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The Most Probable Idioms For CGL/CHSL (Pre) 2020

Direction : Choose the option that describes the 8. Regardless of what her father said, she
meaning of each of the following Horns & wanted to let her hair down.
phrases. (a) really enjoy
Practice set – 01 (b) wash her hair
1. She tries very hard to keep up with her rich (c) comb her hair
neighbours. (d) to behave freely
(a) progress at same rate
9. His arguments cut no ice with me.
(b) to keep to touch
(a) had no influence on me
(c) to avoid
(b) did not hurt me
(d) to be on par
(c) did not benefit me
2. The new C.M. stuck his neck out today and
promised 10 kgs free wheat a month for all (d) did not make me proud
rural families. 10. When they were surrounded from all sides,
(a) extended help the dacoits laid down their arms.
(b) took an oath (a) put their arms on the ground
(c) caused embarrassment (b) fought bravely
(d) took a risk (c) surrendered
3. He turned into a bankrupt person as he (d) became nervous
was leading a life beyond his means. 11. As usual he is blowing his own trumpet
(a) of a miserly person (a) refusing to use anybody else’s trumpet
(b) in an extravagant manner (b) playing a tune on the trumpet
(c) in a mean way (c) praising himself
(d) without any reputation (d) praising himself and others
4. In the fight he was beaten neck and crop. 12. You can easily overcome this problem if
(a) softly you keep your head.
(b) swiftly (a) keep faith in
(c) completely
(b) remain calm
(d) profoundly
(c) believe in
5. He did me a good turn by recommending
(d) trust the others
me for the post of Vice -Principal.
13. The beleaguered politician was anxious to set
(a) returned by kindness
the record straight,
(b) did an act of kindness
(a) give a speech
(c) improved my prospects
(b) win party support
(d) became suddenly good (c) give a correct account
6. There was a job for me to cut my teeth on. (d) tell the true facts of something
(a) to gain experience 14. The rat race among the leaders is revolting.
(b) to try (a) corruption
(c) to sharpen my wits (b) nepotism
(d) to earn a decent salary
(c) favouritism
7. Chintan is so innocent that he wear heart
(d) fire competition for power
on his sleeve.
15. Helena was over head and ears in love with
(a) wears dress that does not match
Demetrius.
(b) express his feelings openly
(a) carefully (b) completely
(c) wears colourful dresses
(c) brilliantly (d) cautiously
(d) a heart printed on his sleeve
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16. It is clear that the ideas of both reformers 5. To wash dirty linen in public
ran in the same groove. (a) to talk personal matters in public
(a) promoted each other (b) to clear one’s stand
(b) clashed with each other (c) to clean the field
(c) to be in the same situation (d) to quarrel openly
(d) moved in different directions 6. To read between the lines
17. He put across the ideas to the minister. (a) to read loudly
(a) made available (b) to understand the hidden meaning of
(b) effectively conveyed the word
(c) strongly expressed (c) to do some important work
(d) laid aside (d) to escape from reality
18. To see eye to eye 7. To flog a dead horse
(a) to be annoyed (a) to beat a dead horse
(b) to be unhappy (b) to do interesting things

(c) to be incomplete (c) to waste one’s energy in something useless

(d) to take suitable steps
(d) agree with someone
8. Between the devil and the deep sea
19. A bed of roses
(a) in a dilemma
(a) a very soft bed (b) a dull life
(b) in trouble
(c) belong to (d) full of joy
(c) between two seas
20. In the throes of
(d) in a helpless state
(a) out of the grip
9. To meet one’s Waterloo
(b) in the grip of
(a) to die fighting
(c) under compulsion
(b) to meet one’s final defeat
(d) understand
(c) to meet with humiliation
Practice set – 02 (d) to face no difficulty
1. Under duress 10. To fight tooth and nail
(a) to demand (a) to make every possible effort to win
(b) unwillingly (b) to fight cowardly
(c) compulsion or coercion (c) to succeed
(d) in the power of (d) to fight a battle
2. To face the music 11. Be in the limelight
(a) to suffer evil consequences (a) give speeches
(b) to listen to music (b) be the centre of attraction
(c) to suffer hardship (c) be the object of admiration
(d) to change one’s way (d) be an object of public notice
3. To put two and two together 12. Look a gift horse in the mouth
(a) to add two things (a) welcome a gift
(b) to conclude from obvious facts (b) a fastidious man
(c) to put on a false appearance (c) find fault with a gift
(d) to continue (d) examine a gift carefully

4. To leave no stone unturned 13. Play to the gallery

(a) to sweep the room (a) cater the public taste

(b) advertise
(b) to divide and rule
(c) depend upon the public for approval
(c) to change things
(d) attempt to appeal to popular taste
(d) to try utmost
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14. To give chase 2. He chickened out when he confronted
(a) to walk unsteadily opposition.
(b) to wait and see the result (a) ate chicken (b) released chicken
(c) to run after (b) hatched eggs (d) withdrew
(d) to make one feel sad 3. The police cordoned off the area after the
explosion.
15. To bear up with
(a) checked everyone in the area
(a) to endure
(b) did not allow anyone to leave the area
(b) to check
(c) filled the area
(c) to control
(d) isolated the area
(d) to be angry with
4. The host team bore the palm in the league
16. The young boy’s act put his father in a
matches.
pickle.
(a) played quite well
(a) in a funny position
(b) was victorious
(b) in a serious position
(c) was defeated
(c) in a sad situation
(d) played a very boring match
(a) in a troublesome situation or difficult
5. My ten-year old son is a live-wire.
situation
(a) energetic (b) lazy
17. He made a few statements, but all were
wide off the mark. (c) dangerous (d) naughty

(a) irrelevant (b) crucial 6. He broke down when he heard the news of
his son’s death.
(c) important (d) unreasonable
(a) resigned his job (b) ceased to smile
18. He cut the Gordian knot by practicing
what he preached. (c) stopped working (d) wept bitterly
7. I took exception to his remarks and left the
(a) lessened the difficulty
meeting.
(b) let the difficulty remain as it was
(a) objected (b) suggested
(c) removed the difficulty
(c) heard (d) excused
(d) add to the difficulty
8. What egged on you to become a social
19. The manager hesitated to assign the job to
worker ?
the new comer as he was wet behind the
(a) urged (b) dampened
ears.
(c) hindered (d) discouraged
(a) stupid and slow witted
9. He had to cool his heels before he could get
(b) young and inexperienced
an appointement with the doctor.
(c) drenched in the rain
(a) to lose one’s temper
(d) unpunctual and lethargic
(b) to be kept waiting
20. We must husband our resources against
(c) to make publicly known
hard times.
(d) to exercise influence
(a) concede (b) save
10. The scientist worked for donkey’s years to
(c) support (d) sing arrive at the formula.
Practice set – 03 (a) a long time (b) a short time
1. I only passed the examination by the skin (c) for donekys (d) for few years
of my teeth. 11. Be in name only
(a) by a narrow margin (a) be in theory only
(b) by sheer hard work (b) be in a position to maintain
(c) by strong will power (b) in honour of
(d) by absolute luck (d) be held in high esteem
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12. To stamp out Practice set – 04
(a) to look out for 1. A Jack of all trades
(b) to get rid of something that is harmful (a) a businessman
(b) to be in a benevolent mood (b) someone who can do many different jobs
(d) to search desperately (c) a successful trader
13. For days on end (d) doing all types of business
(a) complete loss 2. A wild-goose chase
(b) a position to maintain (a) a chase of wild goose
(b) ultimately die (b) useless work
(d) for a long time (c) a careless effort
14. Shift for oneself (d) a foolish venture
(a) cook one’s food 3. To put something up
(b) leave one’s home and friends (a) to present something
(c) serve one’s purpose (b) to hinder the growth
(d) look after oneself without another’s help (c) to cover everything
15. A backhanded compliment (d) to persuade
(a) a sarcastic compliment 4. To put one’s foot down
(b) a statement of praise (a) to die
(c) an undeserved compliment (b) to use one’s authority to stop something
(d) a rare gift (c) to shake one’s foot
16. Into the bargain (d) to keep one’s foot clean.
(a) after some time 5. At sixes and sevens
(c) two or three times (a) in disorder
(c) in addition to other facts previously (b) at a certain point
mentioned (c) very few
(d) again and again (d) altogether thirteen
17. Bear one out 6. To bury the hatchet
(a) support somebody (a) to forget a quarrel
(b) go against somebody (b) to suppress the desire
(c) to support the truth of something (c) to be unharmful
(d) prove nothing (d) to live peacefully
18. The order of the day 7. A black sheep
(a) a popular measure (a) a type of sheep
(b) a general rule (b) an attractive person
(c) a common practice (c) a strange thing
(d) an admirable practice (d) a disgraceful person
19. A cold blooded murder 8. A hue and cry
(a) a murder without intention (a) a great demand
(b) a secret murder (b) a great stir
(c) a suppressed desire (c) commotion
(d) merciless killing (d) a loud clamour or public outcry
20. A fish out of water 9. To have a flying start
(a) a person in unfamiliar surroundings (a) to fly in the air
(b) a dead fish (b) to make a castle in the air
(c) a lovely sight (c) to meet success from the very beginning
(d) a sad person (d) to live peacefully
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10. To turn the tables on 19. In the nick of time
(a) to put some matter (a) just in time
(b) to argue angrily (b) after the appointed time
(c) to repeat the mistakes (c) in the evening
(d) to change the situation completely (d) in trouble
11. A queer fish 20. To mince matters
(a) a kind of sea fish (a) to solve problems
(b) a strange fellow (b) to speak in a roundabout way
(c) to cater to the rich
(c) a lovely fish
(d) to settle some issue
(d) a different situation
12. To lock horns with Practice set – 05
(a) to give a tough fight 1. To get cold feet
(b) to tie the horns (a) to be terrified
(c) to break the horns (b) to catch a cold
(c) to wash feet
(d) to control by holding horns
(d) to injure feet
13. Against one’s grain
2. To have done with
(a) against one’s will
(a) to have finished
(b) against one’s interest
(b) to compromise
(c) against one’s nature
(c) to solve
(d) against one’s plan
(d) to be ready
14. To live in an ivory tower
3. Cheek by jowl
(a) to live in a fort (a) some spot in the cheek
(b) to be unaware of the realities (b) lovely cheek
(c) to be uncompromising (c) very close or intimate
(d) to live in an old house (d) glowing cheek
15. Palmy days 4. To nip in the bud
(a) prosperous and peaceful days (a) to die suddenly
(b) bad days (b) to deflower a girl
(c) sunny days (c) to reveal a secret
(d) lovely days (d) to destroy a thing in the very beginning
16. To speak out 5. To catch at a straw
(a) to abuse (a) to catch red-handed
(b) to state one’s beliefs, objections, etc. (b) to accept help and support even from
the insignificant
(c) to tell the truth
(c) to come to a conclusion
(d) to retort
(d) to come to the point
17. Let the cat out of the bag
6. To go the whole hog
(a) to leak out the secrets
(a) to postpone a programme
(b) to release the cat (b) to work all day
(c) to help the cat (c) do something completely
(d) to kill the cat (d) to falsify a statement
18. To make both ends meet 7. A red letter day
(a) to unite (a) a colourful day
(b) to reconcile (b) a rainy day
(c) to mix (c) an important occasion
(d) to live within one’s means (d) a sunny day
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8. To burn the candle at both ends 17. Hold a wolf by the ears
(a) to expand one’s resources in two directions (a) be in hot waters
(b) to exhaust one’s energies (b) manage carefully
(c) to have serious intentions (c) beat a wolf
(d) to help others (d) free from trouble
9. To turn over a new leaf 18. Put one’s shoulder to the wheel
(a) to disclose a secret (a) push a wheel
(b) to commence a new course of life
(b) work hard at a task
(c) to destroy a leaf
(c) support a cause
(d) to divert from the path
(d) favour somebody
10. A white elephant
19. Turn the corner
(a) a rare elephant
(a) change one’s stand
(b) a costly gift
(c) a beautiful thing (b) change one’s opinion
(d) a very costly and useless possession (c) pass through a crisis safely
11. The sword of Damocles (d) hesitate
(a) an imminent danger 20. To mark with a white stone
(b) a special type of sword (a) to make fortune
(c) an old sword (b) to erect a tomb
(d) an instant remedy (c) to single out
12. Set by the ears (d) to support
(a) correct
Practice set – 06
(b) make someone weep
1. To have a wolf in the stomach
(c) to cause disagreement or commotion
(d) hold the ears (a) to have a disease
13. Work round the clock (b) to suffer
(a) work day and night (c) to be very hungry
(b) work successfully (d) to be very greedy
(c) work sincerely 2. To break a butterfly on wheel
(d) move everywhere (a) to make a useless attempt
14. Beat about the bush (b) to defy orders
(a) do one’s work successfully (c) to cajole somebody
(b) beat somebody severely (d) to live on somebody
(c) help the needy 3. Feel under the weather
(d) approach a subject without coming to
(a) feel at ease (b) feel ill
the point
(c) feel pleasure (d) feel trouble
15. Blow hot and cold
4. Have a wash and brush up
(a) lose one’s temper
(b) favour something (a) rub out
(c) describe clearly (b) eradicate
(d) keep changing one’s opinion about (c) keep aside
something (d) take a bath and clean teeth
16. A dark horse 5. Fish in troubled water
(a) a black horse (a) take advantage of some bad situation
(b) a unique man (b) in a dangerous situation
(c) a strange animal (c) face problems
(d) a competitor in a race who
(d) be anxious
unexpectedly wins
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6. Tread on somebody’s toe 16. Stand in good stead
(a) cheat somebody (a) stand against
(b) progress (b) stand before somebody
(c) cause annoyance to somebody (c) be useful when needed
(d) please a person (d) be firm
7. By the skin of one’s teeth 17. A square peg in a round hole
(a) superficially (a) a person unsuited to the position he
occupies
(b) artfully
(b) a loyal servant
(c) by a very narrow margin
(c) a faithful friend
(d) skillfully
(d) a small hole Set the
8. Tip somebody the wink 18. Thames on fire
(a) give somebody some help (a) disturb everybody
(b) give information somebody secretly (b) start some work
(c) befool somebody (c) do something wonderful
(d) harass somebody (d) go on a voyage
9. The three R’s 19. In the sequel
(a) reading, writing and reporting (a) in trouble
(b) three questions (b) in disagreement
(c) three supporters (c) in confusion
(d) reading, writing and arithmetic (d) later on
10. Thrust down one’s throat 20. Save one’s bacon
(a) save one’s power
(a) speak loudly
(b) save money
(b) feel excessive thirst
(c) escape death, injury, punishment
(c) remind repeatedly
(d) monarchy
(d) beat somebody badly
Practice set – 07
11. Take down a peg
(a) to humble 1. Rule of the thumb
(a) anarchy
(b) to chase a dog
(b) a practical and approximate way of
(c) to drink
doing
(d) to reprimand
(c) democracy
12. Put to the sword (d) monarchy
(a) terrorise (b) kill 2. Rub shoulders with
(c) threaten (d) help (a) come into social contact with
13. Sweep the board (b) fall in love
(a) clean the board (b) face charges (c) fight bravely
(c) win all the prizes (d) be defeated (d) applause
14. A storm in a tea cup 3. Without rhyme or reason
(a) useless work (a) without fear
(b) stampede (b) without any confusion
(c) rare achievement (c) without any logic, sense or plan
(d) much ado about nothing (d) fearless
4. The rank and file
15. Under one’s own storm
(a) procedure
(a) under control
(b) power
(b) with one’s own effort
(c) ordinance
(c) under pressure
(d) the general membership of an
(d) under suspicion
organization
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5 A fifth columnist 15. Once in a blue moon
(a) a traitor (a) very rarely (b) once a day
(b) a developed nation (c) once a month (d) often
(c) a journalist 16. Not for nuts
(d) a newspaper (a) unfortunate
6. Put heads together (b) fatalists
(a) be confused (c) under no circumstances
(b) forget to do something (d) hard work
(c) to discuss 17. Lead someone by the nose
(d) be conscious (a) go straight
7. Pour cold water on (b) do with difficulty
(a) extinguish fire (b) to discourage (c) make someone do everything one
(c) invite (d) water plants wishes him to do
8. Pop the question (d) lose patience
(a) twist the question 18. To hit below the belt
(b) ask questions (a) to defeat
(b) solve a problem (b) to deceive
(d) propose marriage (c) to hit contrary to the principles of
9. Buy a pig in a poke fairness
(a) gamble (d) to do a favour
(b) do wonderful work 19. Like a cat on hot bricks
(c) buy something without seeing it (a) very nervous
(d) misguide others (b) very clever
10. Pie in the sky (c) like a dead cat
(a) a planet (b) false hopes (d) like an irritated cat
(c) a mark in the sky (d) a clear sky 20. Give the cold shoulder
11. Pick holes (a) support a view
(a) argue successfully (b) encourage
(b) defeat one’s opponent
(c) give due respect
(c) find weak points
(d) show deliberate disregard
(d) make holes
Practice set – 08
12. Rob Peter to pay Paul
(a) help a needy person 1. At daggers drawn
(b) take from one to give another (a) at one’s own risk (b) about to fight
(c) rob rich people (c) in a mood (d) in danger
(d) do all kinds of work 2. To do oneself justice
13. Grease somebody’s itching palm (a) to work for justice
(a) apply medicine (b) to behave in a way that is worthy of
(b) give him a bribe one’s abilities
(c) console a grieved man (c) to do justice with himself
(d) help somebody in his business (d) to fight for justice
14. Out of the wood 3. He has made his mark in politics.
(a) made of wood (a) attained notoriety
(b) in a rural background (b) ruined his wealth
(c) out of the house (c) acquired wealth
(d) out of danger (d) distinguished himself
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4. To put one’s hand to the plough 13. Bon voyage
(a) to start some work (a) in absence
(b) to star ploughing (b) in presence
(c) to plough the field (c) free journey
(d) to commence some serious work (d) a good journey to you
5. To set one’s face against 14. De jure
(a) to oppose with determination (a) matchable
(b) to hide one’s face (b) unparalleled
(c) to discuss some matter angrily (c) ordinary
(d) to seek someone’s help (d) rightful, legal

6. To play second fiddle 15. Ab initio

(a) from the beginning
(a) to cheat someone
(b) in the end
(b) to play tricks
(c) alright
(c) to reduce importance of one’s senior
(d) altogether
(d) to befool others
16. Turn the tide
7. To make clean breast of
(a) save
(a) to destroy before it blooms
(b) reverse a situation
(b) to praise oneself
(c) touch
(c) to make a full confession
(d) spare
(d) to gain prominence
17. To look down one’s nose
8. To leave someone in the lurch
(a) to show anger
(a) to leave someone in difficulties
(b) to retaliate
(b) to encourage someone
(c) to insult in the presence of others
(c) to protect someone
(d) to regard with contempt
(d) to support someone
18. Sought after
9. To cry wolf (a) highly paid
(a) to call a wolf (b) pursued by
(b) to raise false alarms (c) in great demand
(c) to pet a wolf (d) with great talent
(d) to help a wolf 19. At one’s beck and call
10. A straw in the wind (a) always ready to serve
(a) a slight hint for tracing something (b) to be helped by someone
(b) a rumour (c) to be useful to someone
(c) a quality of being strong (d) to be dominated by someone
(d) a rubber band 20. To explore every avenue
11. Ad hock (a) to search all streets
(a) for the special purpose (b) to scout the wilderness
(b) arranged systematically (c) to find adventure
(c) arranged in order (d) to try every opportunity
(d) none of these Practice set – 09
12. Ante meridieum 1. To shed crocodile tears
(a) an old mother (a) to weep profusely
(b) a greater mother (b) to pretend grief
(c) between midnight and noon (c) to grieve seriously
(d) none of these (d) to mock at something
 10
2. To kick the bucket 12. To cast aside
(a) to die (b) to escape (a) to leave a place
(c) to attack (d) to disappear (b) to discard for ever
3. All at sea (c) to develop new habits
(a) very proud (b) overjoyed (d) to keep in a hospital
(c) confused (d) excited 13. To make good loss
4. To go scot-free (a) to make a good effort
(a) to walk like a native of Scotland (b) to try to minimize the loss
(b) to get something free (c) to compensate for the loss
(c) to escape without punishment (d) to ensure that there are no further losses
(d) to save tax 14. The new manager ruled the roost from day
5. To have something up one’s sleeve one.
(a) to hide something in the sleeve (a) exercised authority
(b) to play a magical trick (b) rushed through work
(c) to have a secret plan (c) got paid very handsomely

(d) to play hide and seek (d) created good impression

15. As soon as the police arrived, the bank
6. To take one to task
robbers showed the white flag.
(a) to reprove (b) to take care of
(a) surrendered
(c) to approve (d) to give a job
(b) ran away
7. At one’s wit’s end
(c) were incensed
(a) to be very witty
(d) calmly left the scene
(b) to confuse others
16. He left the place in high dudgeon.
(c) to be completely confused
(a) in a state of great resentment
(d) to minimize expenses
(b) in a state of great depression
8. Pot-luck dinner
(c) in a state of great jubilation
(a) dinner where everybody brings
(d) in a state of great anguish
something to eat
17. All the nighbours gave her the cold shoulder
(b) dinner where everybody pays for his
because she ill-treated her daughter-in-
food
law.
(c) dinner where only soup is served
(a) showed intentional unfriendliness to
(d) dinner where people eat and play her company
games at the same time (b) felt her shoulder was cold
9. At the eleventh hour (c) showed dislike for her company
(a) at eleven o’ clock (d) showed liking for her company
(b) at the wrong time 18. Her mother saw through the excuse she
(c) at the last possible moment gave.
(d) at the initial moment (a) revealed (b) realised
10. To cast aspersions (c) viewed (d) nacked
(a) to act as the pillar of support 19. Life is an event of give and take.
(b) to give inspirations (a) adjustment (b) make believe
(c) to make unpleasant remarks (c) always (d) giving
(d) to dissolve all differences 20. They got on well with each other the
11. Fair weather friends moment they met.
(a) friends who face difficulties calmly (a) had an agreement
(b) favourable friends (b) had a misunderstanding
(c) friends who desert you in difficulties (c) had a friendly relationship
(d) reliable friends (d) fell in love
 11
Practice set – 10 10. I am out of my wits and therefore cannot
1. Please give your statement in black and find a way to solve the problem.
white. (a) totally ignorant
(a) in print (b) on paper (b) not intelligent enough
(c) in writing (d) on the board (c) greatly confused
(d) helpless without power
2. Communicative English is the Achilles’ heel
for the job aspirants 11. I am looking forward to her arrival.
(a) afraid of
(a) weak spot
(b) expecting with pleasure
(b) source of strength
(c) expecting
(c) what they cherish
(d) confident of
(d) top priority
12. Please hold your tongue in this matter,
3. There are no hard and fast rules for
otherwise you will repent.
admission to this college.
(a) be silent (b) give advice
(a) easy (b) strict
(c) defend (d) argue
(c) fixed (d) slow
13. Rajib washed his hands of the matter long
4. I did not give in to his request. ago.
(a) approve (b) like (a) overcame the difficulties
(c) permit (d) yield (b) refused to accept responsibility for
5. He is putting the cart before the horse by (c) took the responsibility
purchasing furniture before buying a (d) refused to change the decision
house. 14. He was the apple of his father’s eye.
(a) doing a thing in the wrong way (a) favourite (b) small fruit
(b) doing a thing in the right way (c) a kind of sweet (d) enemy
(c) committing a great crime 15. Despite his initial arrogance he had to eat
(d) doing things meticulously humble pie.
6. They tried to slip off, but was caught (a) to yield under pressure
immediately. (b) to maintain composure
(a) steal quietly (b) go quickly (c) to fail to protest eventually
(c) leave quietly (d) slide quickly (d) to accept the food offered
7. He is lazy, why don’t you turn him off ? 16. Don’t mix with the bad hats.
(a) scold him (b) punish him (a) people with bad hats
(c) dismiss him (d) warn him (b) people of bad character
8. Thousands put on a daily fight to keep the (c) people selling bad hats
wolf from the door. (d) people of poor status
(a) ward off mosquitoes 17. Mrs. Roy keep an open house on Saturday
evening parties and you will find all kinds
(b) keep oneself healthy
of people there.
(c) avoid starvation
(a) keeps the doors of the house open
(d) guard from pick pockets
(b) keeps the gates open for a few persons
9. The party stalwarts have advised the
(c) welcomes all members
President to take it lying down for a
(d) welcomes a selected group of people
while.
18. He is a cut above all the other boys in the
(a) to accept something bad without
group.
trying to fight against it
(a) more active than
(b) to take rest
(b) a little rougher than
(c) to be on the defensive
(c) rather superior to
(d) to be cautious
(d) quite taller than
 12
19. I tried to feel his pulse on the issue, but in 8. To foam at one’s mouth
vain. (a) to brush properly
(a) find his views (b) enlighter him (b) to get very angry
(c) argue with him (d) guide him (b) to salivate on seeing food
20. If you rub him the wrong way, he is bound (d) none of these
to react.
9. To clean the cobwebs away
(a) annoy him (b) abuse him
(c) flatter him (d) encourage him (a) to clean up the house
(b) to throw away the waste material
Practice set – 11
(c) to clean one’s mind of
1. The boy drew a blank in every venture he
misunderstanding
tried.
(a) failed (d) disinfect everything
(b) cut down his expenses 10. From the blue
(c) drew limitations (a) all of a sudden (b) knowingly
(d) practised drawing (c) continuously (d) as a slow ball
2. In apple pie order 11. To call it a day
(a) last in the sequence (a) to conclude proceedings
(b) by government order
(b) to initiate proceedings
(c) everything in its place
(c) to work through the day
(d) neatly demolished
3. Feathering one’s nest (d) to call somebody
(a) enriching oneself at the expense of the 12. Pass the buck
public (a) analyse the problem
(b) buying insurance in time (b) prepare to resign
(c) taking adequate precaution against (c) pay a bribe
danger
(d) blame someone else
(d) making a new home
13. To talk through one’s hat
4. To take to heart
(a) to be encouraged (a) to talk carelessly
(b) to grieve over (b) to talk softly
(c) to take something seriously (c) to talk nonsense
(d) to hate (d) to talk secretively
5. To keep up one’s appearances 14. Helter-skelter
(a) to make public appearances now and (a) unknowingly
then
(b) with minimum speed
(b) to maintain one’s look and appearance
(c) to keep up an outward show of (b) purposefully
prosperity (d) with unwavering focus
(d) to make it appear that one is not (e) hurriedly and in confusion
concerned 15. To add fuel to fire
6. Yeoman’s service
(a) to investigate
(a) medical help
(b) to insulate
(b) excellent work
(c) to initiate
(c) social work
(d) hard work (d) to incite
7. To come clean 16. A bone of contention
(a) to deny the crime (a) a matter of dispute
(b) to confess the crime (b) a settled quarrel
(c) to accuse someone else of the crime (c) food for thought
(d) to apologise for the crime (d) competetion
 13
17. Set off 8. To give currency
(a) start (b) travel (a) to make publicly known
(c) enter (d) resume (b) to misinterpret
18. Ins and outs (c) to bestow importance
(a) entrances and exits (d) to originate
(b) details and complexities 9. By leaps and bounds
(c) passages and pathways (a) in calculated ways
(d) rules and regulations (b) with extreme rapidity
19. To strain every nerve (c) as proposed
(a) to make utmost efforts (d) very slowly
(b) to feel weak and tired (e) far less than expected
(c) to be diligent workers 10. Wear and tear
(d) to be methodical in work (a) a brand name (b) damage
20. With open arms (c) lots of sorrow (d) a warning
(a) with free arms (b) with warmth 11. A shot in the dark
(c) with restraint (d) with gratitude (a) be very violent
(e) with hesitation (b) an attempt to guess something
Practice set – 12 (c) to love to go out on adventures
1. Off and on (d) be able to work very quickly
(a) repeatedly (b) always 12. To be in hot water
(c) occasionally (d) never (a) to be in trouble
2. To play havoc with (b) to bath in hot water
(a) to ruin (b) to alter (c) to jump into a pool
(d) to commit suicide
(c) to swallow (d) to affect
13. Casting pearls before swine
3. A Herculean task
(a) speaking nice words and convincing
(a) an easy puzzle (b) a good contest
them
(c) a difficult thing (d) a hurried job
(b) offering good things to undeserving
4. On the spur of the moment people
(a) to act at once (c) uplifting the needy for their welfare
(b) to ride a horse in a race (d) doing worthwhile things to unknown
(c) to act deliberately people
(d) to act at the appointed time 14. From the bottom of my heart
5. By hook or by crook (a) totally (b) wholly
(a) by compromising or other (c) sincerely (d) lowest position
responsibilities 15. Turn down
(b) by impressing the interviewer (a) accept (b) reject
(c) by any means, right or wrong (b) twist (d) weave
(d) by becoming a specialist in the field 16. Kith and kin
6. To burn one’s finger (a) relatives (b) neighbours
(a) to get hurt physically (c) villagers (d) friends
(b) to suffer financial loss 17. To pass away
(c) to find work (a) to ignore (b) to walk past
(d) to suffer nervous breakdown (c) to die (d) revise
7. To take with a grain of salt 18. Watch his step
(a) to make more palatable (a) behave with caution
(b) to make something meaningful (b) observe the threshold
(c) to take a small quantity of (c) walk carefully
(d) to accept with misgiving (d) watch his friends
 14
19. Die hard 10. Vinay had a chequered career since I first
(a) unwilling to change met him as a student.
(b) ready to change (a) had a variety of jobs and experiences
(b) had a career which helped him make
(c) egoist
lots of money
(d) arrogant
(c) had a career where he signed a lot of
20. In a nut-shell cheques
(a) writing (b) briefly (d) did odd jobs
(c) angrily (d) casually 11. Everybody is worried about his bread and
butter these days.
Practice set – 13
(a) promotional avenues
1. For better or worse (b) comfortable living
(a) in good times (b) in bad times (c) money making
(c) sometimes (d) always (d) means of livelihood
2. To cut one short 12. Sit on the fence
(a) to insult one (b) to criticise one (a) sit comfortably
(c) to interrupt one (d) to love one (b) remain neutral
3. To make castles in the air (c) support one side
(d) balance oneself
(a) to do day-dreaming
13. Take exception to
(b) to be boastful
(a) take something new
(c) to be conceited
(b) exceptionally well
(d) to be too ambitious (c) take with difficulty
4. Hand in glove (d) object strongly to
(a) very difficult (b) open enemy 14. To stand by
(c) very intimate (d) very rude (a) to support (b) to oppose
5. To throw dust in one’s eyes (c) to understand (d) to encourage
(a) to decieve 15. Take the bull by the horns
(b) to show false things (a) do something wrong
(b) escape from realities
(c) to make blind
(c) deal decisively with a difficult or
(d) to harm someone
dangerous situation
6. Gift of the gab (d) pay happily
(a) lucky 16. A hard nut to crack
(b) a big surprise (a) a fastidiuous man
(c) an honest person (b) difficult things which require extra
(d) have a talent for speaking efforts
7. Carry weight (c) a difficult problem to solve
(d) very hard work
(a) carry burden
17. To be born with a silver spoon in one’s
(b) to wield importance or influence
mouth
(c) be important (a) to be a very handsome boy
(d) carry through (b) to be born in a rich family
8. Raining Cats and dogs (c) to be fed with a silver spoon
(a) raining heavily (b) drizzling (d) to be the only child
(c) scatteredly (d) thinly 18. To beat about the bush
9. Stem the tide (a) to do useless work
(a) save (b) stop (b) to blush
(c) touch (d) spare (c) to conceal facts
(d) not to come to the point
 15
19. From hand to mouth 9. To die in harness
(a) hand and mouth (a) premeditated murder
(b) from life to death (b) dying young in an accident
(c) just able to make both ends meet (c) to die while in service
(d) something harmful (d) to be taken by surprise
20. To be on the horns of a dilemma 10. To bell the cat
(a) to be in a fix (a) to run after the cat
(b) faced with the choice between two
(b) to avoid an encounter
equally unpalatable alternatives
(c) to run away in fear
(c) to be utterly sore
(d) to lead and face danger
(d) to be in danger
11. A bird’s eye view
Practice set – 14
(a) a beautiful view (b) a narrow view
1. To be under a cloud
(c) an overview (d) an ugly view
(a) to be hidden
12. In the long run
(b) under suspicion
(a) eventually
(c) to be in the dark
(b) after much hard work
(d) to be in disgrace
2. To beat a retreat (c) after running an athletic race
(a) to take rest (d) with God’s help
(b) run away from danger situation 13. To feather one’s nest
(c) to fight the enemy (a) to make a residential house
(d) to hide from the enemy (b) something that lasts for a short time
3. To break the ice (c) to profit in a dishonest way
(a) to start the work (d) none of these
(b) to break the news 14. To make a mountain of a mole hill
(c) to break a painful silence (a) to take advantage of a small thing
(d) to keep cool (b) to give importance to little things
4. To cry over the spilt milk (c) to get into trouble
(a) to be rigid on something
(d) to see a thing with prejudiced eye
(b) to waste time in vain, regret
15. Cock and bull stories
(c) to weep over the burnt milk
(a) stories of birds and animals
(d) to call someone for help
(b) unbelievable stories
5. To speak one’s mind
(c) stories dealing with fight
(a) to be frank and honest
(b) to speak aloud (d) stories of adventures
(c) to talk about one’s ideas 16. To call a spade a spade
(d) to express one’s thoughts (a) to be biased (b) to be impartial
6. By fits and starts (c) to be frank (d) to be a hypocrite
(a) finally (b) hastily 17. Paint the town red
(c) irregularly (d) impulsively (a) to celebrate uninhibitedly
7. To keep one’s fingers crossed (b) decide to fight and shed blood
(a) to wait expectantly (c) run about wildly trying to kill people
(b) to act in a hostile manner (d) ask to be ready for any emergency
(c) to interfere unnecessarily 18. Throw down the gauntlet
(d) to keep out of any danger (a) show readiness to leave
8. To show a clean pair of heels
(b) put several conditions
(a) to hide (b) to escape
(c) throw the challenge
(c) to pursue (d) to follow
(d) assault and abuse
 16
19. A bee in one’s bonnet 8. The country’s economy is beginning to look
(a) a peculiar habit of confusing others up now.
(b) an obsession about something (a) remain static (b) improve
(c) to talk and think a lot about something (c) look clear (d) go down
(d) a result of senseless action 9. He is in the habit of chewing the cuds.
(a) accusing others
20. End in smoke
(b) to think solwly and carefully about
(a) bear no fruit something
(b) benefit the poor and downtrodden (c) forgetting things
(c) produce good results (d) to muse on
(d) motivate to produce 10. They made no bones about acknowledging
their debt to his genius.
Practice set – 15
(a) not to try to hide your feelings
1. Take to one’s heels (b) did not have any faith in
(a) take revenge (c) demanded compensation for
(b) take to flight (d) had problems in
(c) take shelter in a thick jungle 11. My brother bids fair to be an excellent
(d) run away painter.
(a) is ambitious (b) seems likely
2. Wear one’s heart on one’s sleeve
(c) is confident (d) not alike
(a) to be most intimate
12. The old beggar ran amok and began to
(b) to love passionately throw stones at the passers-by.
(c) to do the right thing (a) felt disgusted
(d) to show one’s feelings (b) became annoyed
3. To catch a Tartar (c) ran about wildly
(a) to live carefully and cautiously (d) became desperate
(b) to catch a dangerous person 13. The ship was about to weigh anchor when
the storm came.
(c) to trap a wanted criminal with great
(a) weigh the anchor
difficulty
(b) leave the docking berth
(d) to deal with a person who is more than
(c) raise the anchor as a preparation of
one’s match sailing again
4. To play fast and loose (d) to lift the anchor
(a) to defeat a person 14. My plan to have a new car fell through
(b) to play a good game because of the price rise.
(c) to be narrow minded (a) was completed
(d) to act in an unreliable way (b) was completed with difficulty
(c) was postponed
5. To show the white feather
(d) failed to materialise
(a) to behave timidly
15. It is evident from the minister’s statement
(b) to perform a good deed that heads will roll in the Secretariat.
(c) to try to be beautiful (a) transfers will take place
(d) to show courage before the enemy (b) heads will be cut off
6. In the blues (c) people will die
(a) melancholic and low spirited (d) dismissals will occur
(b) being colourful 16. As she was turning out some papers, she
came across the letter she had been looking
(c) behave like a fool for.
(d) having many blue things (a) saw from a distance
7. Ramesh takes after his father. (b) found unexpectedly
(a) follows (b) imitates (c) touched
(c) obeys (d) resembles (d) read quickly
 17
17. It was such a strange affair that I would 6. We must try to let sleeping dogs lie.
not make head or tail (a) avoid discussion of troublesome
(a) face (b) tolerate matter
(c) remember (d) understand (b) avoid bad company
18. The trade union’s seemingly rightful (c) be generous
demand is only a stalking horse to (d) avoid the sleeping dogs
blackmail the management.
7. There followed an awkward silence after
(a) a trick (b) a proposal Salim declared his love to her.
(b) a pretence (d) a suggestion (a) an uncomfortable silence
19. I saw him make a wry face. (b) an embarrassing silence
(a) abuse
(c) a clumsy silence
(b) feel sick
(d) a period of embarrassment
(c) cry with pain
8. The young business man was in the red
(d) show disappointment after only two years.
20. The revolutionaries had to muster up
(a) in debt (b) successful
enough men to oppose the British Army.
(c) absolute (d) injail
(a) finance (b) disguise
9. Sachin prefers to have few friends who are
(c) convince (d) gather
as true as steel rather than have fifty
Practice set – 16 acquaintances who refuse to recognise him
1. The question of abolition of private when he needs them most.
property is a moot point . (a) who are loyal
(a) unknown (b) who always speak the truth
(b) undecided (c) who are always with him
(c) not clear (d) who are influential
(d) a debatable point 10. He frequently goes back on his words.
2. He has been harping on the same thing (a) repeats his words
every now and then.
(b) confuses others
(a) indifferently
(c) stumbles
(b) in the identical way
(d) breaks his promises
(c) differently
11. The old man is hard of hearing.
(d) frequently
(a) felt bad hearing the news
3. While the ladies continued their small talk
in the drawing room, he felt bored. (b) somewhat deaf
(a) light conversation (c) does not pay any attention
(b) gossip (d) unmindful
(c) backbiting 12. I trusted him but he played me false.
(d) whispering (a) played with me
4. He was a king who ruled his subjects with (b) took it lightly
a high hand. (c) treated me improperly
(a) oppressively (d) deceived me
(b) kindly 13. Lifting the shoulders is a gesture that
(c) conveniently indicates lack of interest.
(d) sympathetically (a) napping (b) yawning
5. During the last moments of his life, the (c) shrugging (d) blinking
criminal made a clean breast of everything 14. I did not mind what he was saying, he was
he had done. only talking through his hat.
(a) showed his breast (a) talking insultingly
(b) fought like a hero (b) talking irresponsibly
(c) confessed without reserve (c) talking ignorantly
(d) faced bravely (d) talking nonsense
 18
15. The poet drew on his fancy not his 5. Very ambitious people do not like to rest
knowledge of nature, when he wrote his on their laurels.
poem on birds. (a) to be unhappy
(a) used his understanding (b) to be motivated
(b) used his knowledge (b) to be impatient
(c) used his imagination (d) to be satisfied with one’s achievement
(d) used his skill and not making any further effort
16. She exhibited remarkable sangfroid during 6. The authorities took him to task for his
the crisis. negligence.
(a) temper (b) irritation (a) forced him to resign
(c) composure (d) anger (b) suspended his assignment
17. Sumit had to look high and low before he (c) reprimanded him
could find his scooter key. (d) gave him additional work
(a) nowhere (b) always 7. In life we have to take the rough with the
smooth.
(c) everywhere (d) somewhere
(a) be tough in order to be successful
18. The two women are so jealous that at the
drop of a hat they start insulting each other. (b) use pleasant words to make things
(a) when hat falls smooth
(b) when anyone drops a hat (c) accept unpleasant as well as pleasant
things
(c) for no reason at all
(d) make unpleasant things better
(d) on every occasion
8. Where did you pick up with that queer
19. It was not clear what he was hinting at.
fellow?
(a) criticizing (b) hitting hard
(a) give a life to (b) meet
(c) concluding (d) suggesting
(c) receive (d) identify
20. The boy turned a deaf ear to the pleadings
9. If he phones again, I am going to give him a
of all his well- wishers. piece of my mind.
(a) listened carefully (a) to be nice to him
(b) was deadly opposed (b) to take revenge on him
(c) posed indifference (c) to reprimand him
(d) ambitious (d) to support him
Practice set – 17 10. She was in a brown study and did not
1. He is out and out a reactionary. notice my entrance.

(a) no more (b) thoroughly (a) reverie (b) fear

(c) in favour of (d) deadly against (c) dream (d) sleep

11. I cannot make out what you say.
2. Please look over the application.
(a) rely upon (b) believe
(a) examine (b) reject
(C) understand (d) solve
(c) find out (d) store
12. The party high command wanted to stave
3. It is his feeling that we are not cut out for a
off an open battle.
marketing job.
(a) postpone
(a) suitable (b) unwilling
(b) wait and see
(c) reluctant (d) ambitious
(c) allow it to takes its own course
4. For every state I will try to cut corners.
(d) prevent
(a) become lenient
13. No one but his conscience advised him to
(b) amend the existing rules
come back to earth.
(c) exercise strict control
(a) return home (b) return to earth
(d) simplify the procedure (c) return to reality (d) be honest
 19
14. They were offered six months’ rent in lieu 2. I jumped out of my skin when the explosion
of notice to vacate the building. happened.
(a) in spite of (b) in place of (a) was in panic
(c) despite (d) in addition to (b) was surprised
15. He spoke well though it was his maiden (c) was nervous
speech. (d) was angry
(a) long speech 3. The piece of parental property has created
(b) brief speech bad blood between the two brothers.
(c) first speech (a) impure relation
(d) emotional speech (b) ill-matched temper
16. He has the habit of picking a quarrel over (c) active enmity
trivial matters. (d) bad parentage
(a) seeking the help 4. His friends beat the boy to pay off old
(b) picking up a fight scores.

(c) getting a right path (a) to refund old dues

(d) giving unwanted advice (b) to take revenge

(c) to force him to be a scorer in a match
17. All his schemes to murder the king ended
in smoke. (d) because he had not scored well earlier
(a) fructified gradually 5. Do not run down your friends in public.
(a) fight with (b) follow
(b) came to nothing
(c) make a mention of (d) criticise
(c) were discarded
6. The students were advised to pore over the
(d) were partially carried out
lessons thoroughly.
18. I had to pull strings to put up a good show.
(a) go through (b) go down
(a) play music (c) go off (d) go out
(b) use personal influence 7. She did not realize that the clever salesman
(c) use the instrument was taking for a ride.
(d) play a song (a) trying to trick all
19. Yesterday in a collision between a truck and (b) taking her in a car
a car he had a close shave. (c) pulling her along
(a) maintain cleanliness (d) forcing her to go with him
(b) remove the entire hair 8. Dr. Khurana’s prowess could not be used
(c) a narrow escape in India for want of scientific research.
(d) close relations (a) for the sake of (b) lack of
20. Tagore was a man of letters. (c) in spite of (d) to begin with
(a) of wide contacts 9. This fashion of long flowing skirts will run
its course.
(b) an excellent letter dictator
(a) continue for a long time
(c) a great writer of letters
(b) become very popular
(d) a man of proficient literary art
(c) develop and then come to its usual end
Practice set – 18 (d) end very soon
1. The carrot and stick policy pays dividends 10. The project is carried over to this year and
in every organization. we need to keep the ball rolling.
(a) fair and foul (a) to continue the work
(b) continuous vigilance (b) more information
(c) democratic (c) to do better
(d) reward and punishment (d) new strategies
 20
11. The teacher’s extra hours of coaching went 19. The government is giving a serious thought
a long way in improving the student’s to a proposal about setting up National
performance. Judicial Commission.
(a) made great efforts (a) establishing (b) forming
(b) spent a lot of time (c) starting (d) creating
(c) extended widely 20. If you want to pass the recruitment
(d) helped considerably examination, you must put your shoulder
to the wheel.
12. The traders’ strike in Delhi has brought
(a) work hard (b) influence
business to a standstill.
(c) be sincere (d) drive fast
(a) has slowed the pace
(b) has caused to stop wholly Practice set – 19
(c) has surprised the businessmen 1. When my friend was in Calcutta, he ran
(d) has brought to public attention into an old friend at the theatre.
13. Ravi fought to the bitter end. (a) hit (b) met accidently
(a) fought to the last point of enemy’s (c) planned to meet (d) invited
position 2. Monica’s habit of picking holes in every
(b) died fighting relationship is very irksome.
(c) carried on a contest regardless of the (a) admiring people
consequences (b) finding fault
(d) fought a losing battle (c) criticizing people
14. The A.T.S. set the bait to arrest the (d) arguing with people
terrorists. 3. The storm brought about great destruction
(a) laid the trap in the valley.
(b) announced the reward (a) invited (b) caused
(c) set the record (c) succeeded (d) halted
(d) put the bet 4. A good sportsman cannot afford to have a
fit of the blues before the game.
15. I have decided to give it a shot.
(a) stimulants (b) entertainment
(a) click a picture
(c) steroids or drugs (d) depression
(b) try something
5. Great men never put on airs; their humility
(c) pose for a picture
brings them laurels.
(d) injure someone
(a) pretend wisdom
16. The administration found it difficult to cope
(b) assume honours
with the striking employees.
(c) show pride
(a) move
(d) behave roughly
(b) compromise with
6. She could never measure up her parents’
(c) handle expectation.
(d) schedule (a) reach the level
17. The news of the President spread like wild (b) work hard as
fire.
(c) asses the amount
(a) spread rapidly
(d) increase her height
(b) caused a major confusion
7. Going abroad for a holiday was out of the
(c) was a wild rumour question.
(d) set the nation on fire (a) undesirable (b) impossible
18. Just keep your wig on. Everything will be (c) unpleasant (d) irresistible
alright.
8. He turned a blind eye to his son’s prank.
(a) hold on to your wig, so it won’t fall (a) pretended not to notice
(b) get another hair cut (b) paid special attention to
(c) calm down (c) covered up for
(d) take off your wig (d) punished severely
 21
9. The Earl of Leicester threw down the 18. The police closed the book on the murder
gauntlet. case.
(a) accepted defeat (a) solved
(b) rejected the prize (b) stopped working on
(c) resorted to wrong (c) handed over to another agency
(d) gave a challenge (d) refused to take up
10. His Utopian idea was entertaining but not 19. The two famous writers crossed swords
acceptable. with each other on every issue.
(a) classic idea (a) fought physically
(b) intelligent idea (b) crossed the road on meeting
(c) unworthy idea (c) took different routes
(d) imaginary idea (d) disagreed
11. Unless you grease his palms, he will not do 20. We wanted the gift to be a surprise for my
your work.
brother, but my sister gave the game away.
(a) talk to him (b) flatter him (a) lost the game
(c) beat him (d) bribe him (b) gave out the secret
12. The thief was on the good terms with the (c) gave away the gift
police.
(d) withdrew from the plan
(a) kept terms and conditions
(b) friendly Practice set – 20
(c) followed the rules 1. I trust you will bear with me a few minutes.
(d) agreed with them (a) have patience with
13. Naresh Goel had to stand on his feet very (b) support
early in his life. (c) carry the burden for
(a) to be physically strong (d) be in control for
(b) to be independent 2. Even though the new clerk was given a
(c) to stand erect difficult task, he remained as cool as a
cucumber.
(d) to be successful
(a) not nervous or emotional
14. He was out of spirits for a few days after
his defeat. (b) caught cold
(a) uninvolved (b) gloomy (c) was happy
(c) sober (d) lifeless (d) was scared
3. It is high time to come out of his shell.
15. Do not lose your head when faced with a
difficult situation. (a) to stop being shy and show real
character
(a) forget anything
(b) became more sociable
(b) neglect anything
(c) became a looser
(c) panic
(d) removed his clothes
(d) get jealous
4. The hockey players gave vent to their
16. His speech has taken the wind out of my
feelings.
sails.
(a) expressed (b) emphasised
(a) made my words or actions ineffective
(c) suppressed (d) dismissed
(b) made me depressed
5. Let us have a heart to heart talk to solve
(c) made me think of the future this problem.
(d) made me remember my past (a) good talk (b) emotional talk
17. When trade was brisk, he worked hard and (c) frank talk (d) loving talk
made his fortune; he believes in making hay
6. Every political party is at present playing
while the sun shines.
to the gallery.
(a) using full opportunities
(a) adopting cheap tactics
(b) drying one’s clothes
(b) befooling the common man
(c) working honestly
(c) fighting for votes
(d) helping others
(d) appeasing the masses
 22
7. When she realized that she has bought a 16. “Don’t try to throw dust into my eyes. you
fake product, she knew that her money had will not succeed.”
gone down the drain. (a) You should not try to blind me with
(a) spoiled and wasted dust.
(b) dropped in the drain (b) I know how to protect my eyes.
(c) got washed away (c) I will not let you blind me with dust.
(d) her money was safe (d) try to mislead or confuse
8. People were dropping like flies in the 17. He burnt his fingers by interfering in his
intense heat. neighbour’s affairs
(a) collapsing in large numbers (a) got rebuked
(b) getting infected with many diseases (b) got himself insulted
(c) taking leave in large numbers (c) burnt himself
(d) sitting down in the shades (d) got himself into trouble
9. The cops were on their toes throughout the 18. When his business collapsed he had to begin
day. from scratch.

(a) quick (b) eager (a) have a flying start

(c) alert (d) hurried (b) start all over again without any prior
advantage
10. The manager doctored the accounts of the
(c) incision on the skin
company.
(d) become very poor
(a) made changes in accounts books
19. Try to make do with what you have.
(b) cleared the doctor’s bills
(a) create (b) do
(c) verified the accounts in detail
(c) produce (d) manage
(d) manipulated the accounts
20. The music group broke up
11. The little girl with her flawless performance unceremoniously.
stole the show.
(a) disbanded itself
(a) stole something from the show
(b) went bankrupt
(b) crept into the show
(c) broke each other’s instruments
(c) won everybody’s praise (d) disturbed the neighbourhood
(d) disappeared from the show
Practice set – 21
12. He took a leap in the dark with his latest
1. The mention of her former husband’s name
investment in stocks.
still makes Rita foam at her mouth.
(a) took a risk (b) was hesitant
(a) fall sick (b) angry
(c) was confused (d) was cocksure
(c) vomit (d) shy
13. Why are you jumping down my throat ?I
2. Before my oral examinations, I had
wasn’t even in the house when it happened. butterflies in my stomach.
(a) forcing me to eat (b) running away
(a) became carefree
(c) making a joke (d) scolding me
(b) became confident
14. Having walked twenty miles, I am feeling
(c) became irritated
quite done up.
(d) became nervous
(a) fresh (b) exhausted
3. There is no love lost between the two
(c) energetic (d) relaxed brothers.
15. The policy has been declared to be null and (a) close frindship
void.
(b) cool
(a) valid (b) impossible
(c) a love-hate relationship
(c) invalid (d) empty
(d) intense dislike
 23
4. To smell a rat 12. To carry the coal to New Castle
(a) to suspect foul dealings (a) to finish a difficult job
(b) to be in a bad mood (b) to do the mental jobs
(c) bad smell (c) to work very hard
(d) signs of plague epidemic (d) to do an unnecessary job.
5. A man of straw 13. The green eyed monster
(a) an unreasonable person (a) the creature of the sea
(b) a man of no substance (b) an animal with green eyes
(c) a very active person (c) personal jealousy
(d) a worthy fellow (d) to get into trouble.
6. To fall flat 14. A pipe dream
(a) to retreat (a) a bad dream
(b) to meet accidentally (b) a pleasant dream
(c) fail completely to produce the (c) an impracticable plan
intended or expected effect (d) a foolish idea
(d) to quarrel 15. To lose one’s bearings
7. To cast pearls before swine (a) to become sick and tired
(a) to spend recklessly (b) to lose one’s strength
(b) to waste money over trifles (c) to be uncertain of one’s position
(c) to spend a lot of money on the upkeep (d) to become hopeless
of domestic dogs 16. To keep one’s temper
(d) offer valuable things to people who (a) to become angry
do not appreciate them. (b) to be in a good mood
8. A wet blanket (c) to remain calm
(a) a man who is always drunk (d) to be aloof from
(b) a wife who is cold to her husband 17. To give the bird
(c) to wear black and white clothes (a) to get the awaited
(d) to dampen the enthusiasm or (b) to send away
enjoyment of(a person, group) (c) to have good luck
9. To draw the line (d) to get the impossible
(a) to decide one’s occupation 18. Will O’ the wisp
(b) to prepare for a battle (a) to act in a childish way
(c) to set limits (b) something that is impossible to get or
(d) to withdraw from activity achieve.

10. Right-hand man (c) to act in a foolish way

(d) to have desires unbacked by efforts.
(a) most efficient assistant
19. To bite the dust
(b) a foolish person
(a) to be defeated in a battle
(c) an honest person
(b) to learn a lesson
(d) one who cannot use his left hand.
(c) to be ashamed of
11. Dog in the manger
(d) to work very hard
(a) a person who has no home
20. To get into hot waters
(b) a person who is not liked by others
(a) to suffer a financial loss
(c) a person who prevents others from
(b) to be impatient
enjoying something useless to him.
(c) to get into trouble
(d) a person who puts himself in difficulty
(d) to be in a confused state of mind.
on account of other people.
 24
Practice set – 22 10. Aid and abet
1. To cool one’s heels (a) To relieve someone of their duties
(a) to be kept waiting for some time (b) To help someone to commit a crime
(b) to rest for some time (c) To be charitable
(c) to remain in a comfortable position (d) To waste money
(d) to give no importance to someone. 11. All over hell’s half acre
2. The pros and cons (a) Degrading oneself
(a) real and fake (b) Everywhere
(b) former and latter (c) To own a large piece of land
(c) foul and fair (d) To be sinful
(d) for and against a thing 12. An arrow in the quiver
3. To drive home (a) Strategies that can be followed
(a) to find one’s roots (b) Being vengeful
(b) to return to place of rest (c) Extremely old fashioned
(c) to back to original position (d) Types of weapons in one’s possession
(d) to emphasize 13. Like a shag on a rock
(e) none of these (a) Completely alone
4. Above board (b) Being sharp
(a) friendly (c) Highly respected
(b) able to face difficulties (d) To be confused
(c) honestly 14. Asleep at the wheel
(d) hardworking (a) Feeling sleepy during travelling
5. A laughing stock (b) Making money easily
(a) foolish (c) Not attentive to one’s duties
(b) laugh (d) To meet with an accident
(c) laughing store house 15. The ayes have it
(d) looking ridiculous (a) Everything is in synchronisation
6. To keep at an arm’s length (b) The affirmative votes are in the
(a) to keep very near majority
(b) a safe place (c) The agreement of the superior
(c) to keep someone happy (d) Mob rule
(d) to avoid coming in contact 16. Dust and ashes
7. Raju was playing with fire when he made (a) Something very simple
speeches against the management.
(b) Something that is very disappointing
(a) Taking a grave risk
(c) The death of someone
(b) Lighting candles
(d) Explosion
(c) Smoking a cigarette
17. Be full of beans
(d) Provoking the crowd
(a) To be productive
8. The authorities have turned a deaf ear to
(b) Full of energy and life
all requests.
(c) To have a lot of food prepared
(a) Acknowledged (b) Neglected
(d) To work at a farm
(c) Accepted (d) Presented
18. To get more kicks than half pence
9. Play one’s ace
(a) To be physically strong
(a) To fight vehemently
(b) To use one’s best weapon or resource (b) Harsh treatment than rewards

(c) To win something (c) To give more than what one have

(d) To depend on chance (d) To be happy

 25
19. The idea of making a children’s park has 6. Spin your wheels
been nipped in the bud by the local council. (a) Set an activity in motion
(a) encouraged strongly (b) Waste your time or efforts
(b) changed completely (c) A firmly held belief
(c) dropped at an early stage (d) With great affection or enthusiasm
(d) included somewhere else 7. Wear the green willow
20. Whoop it up (a) To do something for someone as an act
(a) Be continually reminded of an of kindness
unpleasant topic (b) Suffer unrequited love
(b) Enjoying in a noisy way, usually in a (c) Cause someone to be very frightened
group (d) Producing a lavish celebrating feast
(c) Be totally ignorant or incompetent 8. Wild and woolly
(d) Used as an exhortation to overcome (a) Uncouth in appearance or behaviour
or be rid of something (b) Either too much of something or too
little
Practice set – 23
(c) Near to perfection
1. With a vengeance
(d) Ignoring all obligations
(a) A complete disaster
9. Give it a whirl
(b) Having similar views or attitude to (a) To be engaged in cheating
something
(b) To completely destroy something
(c) To look out for something without
(c) Attach or criticize someone
particular attention
(d) To try out something
(d) Used to emphasize the degree to
10. Jog someone’s memory
which somethings occurs
(a) Describing someone
2. Up against the wall
(b) Appreciating someone’s humor
(a) To take care of themselves and their
(c) To be love with someone’s intelligence
own interests and safety
(d) To cause someone to remember
(b) In a disorderly fashion something
(c) In an inextricable situation 11. Be in the red
(d) Performing well in a difficult or (a) To be very angry
competitive situation (b) Close to death
3. Reap the whirlwind (c) To be in debt
(a) Providing that other factors or (d) Always energetic
circumstance remain the same 12. Foot the bill
(b) Suffer negative consequences as a (a) To get good discount on a total bill
result of one’s actions (b) To pay for something
(c) An indication that something is (c) To manipulate the bill
accepted or regarded favourably (d) To avoid paying for little expenses
(d) Believing that moderation is more 13. Catch 22
satisfying than excess
(a) A Particular situation in which one
4. Of the first water cannot do anything
(a) Leading a comfortable life (b) Close to winning line
(b) Acting contrary to the one’s interests (c) Able to achieve the target
(c) Critically important (d) Grabbing the opportunity on time
(d) Of the best quality 14. Carry the can
5. Weather the storm (a) To listen to something with
(a) Be absolutely unwilling to cooperate considerable doubt
(b) To be impatient
(b) Fall over in a sudden or dramatic way
(c) To be in touch
(c) Survive a period of difficulty
(d) To take the responsibility of some
(d) Dispute a decision or choice already misdemeanor
made
 26
15. Paper over the cracks 4. Mealy mouthed
(a) To take risk (a) Foolishly ideal
(b) To cause embarrassment (b) Speaking harshly
(c) To hide problems (c) Unwilling to state something
(d) To be absent from duty without (d) To speak something straightforwardly
permission 5. No love lost
16. Be a dab hand at something (a) Complimentary
(a) Always telling nonsense
(b) A seer’s last creation
(b) Hearing a fake intention
(c) Self satisfied
(c) Ready to listen to other people’s
(d) Intense dislike
conversation
(d) Skilled in a particular area 6. Out of sorts
17. Get cracking (a) To be equal to
(a) To delay little longer (b) To be unwell
(b) To destroy at the end (c) To make peace
(c) To waste time in waiting (d) To ignore
(d) To start doing something 7. Pay lip service
18. A hair’s breadth (a) Candidly
(a) Telling about the smallest possible (b) Pretend to regard
amount or degree of something (c) Encouraging
(b) Irresponsible pleasure sealing in an old age (d) To defend
(c) Praising someone’s abilities and 8. Rip up old sores
achievements
(a) To be defeated
(d) Looking for something which is not
clearly visible (b) To punish
19. Come hell or high water (c) To revive forgotten quarrel
(a) No matter what (d) To deal with a person strictly
(b) Feeling ill 9. Rule to roost
(c) Possible obstacles in one’s path (a) To repent (b) To dominate
(d) Something good and useful (c) To understand (d) To apologize
20. Hornet’s nest 10. Alarums and Excursions
(a) A troublesome situation (a) Value for money and time
(b) To try utmost (b) Confused activity and uproar
(c) To ascertain (c) Source of fun or amusement
(d) To make peace (d) Derive excitement or pleasure from
Practice set – 24 11. Up in the air (about someone or something)
1. In the teeth of (a) In prison
(a) In fashion (b) Still to be settled
(b) Inspite of something (c) On the wrong track
(c) In brief (d) Enjoying great success
(d) Fail to keep position 12. Give oneself airs
2. In a flutter (a) Be intelligent
(a) Effective (b) Penniless
(b) Almost nothing (c) Pretend to be good
(c) In a nervous state (d) Prepare for a difficulty
(d) Certain
13. Alphabet Soup
3. All Greek to me
(a) Incomprehensible or confusing mix
(a) Out of danger
(b) Something outstandingly good
(b) Incomprehensible
(c) Fashionable and glamorous
(c) Very dear
(d) Privileged people
(d) Consulting seriously
 27
14. Be all one to 3. With bated breath
(a) succeed in doing something (a) In dispute (b) In anxiety
(b) Searching thoroughly (c) In full detail (d) In happy mood
(c) Not in keeping with the rules 4. To clip one’s wings
(d) Make no difference (a) To be carried away
15. An article of faith (b) To restrict someone’s freedom
(a) A formula for carrying a curse on someone (c) To laugh secretly
(b) Become very successful or famous (d) To live within one’s means
(c) A firmly held belief 5. Cloven hoof
(d) Angry or Agitated (a) A difficult situation
16. In the ascendant (b) The evil intention
(a) A general view from above (c) Win approval
(b) Rising in power or influence (d) Additional success
(c) To reject someone 6. Draconian law
(d) Waiting quietly for a good (a) Written law
opportunity (b) Extremely severe law
17. Bring home the bacon (c) Oral law
(a) An action to be taken when all else (d) Lenient law
fails
7. Let us have all the regulations in black and
(b) Be grateful for what we have
white.
(c) Supply material support
(a) painted in colour
(d) Setback for someone or something
(b) printed in coloured ink
18. Have the ball at your feet
(c) written on the black-board
(a) Be able to recognize
(b) Miss something of what is going on (d) in writing
around 8. To gird up the loins
(c) Enable someone to avoid humiliation (a) To be unable to decide
(d) To be in the best position to do (b) To prepare for hard work
something (c) To be at strife
19. Banana Oil (d) To one’s liking
(a) Perfectly cool or self-possessed 9. High and mighty
(b) Nonsensical talk (a) An unreliable person
(c) A plentiful supply (b) Experts
(d) Very long time (c) Hopeful
20. We now have an ex-Minister in the running (d) Arrogant
from our constituency for the post of
10. To play ducks and drakes
Member of Parliament.
(a) to use recklessly
(a) contesting the seat
(b) to change places
(b) teaching yoga
(c) to be friendly
(c) giving speeches
(d) to act cleverly
(d) jogging everyday 11. Costs an arm and a leg
Practice set – 25 (a) Easy to obtain
1. Argus eyed (b) Rarely available
(a) A pretence (b) Flatterer (c) Nothing to lose
(c) Short tempered (d) Observant (d) Very expensive
2. To bid defiance 12. Pull someone’s leg
(a) To disregard recklessly (a) trust someone
(b) To apologize (b) joke with someone
(c) To act in a like manner (c) get upset with someone
(d) To bribe (d) tell someone a secret
 28
13. The invigilator did not know that the two 17. On tentherhooks
boys were exchanging notes under his (a) Unhappy (b) Angry
nose. (c) Anxious (d) Happy
(a) written in small letters 18. The heavy losses in business came like a
(b) rolled into small pellets bolt from the blue.
(a) A thunderstorm
(c) wrapped in handkerchiefs
(b) An unexpected disaster
(d) right in front of him
(c) A windfall
14. Lead someone by the nose (d) An ominous warning
(a) To do the right thing 19. The loyal watchman was cut to the quick
(b) To force someone to take the blame when he was accused of theft.
(c) To dominate someone (a) imprisoned
(d) To quarrel with someone (b) severely punished
15. “These glasses suit you to a T,” said Ria to (c) hurt intensely
Vandana. (d) dismissed
20. The great warrior, Baji Prabhu, held the enemy
(a) look very good on your fcae
at bay but was killed in the end.
(b) are not suitable for your work
(a) prevented the enemy from coming too
(c) make you look weird near
(d) need to be worm with a suit (b) did not allow the enemy to attack his
16. It will be wise on your part to let the position
bygones be bygones. (c) launched a counter attack after initial
(a) resist the past success
(b) ignore the past (d) retreated initially but launched a
heavy attack afterwards
(c) recollect the past
(d) recollect the past