← English Comprehension

Idioms & Phrases — Questions with Solutions

10 solved Idioms & Phrases questions from English Comprehension, as asked in SSC CGL and other SSC exams. Read the answer and explanation below, then practise the full set in the practice section.

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Q1. Choose the correct meaning of idiom: Has two strings to his bow

  1. A. He is indecisive in crucial matters.
  2. B. He has two romantic interests simultaneously.
  3. C. He has an additional skill or option to rely on.
  4. D. He uses deception to achieve goals.

Solution

The idiom means having more than one resource or option available to achieve an objective.

Q2. Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. On the ball

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. On the ball

  1. A. Unaware of any changes or developments and lazy to react to them
  2. B. Aware of any changes or developments but slow to react to them
  3. C. Aware of any changes or developments and quick to react to them
  4. D. Aware of any changes or developments but doing nothing

Solution

'On the ball' means being alert, aware of what is happening around you, and quick to respond.

Q3. Select the correct option: Had it not been for her timely intervention, the discussion might well have _____ into an acrimonious stalemate.

  1. A. evolved
  2. B. devolved
  3. C. emerged
  4. D. absorbed

Solution

'Devolved' means transferring or deteriorating into a lower or worse state, fitting the word 'stalemate'.

Q4. Choose the correct meaning of idiom: Down in the dumps

मुहावरे का अर्थ?

  1. A. Moving at full speed
  2. B. In a state of sadness or inactivity
  3. C. About to achieve success
  4. D. Working with intense enthusiasm

Solution

'Down in the dumps' means to feel sad or depressed.

Q5. Choose the correct meaning of idiom: Rearrange deck chairs on the Titanic

  1. A. To prepare for a celebration
  2. B. To focus on minor tasks while a major crisis worsens
  3. C. To work efficiently under pressure
  4. D. To create confusion intentionally

Solution

This idiom refers to doing something pointless or focusing on trivialities when a disaster is imminent.

Q6. Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. To have bigger fish to fry

  1. A. To have an interest in cooking
  2. B. To know different kinds of fishing techniques
  3. C. To take calculated risks
  4. D. To have bigger things to take care of than the menial task at hand

Solution

The idiom 'to have bigger fish to fry' means having more important or more pressing matters to attend to.

Q7. Which of the following idioms means 'to steal from a shop'?

किस मुहावरे का अर्थ 'दुकान से चोरी करना' है?

  1. A. Golden opportunity
  2. B. Green thumb
  3. C. Five-finger discount
  4. D. Black sheep

Solution

'Five-finger discount' is a slang idiom that means shoplifting.

Q8. Select the most appropriate idiom to fill in the blank. I'm ____ about whether to accept the job offer or continue freelancing. Both options have their advantages.

Select the most appropriate idiom to fill in the blank. I'm ____ about whether to accept the job offer or continue freelancing. Both options have their advantages.

  1. A. on the fence
  2. B. cutting corners
  3. C. left out in cold
  4. D. up in arms

Solution

'On the fence' means being undecided or unable to make a decision between two options.

Q9. Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. Break a leg

  1. A. Give advice on maintaining physical health.
  2. B. Encourage someone to engage in risky activities.
  3. C. Suggest taking a short break during work.
  4. D. Wish someone good luck before a performance.

Solution

'Break a leg' is a common theatrical idiom used to wish a performer 'good luck'.

Q10. Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. Raju's job as a clerk seemed to be bad at first because of the low salary, but resulted in something good happening later because it saved him from being unemployed.

  1. A. a boon in disguise
  2. B. a blessing in disguise
  3. C. a jolt in disguise
  4. D. a gift in disguise

Solution

The phrase 'a blessing in disguise' refers to a seemingly bad misfortune that eventually turns out to yield a good result.