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. God’s acre refers to which of the following places?









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    God’s acre: a churchyard burial area Here, A cemetery beside a Church is the right option

    Correct Option: C

    God’s acre: a churchyard burial area Here, A cemetery beside a Church is the right option


  1. He is like a snake in the grass for our family.









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    snake in the grass : a person who pretends to be your friend but who cannot be trusted. Look at the sentence :
    ● It’s upsetting to learn that someone you once viewed as a good colleague is in fact a snake in the grass. Here, a hidden rival is the right option

    Correct Option: D

    snake in the grass : a person who pretends to be your friend but who cannot be trusted. Look at the sentence :
    ● It’s upsetting to learn that someone you once viewed as a good colleague is in fact a snake in the grass. Here, a hidden rival is the right option



  1. to pick holes









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    to pick holes : to find the weak points. Look at the sentence :
    ● It was easy to pick holes in his arguments. Here, to criticise someone is the right option.

    Correct Option: B

    to pick holes : to find the weak points. Look at the sentence :
    ● It was easy to pick holes in his arguments. Here, to criticise someone is the right option.


  1. to put one’s hand to plough









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    to put one’s hand to plough : to embark on/ take up a difficult task Look at the sentence :
    ● She needed a rest, but she had put her hand to the plough. Here, to take up a difficult task is the right option.

    Correct Option: A

    to put one’s hand to plough : to embark on/ take up a difficult task Look at the sentence :
    ● She needed a rest, but she had put her hand to the plough. Here, to take up a difficult task is the right option.



  1. have a foot in the grave









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    have one foot in the grave : to be so old or ill/sick that you are not likely to live much longer. Look at the sentence :
    ● I was so sick that I felt as if I had one foot in the grave. Here, be close to death is the right usage.

    Correct Option: C

    have one foot in the grave : to be so old or ill/sick that you are not likely to live much longer. Look at the sentence :
    ● I was so sick that I felt as if I had one foot in the grave. Here, be close to death is the right usage.