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 show a clean pair of heels









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    to show a clean pair of heels : to escape by superior speed; to outrun.
    ● Sam showed them all a clean pair of heels as he raced for the finishing line. The best option is to escape.

    Correct Option: B

    to show a clean pair of heels : to escape by superior speed; to outrun.
    ● Sam showed them all a clean pair of heels as he raced for the finishing line. The best option is to escape.


  1. to flog a dead horse









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    to flog a dead horse : to waste your effort by trying to do something that is no longer possible
    ● He was warned again and again, but now I think there is no use flogging a dead horse. The best option is to attempt to do the impossible.

    Correct Option: B

    to flog a dead horse : to waste your effort by trying to do something that is no longer possible
    ● He was warned again and again, but now I think there is no use flogging a dead horse. The best option is to attempt to do the impossible.


  1. to strain every nerve









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    to strain every nerve : to try as hard as you can to do something
    ● I was straining every nerve to catch what they were saying. The best option is to make utmost efforts.

    Correct Option: A

    to strain every nerve : to try as hard as you can to do something
    ● I was straining every nerve to catch what they were saying. The best option is to make utmost efforts.


  1. to bite the dust









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    to bite the dust : to fail; to be defeated or destroyed; to die
    ● The soldier was too young to bite the dust. (to die) None of the above

    Correct Option: D

    to bite the dust : to fail; to be defeated or destroyed; to die
    ● The soldier was too young to bite the dust. (to die) None of the above


  1. to take to one's heels









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    to take to one’s heels : to run away from somebody/something
    ● As soon as the thief saw the police, he took to his heels. The best option is to run away.

    Correct Option: B

    to take to one’s heels : to run away from somebody/something
    ● As soon as the thief saw the police, he took to his heels. The best option is to run away.