Explore topic-wise MCQs in English Skills Ability.

This section includes 735 Mcqs, each offering curated multiple-choice questions to sharpen your English Skills Ability knowledge and support exam preparation. Choose a topic below to get started.

501.

Four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in quotation marks in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idiom/phrase.There is no "hard and fast rule" regarding this subject.

A. rule that is difficult
B. rule that is fat changing
C. rule that cannot be broken or modified
D. rule that can be broken or modified
Answer» D. rule that can be broken or modified
502.

Four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in quotation marks in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idiom/phrase.In the organised society of today no individual or nation can "plough a lonely furrow".

A. remain unaffected
B. do without the help of others
C. survive in isolation
D. remain non-aligned
Answer» C. survive in isolation
503.

Four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in quotation marks in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idiom/phrase.The accounts of the murder "made her flesh creep".

A. Made her sad
B. Surprised her
C. Made her cry bitterly
D. Fill her with horror
Answer» E.
504.

Four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in quotation marks in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idiom/phrase.The case was "held over" due to the great opposition to it.

A. stopped
B. postponed
C. dropped
D. cancelled
Answer» C. dropped
505.

Four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in quotation marks in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idiom/phrase.I did not mind what he was saying, he was only "through his hat".

A. talking nonsense
B. talking ignorantly
C. talking irresponsibly
D. talking insultingly
Answer» B. talking ignorantly
506.

Some proverbs/idioms are given below together with their meanings. Choose the correct meaning of proverb/idiom, If there is no correct meaning given, D (i.e.) 'None of these' will be the answer.To leave someone in the lurch

A. To come to compromise with someone
B. Constant source of annoyance to someone
C. To put someone at ease
D. To desert someone in his difficulties
Answer» E.
507.

Some proverbs/idioms are given below together with their meanings. Choose the correct meaning of proverb/idiom, If there is no correct meaning given, D (i.e.) 'None of these' will be the answer.To beg the question

A. To refer to
B. To take for granted
C. To raise objections
D. To be discussed
Answer» C. To raise objections
508.

Some proverbs/idioms are given below together with their meanings. Choose the correct meaning of proverb/idiom, If there is no correct meaning given, D (i.e.) 'None of these' will be the answer.To hit the nail right on the head

A. To do the right thing
B. To destroy one's reputation
C. To announce one's fixed views
D. To teach someone a lesson
Answer» B. To destroy one's reputation
509.

Some proverbs/idioms are given below together with their meanings. Choose the correct meaning of proverb/idiom, If there is no correct meaning given, D (i.e.) 'None of these' will be the answer.To set one's face against

A. To oppose with determination
B. To judge by appearence
C. To get out of difficulty
D. To look at one steadily
Answer» B. To judge by appearence
510.

Some proverbs/idioms are given below together with their meanings. Choose the correct meaning of proverb/idiom, If there is no correct meaning given, D (i.e.) 'None of these' will be the answer.To cry wolf

A. To listen eagerly
B. To give false alarm
C. To turn pale
D. To keep off starvation
Answer» C. To turn pale
511.

Four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in quotation marks in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idiom/phrase.I cannot "conceive" of a time when I was without a refrigerator

A. Imagine
B. Give birth
C. Understand
D. Depend
Answer» B. Give birth
512.

Four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in quotation marks in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idiom/phrase.The authorities "took him to task" for his negligence.

A. gave him additional work
B. suspended his assignment
C. reprimanded him
D. forced him to resign
Answer» D. forced him to resign
513.

Four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in quotation marks in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idiom/phrase.I requested him to "put in a word for me".

A. introduce
B. assist
C. support
D. recommend
Answer» E.
514.

Four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in quotation marks in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idiom/phrase.The cricket match proved to be a "big draw".

A. a keen contest
B. a huge attraction
C. a lovely spectacle
D. a game without any result
Answer» C. a lovely spectacle
515.

Four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in quotation marks in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idiom/phrase.The arrival of the mother-in-law in the family "proved a rift in the lute".

A. caused unnecessary worries
B. brought about disharmony
C. caused a pleasant atmosphere
D. brought about a disciplined atmosphere
Answer» C. caused a pleasant atmosphere
516.

Four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in quotation marks in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idiom/phrase.The prince did not "take after" the king.

A. run after
B. follow
C. precede
D. resemble
Answer» E.
517.

Four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in quotation marks in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idiom/phrase.The class could not "keep a straight face" on hearing the strange pronunciation of the new teacher.

A. remain silent
B. remain serious
C. remain mute
D. remain disturbed
Answer» C. remain mute
518.

Four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in quotation marks in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idiom/phrase.Women should be paid the same as men when they do the same job, for, surely "what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander".

A. What is thought suitable pay for a man should also be for a woman
B. Goose and the gender eat the same sauce
C. Both goose and gander should be equally treated
D. The principle of equal treatment should be implemented
Answer» B. Goose and the gender eat the same sauce
519.

Some proverbs/idioms are given below together with their meanings. Choose the correct meaning of proverb/idiom, If there is no correct meaning given, D (i.e.) 'None of these' will be the answer.To smell a rat

A. To see signs of plague epidemic
B. To get bad small of a bad dead rat
C. To suspect foul dealings
D. To be in a bad mood
Answer» D. To be in a bad mood
520.

Four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in quotation marks in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idiom/phrase.The party stalwarts have advised the President "to take it lying down" for a while.

A. to be cautious
B. to be on the defensive
C. to take rest
D. to show no reaction
Answer» E.
521.

Four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in quotation marks in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idiom/phrase.The parliamentary inquiry into the Bofors deal did not "bring to light" any startling facts.

A. Prove
B. Probe
C. Highlight
D. Disclose
Answer» E.
522.

Four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in quotation marks in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idiom/phrase.The rebels "held out" for about a month

A. waited
B. retreated
C. bargained
D. resisted
Answer» E.
523.

Four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in quotation marks in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idiom/phrase.Don't lose patience, things will improve "by and by".

A. soon
B. finally
C. gradually
D. unexpectedly
Answer» D. unexpectedly
524.

Four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in quotation marks in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idiom/phrase.Madhuri might "scream blue murder", but I feel Deepali should get the promotion since she is better qualified for the job.

A. Someone has been murdered with some blue liquid
B. Someone is being murdered and has become blue
C. Suffer from persecution complex
D. Make a great deal of noise and object vehemently
Answer» E.
525.

Four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in quotation marks in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idiom/phrase.It is "high time" that India did something about the population problem.

A. already late
B. appropriate time
C. desired occasion
D. auspicious moment
Answer» B. appropriate time
526.

Four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in quotation marks in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idiom/phrase.He is always "picking holes in every" project.

A. creating problems in
B. finding fault with
C. suggesting improvement in
D. asking irrelevant questions on
Answer» C. suggesting improvement in
527.

Some proverbs/idioms are given below together with their meanings. Choose the correct meaning of proverb/idiom, If there is no correct meaning given, D (i.e.) 'None of these' will be the answer.To end in smoke

A. To make completely understand
B. To ruin oneself
C. To excite great applause
D. To overcome someone
Answer» C. To excite great applause
528.

Four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in quotation marks in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idiom/phrase.The speaker gave a "bird's eye view" of the political conditions in the country.

A. a personal view
B. a general view
C. a biased view
D. a detailed presentation
Answer» C. a biased view
529.

Four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in quotation marks in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idiom/phrase.The "die is cast" and now let us hope for the best.

A. project is over
B. decision is made
C. death is inevitable
D. cloth has been dyed
Answer» C. death is inevitable
530.

Four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in quotation marks in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idiom/phrase.It was he who put a "spoke in my wheel".

A. tried to cause an accident
B. helped in the execution of the plan
C. thwarted in the execution of the plan
D. destroyed the plan
Answer» D. destroyed the plan
531.

Four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in quotation marks in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idiom/phrase.Mohan always "keeps himself to himself".

A. Is too busy
B. Is selfish
C. Is unsociable
D. Does not take sides
Answer» D. Does not take sides
532.

Four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in quotation marks in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idiom/phrase.Harassed by repeated acts of injustice. he decided to "put his foot down".

A. not to yield
B. resign
C. to accept the proposal unconditionally
D. withdraw
Answer» B. resign
533.

Four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in quotation marks in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idiom/phrase.Despite the trust bestowed on the minister he turned out to be "a snake in the grass" during the revolution.

A. a secret enemy
B. a treacherous person
C. an unforeseen danger
D. an unexpected misfortune
Answer» B. a treacherous person
534.

Four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in quotation marks in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idiom/phrase.Some people now wonder whether we just "pay lip-service" or genuinely subscribe to democracy.

A. pay oral tribute
B. attach no value
C. remain indifferent
D. show only outward respect
Answer» E.
535.

Four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in quotation marks in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idiom/phrase.Why must you look a "gift horse in the mouth" ?

A. welcome a gift
B. find fault with a gift
C. be fastidious
D. examine a gift carefully
Answer» C. be fastidious
536.

Four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in quotation marks in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idiom/phrase.The university will have to "shelve" its plans for expansion in view of present situation

A. cancel
B. discuss
C. reconsider
D. postpone
Answer» E.
537.

Four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in quotation marks in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idiom/phrase.The detective "left no stone unturned" to trace the culprit.

A. took no pains
B. did very irrelevant things
C. resorted to illegitimate practices
D. used all available means
Answer» E.
538.

Four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in quotation marks in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idiom/phrase.His friends advised him to be "fair and square" in his dealings.

A. Careful
B. Considerate
C. Polite
D. Upright
Answer» E.
539.

Four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in quotation marks in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idiom/phrase.His speech "went down well with" the majority of the audience.

A. found acceptance with
B. was attentively listened to by
C. was appreciated by
D. was applauded by
Answer» D. was applauded by
540.

Four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in quotation marks in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idiom/phrase.The question of abolition of private property is still "a moot point".

A. undecided
B. uncertain
C. unknown
D. not clear
Answer» B. uncertain
541.

Four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in quotation marks in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idiom/phrase.Govind has left his country "for good".

A. for better opportunities
B. on an important mission
C. forever
D. to return soon
Answer» D. to return soon
542.

Some proverbs/idioms are given below together with their meanings. Choose the correct meaning of proverb/idiom, If there is no correct meaning given, D (i.e.) 'None of these' will be the answer.To be above board

A. To have a good height
B. To be honest in any business deal
C. They have no debts
D. To try to be beautiful
Answer» C. They have no debts
543.

Four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in quotation marks in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idiom/phrase.There has been "bad blood" between the two communities even before shouting.

A. Impure blood
B. Ill feeling
C. Bloody fights
D. Quarrels
Answer» C. Bloody fights
544.

Four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in quotation marks in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idiom/phrase.The old beggar "ran amuck" and began to throw stones at the passerby.

A. became desperate
B. ran about wildly
C. become annoyed
D. felt disgusted
Answer» C. become annoyed
545.

Four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in quotation marks in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idiom/phrase.It is no longer easy to "strike gold" in Shakespeare's research since much work has already been done on him.

A. Hit a golden spot
B. Come across gold
C. Come across the word "gold"
D. Uncover or find a valuable line of argument or information
Answer» E.
546.

Four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in quotation marks in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idiom/phrase.In spite of the efforts of all peace loving people, world peace is still a "far cry".

A. an impracticable idea
B. an abstract idea
C. out of reach
D. a long way off
Answer» E.
547.

Four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in quotation marks in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idiom/phrase.You have to be "a cool customer" and be patient if you want to get the best buys.

A. Be calm and not be excitable
B. Have a cool head
C. Be uncommunicative
D. Be choosy
Answer» B. Have a cool head
548.

Four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in quotation marks in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idiom/phrase.In modern democratic societies "lynch law" seems to have become the spheres of life.

A. law of the mob
B. law of the underworld
C. law of the constitution
D. law of the parliament
Answer» B. law of the underworld
549.

Some proverbs/idioms are given below together with their meanings. Choose the correct meaning of proverb/idiom, If there is no correct meaning given, D (i.e.) 'None of these' will be the answer.A black sheep

A. An unlucky person
B. A lucky person
C. An ugly person
D. None of these
Answer» E.
550.

Four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase in quotation marks in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idiom/phrase.While the ladies continued their "small talk" in the drawing room, I felt bored.

A. whispering
B. backbiting
C. gossip
D. light conversation
Answer» E.