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. From stem to stern









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    From stem to stern = from the front to the back especially of a ship Look at the sentence : Surges of water rocked their boats from stem to stern

    Correct Option: A

    From stem to stern = from the front to the back especially of a ship Look at the sentence : Surges of water rocked their boats from stem to stern


  1. Up a blind alley









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    Up a blind alley = following a course of action that is cer
    tain to lead to an undesirable outcome. Look at the sentence : I keep telling Gina to stop chasing after Rima. She’s just going up a blind alley

    Correct Option: D

    Up a blind alley = following a course of action that is cer
    tain to lead to an undesirable outcome. Look at the sentence : I keep telling Gina to stop chasing after Rima. She’s just going up a blind alley



  1. Turn a blind eye









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    Pretened not to notice Turn a blind eye = overlook ; disregard ; neglect ; ignore Look at the sentence : Management often turns a blind eye to bullying in the workplace.

    Correct Option: C

    Pretened not to notice Turn a blind eye = overlook ; disregard ; neglect ; ignore Look at the sentence : Management often turns a blind eye to bullying in the workplace.


  1. saved by the bell









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    saved at the last moment Saved by the bell = saved by a last minute intervention Look at the sentence : She was drowning in the stream, but a boatman saved her by the bell.

    Correct Option: B

    saved at the last moment Saved by the bell = saved by a last minute intervention Look at the sentence : She was drowning in the stream, but a boatman saved her by the bell.



  1. Run out of steam









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    To lose impetus or enthusiasm Run out of steam = to suddenly lose the energy or interest to continue doing something Look at the sentence : The peace talks seem to have run out of steam.

    Correct Option: A

    To lose impetus or enthusiasm Run out of steam = to suddenly lose the energy or interest to continue doing something Look at the sentence : The peace talks seem to have run out of steam.