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 #101 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Green thumb'.
A. A green finger
B. A talent for gardening
C. A thumb injury
D. A colour

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
It means being very good at growing plants.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #102 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Hail Mary'.
A. A festive occasion
B. A prayer
C. To greet Mary
D. A desperate last-ditch effort

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
It refers to a final attempt when all else has failed.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #103 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Hand to mouth'.
A. Eating with hands
B. Wealthy lifestyle
C. Cooking skill
D. Having barely enough to survive

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
It means living with just the minimum necessities.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #104 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Hard and fast'.
A. Solid and quick
B. Tough
C. Strict and inflexible
D. Soft and slow

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
It describes rules that are fixed and cannot be changed.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #105 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Have a bone to pick'.
A. To choose a bone
B. To feed a dog
C. To eat meat
D. To have a grievance or complaint

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
It means you have an issue to discuss with someone.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #106 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Head over heels'.
A. Falling down
B. Standing on head
C. Deeply in love
D. Confused

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
It means to be completely in love.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #107 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Hear it on the grapevine'.
A. To make wine
B. To hear rumours or gossip
C. Official news
D. To listen to vines

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
It means to get information through informal channels.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #108 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Hit the nail on the head'.
A. To hit one's finger
B. To miss the nail
C. To be exactly right about something
D. To hammer poorly

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
It means to describe a situation perfectly accurately.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #109 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Hit the sack'.
A. To go to bed
B. To punch a bag
C. To pack luggage
D. To exercise

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
It means to go to sleep.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #110 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Hobson's choice'.
A. A variety of choices
B. A free choice
C. A restaurant menu
D. A choice of taking what is available or nothing at all

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
It means there is no real alternative.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #111 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Hold your horses'.
A. To tie up horses
B. To be patient and wait
C. To hurry up
D. To stop riding

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
It means telling someone to slow down or be calm.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #112 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Hornet's nest'.
A. A bee hive
B. A comfortable home
C. A difficult and controversial situation
D. A nest of bees

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
It means a situation that causes a lot of anger or trouble.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #113 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Hot potato'.
A. A controversial issue that no one wants to handle
B. A delicious dish
C. A warm food
D. A baked potato

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
It refers to a sensitive problem that is passed around.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #114 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'In a pickle'.
A. In vinegar
B. Cooking
C. In a jar
D. In a difficult or troublesome situation

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
It means to be in a mess or tight spot.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #115 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'In cold blood'.
A. Deliberately and without emotion
B. Accidentally
C. With freezing blood
D. In winter

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
It means doing something cruel intentionally and calmly.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #116 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'In full swing'.
A. At the peak of activity
B. Playing on a swing
C. Swinging fully
D. Starting slowly

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
It means operating at maximum speed or energy.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #117 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'In the nick of time'.
A. Just in time; at the last crucial moment
B. In a short nick
C. Very late
D. At a wrong time

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
It means arriving or happening exactly when needed.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #118 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'In the pink of health'.
A. Wearing pink clothes
B. In very good health
C. Recovering from illness
D. With pink skin

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
It means being extremely healthy.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #119 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'In the red'.
A. Profitable
B. Wearing red
C. Angry
D. In debt or losing money

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
It refers to a financial condition of owing money.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #120 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'It takes two to tango'.
A. Tango is a solo
B. One person can tango
C. Both parties are responsible for a situation
D. A dance

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
It means an argument or situation involves two people.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases