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 white elephant,









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    a while elephant : a costly but useless possession
    ● The new office block has become an expensive white elephant. The best option is a costly but useless possession.

    Correct Option: C

    a while elephant : a costly but useless possession
    ● The new office block has become an expensive white elephant. The best option is a costly but useless possession.


  1. The officer is fed up with the complaints made against the clerk.









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    fed up : bored or unhappy, especially with a situation that has continued for too long
    ● I’m fed up with her; she always keeps me waiting. The best option is annoyed

    Correct Option: A

    fed up : bored or unhappy, especially with a situation that has continued for too long
    ● I’m fed up with her; she always keeps me waiting. The best option is annoyed


  1. He is not in the good books of his boss.









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    in the good books : in favour with
    ● I clean the bathroom yesterday. So, I’m in mum’s good books. The best option is in favour with.

    Correct Option: B

    in the good books : in favour with
    ● I clean the bathroom yesterday. So, I’m in mum’s good books. The best option is in favour with.


  1. He amassed his wealth through sharp practices.









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    sharp practice : clever but possibly dishonest
    ● The firm is known for its sharp practices, so I would rather not deal with it. The best option is dishonest means.

    Correct Option: A

    sharp practice : clever but possibly dishonest
    ● The firm is known for its sharp practices, so I would rather not deal with it. The best option is dishonest means.


  1. in high spirits









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    in high spirits : cheerful and full of hope and enthusiasm
    ● When she came to know that she would receive an award that evening, she was in high spirits. The best option is full of hope and enthusiasm.

    Correct Option: A

    in high spirits : cheerful and full of hope and enthusiasm
    ● When she came to know that she would receive an award that evening, she was in high spirits. The best option is full of hope and enthusiasm.