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 fast and loose









  1. View Hint View Answer Discuss in Forum

    To act in an unreliable way To play fast and loose = behave irresponsibly or immorally. Look at the sentence : I am not someone who plays fast and loose with other people’s lives.

    Correct Option: C

    To act in an unreliable way To play fast and loose = behave irresponsibly or immorally. Look at the sentence : I am not someone who plays fast and loose with other people’s lives.


  1. Held up









  1. View Hint View Answer Discuss in Forum

    Delayed Held up = put off; withheld. Look at the sentence : We were held up for two hours on account of an accident.

    Correct Option: B

    Delayed Held up = put off; withheld. Look at the sentence : We were held up for two hours on account of an accident.



  1. Bear in mind









  1. View Hint View Answer Discuss in Forum

    Remember Bear in mind = to remember a piece of information when you are making decisions Look at the sentence : Bearing in mind that she has had so little experience, I thought she did very well.

    Correct Option: C

    Remember Bear in mind = to remember a piece of information when you are making decisions Look at the sentence : Bearing in mind that she has had so little experience, I thought she did very well.


  1. Under a cloud









  1. View Hint View Answer Discuss in Forum

    Sad Under a cloud = under suspicion or discredited; in trouble. Look at the sentence : He left under something of a cloud accused of misappropriating funds.

    Correct Option: B

    Sad Under a cloud = under suspicion or discredited; in trouble. Look at the sentence : He left under something of a cloud accused of misappropriating funds.



  1. A Man of letters









  1. View Hint View Answer Discuss in Forum

    Scholar A man of letters = a male scholar or author; a man who knows a lot. Look at the sentence : He wished to fashion for himself a career as a man of letters.

    Correct Option: D

    Scholar A man of letters = a male scholar or author; a man who knows a lot. Look at the sentence : He wished to fashion for himself a career as a man of letters.