Idioms and Phrases Exercise No- 12

Study of idioms and phrases is very important to learn the English language. We are providing 100 idiomatic expressions which can be said idioms examples. Through this idioms dictionary, you will learn idioms and phrases English. So if you are searching for  10 idioms and their meanings with sentences, 20 idioms with their meanings and sentences you are at the right place. These 1000 English phrases are going to prove the Oxford dictionary of English idioms. These can be downloaded as idioms and phrases pdf. So Enjoy this phrases list.

Exercise-12

Directions: In each of the following questions, some alternatives are suggested for the idiom/phrase in italics in the sentence. Choose the one which best expresses the meaning of the idiom/phrase in italics.

1.It was clearly a case of (the pot calling the kettle black) when Drub said that Ravi was selfish.

(a) both being guilty of the same mistake

 (b) a person accusing another of being black

(c) a person blaming another for something he has not done

(d) someone criticizing another for a fault which he himself has

2. He (fights shy of) his young nephew, who is a crook.

 (a) quarrels bitterly with

 (b) is afraid of

(c) avoids from a feeling of mistrust

 (d) is frightened by

3. He (threw cold water) over the project that the secretary had prepared.

(a) encouraged

 (b) cleared

 (c) discouraged

 (d) rejected

4. He does not like to be friendly with Serta; he always (gives her a cold shoulder) (Bank P.O. 1993)

 (a) pushes her with his shoulder whenever they meet

 (b) creates all sorts of troubles for her

(c) insults her in the presence of others

 (d) tries to be unfriendly by taking no notice of her

(e) argues with her on any issue

5. My friend (got the sack from) his first job.

(a) got tired of

 (b) was demoted from

(c) resigned

 (d) was dismissed from

6. With the existing management, the future of the company is in (doldrums). (Translators’ Exam, 1994)

(a) dull

 (b) bright

 (c) uncertain

(d) secure

7. He (went out of his way) to support my candidature for the post of Manager.

(a) took special trouble

(b) was determined

(c) agreed whole-heartedly

(d) was hesitating

8. He has stolen a march on his rival.

 (a) defeated

 (b) pushed back

(c) gained an advantage

 (d) deceived

9. His visit to France proved a (damp squib).

 (a) a great success

(b) an utter failure

(c) a curtain raiser

(d) a thaw

10. A man should, if possible, (steer clear) of money lenders.

(a) hate

(b) dislike

 (c) avoid

 (d) run after

11. Though he has a lot of money, yet all his plans are (built upon sand). (Section officers, 1993)

 (a) based on inexperience

 (b) resting on immature ideas

(c) resting on cheap material

(d) established on insecure foundations       

12. The culprit was( brought to book).

 (a) made to swear

(b) punished

(c) arrested

 (d) beaten

13. He (stuck to his guns) even in the face of stiff opposition

 (a) clung to his weapon

(b) kept arguing

(c) followed the chosen path

(d) held on against attack or argument

14. It was such a strange affair that I could not (make head or tail of it). (Bank P.O. 1996)

 (a) face it

(b) tolerate it

  (c) remember it

(d) understand it

 (e) believe it

15. In these days of rising prices, we are (paying through our nose).

 (a) paying dearly

(b) reducing our purchases

 (c) buying on credit

 (d) paying in instalments

Answers:-

1.(d)         2. (c)

3. (c)        4. (d)

5. (d)       6. (c)

7. (a)       8. (c)

9. (b)      10. (c)

11. (b)    12. (b)

13. (d)    14. (d)

15. (a)

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