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. The young and the old sat cheek by jowl in the large audience.









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    cheek by jowl : side by side, close together
    ● The two families lived cheek by jowl in one house. The best option is very near.

    Correct Option: A

    cheek by jowl : side by side, close together
    ● The two families lived cheek by jowl in one house. The best option is very near.


  1. In spite of the immense pressure exerted by the militants, the Government has decided not to give in.









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    give in : to admit that you have been defeated by somebody/something
    ● The strikers seem determined, and are not likely to give in. The best option is yield.

    Correct Option: B

    give in : to admit that you have been defeated by somebody/something
    ● The strikers seem determined, and are not likely to give in. The best option is yield.


  1. The watchdogs were asleep when the bulls ran riot.









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    ran riot : to act without restraint or control l The children ran riot when there was nobody (elders) at home. The best option is acted without restraint.

    Correct Option: B

    ran riot : to act without restraint or control l The children ran riot when there was nobody (elders) at home. The best option is acted without restraint.


  1. He is so furious that he would go through fire and water to revenge himself on his foe.









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    go through fire and water : face any difficulty
    ● They went through fire and water to ensure the child’s safety. The best option is undergo any risk.

    Correct Option: D

    go through fire and water : face any difficulty
    ● They went through fire and water to ensure the child’s safety. The best option is undergo any risk.


  1. I did not mind what he was saying, he was only talking through his hat.









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    talking through his hat : to say silly things while you are talking about a subject you do not understand
    ● He was talking through his hat when he described the shipwreck. The best option is talking nonsense.

    Correct Option: A

    talking through his hat : to say silly things while you are talking about a subject you do not understand
    ● He was talking through his hat when he described the shipwreck. The best option is talking nonsense.