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. an axe to grind









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    an axe to grind : to have private reason for being involved in something. Here, have a selfish interest is the right option Look at the sentence :
    ● She hadno axe to grindand was only acting out of concern for their safety.

    Correct Option: D

    an axe to grind : to have private reason for being involved in something. Here, have a selfish interest is the right option Look at the sentence :
    ● She hadno axe to grindand was only acting out of concern for their safety.


  1. put two and two together









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    put two and two together : to guess the truth from what you see. Here, reason logically is the right option. Look at the sentence :
    ● He’s inclined to put two and two together.

    Correct Option: C

    put two and two together : to guess the truth from what you see. Here, reason logically is the right option. Look at the sentence :
    ● He’s inclined to put two and two together.



  1. to break the ice









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    to break the ice : to say or do something that makes people feel more relaxed. Here, made people relaxed and comfortable is the right option.

    Correct Option: D

    to break the ice : to say or do something that makes people feel more relaxed. Here, made people relaxed and comfortable is the right option.


  1. to be in a fix









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    to be in a fix : in a difficult situation ; mess. Look at the sentence :
    ● We have got ourselves in a fix about this. Here, in a difficult situation is the right option.

    Correct Option: D

    to be in a fix : in a difficult situation ; mess. Look at the sentence :
    ● We have got ourselves in a fix about this. Here, in a difficult situation is the right option.



  1. to keep in abeyance









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    to keep in abeyance : not being used or being stopped for a period of time. Here, in a state of suspension is the right option. Look at the sentence :
    ● The law has been kept in abeyance.

    Correct Option: C

    to keep in abeyance : not being used or being stopped for a period of time. Here, in a state of suspension is the right option. Look at the sentence :
    ● The law has been kept in abeyance.