Exercise-8
Directions: In each of the following best expresses the meaning of the idiom in questions, choose the alternative which italics.
1.He always (cuts both ends.) (Bank P.O. 1993)
 (a) works for both sides
(b) inflicts injuries on others
(c) argues in support of both sides of the issue
 (d) behaves dishonestly
(e) creates discord among friends
2. He is temporarily in charge of the company and is trying( to feather his nest). (Bank P.O. 1996)
 (a) raise the image of the company
 (b) bring order and discipline in the company
 (c) act for his own future benefits
(d) practice his own management philosophy
(e) diversify the products of the company
3. Chengdu used very ugly words against his kind uncle; he (threw down the gauntlet) before him. (S.B.I.P.O. 1996)
 (a) he abused and insulted him
(b) he threw the challenge
(c) he behaved as if he was very great and important person
(d) he put several conditions for negotiation
(e) he showed his readiness to leave the place
4. The captors of the kidnapped kept his family (on tenterhooks.)
(a) in excited wait
(b) in seething anger
(c) on constant move
 (d) in anxious suspense
5. Do not (ride roughshod over) the poor.
(a) give undue importance to
 (b) hate
 (c) treat harshly
(d) pamper
6. He (did me a good turn) by recommending me for the post of Vice-Principal. (Section Officers, 1993)
(a) became suddenly good
 (b) improved my prospects
(c) did an act of kindness
(d) returned my kindness
7. Although both the partners are running the business for the last twelve years but their business is now (on its last legs.)
 (a) about to take off
(b) about to perish
(c) about to produce results
 (d) about to fructify
8. It has been raining (cats and dogs).
(a) incessantly
(b) heavily
 (c) endlessly
(d) continuously
9. There is no (hard and fast rule) regarding this subject. (Stenographer’s Exam, 1995)
(a) rule that is difficult
(b) rule that is fast-changing
 (c) rule that cannot be broken or modified
(d) rule that can be broken or modified
10. He left his friend (in lurch.)
(a) left forever
 (b) left temporarily
 (c) left to his fate
 (d) left when he was needing help
11. He has accomplished a (Herculean task.)
 (a) allotted work
 (b) work requiring great effort
(c) impossible job
(d) incomplete work
12. Being an introvert, he will only eat his (heart out). (I. Tax & Central Excise, 1993)
 (a) eat too much
(b) keep brooding
(c) invite trouble
 (d) suffer silently
13. He can get the job if he has the mind.
 (a) has the courtesy   Â
(b) has the willingness   Â
(c) has a good memory    Â
(d) is intelligent
14. Since he already has (cushy job), he can afford to be extravagant.
 (a) luxurious job
 (b) job with no work
(c) everlasting job
(d) financially comfortable job
15. You will (get into hot water) if you commit the same mistake again.
(a) suffer
(b) be in a fix
(c) incur loss
(d) be in trouble
Answers:-
1.(c)Â Â Â Â 2. (c)
3. (b)Â Â Â 4. (d)
5. (c)Â Â Â 6. (c)
7. (b)Â Â Â 8. (b)
9. (c)Â Â Â 10. (d)
11. (b)Â Â 12. (d)
13. (b)Â Â 14. (d)
15. (d)
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