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. The carrot and stick policy pays dividends in every organisation.









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    carrot and stick : reward and punishment
    ● I had to take the carrot-and-stick approach to discipline my kids. The best option is reward and punishment.

    Correct Option: D

    carrot and stick : reward and punishment
    ● I had to take the carrot-and-stick approach to discipline my kids. The best option is reward and punishment.


  1. There was a job for me to cut my teeth on.









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    to cut my teeth on : to do something that gives you your first experience of a particular type of work
    ● I cut my teeth on editing and proof-reading. The best option is to gain experience.

    Correct Option: A

    to cut my teeth on : to do something that gives you your first experience of a particular type of work
    ● I cut my teeth on editing and proof-reading. The best option is to gain experience.


  1. His arguments cut no ice with me.









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    cut no ice with me : to have no influence or effect
    ● I don’t care who you are, It cuts no ice with me. The best option is had no influence on me.

    Correct Option: A

    cut no ice with me : to have no influence or effect
    ● I don’t care who you are, It cuts no ice with me. The best option is had no influence on me.


  1. The police closed the book on the murder case.









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    closed the book on : to stop doing something because you no longer believe you will be successful or will find a solution
    ● She closed the book on her career with a fine performance. The best option is stopped working on.

    Correct Option: B

    closed the book on : to stop doing something because you no longer believe you will be successful or will find a solution
    ● She closed the book on her career with a fine performance. The best option is stopped working on.


  1. The storm brought about great destruction in the valley.









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    brought about : to make something happen; cause
    ● His speech brought about a great change in my life. The best option is caused.

    Correct Option: B

    brought about : to make something happen; cause
    ● His speech brought about a great change in my life. The best option is caused.