IDIOM & PHRASES

PART-06
IDIOMS
&
PHRASES

ABC GRAMMAR POINT

163
NDA/NA LEXICON
IDIOMS & PHRASES
We have given below a list of popular Idioms dks izdk”k esa ykuk½ The enquiry Commission has brought
1. An apple of discord- Cause of quarrel ¼>xM+s dk tM+½ many starting facts to light.
The Himalayan range is an apple of discord 17. At sixes and sevens - In disorder ¼frrj&fcrj½ My
between India and China. young son has thrown the books at sixes and sevens.
2. An apple of one’s eye - Very dear ¼ vk¡[k dk rkjk½ 18. At the eleventh hour- At the last moment ¼vafre {k.kksa es½a
Her only son is the apple of her eye. He reached the examination hall at the eleventh hour.
3. To add fuel to the fire- To aggravate some situation 19. At one’s beck and call- At one’s command ¼fdlh ds
or matter ¼ vkSj vf/kd HkM+dkus dh dk;Zokgh½ vkns”k ij½ I want my servants to be at my beck and call.
His abusive language added fuel to the fire. 20. At one’s wits’ end- To be confused ¼gks”k [kks cSBuk@
4 A bed of roses - An easy and comfortable situation ?kcjk tkuk½ At the sudden appearance of the police
¼ljy vkSj vkjke dh fLFkfr½ the suspect was at his wits’ end.
The post of the Prime minister is not a bed of roses. 21. To bear the palm - To be victorious ¼fot;h gksuk½ Our
5. Adam’s ale- Pure water ¼”kq) ty½ in the dry districts team bore the palm in the final match.
people have to content themselves with Adam’s ale. 22. Bosom friend - Intimate friend ¼?kfu’V fe=½ Mohan is
6. To add insult to injury- To harm as well as humiliate my bosom friend.
¼tys ij ued fNM+duk½ He has added insult to injury 23. Bag and baggage- With full luggage ¼lkjs lkeku lfgr½
by writing this letter. He has left Agra bag and baggage.
7. At daggers drawn- On inimical terms ¼ikjLifjd “k=qrk½ 24. To bury the hatchet- To end old enmity ¼iqjkuh “k=qrk
At one time Russia and America were at daggers dks Hkqyk nsuk½ Let us bury the hatchet for ever and live
drawn. like friends.
8. Against the rainy day- Precaution for emergency 25. By leaps and bounds - very rapidly ¼cgqr rsth ls½
¼adfBu ifjfLFkfr;ksa ds fy;s izcU/k½ You must save some- India is progressing by leaps and bounds.
thing every month against the rainy day. 26. To be in bad books of - Out of favour ¼d`ik ik= u
9. At a loss - To be confused ¼?kcjk tkuk½ He was at a gksuk½ He is in bad books of his teachers.
loss to understand what to do against so much of 27. To be in good books of- To be in kind favour d`ik ik=
opposition. gksuk½ He is in good books of his teachers.
10. At logger heads - Terms of hostility ¼”k=qrk dh voLFkk½ 28. To be in bad odour of - To be out of favours ¼fdlh
He is at logger heads with his own brother. dh cqjh jk; es½a
11. At an arm’s length- To avoid being very close to or 29. To over step the mark- To behave in an unaccept-
friendly with someone or something. ¼fdlh ls nksLrh able manner ¼e;kZn k yk?kuk] gn ls T;knk½ In the
;k utnhdh c<+kus ls cpuk½ Keep such rascals at an pandemic the people should not move around and
arm’s length. over step the mark for the preventive measures
12. At one’s fingers’ ends- To have full and ready 30. Bolt from the blue- A sudden calamity ¼vpkud vk;k
knowledge ¼iw.kZ ,oa rRij Kku½ A lawyer should have gqvk ladV½ The news of his father’s death came as a
all the sections of the Act at his fingers’ ends. bolt from the blue.
13. An axe to grind- Some personal motive ¼viuh LokFkZ 31. Bad blood- Enmity ¼”k=qrk½ These two brothers have
flf)½ He flatters you so much, perhaps he has some bad blood between them.
axe to grind. 32. Blue blood- To belong to an aristocratic
14. To beat about the bush- To stray from the main point family ¼ mPp ?kjkus dk gksuk½ Lord Byron, the famous
¼fo’k; ls HkVd tkuk½ A good student never beats about poet, was very proud of his blue blood.
the bush in answering his questions. 33. To be born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth- To
15. To bear the brunt of- To endure the calamity of be born in a rich family ¼le`) ifjokj esa tUe ysuk½
difficult situation.¼dfBukbZ dk fgEer ls lkeuk djuk½ Jawahara lal Nehru was born with a silver spoon in
Maharana Pratap bore the brunt of the Mughal his mouth.
invasions bravely. 34. To burn the candle at both ends- To waste one’s
16. To bring to light- To disclose ¼irk yxkuk@ fNih ckr money or energy recklessly ¼viuh “kfDr ;k /ku O;FkZ
cjckn djuk½
ABC GRAMMAR POINT
164
 IDIOM & PHRASES
If you go on burning the candle at both ends, you 50. Cry for the moon- An unattainable ambition ¼vlEHko
will soon come to repentance. vfHkyk’kk½ His hope of getting the Nobel Prize is a cry
35. Birds of the same feather- Persons of the same for the moon.
nature and taste ¼,d&lh izdf` r ;k ilan ds yksx½ All the 51. Cry over spilt milk- To repent in vain after loss gkfu
employees of this office are birds of the same feather. gks pqdus ds ckn ml ij i”pkrki djuk½ Be comforted,
36. Between Scylla and Charybdis- Between two great my friend, it is no use crying over spilt milk.
dangers ¼nks dfBu ifjfLFfr;ksa ds chp½ I am between Scylla 52. A close shave- A narrow escape ¼cky&cky cpuk½
and Charybdis; if I tell the truth my friend goes to
I had a close shave in car accident.
the jail; if I do not I betray my employer.
37. Between the devil and the deep sea- To fall between 53. Crocodile tears- False show of grief ¼fn[kkoVh vk¡lw½
two great difficulties ¼nks eqlhcrksa ds chp Q¡l tkuk½ He shed crocodile tears on the death of his
I have fallen between the devil and the deep sea; if step-mother.
I go to kanpur, I lose the examination; if I don’t , my 54. Cold reception- No hearty welcome ¼fn[kkoVh Lokxr½
employer feels annoyed. The English cricket team was given a cold
38. To blow one’s own trumpet- To praise one’s own reception in India.
self ¼viuh gh “ks[kh c?kkjuk½ I hate those persons who 55. To be caught red-handed- To be caught while
blow their own trumpet. committing a crime ¼jaxs gkFk idM+s tkuk½ The thief
39. Bone of contention- The cause of quarrel ¼>xM+s dk was caught red- handed.
dkj.k½ Kashmir is the bone of contention between 56. Capital punishment- Death penalty ¼ekSr dh ltk½ Capi-
India and Pakistan.
tal punishment has been revived in many countries.
40. By fits and starts- Something done irregularly
¼fdlh dke dks #d #d dj djuk½ You can never finish 57. Corporal punishment-Bodily punishment ¼”kkjhfjd
the work in time if you proceed by fits and starts. n.M½ Corporal punishment should not be given to
41. Black sheep- An undesirable person ¼vupkgk ;k young children.
/kks[ksckt O;fDr½ Many police officers proved black 58 To carry coals to New Castle- Unnecessary and use-
sheep in the Movement of 1942. less work ¼myVs ck¡l cjsyh½ To export silk to China is
42. By hook or by crook- By any means fair or foul ¼vPNs like carrying coals to New Castle.
;k cqjs fdlh Hkh izdkj ls½ Some people are very clever in 59. To call names - To abuse ¼xkyh nsuk½ calling names is
achieving their goal by hook or by crook. a bad habit.
43. To be hand and glove with- Intimate friends ?kfu’V 60. Cut the mustard (reach upto the expectations) ¼iSekuksa
fe= gksuk½ Ram and Mohan are hand and glove with ij [kjk mrjuk½ The company has cut the mustard in
each other. terms of profitability in industry.
44. A clarion call - Strongly expressed demand or 61. Chip of the old block - The son resembling the father
request for action ¼vkgzoku] fcxqy½ The demand of public ¼tSlk cki rSlk csVk½ Ram is a drunkard like his father.
for security against the terrorist activities is a clarion He is a chip of the old block.
call to the Defence Ministry. 62. To cut a sorry figure- To make a poor impression
45. To count chickens before they are hatched- To antici- ¼vPNk izHkko u Mkyuk½
pate profit beforehand ¼ igys ls ykHk dk fo”okl dj ysuk½
63. To curry favour- To win favour by flattery ¼[kq”kken
Do not make your plans so ambitious because it is
djds d`ik ik= cuuk½
no use counting chickens before they are hatched.
46. To cut the Gordian knot- To solve a very difficult He has risen so high by currying favour of the
problem ¼fdlh dfBu leL;k dk gy djuk½ The national Chairman of the factory.
leaders cut the Gordian knot by abolishing the 64. To cast a slur- To bring disgrace ¼vi;”k dk dkj.k cuuk½
native states. Your actions will cast a slur on the good name of
47. Cock and bull story - A fantastic story ¼eux<a+r dgkuh½ your family.
The tale of his adventures is nothing but a cock and 65. A bull in a china shop-Heedless destroyer ¼fo/oaldkjh
bull story. O;fDr½ Nadir Shah proved a bull in a china shop.
48. Cat and dog life - Quarrelsome life ¼>xM+kyw thou½ 66. To put the cart before the horse- To do something in
Mohan and his wife live a cat and dog life. a wrong way ¼xyr <ax ls fdlh dk;Z dks djuk½ instead
49. To call a spade a spade- To talk bluntly ¼eq¡gQV ckr of calling the mechanic to the workshop, he
djuk½ Dr. Johnson never hesitated in calling a took the whole machine to him It was like putting
spade a spade. the cart before the horse.

ABC GRAMMAR POINT

165
NDA/NA LEXICON
67. To die in harness-To die while on duty ¼dke djrs&djrs 81. To end in smoke- To end in nothing ¼dksbZ Qy u fudyuk½
ej tkuk½ Slaves die in harness. The Summit Conference has ended in smoke.
68. A drop in the ocean - very Insignificant amount¼vR;Ur 82. Eye wash - Ineffective remedy¼vk¡lw iksaNuk½
gh FkksM+h ek=k½ All your knowledge of science is only a The revised pay-scale of the teachers is a mere eye
drop in the ocean. wash.
69. A dark horse - A person suddenly coming into 83. Every inch- Completely ¼iw.kZ:i ls½
prominence¼vpkud gh izflf) ikus okyk O;fDr½ Mohan is every inch a gentleman.
Mohan came out as dark horse after the elections. 84. Over head and ears- Beyond one’s capacity¼lkeF;Z ls
70. Devil's advocate- (contradiction of other's opinions ckgj½
so as to make discussion interesting) ¼fNnzkUos"kh½ He is over head and ears in debt.
Rohit is always a devil's advocate in political 85. Easy money- Bribe given¼fj”or½ No officer who
discussions accepts easy money can sleep in peace.
71. Double dealing- Deceitful actions ¼/kks[ksckth ds dk;Z½ 86. Hush money- Bribe given for concealing secrets
His double dealings are now exposed to the public. ¼fdlh jgL; dks fNikus ds fy;s nh xbZ fj”or½
72. To give the devil his due- Even the wicked should He has given hush-money to the publisher of the
be given the credit due to him ¼cqjs vkneh dh Hkh mfpr daily newspaper for withholding the publication of
iz”kalk djuk½ In spite of all his wickedness, he has this scandal.
helped you; the devil should be given his due. 87. To eat one’s word -To break one’s promise ¼ok;nk
73. Dog in the manger- A selfish person ¼LokFkhZ O;fDr½He f[kykQh djuk½
would rather keep his books locked than give them to Whatever may happen, I shall not eat my word.
you, because he is more or less a dog in the manger. 88. To see eye to eye-To agree¼lger gksuk½
74. Sword of Damocles- An imminent danger ¼flj ij I do not see eye to eye with him on this issue.
yVdh ryokj½ The aggressive policy of China is a 89. To fish in troubled waters- take advantage of con-
sword of Damocles hanging over India. fused situation ¼fo"ke ifjfLFkfr;ksa dk Qk;nk mBkuk½
75. To dance attendance upon - To flatter ¼pkiywlh djuk½ The agitation in Rohtak was a political motive to
Officers in the present day want their subordinates fish in troubled waters and gain public support.
to dance attendance upon them. 90. Enough and to spare- Plentiful ¼izpqj ek=k ea½s Even
76. Don't count your chickens before the eggs have the poorest man in America has enough and to spare.
hatched- Don't plan on something depending upon 91. To make both ends meet-To live within one’s
what has not actually happened¼'ks[k fpYyh dh rjg er income with difficulty¼eq”fdy ls xqtj clj djuk½
lkspks½ Mother suggested me that future is uncertain, A School teacher hardly makes both ends meet.
do not count the chickens before the eggs have 92. Elixir of life- Nectar of life¼thou dk ve`r½
hatched. Contentment is the elixir of life.
77. To play ducks and drakes -To waste money ¼viuk /ku 93. Foul play- Treachery¼/kks[kk/kM+h½
cckZn djuk½ He is a reckless fellow playing ducks and I suspect foul play in the dealing of this clever man.
drakes with his ancestral property. 94. Fool’s paradise- Foolish ambition¼ew[kZrkiw.kZ vfHkyk’kk;sa½
78. A double- edged sword- Capable of causing harm to I pity the man, he is living in a fool’s paradise.
the other as to one’s own self ¼,slk dk;Z tks nwljs dks vkSj 95. Fair weather friend-Selfish friends of prosperous
Lo;a dks Hkh uqdlku igq¡pk lds½ He has cheated many days ¼vPNs le; ds LokFkhZ fe=½ As he was a fair-weather
people by the help of his son, but this may prove a friend, he deserted me in my hard days.
double -edged sword one day. 96. From hand to mouth- Bare existence¼vR;Ur xjhch esa
79. A dog’s life-very miserable life ¼d’Vnk;d thou½ People jgUkk½ The labouring class people in India live from
dwelling in the slums of great cities live a dog’s life. hand to mouth.
80. A blessing in disguise- Something intrinsically good 97. Fair play- just dealing ¼bZekunkjh dk crkZo½
but having a bad appearance¼Åij ls cqjh fn[kus okyh ij I expect nothing but fair play from you.
okLro esa vPNh ckr½ His last year’s failure was a 98. Fall flat- To produce no effect ¼dksbZ izHkko u NksM+uk½
blessing in disguise, because this year he was The repeated warnings of the Government have
secured first division. fallen flat on the militants.

ABC GRAMMAR POINT

166
 IDIOM & PHRASES
99. Fire in the belly-Strong determination/willingness ¼n`< I am trying my best to get rid of my quarrelsome
bPNk 'kfDr½ neighbour at the earliest.
The fire in the belly and a spark in the eyes helps 118. To get the better of - To overcome¼dkcw ik ysuk½
one to attain one's goals. At last he got the better of his adversaries.
100. To make short work of- To bring to sudden end 119. To go to the dogs- To be ruined¼cjckn gks tkuk½
¼vpkud ls u"V djuk½ The locusts made short work of This factory is graudually going to the dogs under
the ripe standing corn. the new management.
101. The gift of gab - Someone who has the ability to 120. To grid up the lions- To be well prepared for some
speak well.¼ftgok ij ljLorh dk okl½ Politicians are trying task¼fdlh dfBu dk;Z dks djus ds fy;s dej dldj
often born with the gift of the gab. rS;kj gksuk½ Let up all gird up the lions to eradicate the
102. To show white feather- To betray, cowardice ¼dk;jrk evil of untouchability from India.
fn[kuk½ 121. To grease the palm- To tip or bribe a person¼fdlh dks
Maharana Pratap never showed the white feather. fj”or nsuk½
103. To fight to the finish- To fight to the end ¼vkf[kjh lhek rd You will find easy access to the Governor if you
yM+uk½ The Rajputs were pledged to fight to the finish. grease the palm of his peon.
104. To fly into a passion- To be enraged¼dzksf/kr gksuk½ 122. A snake in the grass- Some hidden enemy¼vKkr “k=q½
Weak men easily fly into a passion. I could never expect that he would prove to be a
105. To make a long face- To look gloomy¼mnkl fn[kkbZ nsuk½ snake in the grass.
Do not wear a long face on this happy occasion. 123. For good- For ever¼ges”kk ds fy;s½
106. Fair and square - Honest¼bZekunkjh½ He has left Calcutta for good.
One must be fair and square in one’s dealings. 124. To hold one’s ground- To stand firm¼n`<+rk ls MVs jguk½
107. To make a fortune - To become rich ¼/kuh cu tkuk½ The Rajputs held their ground to the end.
He made a fortune in America. 125. A golden opportunity- Very favourable opportunity
108. To kill the fatted calf for- To arrange a lavish recep- or chance¼Lo.kZ volj½
tion for somebody ¼fdlh dk /kqe/kke ls Lokxr djuk½ You should not miss this golden opportunity.
Queen Elizabeth killed the fatted calf for the 126. To give vent to- To express one’s thoughts or
Common Wealth Prime Ministers’ meet. feelings ¼vius fopkjksa ;k Hkkoukvksa dks izdV djuk½
109. To play the fool- To act foolishly¼/kks[kk [kkuk½ Every individual is freely allowed to give vent to
He played the fool in the hands of his clever friends. his feelings.
110. From pillar to post- From one extreme to another¼,d 127. A hair-breadth escape-Very narrow escape ¼cky&cky
LFkku ls nwljs rd nkSM+/kwi djuk½ cpuk½ I had a hair-breadth escape last evening from a
Every young man has to run from pillar to post in car accident.
search of a job. 128. Harp on the same string- To keep on talking on the
111. From the bottom of one’s heart- very sincerely ¼vUr% same topic¼,d fo’k; ij ckr djrs jguk½
dj.k ls½ Why do you unnecessarily harp on the same string ?
The beggar thanked me from the bottom of his heart. 129. Hang over one’s head-Under danger ¼Hk; dh vk”kadk es½a
112. To throw down the gauntlet-To give challenge ¼pqukSrh Ever since the death of her husband, troubles have
nsuk½ been hanging over her head.
Mohan has thrown down the gauntlet to Ramesh. 130. To get under somebody's skin - To irritate or upset
113. Gift of the gab- The skill of oratory¼Hkk’k.k nsus dh dyk½ someone ¼fdlh dks csotg Øksf/kr djuk½ The habit of
Dr. Radhakrishnan possessed the divine gift of the gab. unnecessarily finding meagre faults has made the
114. To give a piece of one’s mind- To scold a person servant get under his skin
¼fdlh dks QVdkjuk½ 131. To hang by a thread- Critical condition¼uktqd gkyr½
The teacher gave a piece of his mind to the The life of a cancer patient hangs by a thread.
mischievous boy. 132. Heart and soul- In all sincerity¼lPps fny ls½
115. To face the music - To face opposition¼dfBukbZ ;k He is devoted to his studies heart and soul.
fojks/k dk lkeuk djuk½ Every new teacher has to face 133. Hard and fast -Definite¼fuf”pr½ There is no hard and
the music on the first day in the class. fast rule for getting happiness in life.
116. To give up the ghost- To die¼ej tkuk½ 134. To hit below the belt- To take advantage by unfair
The poor begger gave up the ghost last night. means¼vuqfpr mik;ksa ls ykHk mBkuk½
117. To get rid of- To escape from ¼NqVdkjk ikuk½ A Rajput warrior never hits below the belt.

ABC GRAMMAR POINT

167
NDA/NA LEXICON
135. To hit the nail on the head- To act in the right way igys½ My eldest son is still in his teens.¼chl lky ls de
¼Bhd fu”kkus ij pksV ekjuk½ A good lawyer always hits mez½
the nail on the head in his arguments. 157. In a fix- In a difficult mental state¼ekufld my>u esa½
136. Hard nut to crack- A difficult problem to solve ¼dfBu I am in a fix, I don't know what to do in this
leL;k dk lek/kku½ situation.
The problem of unemployment is a hard nut to crack. 158. In the nick of time-just in time ¼le; ls Bhd igys½
137. Hold water- To prove sound ¼Bhd fl) gksuk½ I reached the station in the nick of time.
Your argument does not hold water in this case. 159. In embryo- Immature, in the making ¼vfodflr voLFkk½
138. Hold good- Valid, applicable¼ykxw mfpr Bgjuk½ My scheme of setting up a silk factory is still in
The rule no longer holds good. embryo.
139. A Himalayan blunder- A serious mistake¼xEHkhj xyrh½ 160. All intents and purposes-For all practical purposes.
We committed a Himalayan blunder in trusting the +¼O;kogfjd nf’V ls½ He is the Managing Director for all
assurances of America. intents and purposes.
140. To make head or tail of - to understand¼le>uk½ 161. Ins and outs-All details and secrets ¼lHkh ckrksa dk iwjk Kku½
The audience could make no head or tail of his I know all the ins and out of this business.
learned lecture on mysticism. 162. In vogue -Popular¼izpfyr½
141. Heart to heart-Very frankly¼iqjs fny ls [kqys :i es½a Let Animal sacrifice is no longer in vogue in India.
us have a heart to heart talk on this complicated issue. 163. In the same boat- In the same condition¼,d&lh voLFkk es½a
142. To take to one’s heels- To run away¼Hkkx tkuk½ As Both these friends are sailing in the same boat.
soon as the thief saw the police, he took to his heels. 164. In no time-In a very short time¼FkksM+h gh nsj esa½
143. To pick holes in- To find fault with¼nwljksa eas nks’k fudkyuk½ I can solve this question in no time.
It is a bad habit always to try to pick holes in others. 165. Jack of all trades -A person knowing a little of many
144. To bring home- To explain ¼le>uk½ things¼cgqr&lh ckrks dk FkksM+k cgqr Kku j[kus okyk½
Gandhiji brought home the fact that the heart of Ramesh is a Jack of all trades.
India lay in her villages. 166. Judas kiss-False show of love¼>wBk izse½
145. Hot water - Troubles¼ijs”kkfu;k¡½ Who knows that his love is merely Judas kiss.
You will be in hot water if you displease him. 167. To hold one’s jaw-stop talking¼cksyus ls cUn gksuk½
146. Hue and cry -Noise and confusion¼”kksjxqy vkSj ijs”kkuh½ Kindly hold your jaw, it is enough.
When fire broke out in the village, there was much 168. To give the benefit of doubt- being unsure of the truth
hue and cry. and still considering what is being said by the other
147. To break the ice-To break silence by speaking first ¼lnsg dk ykHk nsuk½
¼fuLrC/krk rksM+uk½ The president broke the ice in the Sheela was excused to be late for her bus was not on
condolence meeting with a short speech.
148. III blood- Enimity ¼”k=qrk½ time so as to give her the benefit of doubt.
There is no ill blood between Ram and Mohan. 169. To kill two birds with one stone-To serve two
149. A man of iron-A strong man¼n<+ O;fDRk½ purposes at one time¼,d rhj ls nks f”kdkj] ,d dke ls nks
Sardar Ballabh Bahi Patel was a man of iron. ckrksa dks lk/kuk½ If you hold the meeting at Nainital in
150. In cold blood- Very cruelly ¼funZ;rk ds lkFk½ summer, you will be killing two birds with one stone.
The dacoits killed the old man in cold blood. 170. To kiss the dust- To be humiliated ¼viekfur gksuk½
151. In black and white-In writing ¼fyf[kr es½a In the wrestling bouts the boastful wrestler had to
The agreement must be made in balck and white. kiss the dust.
152. In the teeth of- Against strong opposition ¼dM+s fojks/k es½a 171. Kith and kin - Close relations¼?kfu’V lEcU/kh½
The Finance Bill was passed in the teeth of strong
Who will not help his kith and kin ?
opposiion.
153. In full swing-In full glory ¼iwjs tksjksa ij½ 172. To knock against- To collide with¼VDdj [kkuk½
The Khumbh Fair is in full swing these days. The truck knocked against the running train.
154. In the twinkling of an eye- In a moment, in on time 173. To keep up appearance- To keep one’s prestige¼viuh
¼{k.kHkj esa½ The flash of lighting disappears in the bTtr cpk;s j[kuk½
twinkling of an eye. He is somehow keeping up appearances in his old age.
155. In a nut shell- In brief ¼ala{ksi es½a 174. To keep an eye- To watch¼fuxkg j[kuk½
Please report the whole case in a nut shell. The police keep an eye on the vagabonds.
156. In one’s teens-Before attaining the age of 20 ¼amez ls 175. To keep at bay- To keep the enemy at a distance¼nq”eu

ABC GRAMMAR POINT

168
 IDIOM & PHRASES
dks nwj j[kuk½ 193. A white lie- Clear falsehood ¼lQsn >wB½
It is not easy to keep the rebels at bay. He is telling a white lie.
176. To keep the wolf from the door- To avoid starvation 194. To look down upon- To hate a person ¼fdlh O;fDr ls
¼Hkq[kejh ls cps jguk½ He has to work day and night to ?k`.` kk djuk½
keep the wolf from the door. The rich should not look down upon the poor.
177. To keep an open table-To entertain all comers ¼lcdk 195. On one’s last legs- At the last stage of life ¼thou dh
Lokxr djuk½ vfURke voLFkk es½a
He is very generous and always keeps an open table. The patient is on his last legs.
178. The knock down price- Auction-price¼uhykeh esa cksyh 196. To lead to the altar- To marry¼”kknh djus tkuk½
xbZ dher½ I took the vow of lifelong sincerity to my wife when
You will have to pay one fourth of the knock down I led her to the altar.
price just now. 197. Loaves and fishes - Material gains¼HkkSfrd ykHk½
179. To laugh in one’s sleeves- To laugh secretly ¼pqipki Do not fall from your ideals for loaves and fishes.
g¡luk½ The lawyers laughed in their sleeves at the 198. To pull one’s leg- To befool a person ¼fdlh O;fDr dh
ignorance of the judge. Vk¡x f[kapkbZ djuk½
180. To win laurels-To win honours ¼;”k izkIr djuk½ Prevent them from pulling the leg of the old man.
Our athletes won laurels in the Olympic Games. 199. Lion’s share-The biggest share¼lcls cM+k fgLlk½
181. To lose the day- To be defeated¼gkj tkuk½ The leader of the gang got the lion’s share of the
Our team lost the day. booty.
182. To lick the dust- To accept defeat¼gkj ekuysuk½ 200. To leave one in the lurch- To leave one in difficulties
Be sure you will have to lick the dust in the end. ¼fdlh dk dfBukbZ esa lkFk NksM+ nsuk½
183. Leap in the dark- Uncertainty about the outcome. My faithful friend Mohan, will never leave me in
¼vfuf”pr ifj.kke½ Marriage is a leap in the dark. the lurch.
184. To lay hands on- To seize¼vf/kdkj tekuk½ How can 201. To leave no stone unturned-To make all possible
the government lay hands on my private property? efforts ¼gj laHko iz;kl djuk½
185. Lapped in the luxury- To be brought up in luxuries He left no stone unturned to come out from the
¼foykflrk eas iyuk½ The Princess is lapped in luxury. difficulties.
186. To lead by the nose -To yield undue influence 202. To blunt the edge of -make something less effective
¼vuqfpr vf/kdkj tekuk½ ¼fdlh pht@fo"k; dks de vljnkj cukuk½
She leads her husband by the nose. The time blunts the edge of grief.
187. To live in ivory tower - To spend a luxurious life ¼lq[kh 203. To let bygones be bygones -To forget old things (dis-
thou fcrkuk½ Prince Siddharth lived in ivory tower. agreement or arguments) ¼iqjkuh ckrksa dks Hkwy tkuk½
188. To turn over new leaf- To start a new way of life ¼u;k Let us start a new and let bygones be bygones.
thou “kq: djuk½ 204. Man of parts- Talented man ¼cgqr ls xq.kksa ls lEiUu
He has turned a new leaf at sixty. O;fDr½ I can say that he is a man of parts.
189. To throw light on -To explain ¼izdk”k Mkyuk½ 205. Mare’s nest- IIIusory discovery ¼/kks[ks dh ckr >wBh vQokg½
The President threw light on the terms of agreement. The report of the discovery of gold- mines proved
190. To wash dirty linen in public-To expose private to be Mare’s nest.
affairs in public ¼O;fDrxr ckrksa dks ckgj½ 206. Move heaven and earth- To make every possible
The degraded standards of the social media tools effort ¼gj izdkj ds iz;Ru djuk½
and culturals values being ignored have let the He moved heaven and earth to find a job but it was
washing of dirty linens in public. all in vain.
191. A man of letters -A learned man ¼fo}ku O;fDr½ 207. To make a clean breast of- To confess ¼[kqys fny ls
Dr. Radhakrishana was a man of letters. Lohdkj dj ysuk½
192. A red letter day-A historic day¼egRoiw.kZ fnu½ The dacoits made a clean breast of their crimes
The 15th of August 1947 is a red- letter day in before Vinoba Bhave.
history of India. 208. To make a mountain of mole - hill- To exaggerate
small things¼jkbZ dk igkM+ cukuk½

ABC GRAMMAR POINT

169
NDA/NA LEXICON
You are unnecessarily making a mountain of a mole- 227. No love lost- Havings no love ¼fdlh izdkj ds izse ;k
hill and quarrelling. fe=rk dk u gksuk½
209. To make after- To pursue or chase¼ihNk djuk½ There is no love lost between them.
The police made after the thief and caught him. 228. Neither chick nor child- No child ¼dksbZ cPpk u gksuk½
210. By fair or foul means- By any means possible, right The unfortunate old man has neither chick nor child.
or wrong ¼lgh ;k xyr fdlh Hkh izdkj ls½ He is very 229. To strain every nerve-To make every possible effort
tactful and will succeed by fair or foul means. ¼gj izdkj dk iz;Ur djuk½
211. To make up one’s mind- To determine¼fu”p; djuk½ He will surely strain every nerve to get his work done.
He has made up his mind to appear at the examina- 230. To feather one’s own nest-To serve one’s own
tion this year. purpose¼viuk LokFkZ fl) djuk½
212. To make much ado about nothing- To make much of Many a so-called social worker merely feathers his
little things¼ckr dk crxaM+ cukuk½ own nest.
You will only complicate the matter if you make 231. Open secret- Known to all ¼loZfofnr½
much ado about nothing. This is now an open secret.
213. To throw mud at- To scandalise¼cnukeh djuk½ 232. Order of the day- Some popular thing of the time
Why do you throw mud at your colleagues? ¼dksbZ izpfyr ckr½
214. Upto the mark - Upto the standard¼mfpr Lrj rd½ Armament race is the order of the day.
Your answers are not upto the mark. 233. On the wrong side of - One’s age being more than a
215. To make one’s mark-To achieve distinction¼viuk izHkko numeric value ¼fdlh O;fDr la[;k ls vf/kd mez dk gksuk½
NksM+uk½ India made its mark at the SAARC summit. He is on the wrong side of fifty.
216. Milk of human kindness- Human compassion¼ekuork 234. Out of sorts- Indisposed ¼rfc;r [kjkc gksuk½
ls Hkjk àn;½ I am out of sorts today.
The heart of Gandhiji overflowed with the milk of 235. Old head on young shoulders- One more intelli-
human kindness. gent and experienced than one’s age ¼viuh mez ls
217. To make amends-To compensate ¼gtkZuk nsuk xyrh ds vf/kd cqf)eku½
fy;s ekQh e¡kxuk½ You will have to make amends for My young son reads books of philosophy with
causing so much harm to me. interest, he is an old head on young shoulders.
218. To meet half-way- To be prepared for the compro- 236. To oil someone’s hands- To bribe ¼fj”or nsuk½
mise ¼le>kSrs ds fy;s jkth gksuk½ Gandhiji was always Oiling the hands of the officials is an offence.
prepared to meet his adversaries half- way. 237. To pay one back in one’s own coin-Tit for tat ¼tSls dks
219. To join the majority-To die ¼ej tkuk½ rSlk½ You have deceived Mohan and therefore take
The poor beggar has joined the majority. care that you will have to pay back in your own coin.
220. To make out-To understand ¼le> ysuk½ 238. To put the saddle on the right horse-To blame the
I can hardly make out any meaning in the speech. really guilty person ¼lgh vijk/kh dks igpku ysuk½
221. Man in the street- Common man ¼lk/kkj.k O;fDr½ By arresting Mohan the police have put the saddle
The life of the man in the street is very hard. on the right horse.
222. To nip in the bud- To destroy at the very beginning 239. To put one’s shoulder to the wheel-To do one’s work
¼vkjEHk esa gh lekIr dj Mkyuk½ with one’s own efforts ¼vius gh lgkjs viuk dk;Z djuk½
God helps those who put their shoulders to the wheel.
All his hopes have been nipped in the bud.
240. Pros and cons- Points for and against/good or bad
223. Null and void- Rendered invalid ¼csdkj fl)½ ¼fdlh ckr dh vPNkbZ cqjkbZ le> ysuk½
The court has declared these laws null and void. Let us consider all the pros and cons of the affair
224. Nook and corner- At every place ¼izR;sd LFkku ij½ before we advance further.
The police searched for the thief in every nook and corner. 241. To poke one’s nose into-To interface with the affairs
225. To set at naught- To ruin ¼[kRe dj nsuk½ All my plans before we advance further.¼nwljksa dh ckrksa eas gLr{ksi djuk½
have been set at naught on the death of my father. It is not wise to poke one’s nose into the affairs of
226. Narrow circumstances - Hard days, poverty ¼xjhch ds others.
fnu½ He is living in narrow circumstances these days.

ABC GRAMMAR POINT

170
 IDIOM & PHRASES
242. To pour oil on troubled waters- To pacify the anger 262. To pull the wire- To exercise secret influence¼fNis :i
of others ¼dzks/k dks “kkUr djus dk iz;Ru½ He poured oil ls izHkko Mkyuk½ China is pulling the wire behind
on troubled waters by his gentle and honest replies. Pakistan’s activities.
243. Pandora’s Box- A source of evil powers ¼cqjkbZ;ksa dk HkaMkj½ 263. Point blank- Clearly¼lkQ rkSj ls½
Greed opens Pandora’s box. He has refused point blank to help me.
244. To play one’s cards well- To play an intelligent role 264. Petticoat-Government - The undue influence of
¼le>nkjh ls dke djuk½ women¼fL=;ksa dk vuqfpr ncko½ There is petticoat
A good statement always plays his cards well. government in most social organizations in France.
245. To poison one’s ears against- To set a person against 265. To put to the sword- To kill ¼ekj nsuk½
another ¼fdlh ds fo:) dku Hkjuk½ Nadirshah put even children to the sword.
He has poisoned the ears of my employer against me. 266. Rank and file- Lower middle class people ¼lk/kkj.k
246. To pull up the socks - Improve the behaviour or work Js.kh ds yksx½ The learned speeches of the great orator
as it is not good. ¼vis{kkuqlkj dk;Z ; O;ogkj u gksus ds cannot be appreciated by the rank and file.
dkj.k mlus vPNs vkSj iz;Ru'khy ifjoZru ykuk½ 267. To rain cats and dogs- To rain heavily ¼ewlyk/kkj ckfj”k½
The economic reforms and ministry should pull up It is raining cats and dogs.
the socks for the next financial year 268. To rise to the occasion- To come to help at the hour
247. To pester with - to be troubled with ¼fdlh ckr ls of need ¼le; ij lgk;rk ds fy;s rS;kj jguk½
ijs”kku gksuk½ We are pestered with mosquitoes here. My brother is there to rise to the occasion to help me.
249. To take pains- To work hard ¼dfBu ifjJe djuk½ 269. To run short- Not proving sufficient, shortage of
Nothing can be gained withour taking pains. something ¼fdlh pht dh deh½
250. To put up with-To tolerate ¼lgu djuk½ I am running short of money these days.
I cannot put up with this insult. 270. A rolling stone- A man not sticking to his job¼vius
251. To pull to pieces- to criticise adversely ¼dVq vkykspuk dke eas u teus okyk O;fDr½
djuk½ He has pulled my proposal to pieces. He will not prosper because he is a rolling stone.
252. Palsy-walsy friends - Good friends ¼vPNs fe=½ 271. Right- hand man- A very helpful person ¼vPNk lgk;d½
Riya and Seema are palsy-walsy friends. My manager is my right- hand man.
253. Pin prick- Small troubles ¼NksVh&eksVh ijs”kkfu;k¡½ 272. To read between the lines- To discover secret mean-
You should not lose your patience at such pin pricks. ing ¼xqIr vFkZ fudkyuk½ It is simple statement, why do
254. To play a second fiddle -To take subordinate you read between the lines?
position ¼nwljs LFkku ij dke djuk½ 273. A broken reed- An unreliable person ¼vfo”oluh; O;fDr½
It is strange that your Principal plays the second Everybody knows that he is broken reed, don’t
fiddle to the Manager. depend on him.
255. To play a double game-To get dubiously ¼/kks[k/kM+h djuk½ 274. With rhyme or reason- Without any justification
Take care, he is playing a double game with you. ¼vdkj.k½
256. To play fast and loose- To be unfaithful ¼fo”okl?kkr He has been criticising me without rhyme or reason.
djuk½ You can never prosper if you play fast and 275. To go to rack and ruin- To be completely ruined.
loose with you own men. ¼iw.kZ:i ls cjckn gks tkuk½
257. To play truant- To run away from the class ¼d{kk ls Hkkx His business has gone to rack and ruin.
tkuk½ He is in the habit of playing truant from the class. 276. To rub shoulder with- To come to close contact with
258. To play one false- To deceive ¼fdlh dks /kks[kk½ ¼fdlh ds fudV lEidZ esa vkuk½
You should not have played me false. I have rubbed shoulders with great scholars.
259. Past master- an expert¼fdlh {ks= dk fo”ks’kK½ 277. To hold the scale even- To be impartial¼fu’i{k jguk½
He is a past master in acting on the stage. A judge must hold the scales even.
260. To put a spoke in one’s wheel- To stand in the way 278. To scratch one’s head- to be perplexed ¼ijs”kku gks tkuk½
of one’s progress ¼fdlh dh mUufr esa ck/kk Mkyuk½ When I saw the Mathematics paper, I just scratched
My own brother is putting a spoke in my wheel. my head.
261. Pell mell- In confusion ¼?kcjkgV es½a People ran pell 279. Show stopper-Very impressive performance/
strikingly, attractive popular appeal ¼izHkko'kkyh izn'kZu½
mell at the first shock of the earth quake.

ABC GRAMMAR POINT

171
NDA/NA LEXICON
The brilliant yellow flowers against the green 298. To take the bull by the horns- To face danger with
foliage were a show-stopper. courage ¼[krjs dk fgEer ls lkeuk djuk½
280. Stand in good-stead- To be of great service¼cgqr Be bold and take the bull by the horns.
lgk;d gksuk½ 299. To take time by the forelock- To do one’s work in
Your upright character will always stand in good stead. time ¼le; ds vUnj dke djuk½
281. Slip of the pen- A small unintentional mistake in
You will never fail if you take time by the forelock.
writing ¼fy[kus esa tjk&lh xyrh½
Please excuse me for this slip of the pen. 300. True to one’s salt- To be faithful to one’s blood or
282. Slip of the tongue- A slight mistake in speaking ¼cksyus character ¼vius [kwu ;k pfj= ds izfr oQknkj½
esa tjk&lh xyrh½ Do not give so much importance to The Rajputs were always true to their salt.
his slip of the tongue. 301. To turn the tables- to change the situation completely
283. Square meal- Full meal ¼isV Hkj Hkkstuk½ ¼fLFkfr dks fcYdqy cny nsuk½ In the last few minutes our
Many people can hardly arrange even a square meal. captain turned the tables in our favour.
284. To save one’s skin- to escape safely ¼tku NqMkuk½ 302. Tooth and nail- Contending with all force ¼iwjh “kfDr
I somehow saved my skin from the scandal. ls fojks/k djuk½
285. To roll up one’s sleeves- to be prepared for the We shall oppose this move tooth and nail.
contest ¼eqdkcys ds fy;s rS;kj jguk½ When Mohan gave 303. To turn a deaf ear- To pay no attention ¼dksbZ /;ku u
him the challenge, he rolled up his sleeves.
nsuk½ My friend turned a deaf ear to my advice.
286. To give the cold shoulder- To discourage a person
¼fujk”k djuk½ I went to him for help, but he gave me 304. Tall talk- Boasting ¼”ks[kh ekjuk½
the cold shoulder. He always indulges in tall talks.
287. At a stone’s throw- At little distance ¼FkksM+h nwjh ij½ 305. To turn one’s coat- To change one’s party ¼ikVhZ cny
My house is at stone’s throw from here. ysuk½ He is an opportunist and has often turned his coat.
288. To stand on one’s own legs - To become indepen- 306. Under a cloud- Under suspicious condition
dent ¼vius iSjksa ij [kM+s gksuk½ ¼lansgiw.kZ fLFkfr es½a
Now you are old enough to stand on your own legs. He is working under a cloud.
289. Summer friends- Friends of prosperity¼[kq”kgkyh ds fe=½ 307. Under the rose- Secretly¼xqIr :i ls½ He is marrying
All my summer friends have deserted me in my her under the rose, as if no one will know.
adverse days. 308. Under one’s nose- In the presence of ¼fdlh ds lkeus½
290. To screw up one’s courage- To gather courage
He accepted bribe under the nose of his senior officer.
¼lkgl c<+kuk½
Do not be so disheartened, screw up your courage. 309. Wild goose chase- Use less efforts¼O;FkZ dk iz;Ru½
291. To see the light- To be born ¼tUe ysuk½ His efforts to marry the princess have proved a wild
His father died before he saw the light. goose chase.
292. Seal of love- Kiss ¼pqEcu½ The mother bade him fare- 310. White elephant- A very expensive thing ¼cgqr [kphZyh oLrq½
well by imprinting seal of love on his forehead. A European wife is white elephant for an Indian.
293. A sheet anchor- A person or place of protection or 311. Wolf in sheep’s clothing-A deceitful person
shelter ¼”kj.k ikus dk LFkku@O;fDr½ The organisation ¼cukoVh O;fDr½
where she is employed has proved to be a sheet I don’t trust him, he is a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
anchor to her. 312. Wash one’s hands of-To be free from ¼fdlh ckr ls
294. A thick- skinned person- Insensitive person ¼yTtkghu eqDr gks tkuk½ I have washed my hands of her affairs.
O;fDr½ He is a very thick-skinned person. 313. Much cry and little wool- Disappointing result
295. Through thick and thin- Through all difficulties ¼fujk”kktud ifj.kke½ After studying abroad for five years,
¼lHkh dfBukbZ;ksa ds chp½ he got a small post. It was much cry and little wool.
He went through thick and thin to get success. 314. To bring to book - To punish ¼ltk nsuk½
296. To take into one’s head-To think or to believe ¼fdlh The offender should be brought to book.
ckr dks lkspuk ;k fo”okl dj ysuk½ Somehow he has 315. To show a clean pair of heels- To run away ¼Hkkx tkuk½
taken into his head that he is the most intelligent boy. The thief showed a clean pair of heels to the police.
297. A tool in the hands of- Under the authority of 316. To add a new feather in one’s cap- To acquire a new
another ¼nwljs ds gkFk esa dBiqryh dh Hkk¡fr½ honour or distinction ¼dksbZ u;k lEeku izkIr djuk½
Pakistan is merely a tool in the hands of China. His election to the Parliament has added a new

ABC GRAMMAR POINT

172
 IDIOM & PHRASES
feather in his cap. I shall make up your loss.
317. To take a leaf out of another man’s book- To imitate 336. Run down- Reduced in health¼LokLF; esa fxjkoV½
another person.¼le>uk½ He is very much run down these days.
He has no originality of thoughts, he is only taking 337. A tower of strength- Chief support ¼”kfDr dk LrEHk½Pt.
a leaf out of another man’s book. Nehru was the tower of strength for the Congress Party.
318. Maiden speech- First speech¼fdlh dk igyk Hkk’k.k½ 338. Hold the fort- To stand firm on one’s position ¼vius
His maiden speech was quite a success. LFkku ij MVs jguk½ He held the fort against all odds.
319. Nine day’s wonder- A short-lived glory 339. Turn topsy-turvy- To completely change ¼iw.kZr% ifjoZru
¼FkksM+h nsj dk peRdkj½ djuk½ The new reform in the policy will turn the
The glory of Hitler was a nine days’ wonder. prevailing conditions topsy-turvy
340. Behind the scene- Secretly ¼fNis :i ea½s
320. To sow wild oats- Indulgence in youthful follies
He is the governing power behind the scene.
¼;qokoLFkk dh csodqfQ;k¡ djuk½ It is the duty of the
341. Once for all- Finally ¼vfUre :i ls½
warden to see that his students do not sow wild oats.
My decision is unanimous and once for all.
321. To pocket an insult- To bear insult ¼vieku lgu dj 342. Come true- To prove true ¼lgh fl) gksuk½
ysuk½ The nationalists have to pocket much insult His warning has come true.
during their fight for independence. 343. Put an end to- To finish ¼lekIr dj nsuk½
322. A red rag to a bull- Something that irritates¼mrsftr He has put an end to his foolish schemes.
djus okyh ckr½ The fiery slogans against the police 344. To walk a tightrope- Deal with difficult situation
proved to be a red rag to a bull. involving decision making ¼uktqd ifjfLFkfr ls xqtjuk½
323. Under the thumb of- Under the authority of some- He has to walk a tight rope, not just one but many, stung
one. ¼nwljs ds vf/kdkj es½a between all many factors of deeply divided nation.
The manager is under the thumb of the proprietor. 345. Fight tooth and nail- Fight fiercely ¼th tku ls yM+uk½
324. To get wind of- To know the secret ¼Hksn tku ysuk½ The twins fought tooth and nail over the slightest
Somehow the police got the wind of the conspiracy. disagreement.
325. To go a wool gathering- To grow lunatic ¼ikxy gks 346. Fair and square- With absolute accuracy ¼lVhd½
tkuk½ His wits have gone a wool gathering. He is fair and square at his gun sight shooting.
326. Over head and ears- very deeply ¼lke/;Z ls vf/kd½ 347. Be over the hill- Be no longer young ¼cw<+k gksuk½
He is over head and ears for the subject he teaches. He left the professional athletics as he was getting
327. In the air- Spread as rumour ¼ckr QSy tkuk½ over the hill.
This news is very much in the air. 348. Bite your tongue- Desperate effort to avoid saying
328. Out of the wood- Out of difficulties¼eqlhcr ls NwVdkjk½ something ¼'kkar jgus dh dksf'k'k djuk½
At last he came out of the wood. I wanted to tell him exactly, what I thought of him,
329. A royal road- An easy and popular way ¼vklku jkLrk½ but I had to bite my tongue.
There is no royal road to success, except for the 349. Turn a blind eye- Pretending not to notice something
star-kids who have got fame out of nepotism in ¼ns[k dj Hkh vuns[kk djuk½
bollywood movies. As a polic officer you can not turn a blind eye to any
330. To Think lightly- Not to be serious about a thing of the illegal activities around you.
350. Yellow journalism- Sensationalistic journalism
¼etkd ds :i esa ysuk½
¼ihr i=dkfjrk] lu&luh [kst½
Please don’t think lightly of my scheme. Yellow journalism is degrading the standards of news
331. To fight shy of- To be hesitant ¼Mjrs gq, dk;Z djuk½ reporting and mass media.
Face the problem boldly and don’t fight shy of the 351. Give someone a leg up- To help someone achieve
situation. his/her goal or motive. ¼fdlh dks ;Fkksfpr y{; dh izkfIr
332. In the melting pot- In a confused state ¼vfuf”pr fLFkfr½ djokus esa lgk;d gksuk½
The whole affair is in the melting pot. The mentor and the fitness instructor gave the
333. By and large- On the whole ¼vUr esa eksVs rkSj ij½ athelete a leg up for the Championship .
He is by and large a gentleman. 352. A hunky-dory situation- A state of calmness an peace-
334. Come across- Meet by chance ¼vpkud eqykdkr gksuk½ fulness. ¼lq[kn ,oa vkuannk;d fLFkfr½
Please give him the message if you come across him. The rule of King Harshvardhan was known as the
golden period in Indian history as there was a hunky-
335. To make up- To make up the loss ¼{kfriwfrZ djuk½ dory situation.
ABC GRAMMAR POINT
173
NDA/NA LEXICON
Idiomatic Phrases The border areas should always be kept on the alert.
Noun Phrases 20. Out of date- ¼iqjkuh] izpyu ds ckgj½
1. Cold war- ¼ikjLifjd [kjkc lEcU/k½ Tight trousers have now become out of date.
There should be no cold war between neighbouring 21. Up-to-date- ¼vkt dh rkjh[k rd iw.kZ½
countries. He is up-to-date in his knowledge of political
2. Dutch courage-¼”kjkc ds u”ks esa iSnk gqvk lkgl½ developments.
His dutch courage will soon pass off. 22. In high spirits- ¼cgqr mRlkg o [kq”kh es½a
3. Fair play- ¼bZekunkjh ds lEcU/k ;k dk;Z½
He is in high spirits today because of his grand success.
There is no fraud, it is a fair play.
23. Out of spirits- ¼nq%[kh ,oa fujk”k½
4. A fancy price- ¼Å¡ph dher½
He is out of spirits today because of his failure in
His painting will fetch a fancy price.
the examination.
5. A gala day- ¼[kq”kh dk fnu½
24. Like wild fire- ¼rsth ls½
His birthday is a gala day for him.
6. The ins and outs- ¼iw.kZ tkudkjh½ The news of his murder spread like wild fire.
Nobody can know the ins and outs of their secret 25. Out of gear- ¼fcxM+h gqbZ gkyr esa½
service. His business has gone out of gear these days.
7. Red tapism- ¼vR;f/kd ljdkjh vkSipkfjdrk;sa½ 26. At sea- ¼ijs”kku½
Many projects are held up long on account of red I am at sea these days on account of all these
tapism. problems coming together.
8. Sharp practice- ¼fof/k dk;Z esa pkykdh½ 27. To the letter- ¼Bhd izdkj ls v{kj”k%½
No lawyer can get success by resorting to sharp practice.
I have carried out his orders to the letter.
9. A wet blanket- ¼grksRlkfgr djus okyh oLrq ;k O;fDr½
Too much seriousness acts as a wet blanket to 28. In the dark- ¼va/kdkj es]a vufHkK] vUtku½
cheerfulness. Don’t keep your parents in the dark.
10. Hand and glove- ¼cgqr ?kfu’B½ 29. At the first flash- ¼igyh gh ckj ns[kus ij½
I am hand and glove with my friend. You cannot appreciate this painting at the first flash.
11. Forty winks- ¼fnu esa FkksM+k lksuk½ 30. In the ascendant- ¼Å¡ps mBrs gq,½
I have forty winks every day after lunch. His stars are in the ascendant these days.
12. A freelancer- ¼LorU= ys[kd@jktuhfrK½
31. In hand- ¼fu;U=.k esa½
He writes articles for the newspapers as a freelancer.
13. Iron will- ¼n`<+ fu”p; okyk½ Now the law and order situation is in hand.
A good statesman should be a man of iron will. 32. In the air- ¼pkjksa vksj QSyk gqvk½
14. Fair sex- ¼ukjh½ The fear of an attack is in the air.
This is the privilege of the fair sex. 33. Out of the question- ¼vlEHko½
15. A big gun- ¼egRoiw.kZ O;fDr½ His success in business is out of the question
He is a big gun. 34. At a pinch- ¼dfBu ifjfLFkfr esa½
Adjective Phrases No friend of yours will come to your help at a pinch.
16. With open arms- ¼mRlkgiw.kZ Lokxr½ 35. Ill at ease- ¼fpfUrr½
My friend received me with open arms. He is ill at ease on account of his father’s illness.
17. Without reserve- ¼iw.kZ :i ls½ 36. On his last legs- ¼vfUre fLFkfr esa½
We accept your terms without reserve. His grand-father is on his last legs.
18. Beside himself - ¼ijs”kku½ 37. Head or tail- ¼dqN Hkh vFkZ ugha½
His heavy loss in business has thrown him beside We could make no head or tail of his long speech
himself. 38. With one voice- ¼loZlEefr ls½
19. On the alert- ¼lko/kku½ His proposal was accepted with one voice.
ABC GRAMMAR POINT
174
 IDIOM & PHRASES
39. For good- ¼ges”kk ds fy;s½ The convict is still at large.
He has left Delhi and settled in the suburb for good. 58. At length- ¼iw.kZ fooj.k ds lkFk½
40. On the cards- ¼”kh?kz gksus okyh dksbZ ckr½ You should discuss your plan with me at length.
Now the elections are on the cards. 59. Of course- ¼fu%lUnsg½
41. All the rage- ¼cgqr izpfyr½ Of course he will never betray you.
Pop music is all the rage these days. 60. Time and again- ¼ckj&ckj½
42. Under the wing- ¼lqj{kk es½a Please don’t come to me for help time and again.
This port is under the wing of America. 61. By and by- ¼/khjs&/khjs½
43. In hot water- ¼ijs”kkuh es½a By and by he will adjust himself to the climatic
The journalist is in hot water due to his wrong conditions of this country.
reporting of Parliamentary proceedings. 62. Few and far between- ¼FkksMs + ls vkSj ,d nwljs ls nwjh ij½
Adverb Phrases In the desert the villages are few and far between.
44. By degrees- ¼/khjs&/khjs½ 63. First and foremost- ¼izFke vkSj lcls egRoiw.kZ½
He is recovering from his heavy debts by degrees. Our first and foremost duty is to serve our country.
45. At times- ¼dHkh&dHkh½ 64. For long- ¼cgqr le; rd½ War cannot go for long.
At times he behaves like a fool. 65. Over and above- ¼bl lcds vfrfjDr½
46. Once for all- ¼vfUre :i ls½ Over and above he is very hard-working.
66. To and fro- ¼vkxs ihNs½
You must take a decision once for all.
He was pacing in the room to and fro.
47. At random- ¼fcuk fdlh Øe ds½ 67. Through and through- ¼iwjh rjg ls½
He gave me some suggestions at random which I He is through and through a rogue.
could not accept. 68. By all means- ¼gj izdkj ls½
48. Of late- ¼vHkh gky es½a I will certainly help you by all means.
Of late he has not seen me. Prepositional Phrases
69. For the sake of- ¼dh [kkfrj½
49. At best- ¼vf/kd&ls&vf/kd½
A patriot would die for the sake of his country.
At best I can introduce you to him. 70. In response to- ¼ds mRrj esa½
50. Out and out- ¼iwjh rjg ls½ The public countributed liberally in response to an
He is out and out a gentleman. appeal by the Prime Minister.
51. Off and on- ¼dHkh&dHkh½ 71. In regard to - ¼ds lEcU/k es½a
Off and on he comes and stays with me. The students met the Principal in regard to many of
their problems.
52. Now and then- ¼dHkh&dHkh½
72. In addition to - ¼ds vfrfjDr½
Now and then he comes here. We get gratuity in addition to our pension.
53. Far and wide- ¼nwj&nwj rd½ 73. In accordance with- ¼ds vuqlkj½
His fame has spread far and wide. I have enclosed all the documents in accordance
54. Before long- ¼cgqr tYnh½ with the advertisement.
We are shifting to our new house before long. 74. In proportion to - ¼ds vuqikr es½a
55. At a stretch- ¼yxkrkj½ The workers are not paid in proportion to their work.
I can drive my car for six hours at a stretch. 75. For want of- ¼ds vHkko es½a
56. At the outset- ¼izkjEHk es½a I could not start my business for want of money.
You must work very hard at the outset of your career. 76. In Iieu of - ¼ds cnys es½a
57. At large- ¼Hkkxk gqvk½ You can write an essay in Iieu of translation.

ABC GRAMMAR POINT

175
NDA/NA LEXICON
77. At the instance of - ¼ds lq>ko ij½ His cunningness accounts for his fall.
I applied for this post at the instance of my father. 94. Bear out- ¼xokgh nsuk½
78. In spite of - ¼ds ckotwn Hkh½ The other witnesses will bear out what I say.
He failed in spite of hard labour. 95. Bear with- ¼cnkZ”r djuk½
79. On account of- ¼ds dkj.k½ Please bear with me for some more time.
I could not go to office on account of heavy rains. 96. Break off- ¼vpkud #d tkuk½
80. In view of- ¼ds fopkj ls½ He suddenly broke off in the middle of his speech.
In view of some disturbances in the city, the market 97. Break into- ¼tcjnLrh ?kqluk] lsa/k yxkuk½
was kept closed. The thieves broke into my shop last night.
81. With a view to- ¼ds mn~ns”; ls½ 98. Bring about- ¼mRiUu djuk½
He has moved to Mumbai with a view to setting up a These measures will bring about prosperity in the
factory there. country.
82. In the wake of- ¼fdlh dke ds ,dne ckn½ 99. Bring in- ¼dekuk½
The market has been closed in the wake of some He brings in five thousand rupees a month.
disturbances. 100. Bring out- ¼izdk”k esa ykuk½
83. In a state of - ¼dh n”kk es½a The enquiry will bring out many startling facts.
He is lying in a state of coma. 101. Bring up- ¼ykyu&ikyu djuk½
84. By virtue of- ¼ds dkj.k½ He has a large family to bring up.
He secured first position by virtue of hard labour. 102. Back out- ¼ok;ns ls ihNs gVuk½
85. In search of - ¼dh ryk”k es½a You can fully depend on him. He will never back
He has come here in search of some job. out of his word.
86. On the point of - ¼ds fcUnq ij½ 103. Bear up- ¼fgEer cuk, j[kuk½
His factory is on the point of closure. A strong man would bear up against all odds.
87. In order to- ¼ds mn~ns”; ls ½ 104. Blow out- ¼cq>k nsuk½
He has appealed to the court in order to get some Please blow out the lamp when you go out.
relief. 105. Break with- ¼>xMk dj cSBuk½
88. In the act of- ¼ds d`R; esa½ Don’t break with your old friends on such petty
When they arrived I was just in the act of starting to matters.
make dinner. 106. Break out- ¼QSy tkuk] vkjEHk gks tkuk½
89. In the midst of - ¼ds chp es½a Cholera has broken out.
He works in the midst of great difficulties. War has broken out.
90. At the top of- ¼lcls Åij½ 107. Break down- ¼chp esa gh #d tkuk] VwV tkuk½
He shouted at the top of his voice. He broke down in the middle of his speech.
91. In consideration of- ¼ds fopkj ds dkj.k½ 108. Break up- ¼LFkfxr gks tkuk½
I pardon you in consideration of your long service. The meeting has been broken up.
92. By the way- ¼vpkud dksbZ ckr dguk½ 109. Bring forth- ¼iSnk djuk½
By the way, are you Ram Mohan Roy? They have brought forth a new variety of wheat.
Verbal Phrases 110. Bring forward- ¼dksbZ u;k rdZ nsuk½
93. Account for- ¼dk dkj.k cuuk½ He has no new argument to bring forward.

ABC GRAMMAR POINT

176
 IDIOM & PHRASES
111. Bring out- ¼iqLrd izdkf”kr djuk½ 130. Come off- ¼gksuk] lEiUu gksuk½
I have brought out a new book on Grammar. The function comes off next Sunday.
112. Bring under- ¼nck nsuk½ 131. Come round- ¼chekjh ls eqDr gksuk½
It is your responsibility to bring under the rebellion. He has come round his heart problem after a long
113. To Beggared description- ¼ftldk o.kZu u gks lds½ treatment.
Cleopatra’s beauty is to beggared description. 132. Come down upon- ¼izrkM+uk] ltk nsuk½
114. To bring home- ¼le>kuk½ Your boss will come down upon you for this negligence.
The central idea of the poem was brought home to 133. Cry up- ¼mRlkg c<+kuk½
the students by the teacher. Let us cry him up through this crisis.
115. Call on- ¼fdlh O;fDr ls feyus tkuk½ 134. Cut down- ¼[kpkZ de djuk½
I shall call on you tomorrow morning. You must cut down your expenditure on petrol.
116. Call in- ¼cqykuk½ 135. To come to grief- ¼nq%[k dh fLFkfr esa vkuk½
Please call in my Secretary. If you don’t mend yourself, you will come to grief.
117. Carry out- ¼ikyu djuk½ 136. Deal in- ¼O;kikj djuk½
I cannot carry out your orders. He deals in silk.
118. Cast down- ¼fujk”k½ 137. Deal with- ¼fucVuk½
He feels much cast down owing to his failure. How will you deal with the rogues?
119. Cast away- ¼Qsad nsuk½ 138. Do away with- ¼lekIr djuk] lEcU/k NksM+ nsuk½
He has cast away his old shoes. He has done away with all bad habits.
120. Come across- ¼fdlh ls vpkud feyuk½ 139. Draw back- ¼okil ykSVuk½
I came across my former boss yesterday. The flood has drawn back
121. Come about- ¼gksuk½ 140. Fall out- ¼>xM+k djuk½
The change came about suddenly. These two brothers have fallen out.
122. Cry down- ¼vkykspuk djuk½ 141. Fall upon- ¼vkØe.k djuk½
Many people are in the habit of crying down their Our armies fell upon the enemy at midnight.
friends. 142. Fall through- ¼vlQy gksuk½
123. Call names- ¼xkyh nsuk½ My scheme has fallen through for want of money.
He is in the habit of calling names.
143. Get out of- ¼eqDr gksuk½
124. Call over- ¼uke iqdkjuk½
Try to get out of all your debts.
Please call over the names of the winners once again.
144. Get through- ¼mÙkh.kZ gksuk½
125. Call off- ¼lekIr dj nsuk½
The strike has been called off. He will easily get through the examination.
126. Call up- ¼iqjkuh ckr dks ;kn djuk½ 145. Get up- ¼mBuk½
Please call up the promise you made to me. He gets up very early in the morning.
127. Call for- ¼Li’Vhdj.k ek¡xuk½ 146. Give away- ¼iqjLdkj ck¡Vuk½
You must call for an explanation from him. The Principal gave away the prizes.
128. Carry on- ¼lQyrkiwoZd pykrs jguk½ 147. Give up- ¼NksM+ nsuk½
He is carrying on his business successfully. I shall give up my claim.
129. Carry on with- ¼tkjh j[kuk½ 148. Go through- ¼tk¡p djuk½
You may carry on with your arguments. Please go through my essay.

ABC GRAMMAR POINT

177
NDA/NA LEXICON
149. Go in for- ¼ds i{k esa½ A mother looks after her children with selfless devotion.
I shall go in for a new car. 168. Lay out- ¼tek djuk] O;olk; esa #i;k yxkuk½
150. Get on- ¼vkxs c<+rs jguk½ He is not in a position to lay out more than this
You must get on with your scheme against all amount.
difficulties. 169. Leave out- ¼NwV tkuk] NksM+ nsuk½
151. Get back- ¼okil feyuk½ My name has been left out from the list.
It is not easy to get back your money from him. 170. Let off- ¼fcuk ltk fn, gq, NksM+ nsuk½
152. Get off- ¼NwV dj fudy tkuk½ The police let the thief off.
The convict got off from police custody. 171. Look for- ¼ryk”k djuk½
153. Get over- ¼dkcw esa dj ysuk½ I am looking for a new house.
I have got over my greatest difficulty with his help. 172. Look out for- ¼fdlh dh ryk”k esa yxs jguk½
154. Get on with- ¼lger gksuk] lkFk&lkFk jguk½ The police are looking out for unauthorized foreigners.
I cannot get on with my treacherous friend any longer. 173. Look through- ¼ljljh fuxkg ls ns[k ysuk½
155. Give over- ¼ifjorZu] ftEesnkjh lkSaiuk½ Please look through my essay.
He is giving over his charge on the last day of this 174. Look down upon- ¼?k`.kk dh n`f’V ls ns[kuk½
month. It is bad to look down upon the poor.
156. Give in- ¼>qd tkuk] gfFk;kj Mky nsuk½ 175. Look on- ¼fdlh dks fdlh :i esa ns[kuk½
The militant gave in after a tough resistance. I look on him as a very respectable person.
157. Go off- ¼ck:n dk QV tkuk½ 176. To lose ground- ¼vk/kkj detksj iM+uk½
The machine-gun suddenly went off. Small political parties soon come to lose ground.
158. Go out- ¼cq> tkuk½ 177. Look forward to- ¼vk”kk djuk½
The candle has gone out. We look forward to meeting you very soon.
159. Hold up- ¼jksd nsuk½ 178. Look into- ¼tk¡p djuk½
The traffic has been held up by the agitators. We shall look into your case very carefully.
160. Hold over- ¼LFkfxr djuk½ 179. Make out- ¼le>uk½
Let us hold over this matter for the next meeting. I could not make out anything from his letter.
161. Hold in- ¼dkcw esa j[kuk½ 180. Make up- ¼{kfriwfrZ djuk½
He cannot hold in the untrained horse. You have to make up for the lost time.
162. Hold on- ¼tkjh j[kuk] ifjJe djrs jguk½ 181. To make a mark- ¼fo”ks’krk izkIr djuk½
You must hold on to your efforts in all circumstances. He has made a mark in the field of painting.
163. Knock down- ¼fxjk nsuk½ 182. Make good- ¼uqdlku dh HkjikbZ djuk½
He was knocked down by a car. You have to make good my loss.
164. Keep up- ¼cuk;s j[kuk½ 183. Make up one’s mind- ¼n`<+ fu’p; dj ysuk½
He is creditably keeping up his reputation. I have made up my mind to resign from this post.
165. Lay down- ¼U;kSNkoj djuk½ 184. Make away with- ¼NqVdkjk ik ysuk½
Many patriots would willingly lay down their life I have made away with my treacherous friend.
for their country. 185. Make off with- ¼ywV dj Hkkx tkuk½
166. Lay by- ¼Hkfo’; ds fy;s cpkuk½ The robber made off with all our belongings.
One should always lay by something for the rainy day. 186. Put on- ¼?keaMh :i ;k Nn~e Hks’k /kkj.k djuk½
167. Look after- ¼ns[kHkky djuk½ He puts on much airs without any solid ground.

ABC GRAMMAR POINT

178
 IDIOM & PHRASES
187. Put down- ¼nck nsuk] dkcw esa dj ysuk½ 207. Set in- ¼vkjEHk gks tkuk½
The rebellion has been put down with a strong hand. The rains have set in.
188. Pass through- ¼xqtjuk½ 208. Set off/out- ¼;k=k ij py iM+uk½
India is passing through a difficult stage. He has set off / out to Mumbai Just now.
189. Pull up- ¼Mk¡Vuk½ 209. Stand against- ¼fojks/k esa [kM+s gksuk½
The teacher pulled up the naughty boy. He does not have the courage to stand against me.
190. Put out- ¼cq>kuk½ 210. Stand by- ¼lgk;rk djuk½
Don’t put out the lamp, please. I shall always stand by you.
191. Put off- ¼LFkfxr djuk½ 211. Taken in- ¼/kks[kk [kk tkuk½
The meeting has been put off for tomorrow. He was easily taken in by the chear.
192. Put up with- ¼lguk½ 212. Take off- ¼diM+s mrkj nsuk½
It is very difficult to put up with a foolish friend. It is very hot. Take off your coat.
193. To play false- ¼Bxuk½ 213. Take up- ¼fdlh dke dks gkFk esa ysuk½
One should not play false with friends. Now I will take up some new business.
194. Run after- ¼fdlh oLrq ds ihNs Hkkxrs jguk½ 214. Take over- ¼ftEesnkjh dk LFkku laHkky ysuk½
It is bad to run so much after money. he has taken over as the Principal of the college.
195. Run into- ¼dtsZ esa Q¡l tkuk½ 215. Take down- ¼fy[k Mkyuk½
He has run into heavy debts You must take down the important points.
196. Run out- ¼[kRe gks tkuk½ 216. Turn out- ¼fl) gksuk½
The stock of sugar has run out. He turned out to be a spy.
197. Run down- ¼detksj iM+ tkuk½ 217. Turn out- ¼fudky nsuk½
He is very much run down owing to his long illness. He has been turned out of the University.
198. See through- ¼xgjkbZ ls ns[k ysuk½ 218. Think over- ¼fopkj djuk½
I can see through all his design. Please think over my proposal once again.
199. See off- ¼fonkbZ nsuk½ 219. Take after- ¼”kDy feyuk½
We shall see him off at the airport. The girl strikingly takes after her mother.
200. Set aside- ¼fujLr dj nsuk½ 220. Tell upon- ¼cqjk çHkko Mkyuk½
The court has set aside the order of the Chairman Smoking tells upon everyone’s health.
201. Set up- ¼LFkkfir djuk½ 221. Turn up- ¼vkuk] mifLFkr gksuk½
He set up a cement factory. He turned up at the last stroke of the bell.
202. Set off- ¼;k=k ij tkuk½ 222. To take to heart- ¼xgjkbZ ls eglwl djuk½
He set off for America last night. She has taken her insult to heart.
203. Strike off- ¼dkV nsuk] lekIr dj nsuk½ 223. Work out- ¼x.kuk djuk½
The teacher can strike off your name. We should first work out the total expenditure on
204. Set forth- ¼;k=k ij tkuk½ this project.
He is setting forth to Delhi tomorrow morning. 224. Wear out- ¼Fkd tkuk] f?kl tkuk½
205. Set apart- ¼lqjf{kr cpk, j[kuk½ The shoes of my young son wear out very soon.
You just set apart some money for paying the tax. 225. Wait on- ¼fdlh ls feyus tkuk½
206. Set down- ¼fyf[kr #i esa j[kuk½ We shall wait on the Chief Minister in this
Let us set down the terms of agreement. connection.
ABC GRAMMAR POINT
179
NDA/NA LEXICON
226. Work up- ¼mRrsftr djuk½ 243. Head and shoulders- ¼cgqr vf/kd½
He worked up the mob against me. He is head and shoulders above his friends in
Idiomatic Phrases in Pairs intelligence
227. Fits and starts- ¼vfu;fer #i ls½ 244. Bread and butter- ¼[kkuk&ihuk½
He does his work by fits and starts. There is no provision even for bread and butter in
228. Heart and soul- ¼iwjs eu ls½ his family.
I am devoted to my work heart and soul. 245. Fair and square- ¼bZekunkjh½
229. Intents and purposes - ¼lHkh vFkksZ esa½ I believe in fair and square dealings.
He is to all intents and purposes my real boss. 246. Rhyme and reason- ¼dkj.k½
230. Kith and Kin- ¼lxs&lEcU/kh½ He is hostile to me without any rhyme and reason.
I am really grateful to my kith and kin. 247. Cats and dogs- ¼ewlyk/kkj o’kkZ½
231. Leaps and bounds- ¼rhoz xfr ls½ It is raining cats and dogs.
His business is developing by leaps and bounds. 248. Rank and file- ¼loZ lk/kkj.k½
232. Odds and ends- ¼b/kj m/kj dh phts½ You can never with against the wishes of rank and file.
He filled his bag with odds and ends and ran away. 249. Root and branch- ¼iwjh rjg ls½
233. Part and parcel- ¼vfHkUu vax½ Let us do away with this evil custome root and branch.
Kashmir is part and parcel of India. 250. Long and short- ¼laf{kIr lkj½
234. Rack and ruin- ¼loZuk”k½ Let me know the long and short of the whole episode.
His family has gone to rack and ruin owing to his 251. Then and there- ¼mlh le;½
reckless habits.. He made the payment then and there.
235. Time and tide- ¼le; vkSj volj½ Idiomatic Comparisons
Don’t miss this change, for time and tide wait for v¡xzsth Hkk’kk esa dqN Idiomatic comparisons Hkh gksrs
nobody. gSA tks cgq/kk ,d Adjective vkSj ,d Noun ls feydj curs
236. Tooth and nail- ¼iwjh rkdr ls yM+uk½ gSA ,sls dqN vf/kd çpfyr comparison dh list uhps nh tk
Let us fight casteism tooth and nail. jgh gS %
237. Wear and tear- ¼{k;½ 1. As black as coal - dks;ys tSlk dkyk
There should be a separate fund for the wear and 2. As blind as a bat - pexknM+ tSlk vU/kk
tear of machinery. 3. As brave as a lion - “ksj dh rjg cgknqj
238. All in all- ¼losZlokZ½ 4. As bright as noonday - nksigj dh rjg pedhyk
My uncle is all in all in my family. 5. As brittle as glass - “kh”ks dh rjg pVd tkus okyk
239. Black and white- ¼fyf[kr es½a
6. As busy as a bee - e/kqeD[kh dh rjg O;Lr
Let us make an agreement in black and white.
7. As changeable as the moon - pk¡ n dh rjg
240. Hard and fast- ¼fuf”pr½
There can be no hard and fast role for good conduct.
ifjorZu”khy
241. Slow and steady- ¼/kheh] ij fu;efr xfr ls½ 8. As cheerful/gay as a lark - yok fpfM+;k tSlk [kq”k
The slow and steady wins the race. 9. As cold as ice - cQZ dh rjg BaMk
242. Null and void- ¼fu’çHkkoh½ 10. As cold as marble - laxejej tSlk BaMk
This provision has been declared null and void by 11. As cunning as a fox - ykseM+h dh rjg pkykd
the court. 12. As deaf as a post/pole - [kEHks dh rjg cgjk
13. As deep as a well - dq,¡ dh rjg xgjk

ABC GRAMMAR POINT

180
 IDIOM & PHRASES
14. As dumb as a statue - ewfrZ dh rjg x¡wxk@ewd 29. As pale as death - ekSr dh rjg ihyk
15. As fair as a rose - xqykc dh rjg lqUnj 30. As poor as a church mouse - ppZ ds pwgs dh rjg
16. As firm as a rock - pV~Vku dh rjg n`<+ xjhc
17. As fresh as a daizy - Qwy ¼xqycgkj½ dh rjg rktk 31. As quick as lighting - vkdk”kh; fctyh dh rjg rst
18. As fresh as a rose - xqykc dh rjg rktk 32. As red as a rose - xqykc dh rjg yky
19. As gentle as a lamb - HksM+ ds cPps dh rjg lh/kk 33. As rich as a jew- ;gwnh dh rjg vehj
20. As good as gold - lksus dh rjg [kjk 34. As round as a globe - xksys ¼i`Foh½ dh rjg xksy
21. As grave as judge - tt dh rjg xEHkhj 35. As sharp as a razor - mLrjs dh rjg rst /kkj
22. As green as grass - ?kkl dh rjg gjk 36. As silent as the grave - dcz dh rjg “kkUr
23. As hard as flint - iRFkj dh rjg dBksj 37. As slippery as an cel - eNyh dh rjg fQlyus okyk
24. As harmless as a dove - Qk[rs dh rjg gkfujfgr 38. As silly as a goose - cÙk[k dh rjg csodwQ
25. As light as a feather - ia[k dh rjg gYdk 39. As sure as death - e`R;q dh rjg fuf”pr
26. As loud as thunder - cknyksa dh xtZu tSlh rst 40. As sweet as honey - “kgn dh rjg ehBk
vkokt 41. As swift as an arrow - rhj dh rjg rst
27. As mad as March hare - ,slk ikxy ¼mÙksftr½ tSlk 42. As soft as wax - ekse dh rjg eqyk;e
ekpZ ds eghus esa [kjxks”k 43. As vain as a peacock - eksj dh rjg ?kaeMh
28. As merry as a cricket - >haxqj dh rjg mYyflr 44. As White as snow - cQZ dh rjg lQsn
45. As wise as Solomon - lksykseu lar dh rjg cqf)eku

ABC GRAMMAR POINT

181