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. a gentleman at large









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    a gentleman at large : a man without a job. Here, a man without a job is the right option. Look at the sentences :
    ● Having sold off his factory, he is now a gentleman at large. a gentleman of leisure : a man who does not have to work.

    Correct Option: B

    a gentleman at large : a man without a job. Here, a man without a job is the right option. Look at the sentences :
    ● Having sold off his factory, he is now a gentleman at large. a gentleman of leisure : a man who does not have to work.


  1. take the bull by the horns









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    take the bull by the horns : to face a difficult or dangerous situation directly and with courage; deal decisively with a difficult situation. Here, grapple the situation courageously is the right option. Look at the sentence :
    ● She decided to take the bull by the horns and organise things for herself.

    Correct Option: B

    take the bull by the horns : to face a difficult or dangerous situation directly and with courage; deal decisively with a difficult situation. Here, grapple the situation courageously is the right option. Look at the sentence :
    ● She decided to take the bull by the horns and organise things for herself.



  1. take the bull by the horns









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    take the bull by the horns : to face a difficult or dangerous situation directly and with courage; deal decisively with a difficult situation. Here, grapple the situation courageously is the right option. Look at the sentence :
    ● She decided to take the bull by the horns and organise things for herself.

    Correct Option: B

    take the bull by the horns : to face a difficult or dangerous situation directly and with courage; deal decisively with a difficult situation. Here, grapple the situation courageously is the right option. Look at the sentence :
    ● She decided to take the bull by the horns and organise things for herself.


  1. To clip one’s wings









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    to clip one’s wings : to restrict a person’s freedom or power. Here, to deprive one of power is the right option. Look at the sentence :
    ● In rural India parents generally clip the wings of their daughters.

    Correct Option: C

    to clip one’s wings : to restrict a person’s freedom or power. Here, to deprive one of power is the right option. Look at the sentence :
    ● In rural India parents generally clip the wings of their daughters.



  1. To put a spoke in one’s wheel









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    to put a spoke in one’s wheel: to prevent somebody from putting their plans into operation; to hinder Here, to hinder is the right option Look at the sentence :
    ● An injury was putting a spoke in his wheel from playing his best.

    Correct Option: B

    to put a spoke in one’s wheel: to prevent somebody from putting their plans into operation; to hinder Here, to hinder is the right option Look at the sentence :
    ● An injury was putting a spoke in his wheel from playing his best.