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 #141 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Make the most of'.
A. To waste
B. To create most
C. To use to the maximum
D. To take full advantage of something

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
It means to derive the best possible benefit.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #142 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Man of letters'.
A. A man who writes letters
B. A scholar or literary person
C. A postman
D. An illiterate

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
It refers to a learned and educated man.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #143 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Man of straw'.
A. A weak or insignificant person
B. A scarecrow
C. A strong man
D. A farmer

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
It means a person of no substance or strength.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #144 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Mare's nest'.
A. A comfortable nest
B. An illusion or a hoax
C. A horse's stable
D. A real discovery

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
It describes something that appears promising but is false.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #145 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Milk and water'.
A. A nutritious drink
B. Strong coffee
C. A mixture
D. Feeble or weak

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
It refers to something that lacks strength or vigour.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #146 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Miss the boat'.
A. To swim
B. To be late for a ferry
C. To miss an opportunity
D. To board the wrong boat

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
It means to fail to take advantage of a chance.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #147 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Mum's the word'.
A. A baby's word
B. Mother's word
C. Speak loudly
D. Keep quiet; say nothing

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
It is used to demand secrecy.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #148 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Nip in the bud'.
A. To water a plant
B. To cut a flower bud
C. To let grow
D. To stop something at an early stage

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
It means to suppress a problem before it develops.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #149 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Not my cup of tea'.
A. A favourite hobby
B. A dislike of tea
C. A hot beverage
D. Not to one's interest or liking

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
It means something you do not enjoy or are not good at.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #150 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Null and void'.
A. Void of substance
B. Having no legal force; invalid
C. Full and strong
D. A vacuum

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
It means something is not legally binding.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #151 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Off the cuff'.
A. Removing cuffs
B. Without preparation; impromptu
C. Planned
D. Wearing cuffs

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
It means speaking or acting spontaneously.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #152 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Once in a blue moon'.
A. During a blue moon
B. Very rarely
C. Frequently
D. Monthly

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
It means something happens extremely seldom.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #153 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Out of the blue'.
A. Blue coloured
B. Unexpectedly; without warning
C. Planned surprise
D. From the sky

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
It means happening suddenly and surprisingly.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #154 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Over the moon'.
A. Beyond the moon
B. In space
C. Sad
D. Extremely happy

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
It means delighted or very pleased.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #155 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Part and parcel'.
A. A package
B. An essential or integral component
C. Unimportant
D. Partly separated

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
It means a necessary part of something.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #156 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Pass the buck'.
A. To pay a debt
B. To accept blame
C. To shift responsibility to someone else
D. To hand a dollar

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
It means to make others take the blame.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #157 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Pay through the nose'.
A. To pay cheaply
B. To pay for a nose job
C. To use cash
D. To pay an excessive amount

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
It means to pay far more than the fair price.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #158 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Pie in the sky'.
A. An unrealistic dream or promise
B. A delicious pie
C. A real plan
D. A baked dish

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
It refers to something pleasant but unlikely to happen.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #159 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Play second fiddle'.
A. To lead a group
B. To be subordinate or less important
C. To play a musical instrument
D. To perform solo

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
It means to take a lesser role.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #160 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Pour oil on troubled waters'.
A. To make waves
B. To calm a difficult situation
C. To cause a spill
D. To ignite

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
It means to soothe anger or tension.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases