"Idioms and phrases" topic is one of the important topics of the English language section of the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) exams. As a candidate preparing for the SSC exams, it is crucial to have a solid understanding of idiomatic expressions and common phrases as they are frequently tested in the English language section. Idioms are phrases that possess figurative meanings different from their literal interpretations. These expressions add depth, color, and clarity to our communication.Mastering idioms and phrases not only enhances one's language skills but also improves comprehension and the ability to express ideas effectively. In SSC exams, idioms and phrases are tested through multiple-choice questions, fill in the blanks, sentence rearrangement, and reading comprehension passages. These questions assess candidates' familiarity with idiomatic expressions, their understanding of contextual usage, and their ability to derive meaning from figurative language. By studyingi dioms and phrases, candidates can decipher the implied meanings in sentences and grasp the subtleties of the English language.They enable candidates to communicate more fluently and proficiently, enhancing their overall performance in the exams.
Directions (Qs. 1 - 14): In the given sentence, identify the words that are similar in meaning to the phrase given in bold and underlined. The options do not necessarily need to be grammatically correct.
1. "You're going to do great in tonight's dance
performance! Break a leg!"
A) All the best B) Break your leg C) Break other contestant's leg D) You will fail
Explanation: The idiom "break a leg" is commonly used in English to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance or presentation.Here, we should not take its literal meaning of breaking a leg. Instead, it is an expression of encouragement and well-wishes.
Ans: A
2. Don't worry about the exam, it's going to be a piece of cake for you since you've been studying diligently.
A) smooth cake B) effort less C) very hard D) cut a piece of cake
Explanation: The idiom "piece of cake" is used to describe something that is very easy or effortless to accomplish. It implies that the task at hand requires little effort or skill, much like eating a piece of cake.
Ans: B
3. When Ganesh explained the root cause of the problem, he hit the nail on the head.
A) hit someone on their head B) hit the nail somewhere C) accurately identify the main point D) hit nail to the root
Explanation: "Hit the nail on the head" is an idiom that means to accurately identify or express the main point or key issue in a situation. It refers to the act of striking a nail directly on its head, which is the most effective and accurate way to drive it into a surface. In a figurative sense, it implies making a precise and accurate statement or observation.
Ans: C
4. By attending the conference, Dhananjaya can network with industry professionals and gain valuable knowledge about the latest trends in his field, effectively killing two birds with one stone.
A) kill two birds with one stone B) hit two professionals with one stone
C) use a stone for killing someone D) accomplish two separate goals with a single effort
Explanation: The idiom "kill two birds with one stone" is used to describe a situation where a single action or solution accomplishes two separate objectives or resolves two different problems simultaneously. It implies efficiency and the ability to achieve multiple goals with a single effort.
Ans: D
5. After weeks of procrastination, Harish decided to bite the bullet and confront his boss about his concerns regarding his workload.
A) face a difficult situation B) bite a bullet C) take a tablet D) bite his boss
Explanation: The idiom "bite the bullet" means to face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage and determination, despite its challenges or discomfort. It often implies enduring pain or hardship for the sake of accomplishing a goal or overcoming a problem.
Ans: A
6. After waiting for hours, I finally decided to give the rude customer a piece of my mind.
A) a piece of my brain B) express frustration openly C) give happiness D) tell customer is very friendly
Explanation: The idiom "a piece of my mind" is used to express the act of strongly and angrily speaking one's thoughts or opinions to someone, usually when they have done something wrong or offensive. It implies that the speaker is going to confront the person and express their dissatisfaction or frustration openly and directly.
Ans: B
7. Anusha was planning a surprise party for her best friend, but her excitement got the better of her and she accidentally let the cat out of the bag by mentioning it to him.
A) show the cat in the bag B) escape the cat from the bag C) reveal the secret D) hide the cat
Explanation: The idiom "let the cat out of the bag" means to reveal a secret or disclose information that was meant to be kept hidden. It is often used when someone unintentionally or accidentally reveals something that was supposed to remain confidential or surprise others.
Ans: C
8. Losing his job turned out to be a blessing in disguise as it led him to start his own successful business.
A) a hard luck B) an advantage in the coming days C) better luck next time D) all the best
Explanation: The idiom "a blessing in disguise" is used to describe a situation that initially appears to be negative or unfortunate but eventually brings about unexpected benefits or advantages. It suggests that what initially seemed like a setback or misfortune actually turns out to be advantageous in the long run.
Ans: D
9. Ajit accused Sujit of stealing his wallet, but he was barking up the wrong tree because it was actually his brother who took it.
A) doing a mistake B) shouting near a tree C) talking to friends D) playing on the tree
Explanation: The idiom "barking up the wrong tree" is used to describe a situation in which someone is pursuing a mistaken or misguided course of action, usually by directing their efforts, accusations, or suspicions towards the wrong person or source.
Ans: A
10. Chiranjeevi decided to break the ice at the party by telling a funny joke, which made everyone laugh and helped create a more relaxed atmosphere.
A) smash the ice B) start a social interaction C) beat a person D) mix ice in drinks
Explanation: The idiom "break the ice" is used to describe the act of initiating a conversation or starting a social interaction in order to make people feel more comfortable and at ease. It is often used in situations where people are meeting for the first time or in situations where there is tension or awkwardness.
Ans: B
11. Rama Krishna always arrives at the office half an hour before anyone else. He believes that the early bird catches the worm.
A) the big bird will catch the worm B) the manager will scold Rama Krishna
C) if you act promptly, you will have a better chance to success D) the early coming person will get good salary
Explanation: The idiom "The early bird catches the worm" is a common saying, that means if you act promptly or get started early, you have a better chance of success. It suggests that those who are proactive and take action ahead of others are more likely to achieve their goals or find opportunities.
Ans: C
12. I discovered some old 1000-rupee notes while cleaning my wardrobe, but I decided to let sleeping dogs lie and not mention them to my spouse.
A) do not wake up the dogs B) talk loudly to tell something C) send dogs out of the house D) leave it as it is
Explanation: The phrase "let sleeping dogs lie" is an idiomatic expression that means it is best to leave things as they are, and avoid stirring upto get into trouble or controversy. It suggests that it is wiser not to disturb a situation or bring up an issue that may cause conflict or unrest.
Ans: D
13. After receiving the promotion as DEO only after two years, Suresh was on cloud nine for days.
A) feeling extreme happiness or joy B) doing flight journey C) seeing clouds for nine days D) wakes up at nine in the morning
Explanation: The idiom "on cloud nine" is used to describe a state of extreme happiness or euphoria. When someone is "on cloud nine," they are elated, overjoyed, or experiencing intense pleasure because of something.
Ans: A
14. Uma has a big exam tomorrow, so she's going to burn the midnight oil tonight to make sure she's fully prepared for it.
A) burn oil in the midnight B) work or study late into the night C) light candles in the midnight D) pray to God for better luck
Explanation: The idiom "burn the midnight oil" is used to describe someone who stays up late working or studying. It implies that the person is sacrificing sleep and putting in extra effort to accomplish a task or complete a project.
Ans: B
Some Useful Tips
F Read extensively: Candidates are advised to read the English content such as books,newspapers, magazines, and online articles that use idioms and phrases. The more you read, the better you will understand their usage and context.
F Contextual understanding: Candidates should pay attention to how idioms and phrases are used in different sentences and situations. They should understand the context in which these Idioms and Phrases are commonly used, to grasp their meaning accurately.
F Use a reliable dictionary or online resource: Candidates should keep a good idiom dictionary or use reputable online resources to look up the meanings and explanations of idioms and phrases. Understanding the literal and figurative interpretations of the Idioms and Phrases is very important
