Exercise-13
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 in the sentence.
1.The meeting (ended in fiasco).
(a) succeeded
 (b) in confusion
(c) got hold of
 (d) dealt firmly
2. If you (rub him the wrong way,) he reacts (S.S.C. 1993)Â
(a) worked very’ hard bound to
 (b) spent a huge amount
(c) in complete failure
(d) abuse him
3. He is (Argus-eyed).
(a) far sighted
(b) short sighted
 (c) observant     Â
(d) blind to the realities of life
4. I (raked my brains) to solve this difficult problem. (Bank P.O. 1996)
(a) I consulted several people
(b) I subjected my mind to hard thinking
(c) I read number of books
 (d) I brainwashed several experts
(e) I used my common sense     Â
5. The cricket match proved to be (a big draw). (Assistant Grade, 1994)
(a) a game without any result
(b) a keen contest
 (c) a lovely spectacle
(d) a huge attraction   Â
6. I am( like a cog in the wheel )of this company.
 (a) a technician
(b) the least paid
(c) an important person
 (d) an unimportant person
7. It is time that government (seized the nettle) and stopped parleying with terrorists. (Stenographer’s Exam, 1995)
(a) seized properly
 (b) overcame the difficulties
(c) annoy him
 (d) bribed several persons  Â
8. My father (strained every nerve) to enable in acrimonious debate me to get settled in life.
(a) flatter him
(b) encourage him
(c) tried all tricks
9. The two women are so jealous that (at the drop of a) hat they start insulting each other.
 (a) on every occasion
(b) whenever they meet
 (c) for no reason at all
 (d) none of these
10. I must (take exception) to your remark.
 (a) accept gladly
 (b) thank you for
(c) consider carefully
(d) object to
11. The captain and the coach are trying (to pass the buck) on each other for the poor performance of their team.
 (a) to repent
(b) to shirk work
(c) to blame
 (d) to shift responsibility
12. The prices are going up (by leaps and bounds.)
(a) systematically
(b) irregularly
(c) gradually
(d) rapidly
13. He (bids fair) to be an excellent cricketer. (I. Tax, 1993)
(a) seems likely
(b) is ambitious
(c) is confident
 (d) is unlikely
14. To find real happiness in the world is a (wild goose chase).
 (a) ideal seeking
(b) hunting
 (c) futile search
(d) real aim
15. The class could not (keep a straight face) on hearing the strange pronunciation of the new teacher. (C.B.I. 1995)
 (a) remain serious
(b) remain unaffected
(c) remain silent
 (d) remain indifferent
Answers:-
1.(c)Â Â Â Â Â Â 2. (c)
3.(c)Â Â Â Â Â Â 4. (b)
5. (d)Â Â Â Â Â 6. (d)
7. (d)Â Â Â Â Â 8. (a)
9. (c)Â Â Â Â Â 10. (d)
11. (d)Â Â Â Â 12. (d)
13. (a)Â Â Â Â 14. (c)
15. (a)
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