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. Capital Punishment









  1. View Hint View Answer Discuss in Forum

    Death sentence Capital Punishment = death penalty is a government sanctioned practice where by a person is put to death by the state as a punishment for a crime.

    Correct Option: A

    Death sentence Capital Punishment = death penalty is a government sanctioned practice where by a person is put to death by the state as a punishment for a crime.


  1. A live wire









  1. View Hint View Answer Discuss in Forum

    Lively and active A live wire = an energetic and unpredictable person; high spirited.
    Look at the sentence : When we saw you in the starlight club you were a real live wire.

    Correct Option: B

    Lively and active A live wire = an energetic and unpredictable person; high spirited.
    Look at the sentence : When we saw you in the starlight club you were a real live wire.



  1. Smell a rat









  1. View Hint View Answer Discuss in Forum

    suspect a trick or deceit Smell a rat = to suspect that something is wrong; suspect a deceit. Look at the sentence : I don’t think this was an accident. I smell a rat.

    Correct Option: B

    suspect a trick or deceit Smell a rat = to suspect that something is wrong; suspect a deceit. Look at the sentence : I don’t think this was an accident. I smell a rat.


  1. Wild goose chase









  1. View Hint View Answer Discuss in Forum

    A foolish, unprofitable adventure Wild goose chase = a foolish and hopeless search for or in pursuit of something unattainable; a worthless hunt. Look at the sentence : John was angry because he was sent out on a wild goose chase.

    Correct Option: C

    A foolish, unprofitable adventure Wild goose chase = a foolish and hopeless search for or in pursuit of something unattainable; a worthless hunt. Look at the sentence : John was angry because he was sent out on a wild goose chase.



  1. Invent cock and bull stories









  1. View Hint View Answer Discuss in Forum

    Absurd and unlikely stories Invent cock and bull stories = an absurd, improbable story presented as the truth; a fanciful and unbelievable tale. Look at the sentence : She told me some cock and bull story about her car breaking down.

    Correct Option: C

    Absurd and unlikely stories Invent cock and bull stories = an absurd, improbable story presented as the truth; a fanciful and unbelievable tale. Look at the sentence : She told me some cock and bull story about her car breaking down.