Idioms and Phrases Exercise No- 16

Exercise-16

Directions: In each of the following questions, out of the given alternatives, the meaning of the idiom/phrase in italics in choose the one which best expresses the sentence.

1.Tell me plainly who broke the mirror, (do not beat about the bush). (Bank P.O. 1993)

(a) put any blame on others

 (b) pretend to be unaware of the matter

(c) approach the matter in a roundly about way

(d) try to impress me with your arguments

2. He is disliked because of his habit of (making a mountain of a molehill).

(a) exaggerating

(b) boasting

(c) taking undue advantage of a favorable opportunity

(d) giving great importance to trifles

3. The point you have raised (has no bearing) on the issue we are discussing.

(a) has no relationship with

(b) is not affected by

(c) provides no evidence to

(d) has no impact on

4. In life, we have to take (the rough with the smooth). (I. Tax, 1994)

 (a) be tough in order to be successful

(b) use pleasant words to make things smooth

(c) accept unpleasant as well as pleasant things

(d) make unpleasant things better

5. The dispute regarding the granting of bonus to workers (came to a head) this week.

(a) reached a crisis

(b) settled amicably

 (c) took a turn for the better

(d) resulted in senseless violence

6. It was discovered that the young man was (overhead and ears) in love with her.

(a) secretly

 (b) openly

(c) completely

 (d) sufficiently

7. Nobody could (see through the design) of that wily fellow.

 (a) learn the aim

 (b) know the antecedents

 (c) know the secret

 (d) be aware of the trick

8. The reproduction of Mona Lisa portrait by the 8-year old child matches the original (to a hair)

(a) not at all

 (b) vaguely

 (c) to some extent

(d) exactly

9. The trial was so important that the entire proceedings were (held in camera).

(a) a secret

 (b) in strict vigilance

 (c) not open to the public

(d) amidst great security

10. His (prodigal son) was a constant source of trouble to him.

 (a) given into bad habits

 (b) poor and miserly

(c) extravagant

(d) step-son

11. In the armed forces, it is considered a great privilege to (die in harness.) (East Grade, 1994)

 (a) die with honor

 (b) die on a horse back

(c) die while still working

 (d) die in the battle field       

12. He used his boyish, innocent looks to (take people in.)

 (a) amuse people

(b) understand people

(c) cheat people

(d) accommodate guests

13. The arrival of the mother-in-law in the family proved a (rift in the lute). (C.B.I. 1995)

 (a) brought about disharmony

 (b) brought about a disciplined atmosphere

 (c) caused unnecessary worries

(d) caused a pleasant atmosphere          

14. Panda had a (chequered career) since I first knew him as an assistant dealer in the transport company.

 (a) indulged in odd jobs

 (b) a career which helped him make lot of money

 (c) a variety of jobs and experiences

(d) is jobless

15. He was (carried off his feet) when he was declared to have won the prize. (G.I.C.A.A.O. 1990)

 (a) became delirious

 (b) danced on his toes

 (c) was dizzy

(d) was wild with excitement

Answers:-  

1.(c)           2. (d)

3. (a)         4. (c)

5. (a)         6. (c)

7. (d)         8. (d)

9. (c)         10. (c)

11. (c)       12. (a)

13. (a)      14. (a)

15. (d)

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