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Idioms & Phrases SSC MTS 50 MCQ SET:-2
Instructions : Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.
Q1. Our PM is received with open arms wherever he goes.
(A) Harmoniously
(B) Promptly
(C) Honourably
(D) Warmly
Answer: Warmly
Explanation: d) Warmly My brother is coming from abroad after several years, We will welcome him with open arms.
Q2. Off and on I take a break from my hectic schedule to refresh myself
(A) Rarely
(B) Seldom
(C) Immediately
(D) Periodically
Answer: Periodically
Explanation: c) Periodically It has been raining off and on since last night.
Q3. In Spite of her severe accident she took heart and moved forward
(A) Gathered courage
(B) Overcame problems
(C) Felt depressed
(D) Acted promptly
Answer: Gathered courage
Explanation: b) Gather Courage Eg : At the last moment he took heart and bounced back.
Q4. Trying to find my lost ring in the college is like looking for a needle in a haystack
(A) Doing something impossible
(B) Doing something unimportant
(C) Making a big deal of a small thing
(D) Doing something secretly
Answer: Doing something impossible
Explanation: a) Doing something impossible Eg : I looked everywhere for my ring at the beach but it seemed to look for a needle in a haystack.
Q5. Mrs. Arora has got the green light from the principal to organise a science Conference in the college
(A) Got fired for doing something
(B) Got permission to go ahead with something
(C) Got the work started
(D) Got energy and motivation to do something
Answer: Got permission to go ahead with something
Explanation: b) Got permission to go ahead with something My mother gave the green light for a school picnic.
Q6. Up in arms
(A) to be nervous
(B) to be rude
(C) to be angry
(D) to be defensive
Answer: to be angry
Explanation: c) to be angry The public is up in arms about increasing the electricity bill.
Q7. Left out in cold
(A) to stand out
(B) to be criticised
(C) to be ignored
(D) to be indecisive
Answer: to be ignored
Explanation: c) To be ignored Everybody can’t be satisfied, somebody has to be left out in the cold.
Q8. Handle with kid gloves
(A) to treat someone with extreme care
(B) to accomplish something too ambitious
(C) to show someone your creativity
(D) to remove all hurdles to start something
Answer: to treat someone with extreme care
Explanation: b) to treat someone with great care Handle it with kids’ gloves, it is an antique glass piece.
Q9. Run around in circles
(A) To keep running to set a record
(B) To keep doing something without achieving much
(C) To work excessively hard by keeping two jobs
(D) To remain busy with your work
Answer: To keep doing something without achieving much
Explanation: b) To keep doing something without achieving much The discussion went on round and round, no result can be withdrawn from it.
Q10. Work against the clock
(A) Work late in the night
(B) Work against all problems
(C) Work with concentration
(D) Work in great hurry
Answer: Work in great hurry
Explanation: d) Work in a great hurry Boss ordered that walk against the clock and complete this project.
Q11. Bed of roses
(A) An unforgettable moment
(B) A state of perplexity
(C) An enjoyable state
(D) A difficult situation
Answer: An enjoyable state
Explanation: c) An easy, comfortable situation Being a politician is a challenging task not a bed of roses.
Q12. At the drop of a hat
(A) Usually
(B) Frequently
(C) Never
(D) Instantly
Answer: Instantly
Explanation: d)instantly I will join at the drop of a hat, as soon as I get the offer letter.
Q13. Make a beeline for
(A) Go for freebies
(B) Make a line for honey
(C) Stand in a queue
(D) Go straight to
Answer: Go straight to
Explanation: d) To head directly and quickly toward something or someplace Seeing the thief standing at the side shop, police make a beeline for him.
Q14. Till the cows come home
(A) In the evening
(B) For the long, long time
(C) For a small part
(D) Till the work is finished
Answer: For the long, long time
Explanation: b) For the long, long time I was waiting for this opportunity till the cow came home
Q15. Touch and go
(A) Unchanging
(B) Unimportant
(C) Undoubted
(D) Uncertain
Answer: Uncertain
Explanation: d) Uncertain (Touch and go-Extremely uncertain as to the outcome of something) The doctor says that it’s touch-and-go whether my old grandmother would recover from the attack
Q16. Unless you are above board in your dealings, you will not be able to win the trust of your clients.
(A) old and reckless
(B) exceptionally talented
(C) honest and frank
(D) smart and deceptive
Answer: honest and frank
Explanation: c) honest and frank The deal made by the arbitrator was completely open and above board.
Q17. He is completely at sea about where to invest his hard-earned money.
(A) Sure
(B) Committed
(C) In shock
(D) Confused
Answer: Confused
Explanation: d) Confused I was at sea when the teacher started discussing the problem of programming language
Q18. The thieves made off with all the cash and jewellery in the house.
(A) Squandered
(B) Ran away with
(C) Transferred
(D) Discovered
Answer: Ran away with
Explanation: b) ran away with He made off in a hurry for the railway station.
Q19. The abrogation of article 370 was achieved in the teeth of tough resistance.
(A) In a state of uncertainty
(B) In collaboration with
(C) In a short span of time
(D) In direct opposition to
Answer: In direct opposition to
Explanation: d) in direct opposition to In the teeth of project disapproval, we decided to raise the issue further.
Q20. As the floodwaters hit the coastal village, several families had a close shave.
(A) Nothing to eat
(B) A narrow escape
(C) To have no livelihood
(D) To lose all possessions
Answer: A narrow escape
Explanation: b) a narrow escape He managed to get a close shave of the accident.
Q21. In spite of the high sounding words, his speech fell flat on the audience
(A) Impressed a lot
(B) Appealed to the sentiments of the audience
(C) Could not be heard clearly
(D) Failed to make an impact
Answer: Failed to make an impact
Explanation: d) Failed to make an impact (Fall flat- To fail or be ineffective) Although Nano was a cheaper car, it fell flat.
Q22. My brother has decided to settle in Mumbai for good
(A) For better income
(B) For new opportunities
(C) Forever
(D) For a while
Answer: For new opportunities
Explanation: b) For new opportunities, For one’s benefit, even though it may not be enjoyable or desired. I hope that he will get some good this time.
Q23. All those who carried the day in reality shows failed to make a mark later.
(A) Acted as hosts
(B) Participated
(C) Won a victory
(D) Make a guest appearance
Answer: Won a victory
Explanation: c) won a victory Carry the day-To do something that makes one famous or successful; to do something that is very important or meaningful. The election was close but the ruling party carried the day.
Q24. The old man preferred to die in harness than lead a rusted life.
(A) to lead a life of comfort
(B) to continue an occupation till death
(C) to live in a perpetual slavery
(D) to keep one’s belonging safe
Answer: to continue an occupation till death
Explanation: b) to continue occupation till death. It’s time to retire or you will die in harness.
Q25. Simran was under tremendous stress because she had too many irons in the fire.
(A) She had too many clothes to iron
(B) She had made a lot of risky investments
(C) She was suffering many ailments
(D) She was involved in many activities
Answer: She was involved in many activities
Explanation: d) She was involved in many activities Don’t give any more projects to him right now he has too many irons in the fire.
Q26. The suspect made a clean breast of it during the enquiry.
(A) Confessed his crime
(B) Asked for a fresh shirt
(C) Took off his shirt
(D) Blamed his companion
Answer: Confessed his crime
Explanation: a) confessed his crime He made a clean breast due to fear that he might be caught in the CCTV.
Q27. “The situation is getting out of hand ” the manager said to us.
(A) Not growing fast enough
(B) Not in control anymore
(C) Going to be handled soon
(D) Can be passed on to someone else
Answer: Not in control anymore
Explanation: b) not in control anymore Eg : The teacher complained that our kid was very naughty, he was going out of hand.
Q28. To be thrown in at the deep end
(A) Need to do one thing at a time
(B) Try to do too many things at the same time
(C) Unable to do the given work
(D) Learn to do the difficult things too soon
Answer: Learn to do the difficult things too soon
Explanation: d) learn to do the difficult things too soon I had never worked in the technical department but my boss threw me in the deep sea and I learned very quickly.
Q29. Come rain or shine
(A) Whatever happens
(B) In bad weather
(C) When it does not rain
(D) In the monsoon
Answer: Whatever happens
Explanation: a) whatever happens Ram runs two miles every morning rain or shine.
Q30. The festival expenses are bound to __ in my pocket
(A) Be out of the blue
(B) Give a clean chit
(C) Be upfront
(D) Make a dent
Answer: Make a dent
Explanation: d) make a dent – to reduce the amount of something. Here the expenses will reduce the money, thus “make a dent” is the appropriate choice (a) be out of the blue- Completely unexpectedly. (b) give a clean chit – it means you have investigated and found him/her “not-guilty” (c) be upfront-not trying to hide what you think or do:
Q31. To read between the lines
(A) To understand the implied meaning
(B) To completely misunderstand the meaning
(C) To read with great difficulty
(D) To critically analyse a piece of writing
Answer: To understand the implied meaning
Explanation: a) to understand the implied meaning Reading between the lines, it seems Ravi will be going to London next month.
Q32. To blaze a trail
(A) To initiate something new
(B) To act impulsively
(C) to set fire to something
(D) to complete a project
Answer: To initiate something new
Explanation: a) to initiate something new Ram is going to blaze a trail in architecture.
Q33. A dark horse
(A) An expected outcome
(B) An unknown gen
(C) A well-kept secret
(D) A horse of a fine breed
Answer: An unknown gen
Explanation: b) an unknown genius An independent candidate emerges out to be a dark horse in the election result.
Q34. To make castles in the air
(A) To be very ambitious
(B) To accomplish difficult tasks
(C) To show signs of cowardice
(D) To create impossible dreams or hopes
Answer: To create impossible dreams or hopes
Explanation: d) to create impossible dreams or hopes Eg : In order to achieve your goal you need to stop building castles in the air and start working.
Q35. Of the first water
(A) of ancient origin
(B) of favorable opinion
(C) of no significance
(D) of the best quality
Answer: of the best quality
Explanation: d) of the best quality MS Dhoni had proved himself to be a captain of the first water.
Q36. Be left in the lurch
(A) Be tired of doing the same thing over and over again
(B) Be deserted when one is in trouble
(C) Keep repeating something till it is accepted
(D) Be sent to do work which one does enjoy
Answer: Be deserted when one is in trouble
Explanation: b) be deserted when one is in trouble Eg : Ashish said he would help with the rent, but he left me in the lurch.
Q37. It was the last straw; she decided to quit the job when she was blamed without reason.
(A) Only one straw was available for drinking the juice
(B) Last straw available for anyone to pick up
(C) She picked the last option available for her
(D) Final irritant that made the situation unbearable
Answer: Final irritant that made the situation unbearable
Explanation: d) final irritant that made the situation unbearable Eg : The last straw was when the company fired most of the managers.
Q38. Ria has tried hard not to steal her brother’s thunder but it was inevitable.
(A) Get more recognition than her brother for their success
(B) Pick up her brother’s lucky charms to win prizes
(C) Take away her brother’s opportunities for jobs
(D) Get a big reward from her brother for her achievement
Answer: Get more recognition than her brother for their success
Explanation: a) get more recognition than her brother for their success To steal someone’s thunder” means to win praise for oneself by pre-empting someone else’s attempt to impress. In the context of this sentence, it means getting more recognition than her brother.
Q39. His family has supported him through thick and thin.
(A) In times of good and bad fortune
(B) Even though he has put on weight
(C) When there was a lot of work to be done
(D) On occasions when he had a lot of money
Answer: In times of good and bad fortune
Explanation: a) in times of good and bad fortune She always stands beside her friend through thick and thin.”
Q40. Go down in flames
(A) Fail completely
(B) Get hit by a burning cracker
(C) Get completely burnt
(D) Crashland an aeroplane
Answer: Fail completely
Explanation: a) fail completely The project went down in flames when the team leader resigned.
Q41. I told you not to play the prank but you didn’t listen, now face the music.
(A) accept the blame
(B) put on earphones
(C) listen to the songs
(D) sing popular songs
Answer: accept the blame
Explanation: a) Face the music- accept the blame Eg : You have done that blunder so now you should be ready to face the music.
Q42. Pradeep was so tired that he hit the sack as soon as possible.
(A) Left work
(B) Went to bed
(C) Accepted defeat
(D) Kicked the sack
Answer: Went to bed
Explanation: b) Hit the sack- Went to bed Eg : He is so tired after a long day in the office, so he is going to hit the sack.
Q43. Their relationship has run into rough weather ever since they fell in love with the same girl.
(A) experienced difficulties
(B) brought cool breeze and rains
(C) become stronger and firmer
(D) become pleasant and cordial
Answer: experienced difficulties
Explanation: a) Run into rough weatherexperienced difficulties. Eg : The relationship of the couple has hit rough weather.
Q44. You must have a concrete project and not build castles in the air if you want to submit an application for a loan.
(A) make unfaithful friends
(B) talk irresponsibly
(C) have unrealistic
(D) make unplanned buildings
Answer: have unrealistic
Explanation: c) Build castles in the air- have unrealistic ideas. Eg : To achieve your goal you need to stop building castles in the air and start doing hard work.
Q45. My aunt has the gift of the gab and can socialize in any group.
(A) ability to cook well
(B) ability to criticize anyone
(C) ability to spend time anywhere
(D) ability to speak eloquently
Answer: ability to speak eloquently
Explanation: d) The gift of the gab- ability to speak eloquently. Eg : Neha always wins the debate competition because she has the gift of the gab.
Q46. The apple of discord among the brothers was their father’s mansion in the country.
(A) reason for quarrel
(B) hopeful attention
(C) Sincere affection
(D) Fruitful discussion
Answer: reason for quarrel
Explanation: a) The apple of discord- reason for quarrel. Eg : The investigation finally revealed that Sam’s friend was the apple of discord in the brutal fight between the two groups.
Q47. My neighbour’s son is very mischievous and always getting in everyone’s hair.
(A) Throwing things at them
(B) Pulling their hair
(C) Entertaining them
(D) Annoying them
Answer: Annoying them
Explanation: d) Getting in everyone’s hairannoying them Eg : The little boy is getting in my hair so I want you to take him away.
Q48. The sad part of the agitation is that most of the leaders are only paying lip-service to the issue.
(A) saying they agree although they do not support it
(B) partially impressing the crowds
(C) making long speeches for the cause
(D) growing angry and restless with the organisers
Answer: saying they agree although they do not support it
Explanation: a)Paying lip service- saying they agree although they do not support it. Eg : She only paid lip service to the idea of giving a promotion to her junior colleague.
Q49. This problem is a hard nut to crack, it will take longer than they imagined.
(A) involves breaking nuts
(B) is not interesting enough
(C) is difficult to solve
(D) needs a lot of work
Answer: is difficult to solve
Explanation: c) A Hard nut to crack- is difficult to solve. Eg : The questions given in the chapter on mechanics in this book are a hard nut to crack.
Q50. There was no one in the team who could bell the cat and tell the producer the truth.
(A) tame some animals
(B) warn the owners
(C) do the impossible task
(D) ring the bells regularly
Answer: do the impossible task
Explanation: c) Bell the cat- do the impossible task. Eg : Somebody has to bell the cat and tell the director that the final year boys have burst crackers in his room.