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. Beyond the pale









  1. View Hint View Answer Discuss in Forum

    Unreasonable or unacceptable Beyond the pale = outside the bounds of acceptable behaviour; improper; unreasonable; objectionable. Look at the sentence : The language my father used was beyond the pale.

    Correct Option: A

    Unreasonable or unacceptable Beyond the pale = outside the bounds of acceptable behaviour; improper; unreasonable; objectionable. Look at the sentence : The language my father used was beyond the pale.


  1. Cheek by jowl









  1. View Hint View Answer Discuss in Forum

    very close together Cheek by jowl = side by side Look at the sentence : They lived cheek by jowl in a one–room flat.

    Correct Option: A

    very close together Cheek by jowl = side by side Look at the sentence : They lived cheek by jowl in a one–room flat.



  1. Turned down









  1. View Hint View Answer Discuss in Forum

    Reject Turn down = to reject something; to deny someone’s request. Look at the sentence : The board turned our request down.

    Correct Option: C

    Reject Turn down = to reject something; to deny someone’s request. Look at the sentence : The board turned our request down.


  1. Carry the ball









  1. View Hint View Answer Discuss in Forum

    Be in charge Carry the ball = to be incharge; to be considered reliable enough to make sure that a job gets done. Look at the sentences : John can’t carry the ball. He isn’t organised enough.

    Correct Option: B

    Be in charge Carry the ball = to be incharge; to be considered reliable enough to make sure that a job gets done. Look at the sentences : John can’t carry the ball. He isn’t organised enough.



  1. Couch potato









  1. View Hint View Answer Discuss in Forum

    A person who prefers to watch television Couch potato = a person who takes little or no exercise and watches a lot of television. Look at the sentence : It is no good you being a couch potato and having a Dobermann.

    Correct Option: B

    A person who prefers to watch television Couch potato = a person who takes little or no exercise and watches a lot of television. Look at the sentence : It is no good you being a couch potato and having a Dobermann.