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. He has too many irons in the fire.









  1. View Hint View Answer Discuss in Forum

    too many irons in the fire : to be involved in several activities/areas of business at the same time, hoping that at least one will be successful
    ● It is better if you don’t have too many irons in the fire. The best option is is engaged in too many enterprises at the same time.

    Correct Option: A

    too many irons in the fire : to be involved in several activities/areas of business at the same time, hoping that at least one will be successful
    ● It is better if you don’t have too many irons in the fire. The best option is is engaged in too many enterprises at the same time.


  1. The carefully worked–out plan fell through because of an unexpected event.









  1. View Hint View Answer Discuss in Forum

    fell through : not to be completed, or not to happen
    ● Hope our plans don’t fall through. The best option is failed

    Correct Option: D

    fell through : not to be completed, or not to happen
    ● Hope our plans don’t fall through. The best option is failed


  1. His parents cut him off, without a shilling.









  1. View Hint View Answer Discuss in Forum

    cut him off, without a shilling : disinherit; to refuse to let somebody receive any of your property after you have died.
    ● Mr. James cut their son off without a shilling. The best option is disinherited him.

    Correct Option: A

    cut him off, without a shilling : disinherit; to refuse to let somebody receive any of your property after you have died.
    ● Mr. James cut their son off without a shilling. The best option is disinherited him.


  1. The Madagascar Coup attempt ended in a fiasco.









  1. View Hint View Answer Discuss in Forum

    ended in a fiasco : a total failure
    (1) fiasco : something that does not succeed
    ● The party ended in a fiasco. The best option is was an utter failure.

    Correct Option: B

    ended in a fiasco : a total failure
    (1) fiasco : something that does not succeed
    ● The party ended in a fiasco. The best option is was an utter failure.


  1. At last the rioters fell back.









  1. View Hint View Answer Discuss in Forum

    fell back : to move or turn back
    ● Finally, the army at the LOC had to fall back. The best option is turned back.

    Correct Option: D

    fell back : to move or turn back
    ● Finally, the army at the LOC had to fall back. The best option is turned back.