Idioms and Phrases MCQs with Answers and Explanations for Competitive Exams

Question #181

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Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Take it with a grain of salt'.

A. To eat salt

B. To believe completely

C. To add salt

D. To view something with skepticism

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Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation:
It means to not take something literally and be doubtful.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #182

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Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'To add insult to injury'.

A. To make a bad situation worse

B. To apologize

C. To heal a wound

D. To treat medically

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Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation:
It means to worsen an already difficult situation.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #183

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Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'To be in a fix'.

A. To be stationary

B. To be in a difficult situation

C. To be comfortable

D. To repair something

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Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation:
It means being in a problematic or tricky position.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #184

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Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'To beat a dead horse'.

A. To revive a horse

B. To waste effort on something already finished

C. To win a race

D. To abuse an animal

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Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation:
It means to continue arguing or discussing a settled issue.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #185

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Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'To cut a sorry figure'.

A. To cut paper

B. To appear grand

C. To draw poorly

D. To perform badly and look pitiful

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Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation:
It means to make a poor impression.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #186

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Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'To get into hot water'.

A. To boil water

B. To relax

C. To bathe

D. To get into trouble

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Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation:
It means to be in a difficult or embarrassing situation.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #187

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Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'To have an axe to grind'.

A. To chop wood

B. To have a personal motive or self-interest

C. To sharpen an axe

D. To help others

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Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation:
It means having a hidden agenda or private reason.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #188

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Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'To hold one's tongue'.

A. To stick out tongue

B. To remain silent

C. To bite

D. To speak loudly

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Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation:
It means to refrain from speaking.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #189

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Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'To keep the ball rolling'.

A. To roll a ball

B. To maintain the momentum of an activity

C. To stop a ball

D. To play a ball game

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Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation:
It means to continue progressing or keep things moving.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #190

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Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'To make a clean breast of'.

A. To hide a secret

B. To wear clean clothes

C. To confess fully

D. To clean the chest

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Correct Answer: Option C

Explanation:
It means to admit everything honestly.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #191

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Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'To poke one's nose into'.

A. To smell

B. To ignore

C. To interfere in others' affairs

D. To touch the nose

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Correct Answer: Option C

Explanation:
It means to meddle or pry into something not one's business.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #192

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Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Achilles' heel'.

A. A Greek myth

B. A runner's shoe

C. A strong point

D. A fatal weakness

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Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation:
It refers to a vulnerable spot in a person or system.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #193

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Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Acid test'.

A. A chemical experiment

B. A medical check-up

C. A sour taste

D. A decisive trial that proves value or quality

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Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation:
It means a crucial test that confirms worth.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #194

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Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Against the grain'.

A. Cutting wood

B. Opposite to one's inclination or nature

C. Working smoothly

D. Growing crops

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Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation:
It means contrary to one's natural feelings.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #195

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Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'All Greek to me'.

A. A foreign language

B. Incomprehensible or unintelligible

C. Ancient history

D. A delicious meal

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Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation:
It means something is impossible to understand.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #196

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Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Alpha and omega'.

A. A religious symbol

B. First and last letters

C. A science term

D. The beginning and the end

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Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation:
It denotes the entirety or the most essential part.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #197

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Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'An axe to grind'.

A. A personal motive or selfish reason

B. A clean plan

C. A logging job

D. A tool sharpening

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Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation:
It means having a hidden self-interested purpose.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #198

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Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Apple of discord'.

A. A sweet fruit

B. A cause of dispute or contention

C. A peace offering

D. A musical instrument

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Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation:
It refers to something that creates strife.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #199

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Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'At loggerheads'.

A. On a ship

B. In a meeting

C. In agreement

D. In a quarrel or strong disagreement

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Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation:
It means being in a state of dispute.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #200

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Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Back to square one'.

A. A new plan

B. Return to the starting point after a failure

C. A board game

D. Moving ahead

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Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation:
It means having to start all over again.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

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