Exercise-14
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.Some people now wonder whether we just (pave lip service) or genuinely subscribe to democracy. (Assistant Grade, 1994)
(a) pay oral tribute
(b) attach no value
(c) remain indifferent
(d) show only outward respect Â
2. By foregoing your claim for damages done by Kati, you have done the (handsome thing by him).
(a) reduced his misery
(b) raised his morale
(c) behaved magnanimously
 (d) changed his views
3. A henpecked husband (plays the second fiddle) to hill wife.
 (a) pleases
 (b) fondles with
 (c) humors
 (d) plays a subordinate role to
4. I saw him (make a wry face).
(a) feel sick
(b) cry with pain
(c) abuse
 (d) show disappointment
5. Before the actual interview, Manish was (truly in his elements).
(a) flustered in nervousness
 (b) feeling relaxed and confident
 (c) at his best
 (d) intuitive of failure
6. I have been betrayed by my own (flesh and blood). (Asset Grade, 1992)
 (a) relatives rib
(b) friends
 (c) children
(d) acquaintances
7. He blew out all the candles (at one go).
(a) suddenly
(b) at once
(c) simultaneously
 (d) at one attempt
8. The people in North India are known for (keeping open house).
(a) never locking it
(b) keeping house well-ventilated
(c) offering hospitality to every one
 (d) not worrying about its security
9. Dishonesty is (at a premium) in almost all spheres of public life. (Translator’s Exam, 1994)
(a) prevalent
 (b) practiced openly
 (c) encouraged
 (d) valued highly
10. His letters to his ward (speak volumes) for his forbearance and good sense.
 (a) speak ill of
 (b) serve as strong testimony to
(c) show indications of
(d) are intended to impress
11. It was he who (put a spoke in my wheel.) (Central Excise, 1995)
 (a) tried to cause an accident
 (b) helped in the execution of the plan
(c) thwarted the execution of the plan
 (d) destroyed the plan
12. He finds no difficulty in (keeping the wolf away from the door).
(a) guarding against wild animals
 (b) keeping off starvation
 (c) keeping aloof from disputed matters
 (d) guarding himself against enemies
13. He is known to be the (right-hand man) of the minister.
 (a) private secretary
(b) trusted person
(c) bosom friend
(d) bitter critic
14. The captain played with determination because the honor of the team was (at stake). (Asset Grade, 1993)
 (a) very low
(b) at the top
(c) in danger
(d) appropriate
15. He (knows what side his bread is buttered).
(a) knows the art of cooking
 (b) knows how to accomplish a task
(c) knows how to flatter
 (d) knows where his advantage lies
Answers:-
1.(d)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 2. (c)
3. (d)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 4. (d)
5. (b)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 6. (c)
7. (d)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 8. (c)
9. (d)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 10. (b)
11. (c)Â Â Â Â Â Â 12. (b)
13 (5)Â Â Â Â Â Â 14. (c)
15. (d)
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