To play fast and loose

o be winning sometimes and losing at other times

o get into irritating circumstances

o find oneself in an awkward predicament

o get into irritating circumstances

To take a leap in the dark

o do a hazardous thing without any idea of the result

To take people by storm

o bring out something sensational attracting people's attention

To take the bull by the horns

o punish a person severely for his arrogance

o grapple courageously with a difficulty that lies in our way

o bypass the legal process and take action according to one's own whims

Madhuri might scream blue murder, but I feel Deepali should get the promotion since she is better qualified for the job.

omeone has been murdered with some blue liquid

omeone is being murdered and has become blue

ake a great deal of noise and object vehemently

Maya had a checkered career. since I first knew him as an office assistant in the insurance company.

career which helped him make lot of money

ad a variety of jobs and experiences

career which helped him make lot of money

career where he signed a lot of cheques

It is no longer easy to strike gold in Shakespeare's research since much work has already been done on him.

ncover or find a valuable line of argument or information

It was he who put a spoke in my wheel.

elped in the execution of the plan

hwarted in the execution of the plan

The recent film "Secular India" has tried to keep the pot boiling for Muslim women's.

arning enough to keep body and soul together

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.Sanjay was the real "power behind the throne" and all politicians were aware of this.

The person who had the real control and power

The person who controlled the monarch

The person who advised the queen

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.Pt. Nehru was "born with a silver spoon in his mouth".

born in a family of nationalists

735 + Mcqs in Idioms and Phrases in English Skills Ability Page 9 McqOptions

401.	To be at loggerheads
A.	o have tough encounter
B.	o be at enmity or strife
C.	o face stiff opposition
D.	o tax one's mind and body
Answer» C. o face stiff opposition

Discussion

402.	To frame a person
A.	o befool someone
B.	o make one appear guilty
C.	o praise someone
D.	narrow escape
Answer» C. o praise someone

Discussion

403.	To throw dust in one's eyes
A.	o show false things
B.	o make blind
C.	o harm someone
D.	o deceive
Answer» E.

Discussion

404.	To play fast and loose
A.	o beguile others
B.	o be winning sometimes and losing at other times
C.	o play with someone's feelings
D.	o play tricks
Answer» E.

Discussion

405.	A tall order
A.	task difficult to perform
B.	big problem
C.	royal summon
D.	big demand
Answer» B. big problem

Discussion

406.	To get into a scrape
A.	o get into a muddle
B.	o find oneself in an awkward predicament
C.	o get into irritating circumstances
D.	o be trapped in a conspiracy
Answer» C. o get into irritating circumstances

Discussion

407.	To be rolling in money
A.	asting a lot of money
B.	ery rich
C.	orrowing money liberally
D.	pending more than his income
Answer» C. orrowing money liberally

Discussion

408.	To give/get the bird
A.	o get the awaited
B.	o have good luck
C.	o send away
D.	o get the impossible
Answer» D. o get the impossible

Discussion

409.	To take a leap in the dark
A.	o take risk
B.	o hazard oneself
C.	o do a task secretly
D.	o do a hazardous thing without any idea of the result
Answer» E.

Discussion

410.	To take people by storm
A.	o put people in utter surprise
B.	o captivate them unexpectedly
C.	o exploit people's agitation
D.	o bring out something sensational attracting people's attention
Answer» C. o exploit people's agitation

Discussion

411.	To take the bull by the horns
A.	o punish a person severely for his arrogance
B.	o grapple courageously with a difficulty that lies in our way
C.	o handle it by fierce attack
D.	o bypass the legal process and take action according to one's own whims
Answer» C. o handle it by fierce attack

Discussion

412.	Hobson's choice
A.	eeling of insecurity
B.	ccept or leave the offer
C.	eeling of strength
D.	xcellent choice
Answer» C. eeling of strength

Discussion

413.	All Agog
A.	verbody
B.	ll ready
C.	estless
D.	lmighty
Answer» D. lmighty

Discussion

414.	Their business is now on its last legs.
A.	bout to fructify
B.	bout to perish
C.	bout to produce results
D.	bout to take off
Answer» C. bout to produce results

Discussion

415.	In spite of the immense pressure exerted by the militants, the Government has decided not to give in.
A.	ccede
B.	ield
C.	blige
D.	onfirm
Answer» C. blige

Discussion

416.	The curious neighbours were disappointed as the young couple's quarrel was just a storm in a teacup.
A.	iolent quarrel
B.	uss about a trifle
C.	rittle situation
D.	uarrel about tea cups
Answer» C. rittle situation

Discussion

417.	Madhuri might scream blue murder, but I feel Deepali should get the promotion since she is better qualified for the job.
A.	omeone has been murdered with some blue liquid
B.	omeone is being murdered and has become blue
C.	uffer from persecution complex
D.	ake a great deal of noise and object vehemently
Answer» E.

Discussion

418.	The sight of the accident made myflesh creep.
A.	raw my attention
B.	onfused me
C.	rightened me
D.	orried me
Answer» D. orried me

Discussion

419.	Maya had a checkered career. since I first knew him as an office assistant in the insurance company.
A.	ad a variety of jobs and experiences
B.	career which helped him make lot of money
C.	career where he signed a lot of cheques
D.	id odd jobs
Answer» B. career which helped him make lot of money

Discussion

420.	He is in the habit of throwing dust in eyes of his superiors.
A.	o put sand into eyes
B.	o make blind
C.	o deceive
D.	o show false things
Answer» D. o show false things

Discussion

421.	When he tells stories about himself, he is inclined to draw the longbow.
A.	nderstate
B.	et emotional
C.	xaggerate
D.	et excited
Answer» D. et excited

Discussion

422.	Rohit has bitten off more than he chew.
A.	s trying to do much
B.	s very greedy
C.	s always hungry
D.	as little regard for others
Answer» B. s very greedy

Discussion

423.	His speech went down well with the majority of the audience.
A.	ound acceptance with
B.	as attentively listened to by
C.	as appreciated by
D.	as applauded by
Answer» D. as applauded by

Discussion

424.	The parliamentary inquiry into the Bofors deal did not bring to light any startling facts.
A.	rove
B.	robe
C.	ighlight
D.	isclose
Answer» E.

Discussion

425.	He is leaving the country for a good.
A.	or better prospects
B.	or a good cause
C.	orever
D.	or others good
Answer» D. or others good

Discussion

426.	The popularity of the yesterday's superstar is on the wane.
A.	t its peak
B.	t rock bottom
C.	rowing more
D.	rowing less
Answer» E.

Discussion

427.	Leaders should not only make speeches they should also be prepared to bell the cat.
A.	o take lead in danger.
B.	o tie bell to a cat's neck
C.	o be alert of the enemy
D.	o make noise
Answer» B. o tie bell to a cat's neck

Discussion

428.	I am afraid he is burning the candle at both endsand ruining his life.
A.	asting his money
B.	ecoming overgenerous
C.	vertaxing his energies
D.	osing his objectives
Answer» D. osing his objectives

Discussion

429.	Sanjay is very different about passing the Civil Services Examination this year.
A.	ead sure of
B.	ery hopeful of
C.	acking self confidence about
D.	easonably certain of
Answer» D. easonably certain of

Discussion

430.	It is no longer easy to strike gold in Shakespeare's research since much work has already been done on him.
A.	it a golden spot
B.	ome across gold
C.	ome across the word "gold"
D.	ncover or find a valuable line of argument or information
Answer» E.

Discussion

431.	It was he who put a spoke in my wheel.
A.	ried to cause an accident
B.	elped in the execution of the plan
C.	hwarted in the execution of the plan
D.	estroyed the plan
Answer» D. estroyed the plan

Discussion

432.	The recent film "Secular India" has tried to keep the pot boiling for Muslim women's.
A.	arning enough to keep body and soul together
B.	eep a controversy alive
C.	oil the bill
D.	oil something in a pot
Answer» C. oil the bill

Discussion

433.	Some people now wonder whether we just pay lip service or genuinely subscribe to democracy.
A.	ay oral tribute
B.	ttach no value
C.	emain indifferent
D.	how only outward respect
Answer» E.

Discussion

434.	I felt like afish out of water among all those business tycoons.
A.	roubled
B.	tupid
C.	ncomfortable
D.	nferior
Answer» D. nferior

Discussion

435.	He sold his housefor a song.
A.	t a reasonable price
B.	t a discount
C.	ery cheaply
D.	t a premium
Answer» D. t a premium

Discussion

436.	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.Having sold off his factory, he is "now a gentleman at large".
A.	Has no serious occupation
B.	Is living comfortably
C.	Is respected by everybody
D.	Is held in high esteem
Answer» B. Is living comfortably

Discussion

437.	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 new economic policy is "likely to run into rough weather".
A.	create problems
B.	encounter difficulties
C.	confuse matters
D.	makes things difficult
Answer» C. confuse matters

Discussion

438.	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 visits the doctor "off and on".
A.	everyday
B.	regularly
C.	never at all
D.	occasionally
Answer» E.

Discussion

439.	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 "let him down".
A.	failed
B.	comforted
C.	succeeded
D.	stood by
Answer» B. comforted

Discussion

440.	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.Sanjay was the real "power behind the throne" and all politicians were aware of this.
A.	The person who had the real control and power
B.	The acknowledged leader
C.	The person who controlled the monarch
D.	The person who advised the queen
Answer» B. The acknowledged leader

Discussion

441.	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 father "brought" home the moral of unity by asking each of his sons to break the bundle of sticks
A.	emphasised
B.	voiced
C.	declared
D.	suggested
Answer» B. voiced

Discussion

442.	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.Sanjay is "very different about" passing the Civil Services Examination this year.
A.	Dead sure of
B.	Very hopeful of
C.	Lacking self confidence about
D.	Reasonably certain of
Answer» D. Reasonably certain of

Discussion

443.	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.Pt. Nehru was "born with a silver spoon in his mouth".
A.	born in a middle class family
B.	born in a wealthy family
C.	born in a royal family
D.	born in a family of nationalists
Answer» C. born in a royal family

Discussion

444.	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.Their business is now "on its last legs".
A.	About to fructify
B.	About to perish
C.	About to produce results
D.	About to take off
Answer» C. About to produce results

Discussion

445.	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.Turban is in "vogue" in some communities.
A.	in fashion
B.	out of use
C.	vaguely used
D.	never used
Answer» B. out of use

Discussion

446.	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 was no opposition to the new policy by the "rank and file" of the Government.
A.	the official machinery
B.	the ordinary members
C.	the majority
D.	the cabinet ministers
Answer» C. the majority

Discussion

447.	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 cannot "have your cake and eat it too".
A.	Enjoy forever
B.	Have it both ways
C.	Run away from responsibility
D.	Absolve yourself of guilt
Answer» C. Run away from responsibility

Discussion

448.	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.This matter has been "hanging fire" for the last many months and must therefore be decided one way or the other.
A.	going on slowly
B.	hotly debated
C.	stuck up
D.	ignored
Answer» B. hotly debated

Discussion

449.	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 clerk "wiped the nose" of his employer by submitting a false bill and was dismissed from his job.
A.	Cleaned the nose
B.	Cheated
C.	Abused
D.	Slapped
Answer» C. Abused

Discussion

450.	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 leaving the country "for a good".
A.	for better prospects
B.	for a good cause
C.	for ever
D.	for others good
Answer» D. for others good

Discussion

Explore topic-wise MCQs in English Skills Ability.

To be at loggerheads

To frame a person

To throw dust in one's eyes

To play fast and loose

A tall order

To get into a scrape

To be rolling in money

To give/get the bird

To take a leap in the dark

To take people by storm

To take the bull by the horns

Hobson's choice

All Agog

Their business is now on its last legs.

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

The curious neighbours were disappointed as the young couple's quarrel was just a storm in a teacup.

Madhuri might scream blue murder, but I feel Deepali should get the promotion since she is better qualified for the job.

The sight of the accident made myflesh creep.

Maya had a checkered career. since I first knew him as an office assistant in the insurance company.

He is in the habit of throwing dust in eyes of his superiors.

When he tells stories about himself, he is inclined to draw the longbow.

Rohit has bitten off more than he chew.

His speech went down well with the majority of the audience.

The parliamentary inquiry into the Bofors deal did not bring to light any startling facts.

He is leaving the country for a good.

The popularity of the yesterday's superstar is on the wane.

Leaders should not only make speeches they should also be prepared to bell the cat.

I am afraid he is burning the candle at both endsand ruining his life.

Sanjay is very different about passing the Civil Services Examination this year.

It is no longer easy to strike gold in Shakespeare's research since much work has already been done on him.

It was he who put a spoke in my wheel.

The recent film "Secular India" has tried to keep the pot boiling for Muslim women's.

Some people now wonder whether we just pay lip service or genuinely subscribe to democracy.

I felt like afish out of water among all those business tycoons.

He sold his housefor a song.

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.Having sold off his factory, he is "now a gentleman at large".

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 new economic policy is "likely to run into rough weather".

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 visits the doctor "off and on".

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 "let him down".

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.Sanjay was the real "power behind the throne" and all politicians were aware of this.

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 father "brought" home the moral of unity by asking each of his sons to break the bundle of sticks

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.Sanjay is "very different about" passing the Civil Services Examination this year.

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.Pt. Nehru was "born with a silver spoon in his mouth".

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.Their business is now "on its last legs".

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.Turban is in "vogue" in some communities.

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 was no opposition to the new policy by the "rank and file" of the Government.

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 cannot "have your cake and eat it too".

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.This matter has been "hanging fire" for the last many months and must therefore be decided one way or the other.

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 clerk "wiped the nose" of his employer by submitting a false bill and was dismissed from his job.

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 leaving the country "for a good".