Idioms & Phrases · SSC CGL previous year questions

Choose the correct meaning of the idiom: Blow hot and cold

1. A.To change one's mood or opinion frequently
2. B.To talk boastfully
3. C.To enjoy both success and failure
4. D.To remain consistent in behavior

Choose the correct meaning of the idiom: Throw cold water on

1. A.To make something popular
2. B.To oppose or discourage
3. C.To wash away concerns
4. D.To encourage enthusiastically

Choose the correct meaning of the idiom: Make no bones about it

1. A.To hesitate before speaking
2. B.To remain neutral
3. C.To be direct and honest
4. D.To confuse the listener

Choose the correct meaning of the idiom: Has two strings to his bow

1. A.He is indecisive in crucial matters.
2. B.He has two romantic interests simultaneously.
3. C.He has an additional skill or option to rely on.
4. D.He uses deception to achieve goals.

Choose the correct meaning of idiom: Show the white feather

1. A.To act cowardly
2. B.To signal for help
3. C.To display courage
4. D.To admit defeat gracefully

Choose the correct meaning of idiom: Hobson's choice

1. A.A dilemma between two evils
2. B.A free and fair decision
3. C.No real choice at all
4. D.A selection made under duress

Choose the correct meaning of idiom: Move heaven and earth

1. A.To relocate frequently
2. B.To work tirelessly to achieve something
3. C.To stay silent in protest
4. D.To follow blindly

Choose the correct meaning of the idiom: Fly off the handle

1. A.To escape quietly
2. B.To disappear quickly
3. C.To become suddenly angry
4. D.To handle a situation smartly

Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom. The company understood that these small protests of employees regarding low wages were just the tip of the iceberg.

1. A.A small, noticeable part of a problem, the total size of which is really much greater
2. B.A small, noticeable part of a problem, the total size of which is solvable
3. C.A large part of a problem which is really noticeable
4. D.A small, noticeable part of a problem, the total size of which is non-existent

Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom. Bincy’s mother kept her cards close to her chest.

1. A.Kept her plans and thoughts hidden
2. B.Informed that all the cards must be kept safe
3. C.Kept her purse and money by herself
4. D.Decided to show more affection

Select the correct meaning of the underlined idiom in the following sentence. Lucy’s conceited conduct with her colleagues has left her high and dry.

1. A.Impoverished
2. B.Superseding
3. C.Helpless
4. D.Surrounded by people

Select the most appropriate idiom that can substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. Leela was in class when the big fight happened. So, if you want to know the details, you should ask her, you will get the truth given by somebody who is directly involved and therefore likely to be accurate.

1. A.shooting off the cuff
2. B.with kid gloves
3. C.calling a spade a spade
4. D.straight from the horse’s mouth

Select the correct idiom to substitute the underlined segment in the following sentence. Due to her impoverished state, most of her relatives treated her with contempt.

1. A.Gave a wide space to her
2. B.Turned up their nose at her
3. C.Turned the corner at her
4. D.Came in handy

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. Let the dust settle.

1. A.To make a space tidy
2. B.To wait for a situation to become clear or certain
3. C.Wait for the other person to make a move
4. D.To make use of a situation

Select the most appropriate idiom for the given group of words. A time when money might unexpectedly be needed

1. A.A rash of something
2. B.A raw deal
3. C.A rap over the knuckles
4. D.A rainy day

Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom in the following sentence. Instead of confusing others, let us call a spade a spade in front of the audience.

1. A.Be at strife
2. B.Remain silent
3. C.Pretend superiority
4. D.Speak truthfully

Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom in the following sentence. Rahul won the extempore competition. He is lucky to be blessed with the gift of the gab.

1. A.A lucky person
2. B.An honest person
3. C.A talent for speaking
4. D.A big surprise

Select the most appropriate idiom to fill in the blank. After months of dedication and effort, I finally completed the marathon. I can really _______________ for this accomplishment.

1. A.up a creek without a paddle
2. B.eat like a horse
3. C.pat myself on the back
4. D.blow hot and cold

Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom in the following sentence. The leader of the Legislative Assembly won the hearts of the members through his maiden speech during the session in state council.

1. A.closure speech
2. B.first speech
3. C.logical speech
4. D.final speech

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. Off and on

1. A.Now and then
2. B.Know something thoroughly
3. C.Object to
4. D.Remind

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. At a low ebb

1. A.In a critical moment
2. B.In a happy state
3. C.In an unemployed mode
4. D.In a depressed or weak state

Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom. This year's budget is unlikely to pass as law since the president's proposed budgets typically face a jaundiced eye but this one has gotten even more scepticism.

1. A.Jealousy
2. B.Good will
3. C.Confidence
4. D.Resentment

Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom in the following sentence. Sejal visits the nearby temple off and on.

1. A.Periodically
2. B.Constantly
3. C.Regularly
4. D.Continuously

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. Start from scratch

1. A.To start or create something from the very beginning
2. B.To point out something wrong
3. C.To address an issue
4. D.To develop something out of waste material

Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom/phrase. I had heard of henpecked husbands and now, I felt that I saw one.

1. A.Oppressed husband
2. B.Dominating husbands
3. C.Bossy husbands
4. D.Controlling husband