Idioms and Phrases


Direction: In these questions, four alternatives are given for the Idiom/Phrase given in bold in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase given in bold.

  1. He cannot hold a candle to his elder brother.









  1. View Hint View Answer Discuss in Forum

    cannot hold a candle : is not so good as
    ● This hotel can’t hold a candle to the palace. The best option is cannot be compared to.

    Correct Option: C

    cannot hold a candle : is not so good as
    ● This hotel can’t hold a candle to the palace. The best option is cannot be compared to.


  1. He has resigned his job and burnt his boats so far as government service is concerned.









  1. View Hint View Answer Discuss in Forum

    burnt his boats : to do something that makes it impossible to return to the previous situation later
    (1) retreat : to move away/back
    ● Turning down one job before you have another leads to burning your boats. The best option is left no means of retreat.

    Correct Option: D

    burnt his boats : to do something that makes it impossible to return to the previous situation later
    (1) retreat : to move away/back
    ● Turning down one job before you have another leads to burning your boats. The best option is left no means of retreat.


  1. The story of the train accident as narrated by one of the survivors made my flesh creep.









  1. View Hint View Answer Discuss in Forum

    made my flesh creep : made me feel afraid or full of disgust
    ● The story of the killings made my flesh creep. The best option is horrified me.

    Correct Option: B

    made my flesh creep : made me feel afraid or full of disgust
    ● The story of the killings made my flesh creep. The best option is horrified me.


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. The news of the accident came as a bolt from the blue.









  1. View Hint View Answer Discuss in Forum

    a bolt from the blue : an event or a piece of news which is sudden and unexpected; a complete surprise
    ● She seemed to be very involved in her job, so her resignation came as a bolt from the blue. The best option is something unexpected and unpleasant.

    Correct Option: D

    a bolt from the blue : an event or a piece of news which is sudden and unexpected; a complete surprise
    ● She seemed to be very involved in her job, so her resignation came as a bolt from the blue. The best option is something unexpected and unpleasant.


  1. to emerge out of thin air means to









  1. View Hint View Answer Discuss in Forum

    out of thin air : from nowhere or nothing, as if by magic
    ● Suddenly, out of thin air, the messenger appeared. The best option is appear suddenly.

    Correct Option: A

    out of thin air : from nowhere or nothing, as if by magic
    ● Suddenly, out of thin air, the messenger appeared. The best option is appear suddenly.