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. Very ambitious people do not like to rest on their laurels.









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    rest on their laurels : to feel so satisfied with what you have already achieved that you do not try to do any more.
    (1) complacent : too satisfied with yourself or with a situation, so that you may not feel that any change is necessary
    ● Despite our success, this is not the time to rest on our laurels. The best option is to be complacent.

    Correct Option: D

    rest on their laurels : to feel so satisfied with what you have already achieved that you do not try to do any more.
    (1) complacent : too satisfied with yourself or with a situation, so that you may not feel that any change is necessary
    ● Despite our success, this is not the time to rest on our laurels. The best option is to be complacent.


  1. My neighbour had to pay through his nose for a brand new car.









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    play through his nose : to pay too much money for something
    ● We paid through the nose for that vacation. The best option is pay an extremely high price

    Correct Option: C

    play through his nose : to pay too much money for something
    ● We paid through the nose for that vacation. The best option is pay an extremely high price



  1. The poet drew on his fancy, not his knowledge of Nature, when he wrote his poem on birds.









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    drew on his fancy : used his imagination
    ● Painters draw on their fancy in their sketches and paintings. The best option is used his imagination.

    Correct Option: C

    drew on his fancy : used his imagination
    ● Painters draw on their fancy in their sketches and paintings. The best option is used his imagination.


  1. Indians are going places in the field of software technology.









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    going places : to be getting more and more successful in your life or career
    ● Maria writes very well. She is definitely going places. The best option is talented and successful.

    Correct Option: C

    going places : to be getting more and more successful in your life or career
    ● Maria writes very well. She is definitely going places. The best option is talented and successful.



  1. The robber murdered, the woman in cold blood for the sake of the jewels.









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    murdered in cold blood : murdering in a way that is deliberately cruel/with no pity
    ● The whole family was murdered in cold blood. The best option is a murder done without feeling.

    Correct Option: A

    murdered in cold blood : murdering in a way that is deliberately cruel/with no pity
    ● The whole family was murdered in cold blood. The best option is a murder done without feeling.