Idioms and Phrases


Direction: In the following questions four alternatives are given for the Idiom/Phrase in bold in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase.

  1. to play second fiddle.









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    to play second fiddle : to be treated as less important than somebody/something; to have a less important position
    ● I’m tired of playing second fiddle to Mehak. The best option is take a subordinate role.

    Correct Option: B

    to play second fiddle : to be treated as less important than somebody/something; to have a less important position
    ● I’m tired of playing second fiddle to Mehak. The best option is take a subordinate role.


  1. casting pearls before swine









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    casting pearls before swine : to give or offer valuable things to people who do not understand their value
    ● Giving him advice is just casting pearls before swine. The best option is offering good things to undeserving people

    Correct Option: B

    casting pearls before swine : to give or offer valuable things to people who do not understand their value
    ● Giving him advice is just casting pearls before swine. The best option is offering good things to undeserving people



  1. He is putting the cart before the horse by purchasing furniture before buying a house.









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    putting the cart before the horse : to do things in the wrong order Building a school before knowing the age of the population is putting the cart before the horse. The best option is doing a thing in the wrong way.

    Correct Option: A

    putting the cart before the horse : to do things in the wrong order Building a school before knowing the age of the population is putting the cart before the horse. The best option is doing a thing in the wrong way.


  1. She must be paying through the nose for the face left.









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    paying through the nose : to pay too much money for something
    ● We paid through the nose for that vacation. The best option is paying too much

    Correct Option: B

    paying through the nose : to pay too much money for something
    ● We paid through the nose for that vacation. The best option is paying too much



  1. Many politicians in India are not fit to hold a candle to Mahatma Gandhi.









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    not fit to hold a candle : is not so good as somebody or something else
    ● Dolly is fast, but not fit to hold a candle to her. The best option is inferior

    Correct Option: C

    not fit to hold a candle : is not so good as somebody or something else
    ● Dolly is fast, but not fit to hold a candle to her. The best option is inferior