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. The working of the factory was disrupted on account of a token strike by the workers.









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    token strike : a brief strike intended to convey the strength of feeling on a disputed issue
    ● The workers went on a one-day token strike to get their demands fulfilled. The best option is short strike held as a warning.

    Correct Option: C

    token strike : a brief strike intended to convey the strength of feeling on a disputed issue
    ● The workers went on a one-day token strike to get their demands fulfilled. The best option is short strike held as a warning.


  1. Because of his misbehaviour, he is bound to face the music.









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    face the music : to accept or deal with criticism or punishment for something you have done
    ● He is prepared to face the music for his conduct at the meeting. The best option isget reprimanded.

    Correct Option: B

    face the music : to accept or deal with criticism or punishment for something you have done
    ● He is prepared to face the music for his conduct at the meeting. The best option isget reprimanded.



  1. We shouldn’t look down upon the wretched of the earth.









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    look down upon : think you are better than somebody/something
    ● He always looks down upon his poor brother. The best option is regard with contempt.

    Correct Option: D

    look down upon : think you are better than somebody/something
    ● He always looks down upon his poor brother. The best option is regard with contempt.


  1. We have appealed to him again and again; there is no use flogging a dead horse now.









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    flogging a dead horse : wasting your effort by trying to do something that is no longer possible
    ● He was warned again and again, but now I think there is no use flogging a dead horse. The best option is wasting time in useful effort.

    Correct Option: D

    flogging a dead horse : wasting your effort by trying to do something that is no longer possible
    ● He was warned again and again, but now I think there is no use flogging a dead horse. The best option is wasting time in useful effort.



  1. For his alleged involvement in espionage, he is under a cloud these days.









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    under a cloud: under a suspicion
    ● As he behaved in an abnormal way, his activities were under a cloud. The best option is under suspicion.

    Correct Option: C

    under a cloud: under a suspicion
    ● As he behaved in an abnormal way, his activities were under a cloud. The best option is under suspicion.