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 #161 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Pull someone's leg'.
A. To trip someone
B. To pull a leg muscle
C. To tease or joke with someone
D. To help someone

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
It means to playfully deceive someone.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #162 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Put all your eggs in one basket'.
A. To gather eggs
B. To risk everything on a single venture
C. To cook omelette
D. To diversify

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
It means to depend entirely on one plan or option.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #163 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Put the cart before the horse'.
A. To push a cart
B. To plan properly
C. To load a horse
D. To do things in the wrong order

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
It means to reverse the logical sequence of events.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #164 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Raining cats and dogs'.
A. Raining very heavily
B. A sunny day
C. Animals falling
D. A light shower

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
It means very heavy rainfall.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #165 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Read between the lines'.
A. To skip lines
B. To read slowly
C. To read aloud
D. To understand the hidden meaning

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
It means to perceive an implicit message.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #166 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Red tape'.
A. Excessive bureaucracy and formalities
B. A red ribbon
C. A celebration
D. A tape measure

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
It refers to official rules that cause delay.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #167 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Rub the wrong way'.
A. To soothe
B. To massage incorrectly
C. To irritate or annoy
D. To polish

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
It means to unintentionally upset someone.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #168 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Run out of steam'.
A. To cook with steam
B. To have a steam engine
C. To gain momentum
D. To lose energy or enthusiasm

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
It means to become exhausted and unable to continue.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #169 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Save for a rainy day'.
A. To save water for dry days
B. To save money for future needs
C. To store rain
D. To spend freely

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
It means to keep resources for a time of difficulty.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #170 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'See eye to eye'.
A. To look at eyes
B. To agree fully
C. To stare
D. To have good vision

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
It means to be in complete agreement.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #171 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Sell like hot cakes'.
A. To sell cakes
B. To give away free
C. To sell very quickly
D. To bake

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
It means something is sold rapidly in large numbers.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #172 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Sit on the fence'.
A. To be active
B. To climb
C. To sit on a fence
D. To remain neutral; avoid taking sides

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
It means to delay deciding between two options.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #173 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Smell a rat'.
A. To have a cold
B. To sniff a rodent
C. To suspect something is wrong
D. To find a rat

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
It means to be suspicious about a deceit.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #174 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Snake in the grass'.
A. A gardener
B. A hidden enemy or traitor
C. A reptile in the lawn
D. A harmless person

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
It describes someone who pretends to be a friend but is treacherous.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #175 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Spill the beans'.
A. To reveal secret information
B. To cook
C. To drop a can of beans
D. To eat

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
It means to disclose a secret accidentally or intentionally.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #176 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Stand on ceremony'.
A. To break rules
B. To sit informally
C. To behave very formally
D. To attend a ceremony

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
It means to insist on strict etiquette.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #177 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Steal the show'.
A. To perform poorly
B. To attract most attention and praise
C. To leave a show
D. To rob a theatre

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
It means to outperform everyone else.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #178 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Stick to one's guns'.
A. To shoot
B. To maintain one's position firmly
C. To hold firearms
D. To surrender

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
It means to refuse to change one's opinion despite opposition.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #179 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Straight from the horse's mouth'.
A. From a horse
B. Unreliable gossip
C. Directly from the most reliable source
D. From a veterinarian

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
It means first-hand information from an authoritative source.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases
Question #180 Report Error
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Take a back seat'.
A. To lead
B. To drive
C. To sit at the back
D. To become less important or take a subordinate role

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
It means to allow others to take the lead.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases