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









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    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









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    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.



  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.