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 was progressing by leaps and bounds because of his hard work.









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    leaps and bounds : very quickly; in large amounts
    ● India is progressing by leaps and bounds. The best option is rapidly.

    Correct Option: A

    leaps and bounds : very quickly; in large amounts
    ● India is progressing by leaps and bounds. The best option is rapidly.


  1. My repeated attempts to get refund from the civic authorities were of no avail.









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    of no avail : of little or no use l Everything
    ● did to help her was of no avail. The best option is useless.

    Correct Option: C

    of no avail : of little or no use l Everything
    ● did to help her was of no avail. The best option is useless.



  1. The student is on the verge of breakdown.









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    on the verge of : very near to the moment when somebody does something or something happens
    (1) brink : in a very new, dangerous or existing situation; the extreme edge of land.
    (2) outset : at/from the beginning of
    ● Sara was on the verge of tears when she heard the news. The best option is on the brink of.

    Correct Option: A

    on the verge of : very near to the moment when somebody does something or something happens
    (1) brink : in a very new, dangerous or existing situation; the extreme edge of land.
    (2) outset : at/from the beginning of
    ● Sara was on the verge of tears when she heard the news. The best option is on the brink of.


  1. His failure at the election has been a sore point with him for a long time.









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    a sore point with : a subject that makes you feel angry or upset when it is mentioned sore : annoyed ; upset and angry
    ● I tried not to make any reference to his drinking habits. I know it’s a sore point with his wife at the moment. The best option is something which hurts.

    Correct Option: A

    a sore point with : a subject that makes you feel angry or upset when it is mentioned sore : annoyed ; upset and angry
    ● I tried not to make any reference to his drinking habits. I know it’s a sore point with his wife at the moment. The best option is something which hurts.



  1. After independence, Indian agriculture rose like a phoenix due to the Green Revolution.









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    like a phoenix : to be powerful or successful again a magic bird that lives for several hundred years before burning itself and then being born again from its ashes
    ● The Indian Industry has risen like a phoenix after Independence. The best option is with a new life.

    Correct Option: A

    like a phoenix : to be powerful or successful again a magic bird that lives for several hundred years before burning itself and then being born again from its ashes
    ● The Indian Industry has risen like a phoenix after Independence. The best option is with a new life.