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. With might and main









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    with full force With might and main = with all one's power or strength; to the best of one's ability; with as much effort as possible. Look at the sentence : They shouted with might and main but nobody came to rescue them.

    Correct Option: B

    with full force With might and main = with all one's power or strength; to the best of one's ability; with as much effort as possible. Look at the sentence : They shouted with might and main but nobody came to rescue them.


  1. At loose ends









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    in an uncertain situation At a loose end = to have nothing to do At loose ends = not knowing what to do, especially because of an upsetting change. Look at the sentences : If you find yourself at loose ends, you could always clean the bathroom. I was at loose ends after finishing school and not being able to find a job.

    Correct Option: C

    in an uncertain situation At a loose end = to have nothing to do At loose ends = not knowing what to do, especially because of an upsetting change. Look at the sentences : If you find yourself at loose ends, you could always clean the bathroom. I was at loose ends after finishing school and not being able to find a job.



  1. Take up the hatchet









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    prepare for or go to war Take up the hatchet = to make or declare war Look at the sentence : He induced the tribes to take up the hatchet against the English.

    Correct Option: D

    prepare for or go to war Take up the hatchet = to make or declare war Look at the sentence : He induced the tribes to take up the hatchet against the English.


  1. Turn over a new leaf









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    change one’s behaviour for the better Turn over a new leaf = start to act or or behave in a better or more responsible way; improve; to start behaving in a better way. Look at the sentence : Apparently he has turned over a new leaf and he is not smoking any more.

    Correct Option: A

    change one’s behaviour for the better Turn over a new leaf = start to act or or behave in a better or more responsible way; improve; to start behaving in a better way. Look at the sentence : Apparently he has turned over a new leaf and he is not smoking any more.



  1. Over egg the pudding









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    add unnecessary details to make better or worse. Over egg the pudding = to spoil something by trying too hard to improve it. Look at the sentence : As a director, I think he has a tendency to over-egg the pudding, with a few too many gorgeous shots of the country side.

    Correct Option: A

    add unnecessary details to make better or worse. Over egg the pudding = to spoil something by trying too hard to improve it. Look at the sentence : As a director, I think he has a tendency to over-egg the pudding, with a few too many gorgeous shots of the country side.