IDIOMS AND PHRASES WITH MEANINGS AND USAGE

Exercise  No. 4.

Choose  the correct meaning of the following idioms//idiomatic phrases out of the given alternatives

1. Lock,stock and barrel.

A. to wind up one’s business.

B. To start a  new business.

C. Complete in all respects.

D. To go on a long journey.

2. Let bygones be bygones.

A. To accord permission to go.

B. To forbid anyone to go.

C. To forget past actions and make a new start.

D. To act in a negligent & careless way.

3. Alma Mater.

A. Great affection for mother.

B. To make preliminary arrangements.

C. To brood over past experience.

D. Institution where one gets education.

4. Loom Large.

A. To start hosiery business.

B. To make irrelevant remarks.

C. To miss an important opportunity.

D. Fear of some ensuing danger.

5. Day in, day out.

A. To wander during day time.

B. To roam about at night.

C. To work day and night.

D. Daily without fail.

Answers: 1.C  2.C  3.D  4.D  5.D.

Exercise  No. 5.

Choose  the correct meaning of the following idioms//idiomatic phrases out of the given alternatives.

1. To bury the hatchet.

A. To raise a dispute with someone.

B. To make agriculture as one’s profession.

C. To forget old disputes and start new relations

D. To make irrelevant remarks about someone.

2. To  hope against  hope.

A.  To make a  wrong decision.

B. To have a great relations

C. To expect an unexpected thing

D. To give a false hope.

3. Once in a blue moon.

A. To  stroll at night.

B. Something happening rarely.

C. To work at night.

D. To be in search of an opportunity.

4. To mince words

A. To quarrel with some  one.

B.  To make irritating remarks.

C. To talk in an indirect way.

D. To praise some one.

5. A hard nut to crack.

A. A difficult work to do.

B. A nut which cannot be broken.

C. To attempt an impossible job.

D. A thing which cannot be obtained.

Answers:1.C.  2.C  3.B  4.C  5.A.

Exercise No. 6.

Out of four alternatives given for idioms/phrases underlined in the following sentences, choose one which expresses the meaning of the idiom/phrase.

1. A complete silence prevailed in the hall until the principal of the college broke the ice and started his lecture.

A. Inaugurated the event  B. Invited for light refreshment

C. Entertained the invitees. D. ended the silence.

2. Immediately on joining the office, the new boss brought to book all the employees creating indiscipline in the office and nipped the evil in the bud.

A. Punished, stopped bad practices in the beginning.

 B. Recorded,awarded C.Created a precedent, awarded fine

C. Noted down names, downgraded.

D. Acted swiftly, demoted.

3. All the employees  put their heart and soul to achieve the targets of the institution.

A. Paid enough donation. B. Made all out efforts C. Gave good suggestions. D. Fought with each other.

4. When the new boss  joined the office, the office affairs were at sixes and sevens.

A. In a disarranged way. B. Working very efficiently C. Dispute among staff members. D. Shortage of funds.

5.After getting his promotion, Smith has been putting on airs these days.

A. Putting on costly clothes. B. Travelling by air. C. Growing fatter.

D. To brag about.

Answers: 1.D  2.A  3.B  4.A  5.D

IDIOMS AND IDIOMATIC PHRASES -- MEANING AND USE IN SENTENCES - EXERCISES WITH SOLUTIONS

Exercise No. 10.

Out of four alternatives given for idioms/phrases underlined in the following sentences, choose one which expresses the meaning of the idiom/phrase.

1. A fair weather friend always tries to fish in troubled waters of his friends and  benefactors.

A. to borrow money B. To steal belongings of C.To get benefit in bad situation.  D.To extend a helping hand.

2. His arrogant behavior with others has left him high and dry.

A. To be penniless B. To be very sick.  C. To be very famous D. Isolated.

3. All the residents of the colony painted the town red on the eve of festival.

A. To white wash buidngs B. To renovate buildings C. To celebrate noisly in public places.  D.To create nuisances.

4. The chairman pulled  a long face when the house did not accept the suggestions put forth by him.  

A. To look disappointed B. To get annoyed C.To be agitated D.To make a quarrel.

5. The fair and square policy of the chairman of the committee has made him very popular among the residents of the town.

A. Clever and Deceitful B. Honest C. Ambigious D. Relevant and practical.

Answers: 1.C2.D3.C4.A5.B.

Exercise No. 11.

Out of four alternatives given for idioms/phrases underlined in the following sentences, choose one which expresses the meaning of the idiom/phrase.

1. Due his bad habit of borrowing money from others, he will be in the mire one day.

A. to be punished B, To be imprisoned C. To be insulted D. to be in trouble.

2. I do not like his habit of mincing matters.

A. Not to speak plainly. B.To brag about C. To be talkative  D. To show off.

3.The chairman of the  corporation plays a  second fiddle to the minister.

A. To extend a helping hand B. To play a secondary role. C.To be guiding person. D. To be facilitator.  

4. In order to become a successful administrator in the office, an executive has to keep his  ears to the ground.

A. To be very polite B. To encourage backbiting C. To keep informed about happening in surrounding. D. To have a strict control over all.

5.He had to go through the motion of starting with this new project as he was  least interested to take  up it.

A. To complete quickly. B. To do a work without enthusiasm C. To do without any interest. D. To work at a slow  speed. 

Answers: 1.D.2.A3.B4.C5.B.

IDIOMS AND IDIOMATIC PHRASES - EXERCISES WITH SOLUTION AND EXPLANATION

Exercise  No. 7.

Choose  the correct meaning of the following idioms//idiomatic phrases out of the given alternatives.

1. To steal the show.

A. To gain popularity.

B. To rob someone of his wealth.

C. To leave the show stealthily.

D. To send someone out of show.

2.To show the door.

A. To extricate someone from service.

B. To escort someone up to door.

C. To repair the house door.

D. To exaggerate about self.

3.To push to the corner.

A. To make someone insignificant.

B.To fight with someone.

C. To make a physical assault.

D. To defeat someone in wrestling.

4. To eat a humble pie.

A. To eat a coarse food.

B. To eat delicious food.

C. To commit mistake and apologize.

D. To give food to the poor.

5. Above board.

A. To travel by a ship.

B. To cross all the limits.

C. To go on a voyage.

D. Fair without any doubt.

Answers: 1.A   2.A   .3.A   .4.C   5.D.

Exercise  No. 8.Choose the correct meaning of the following idioms//idiomatic phrases out of the given alternatives.

Out of four alternatives given for idioms/phrases underlined in the following sentences, choose one which expresses the meaning of the idiom/phrase.

1. Over head and ears.

A. To cover one’s face.

B. To work very hard.

C. Completely, in all respects.

D. To make one’s all efforts.

2.On the brink of.

A. To be very intimate.

B. To go stray.

C. To be very close to

D. To stroll on river side.

3. To grease one’s palm.

A. To bribe someone.

B. To help the needy person.

A. To massage one’s hand.

D. To make an irritating gestures.

4.A  Lion’s share.

A. A major share.

B. An act of bravery.

C. Food for a lion.

D. A cage for a lion.

5. Out and out.

A. In a drunken condition.

B. Completely

C. To drink wine..

D. To turn someone out of home.

Answers: 1.C   2.C   3.A   4.A     5.B.

Exercise No. 9.

1. When his brother returned from the factory, he looked like a duck in a thunder storm.

A. Very handsome. B. Very tired. C. Very enthusiastic D. Distressed.

2.Ignoring his father’s warnings to him,  he burnt his fingers by interfering in John’s affairs.

A. Got ashamed of B. Got himself into trouble C. Suffered monetary loss. D. burnt his hand in fire.

3. I found his father having a cold feet in starting a new business.

A. Very confident about B. Too much interested C. reluctant

 D Over enthusiastic.

4. He had to eat a humble pie in starting a row with his neighbour over a trifle.

A. To feel sorry and apologise for a wrong B. to take simple  food

C. To remain without food D.To be punished for doing something wrong.

5. By disobeying the orders of his boss, John stirred up a hornet’s nest.

A. to get severe punishment. B. To invite a trouble C. To make a protest D.To be imprisoned.

Answers: 1.D.2.B.3.C.4.A.5.B.

USE OF IDIOMS & IDIOMATIC PHRASES WITH MEANINGS---EXERCISES WITH SOLUTIONS

In a language, use of idioms and idiomatic expression is made to enrich power of expression, conversation and writing. This adds to its charm and beauty.

Idioms or idiomatic expressions are group of words having their own meaning which is different from that of words used separately in ordinary way. They usually are few words embibed with deeper meaning.Their meaning is understood metaphorically rather than literally. 

Grammatically, these are invariable and specific in their form. Any change or substitution in their form is not possible. If any attempt is made, their complete meaning will be changed. Their use must be with great care after understanding their meaning. Their use adds to the charm of expression of writing or conversation. 

Here are some idioms explained with their meaning and their use in sentences.

1. A pretty penny 

It means that it is very expensive.

Buying a house in a city has become a pretty penny these days.

2.Above someone's headty 

It means something too difficult to understand someone.

He started learning French language but it turned out to be above his head.

3.Against the clock. 

If one acts against the clock it means that one is running short of time for the act.

She is against the clock in preparing for her examinations.

4. Albatross around one's neck

A problem created by oneself hindering one's progress.

His  habit of drinking is albatross around his neck for his economic condition.

5. All fingers and thumbs

If one is all fingers and thumbs it means one is too excited to do a job properly.

The young boy is all fingers and thumbs in working on his new laptop.

6.All over the  place (the shop)

It means that everything in confusing or disorganised state.

On entering the room, I found the things scattered all over the place.

7.All the rage 

If any thing is very popular or is in vogue these days, it is all the rage.

Wearing tattered clothes is all the rage among the youth these days.

8. At the coalface

If one works at the coalface, it means that one does his work with one's full involvement in it.

He is very popular among his colleagues for his habit of doing his work at the coalface.

9.At odds

If someone is at odds with the other,  it means he is not agreeable on certain point.

Both the brothers are at odds on the issue of distribution of this piece of land.

10. At the drop of a hat

Doing a work at the drop of a hat means doing a work immediately.

All the members decided to call a meeting of the committee and decided this issue at the drop of a hat.

11. Arrow in the quiver

An arrow in the quiver means an act strategic in achieving the object.

His timely financial help was an arrow in the quiver for me to complete my project.

12. Agog with

It means to be highly excited or enthusiastic or full of anxiety.

The city is agog with Joy and excitement to welcome its leader.

13. Bare one's heart

To bare one's heart to someone means to express one's personal feelings to someone.

One should not bare one's heart to someone whom one does not know.

14. Bat an eyelid

It means not to react or not to show any feelings.

When her mother gave her news she did not bat an eyelid.

15. A bar fly

A person who spends a lot of his time in a bar for drinking.

He became a bar fly since his wife died.

16. Bleeding heart

A person who is oversympathetic towards other people.

Being a bleeding heart he is always  ready to help fellow-beings.

Exercise  No. 1

Choose  the correct meaning of the following idioms//idiomatic phrases out of the given alternatives:

A. Kith and Kin.

1. Famous persons 2.A deceiver 3. Near and dear 4.Strong followers

B. Maiden Speech.

1. A speech made by a maid  2. A speech for a lady. 3. A speech poor in quality 4. A speech made for  first time by a person.

C. Spick  and span.

1. Tools of a workman 2. Weak and thin 3.Immaculate 4.Not worth any use.

D.Nook and Corner.

1.At a distant place 2. Not up to the mark 3. Everywhere 4.A useless thing.

E.Bag and Baggage.

1.All the  belongings 2. Under cover of 3. Make heavy purchases  4. To make arrangements

Answers Exercise No. 1 :    A.3.   B.4.   C.3.    D.3.   E.1.

Exercise  No. 2.

Choose  the correct meaning of the following idioms//idiomatic phrases out of the given alternatives:

A. Man of straw.

1. A good business man 2. A weak person  3.A haughty person 4. Useless fellow.

B .Cock and Bull story.

1. A story about animals 2. A concocted story 3. A detailed information 4. Unwanted details

C.Pros and Cons.

1. Beginning and End of a story. 2. Likes and dislikes of a person

3. Uses and Abuses.                      4. Dawn and Dusk.

D. Null and void.

1. Useless    2. Invalid           3. Undue favour to someone.     4. Not applicable.

E. A Man of letters.

1. A Postman       2. A man with  good handwriting

3. A famous person with qualities of head and heart  

4.A rich person.

Answers Exercise No. 2 : A.4.B.2.C.3.D.2.E.3. 

Exercise No. 3.

Out of four alternatives given for idioms/phrases underlined in the following sentences, choose one which expresses the meaning of the idiom/phrase.

1. After demise of his father, he made ducks and drakes of his father’s money.

A. Took non vegetarian food. B. Kept birds at his place.

C. Borrowed money from others. D. Squandered money.

2. All the non performing employees of the office were given marching orders by the new boss.

A. Applauded B. Sent for training C Punished D. Dismissed.

3.All the attempts made by police to nab the culprits  appeared like a wild goose chase.

A. Full hearted attempt. B. A useless effort C.A strong desire D. An easy job.

4. My friend John is a man of his word.

A. A good orator B. A famous poet. C.A man who always fulfills what he promises D. A hypocrite.

5. The two friends buried the hatchet and started working together.

A. Started a new business B.travelled by boat C. Stopped fighting and became friends. D. Shunned laziness.

Answers Exercise No. 3 : 1.D 2.D  3.B  4.C  5.C.

IDIOMS AND IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS --- EXERCISES BASED ON EXAMINATION QUESTIONS

                                                                                                                   

                                                                                               

                                                                                                    

 (continued from last post)
An Idiom or idiomatic expression is a form of expression of words in their peculiar form as prevalent in a language.The words used have different meanings to their  literal meanings. An idiom has its metaphorical rather than literal meaning. The use of words in an idiom is fixed.These idioms undergo changes with the passage of time. 

The usage of idioms enhance the beauty of a language and give richness to it. Idioms usually  comprise of a few words but these words have their own meanings different from their literal meanings. 

Idioms add richness to a language but their correct and appropriate use is necessary. Further to list of idioms with their meanings and usage in previous post, here are examples of questions  generally asked in this respect in examination question papers.

Exercise No 1  ( IDIOMS & IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS)

In the following question is given an idiom or idiomatic expression followed by four options of its meaning. Out of the given options choose one that expresses the meaning best. In case there is none of these choose the Sr. no. 5.

1. Point blank

1. To be confused   2. to blame someone 3. To say in plain words 4. to forget  5. N.O.T.

2. Beside oneself

1. Near someone 2. to call someone  3. to be overpowered by 4. obsessed with 5. N.O.T.

3. Hang in the balance

1. To take measurements 2. To share with someone 3. To be undecided 4. to show off 5.N.O.T.

4. To nip in the bud

1. a good start 2. a bad start 3. to control in the beginning 4. to allow to progress 5. N.O.T.

5. Under fire

1. to catch fire 2. to be very popular 3. to face criticism 4. in hearth  5. N.O.T.

6. Wet blanket

1. to face a problem 2. to show indifference 3. a person who spoils fun 4.a useful thing 5.N.O.T.

7. Above board

1. in a sea ship  2. in a voyage 3. beyond any doubt 4. Not so popular 5. N.O.T.

8. At loggers' heads

1. to be friends 2. to take revenge 3. to disagree or dispute 4. to be helpful 5. N.O.T.

9. Go to dogs

1. to go mad 2. to be a pauper 3. to be ruined 4. to lose heart  5. N.O.T.

10. Make good

1. to benefit someone  2. to earn enough money 3. to compensate loss 4. to be helpful 5. N.O.T.

( Answer : 1 to 10 - 3. )

Exercise No 2  ( IDIOMS & IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS)

In the following question is given a statement which contains an idiom or idiomatic expression written in italics. It is followed by four options of meaning of the italicized portion. Out of the given options choose one that expresses the meaning best. In case there is none of these choose the Sr. no. 5.

1. The final round of talks between authorities and representatives of employees is in progress. An agreement between the two sides appears to be round the corner.

1. appears impossible 2. difficult to reach 3. nearer  to be finalised 4. doubtful 5. None Of These.

2. He is very distressed and depressed these days because of demise of his son in the prime of  his life.

1. at the end of 2. in the beginning 3. at a young age 4. on completion of  5. N.O.T.

3. The preparations of his son's marriage are going on in full swing.

1. very slow 2. very fast 3. in good speed 4. collectively 5. N.O.T.

4. In the world of today no nation or an individual can plough a lonely furrow.

1. remain indifferent 2. do not help others 3. remain isolated 4. command order  5, N.O.T.

5. As the negotiations are going on it appears that an agreement between the two nations is in the offing. 

1. in the air 2. at the end 3. about to happen 4. to be doubtful 5. N.O.T.


6. It appears that riches have of the merchant.

1. change decision 2. to feel dizzy 3. to be arrogant 4. to make sad 5. N.O.T.

7. His friends are in the habit of putting a spoke in his wheel.

1. to co-operate 2. to make popular 3. to create hindrance 4. to give money 5. N.O.T.

8. You need not worry about anything we all are always at your beck and call.

1. on speaking terms  2 to help  3. at one's disposal 4. to give moral support 

9. A man having no control over his passions is, to all intents and purposes a beast.

1. deliberately 2. with no feelings 3. in practical terms 4. nearly almost  5. N.O.T.

10. Now a days our uncle's visits to our house are few and far  between.

1. Very frequent 2. not so important 3. very rare 4. to come to an end 5. N.O.T.

( Answer : 1 to 10 - 3. )

Exercise No 3  ( IDIOMS & IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS)

In the following sentences there is a blank space which can be filled with an idiom or idiomatic expression. Choose out of the given options one that suits the most to be filled in the blank. In case there is none of these choose the Sr. no. 5.

1. After taking a little rest for a few hours in the tavern, the travellers................on their onward journey to their final destination.

1. set in 2. set about 3. set out 4. set up 5. None of these.

2. The boss on returning from his week  long tour was................to find all the things lying in his office at sixes and sevens.

1. taken in 2. taken for 3. taken aback 4. taken after 5. N.O.T.

3. All the visitors have been waiting for the chief guest for the last two hours but he has not.......................so far.

1. turned on 2. turned down 3. turned up 4. turned out 5. N.O.T.

4. His parents advised him to ...................some money for his future needs but he did not pay any heed to their advice.

1. Put up 2. Put up with 3. Put by 4. Put out 5. N.O.T.

5. All the persons standing there ran after the thief but he managed to ...............with the necklace of the lady.

1. make up  2. make over 3. make off 4. make out 5. N.O.T.



Answers : 1 to 5  ---3.




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IDIOMS AND IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS --------THEIR MEANINGS AND USAGE 5(5) (In continuation of last post)

                                                                                                                         (continued from last post)

An Idiom or idiomatic expression is a form of expression of words in their peculiar form as prevalent in a language.The words used have different meanings to their  literal meanings. An idiom has its metaphorical rather than literal meaning. The use of words in an idiom is fixed.These idioms undergo changes with the passage of time. 

The usage of idioms enhance the beauty of a language and give richness to it. Idioms usually  comprise of a few words but these words have their own meanings different from their literal meanings. Just as  the meaning of put is different from when some words are added  to it as --Put up, Put out , Put off  or To put up for a rainy day etc. These words are to be used as they are and these cannot be changed at all. The grammatical use of these words is fixed.For example  He has his own axe to grind cannot be changed to ground his axe or some other form. Idioms have their meanings in metaphorical sense rather than literal one. 

Idioms add richness to a language but their correct and appropriate use is necessary. Here is a list of idioms with their meanings and usage though it is illustrative and not exhaustive.


T,U,V to Z

Turn coat : ( a person who changes his principles or party easily) :

A turn coat never commands  respect in the society.

Tell - tale : ( a person in the habit of backbiting) :

He is a tell tale and everyone jeers at him.

Turn a blind eye: ( to ignore something or someone ) :

Parents cannot afford to turn a blind eye towards their children's faults.

Turn  a deaf ear : ( not to listen to ) : 

The authorities turned a deaf ear to  demands of  the employees. 

Turn turtle : ( to overturn ) : 

The bus after striking against a tree turned turtle and rolled down the road.

Turn one's head : ( to make one arrogant ) :

It appears that riches have turned his head.

Turn one's back : ( to ignore, to turn one's face from ) :

All his friends turned their back from him during days of adversity.

Turn tables  : ( to reverse the action on the person ) :

Ultimately he managed to turn the tables against his rivals.

Turn down : ( to refuse) : 

The authorities turned down all the demands raised by the employees.

Turn over a new leaf : ( to start a new phase ) :

My friend  turned over a new leaf after his marriage.

Turn up : ( to come back ) :

All the friends went out for a picnic and they did not turn up till evening.

Take for : ( to consider erroneously) :

The child dreaded to take a piece of rope for a snake in dark.

Take to : ( to start a  habit of ) : 

He took to drinking after he suffered heavy losses in his business.

Take in ( to be deceived,cheated) :

The merchant is too clever to be taken in by your proposal.

Take aback : ( to be astonished ) : 

All the guests were taken aback when the chief guest reached before time.

Take after : ( to be similar to, to resemble ):

Children take after their parents.

Take to heart : ( to consider seriously ) :

The son took his father's words to heart and mended his ways.

Take ill : ( to feel bad ) : 

We should not take ill of what he said.

Tongue in cheek : ( not meant to be taken seriously) :

In the beginning he seemed to be serious but later everybody found him tongue in cheek and started laughing.

Take one's breath away :  (  to astonish or surprise ) :

The bride's beauty took  the guests' breath away.

Under one's nose : ( to happen in one's presence or knowledge) :

All this happened under principal's nose and he did not take any action against these boys at that time.

Under the carpet : ( keep something secret ): 

In the beginning all the things were kept under carpet but not for long and soon every body knew about it.

Under radar : ( under constant vigil ) :

His activities were kept under radar and soon he was caught taking bribe  red handed.

Under the table : ( In unauthorised  way) :

We had to pay money under the table to get the work done.

Under one's thumb : ( in control of ):

She has kept her husband under her thumb.

Under one's skin : ( to irritate or annoy) :

Children get under my skin as they make such a loud noise.

Under fire : ( face criticism) :

Her behaviour in the party yesterday brought her under fire among all.

Under cloud : ( under suspicion) :

Her recent actions have put her whole career under cloud.

Up to the neck : ( involved completely) :

The merchant is under debt up to the neck. 

Up to the ears :( involved completely) :

The merchant is under debt up to the neck. 

Up and doing : ( to take part actively) :

The examinations are drawing near, be up and doing.

Vicious circle : ( sequence of bad events or things) :

The young man is caught in a vicious circle of his bad  habits.

Vouch for : (  to assure or guarantee ) :

The parents vouched for the good behaviour of the student to the principal.

Vent on : ( to express strong feelings or emotions) :

She vent her frustration on her family.

Vie for : ( to strive for better ) :

Both the boys are intelligent enough and both vie for the first position in the competition.

Weather storms : ( to face difficulties ) :

His father  weathered many storms in his life.

With open arms : ( welcome whole heartedly ) :

The host welcomed all the guests with open arms.

A wild goose chase : ( a useless activity) :

It is a wild goose chase  for you to compete with him in the examination.

Win laurels : ( to bring honour ) :

Our hockey team won laurels for the college in the tournament.

Walk over : ( easy victory) :

Our team was given a walk over in the tournament as the other team did not turn up to platy.

Walk out : ( to go out in protest) :

The opposition party walked out of the house over the new bill. 

Wet blanket : ( a person who spoils the fun) : 

We took him along with us to have fun but he turned out to  be wet blanket.

Wash one's dirty linen : ( to expose one's dirty secrets) :

Do not wash your dirty linen in the public.

Wash one's hands off : (  to dissociate or delink from something) :

As things became worse, the chairman washed his hands off the whole incident.

White elephant : ( expensive burden ) :

This old bus has proved a white elephant for our school.

White lie: ( a lie not to hurt others) :

She told a white lie and it was not intended to hurt others.

Word of mouth : ( to come to know from conversation among people) : 

 We all came to know about this incident from word of mouth.

Wrong side of  : ( above certain age) :

He is on the wrong side of fifty.

Yeoman's service : ( to do an exemplary job ) :

He did yeoman's service during his service in the office.

Yell out : ( to burst out in anger) :

The old man was feeling very  angry and he yelled out at the shopkeeper.

Yearn for : ( to long for, to pine for ) :

The young lady was yearning for her love.

Yes-man : ( one who agrees with persons in authority) :

We should not expect much action from him because he is a yes-man of the boss.

Zenith of power : ( at the top of authority) : 

Our institution was at the zenith of power during the period you were its president.

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