Dead letter' mean?
Correct Answer: b) A law or treaty that is no longer in force or observed
Explanation:
A 'dead letter' is an existing law or agreement that has lost its force or authority and is no longer obeyed.
55. What is the meaning of 'Die in harness'?
Correct Answer: b) To die while still working or in service
Explanation:
To 'die in harness' means to die before retiring, while still engaged in one's work or duties.
56. What does 'Dog in the manger' mean?
Correct Answer: b) A selfish person who prevents others from enjoying something they cannot use
Explanation:
A 'dog in the manger' is someone who spitefully prevents others from having something that they have no use for themselves.
57. What is the meaning of 'Eat humble pie'?
Correct Answer: c) To apologize humbly and admit one's error
Explanation:
To 'eat humble pie' means to make a humble apology and accept humiliation for a mistake.
58. What does 'End in smoke' mean?
Correct Answer: b) To yield no practical result or come to nothing
Explanation:
If a plan or effort 'ends in smoke', it is ruined, fails, or produces no tangible result.
59. What is the meaning of 'Fair weather friend'?
Correct Answer: c) A friend who is only with you in good times
Explanation:
A 'fair weather friend' is someone who acts as a friend only when things are going well but abandons you in times of difficulty.
60. What does 'Fall flat' mean?
Correct Answer: a) To fail to produce the intended or expected effect
Explanation:
If a joke, idea, or suggestion 'falls flat', it fails completely to have the desired effect or be appreciated.
61. What is the meaning of 'Feather one's own nest'?
Correct Answer: b) To make money for oneself in a selfish or dishonest way
Explanation:
To 'feather one's own nest' means to take advantage of one's position to accumulate personal wealth, often dishonestly.
62. What does 'Fish in troubled waters' mean?
Correct Answer: b) To take advantage of the problems or confusion of others
Explanation:
Fishing in troubled waters means trying to gain personal advantage from a chaotic or difficult situation involving others.
63. What is the meaning of 'Flesh and blood'?
Correct Answer: b) Human nature or a physical human body
Explanation:
'Flesh and blood' refers to people, human nature, or one's own family and relatives.
64. What does 'French leave' mean?
Correct Answer: c) Absence or departure without permission or notice
Explanation:
Taking a 'French leave' means leaving work, duty, or a gathering without informing anyone or getting permission.
65. What is the meaning of 'Get into hot water'?
Correct Answer: b) To get into trouble or a difficult situation
Explanation:
Getting into hot water means finding oneself in a situation that brings trouble, criticism, or punishment.
66. What does 'Get off scot-free' mean?
Correct Answer: a) To escape completely without punishment or injury
Explanation:
To 'get off scot-free' means to evade any penalty, punishment, or harm that was expected.
67. What is the meaning of 'Give up the ghost'?
Correct Answer: c) To pass away or die
Explanation:
To 'give up the ghost' is an old idiom that means to die or to stop working completely (for machines).
68. What does 'Go to the dogs' mean?
Correct Answer: a) To become ruined or deteriorate severely
Explanation:
If a person, place, or organization 'goes to the dogs', it gets much worse or is completely ruined.
69. What is the meaning of 'Good Samaritan'?
Correct Answer: b) A charitable or helpful person
Explanation:
A 'Good Samaritan' is someone who voluntarily helps people in distress or difficulty.
70. What does 'Hand in glove' mean?
Correct Answer: b) In a close relationship or working closely together
Explanation:
To be 'hand in glove' with someone means to be in a very close working relationship or conspiracy with them.
71. What is the meaning of 'Hard and fast'?
Correct Answer: b) Strict and not able to be altered
Explanation:
If a rule is 'hard and fast', it is strictly binding and cannot be changed or ignored.
72. What does 'Have a finger in every pie' mean?
Correct Answer: c) To be involved in many different activities or matters
Explanation:
Having a finger in every pie means to be involved in or have influence over many different activities or matters.
73. What is the meaning of 'Hit the nail on the head'?
Correct Answer: b) To say or do exactly the right thing
Explanation:
To 'hit the nail on the head' means to describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem.
74. What does 'Hobson's choice' mean?
Correct Answer: c) No real choice at all, because there is only one option
Explanation:
'Hobson's choice' refers to a situation where it seems you have a choice, but actually you have only one option: take it or leave it.
75. What is the meaning of 'Hold water'?
Correct Answer: b) To be logical, valid, or sound
Explanation:
If a theory, statement, or argument 'holds water', it is sound, valid, and able to be supported by facts.
76. What does 'Hope against hope' mean?
Correct Answer: b) To hope for something even when the situation appears completely hopeless
Explanation:
Hoping against hope means continuing to hope for something even though it is highly unlikely to happen.
77. What is the meaning of 'In a nutshell'?
Correct Answer: a) In a very brief and concise manner
Explanation:
To state something 'in a nutshell' means to express it using as few words as possible.
78. What does 'In black and white' mean?
Correct Answer: b) In written or printed form
Explanation:
If something is 'in black and white', it means it is written down or printed, making it official or clear.
79. What is the meaning of 'In full swing'?
Correct Answer: b) At the height of activity or operation
Explanation:
If an event or process is 'in full swing', it has reached its highest level of activity.
80. What does 'In the air' mean?
Correct Answer: b) Widely known, prevalent, or felt by many people
Explanation:
If a feeling or idea is 'in the air', it is noticeable all around and affects a lot of people.
81. What is the meaning of 'In the dark'?
Correct Answer: b) In a state of ignorance; uninformed
Explanation:
To be kept 'in the dark' means to be kept completely unaware or uninformed about something.
82. What does 'Keep one's fingers crossed' mean?
Correct Answer: b) To hope for a positive outcome
Explanation:
Keeping one's fingers crossed is a gesture used to express the hope for good luck or a favorable outcome.
83. What is the meaning of 'Kick the bucket'?
Correct Answer: b) To die
Explanation:
'Kick the bucket' is an informal slang expression meaning to pass away or die.
84. What does 'Laugh in one's sleeve' mean?
Correct Answer: c) To laugh secretly or inwardly, often at someone's expense
Explanation:
Laughing in one's sleeve means to secretly be amused or laugh at someone else's mistake or misfortune.
85. What is the meaning of 'Leave no stone unturned'?
Correct Answer: b) To try every possible means to achieve something
Explanation:
To 'leave no stone unturned' means to make every possible effort to find something or achieve a goal.
86. What does 'Make a clean breast of' mean?
Correct Answer: b) To confess fully and completely
Explanation:
To make a clean breast of something means to speak openly and honestly about a mistake or crime.
87. What is the meaning of 'Make both ends meet'?
Correct Answer: b) To earn just enough money to live on
Explanation:
Making both ends meet means managing one's expenses within the income they earn.
88. What does 'Make hay while the sun shines' mean?
Correct Answer: b) To take advantage of an opportunity while it lasts
Explanation:
This proverb means one should make the most of favorable conditions while they are available.
89. What is the meaning of 'Man of letters'?
Correct Answer: b) A literary person or a scholar
Explanation:
A 'man of letters' refers to a male scholar or an author; someone who is very knowledgeable about literature.
90. What does 'Man of straw' mean?
Correct Answer: b) A man of no substance or a weak person
Explanation:
A 'man of straw' refers to a weak person whose character or argument has no real substance.
91. What is the meaning of 'Nip in the bud'?
Correct Answer: b) To destroy or stop something at an early stage
Explanation:
To 'nip something in the bud' means to stop a problem or bad habit right when it is starting.
92. What does 'Null and void' mean?
Correct Answer: b) Completely invalid or without legal force
Explanation:
When a contract or law is 'null and void', it has no legal validity or effect.
93. What is the meaning of 'Once in a blue moon'?
Correct Answer: b) Very rarely
Explanation:
An event that happens 'once in a blue moon' occurs very rarely.
94. What does 'Out of the blue' mean?
Correct Answer: b) Without warning; unexpectedly
Explanation:
If something happens 'out of the blue', it happens suddenly and unexpectedly.
95. What is the meaning of 'Out of the question'?
Correct Answer: b) Completely impossible or unacceptable
Explanation:
If an idea or action is 'out of the question', it is absolutely impossible or not allowed.
96. What does 'Part and parcel' mean?
Correct Answer: b) An essential and integral part
Explanation:
If something is 'part and parcel' of an experience, it is an essential or unavoidable feature of it.
97. What is the meaning of 'Pass the buck'?
Correct Answer: c) To shift the responsibility or blame to someone else
Explanation:
To 'pass the buck' means to evade responsibility and blame another person instead.
98. What does 'Pay lip service' mean?
Correct Answer: b) To express agreement or support without actually doing anything
Explanation:
Paying lip service means verbally supporting something without taking any real action to back it up.
99. What is the meaning of 'Play truant'?
Correct Answer: b) To stay away from school or work without permission
Explanation:
Playing truant means being absent from school or work without a valid excuse.
100. What does 'Point blank' mean?
Correct Answer: b) Directly and without hesitation
Explanation:
To say something 'point blank' means to say it very bluntly, directly, and without explaining.
