Idioms and phrases MCQs

Practice Idioms and Phrases MCQs with answers and detailed explanations. Learn the meanings, usage and interpretation of commonly used English idioms and phrases through multiple choice questions designed for SSC, Railway, Banking, UPSC, JKSSB, Police, Teaching and other competitive exams.

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Question #181 Report Error

Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Take it with a grain of salt'.

A. To view something with skepticism

B. To believe completely

C. To add salt

D. To eat salt

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Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation:
It means to not take something literally and be doubtful.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #182 Report Error

Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'To add insult to injury'.

A. To heal a wound

B. To make a bad situation worse

C. To apologize

D. To treat medically

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Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation:
It means to worsen an already difficult situation.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #183 Report Error

Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'To be in a fix'.

A. To be in a difficult situation

B. To be stationary

C. To repair something

D. To be comfortable

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Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation:
It means being in a problematic or tricky position.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #184 Report Error

Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'To beat a dead horse'.

A. To abuse an animal

B. To waste effort on something already finished

C. To win a race

D. To revive a horse

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Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation:
It means to continue arguing or discussing a settled issue.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #185 Report Error

Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'To cut a sorry figure'.

A. To draw poorly

B. To cut paper

C. To appear grand

D. To perform badly and look pitiful

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Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation:
It means to make a poor impression.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #186 Report Error

Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'To get into hot water'.

A. To boil water

B. To get into trouble

C. To relax

D. To bathe

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Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation:
It means to be in a difficult or embarrassing situation.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #187 Report Error

Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'To have an axe to grind'.

A. To have a personal motive or self-interest

B. To chop wood

C. To help others

D. To sharpen an axe

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Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation:
It means having a hidden agenda or private reason.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #188 Report Error

Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'To hold one's tongue'.

A. To remain silent

B. To speak loudly

C. To stick out tongue

D. To bite

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Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation:
It means to refrain from speaking.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #189 Report Error

Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'To keep the ball rolling'.

A. To stop a ball

B. To roll a ball

C. To maintain the momentum of an activity

D. To play a ball game

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Correct Answer: Option C

Explanation:
It means to continue progressing or keep things moving.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #190 Report Error

Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'To make a clean breast of'.

A. To hide a secret

B. To clean the chest

C. To confess fully

D. To wear clean clothes

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Correct Answer: Option C

Explanation:
It means to admit everything honestly.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #191 Report Error

Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'To poke one's nose into'.

A. To ignore

B. To touch the nose

C. To smell

D. To interfere in others' affairs

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Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation:
It means to meddle or pry into something not one's business.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #192 Report Error

Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Achilles' heel'.

A. A Greek myth

B. A fatal weakness

C. A runner's shoe

D. A strong point

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Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation:
It refers to a vulnerable spot in a person or system.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #193 Report Error

Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Acid test'.

A. A sour taste

B. A chemical experiment

C. A medical check-up

D. A decisive trial that proves value or quality

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Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation:
It means a crucial test that confirms worth.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #194 Report Error

Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Against the grain'.

A. Opposite to one's inclination or nature

B. Growing crops

C. Cutting wood

D. Working smoothly

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Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation:
It means contrary to one's natural feelings.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #195 Report Error

Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'All Greek to me'.

A. A delicious meal

B. Ancient history

C. Incomprehensible or unintelligible

D. A foreign language

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Correct Answer: Option C

Explanation:
It means something is impossible to understand.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #196 Report Error

Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Alpha and omega'.

A. A religious symbol

B. First and last letters

C. The beginning and the end

D. A science term

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Correct Answer: Option C

Explanation:
It denotes the entirety or the most essential part.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #197 Report Error

Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'An axe to grind'.

A. A tool sharpening

B. A logging job

C. A personal motive or selfish reason

D. A clean plan

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Correct Answer: Option C

Explanation:
It means having a hidden self-interested purpose.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #198 Report Error

Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Apple of discord'.

A. A cause of dispute or contention

B. A peace offering

C. A sweet fruit

D. A musical instrument

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Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation:
It refers to something that creates strife.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #199 Report Error

Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'At loggerheads'.

A. In a meeting

B. In agreement

C. In a quarrel or strong disagreement

D. On a ship

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Correct Answer: Option C

Explanation:
It means being in a state of dispute.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #200 Report Error

Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Back to square one'.

A. A board game

B. A new plan

C. Return to the starting point after a failure

D. Moving ahead

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Correct Answer: Option C

Explanation:
It means having to start all over again.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

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