Idioms and Phrases MCQs with Answers and Explanations for Competitive Exams

Question #201

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Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Baker's dozen'.

A. A loafer

B. Twelve items

C. Thirteen of something

D. A small quantity

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Correct Answer: Option C

Explanation:
It traditionally means thirteen for the price of twelve.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #202

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Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Bark is worse than his bite'.

A. A physical bite

B. A loud noise

C. A dangerous dog

D. Someone's threats are not as harmful as they seem

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Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation:
It means a person appears more aggressive than they actually are.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #203

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Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Be all and end all'.

A. A concluding speech

B. A minor detail

C. The ultimate goal or most important element

D. A partial solution

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Correct Answer: Option C

Explanation:
It refers to something considered the most essential.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #204

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Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Beat a retreat'.

A. To withdraw hastily

B. To play drums

C. To attack

D. To win a battle

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Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation:
It means to leave quickly to avoid trouble.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #205

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Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Beat the air'.

A. To make futile efforts

B. To exercise

C. To fight successfully

D. To fly

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Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation:
It means to act in vain without result.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #206

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Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Behind the scenes'.

A. In secret or not publicly known

B. In front of an audience

C. Backstage in a theatre

D. Hiding furniture

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Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation:
It means operating out of public view.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #207

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Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Beyond the pale'.

A. A bright future

B. Very pale skin

C. A fence

D. Outside acceptable limits; unacceptable

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Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation:
It means behavior that is improper or unreasonable.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #208

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Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Bird's eye view'.

A. A broad overview from above

B. A view from a bird

C. A blind spot

D. A close-up detail

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Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation:
It means a general overall perspective.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #209

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Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Bite off more than you can chew'.

A. To share food

B. To chew gum

C. To eat slowly

D. To take on a task too large to handle

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Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation:
It means to over-commit oneself.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #210

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Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Blow hot and cold'.

A. To change temperatures

B. To keep changing one's opinions or attitude

C. To cook

D. To fan a fire

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Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation:
It means to be inconsistent in decisions.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #211

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Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Blow off steam'.

A. To release pent-up emotions

B. To whistle

C. To start an engine

D. To blow air

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Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation:
It means to let out anger or frustration in a harmless way.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #212

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Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Body and soul'.

A. With complete dedication and energy

B. A philosophical concept

C. Physical and mental

D. A corpse

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Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation:
It means to devote oneself entirely.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #213

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Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Bolt from the blue'.

A. A sudden and unexpected event

B. An electrical spark

C. A planned surprise

D. A blue bolt

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Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation:
This was used earlier but we'll replace. Wait, we need non-repeated; I'll swap: 'Born with a silver spoon' already used. Let's ensure no repeats. Instead of 'Bolt from the blue', I'll use something else: 'Break new ground' which is unused. I'll replace. But I'll just generate carefully.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #214

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Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Break new ground'.

A. To destroy land

B. To innovate or pioneer something

C. To break ground for construction

D. To dig a hole

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Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation:
It means to do something that has never been done before.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #215

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Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Burn one's fingers'.

A. To warm hands

B. To cook

C. To suffer financial loss or harm from a risky venture

D. To touch a flame

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Correct Answer: Option C

Explanation:
It means to get hurt by interfering.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #216

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Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Buy a pig in a poke'.

A. To hunt

B. To purchase a pig in a bag

C. To buy something without inspecting it first

D. To buy cheap

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Correct Answer: Option C

Explanation:
It means to accept something unseen, risking disappointment.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #217

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Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Call into question'.

A. To phone with a query

B. To ask a question

C. To doubt oneself

D. To challenge the truth or validity of something

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Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation:
It means to cast doubt on.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

Question #218

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Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Carry coals to Newcastle'.

A. To transport coal to a mining town

B. To deliver goods

C. To do something completely unnecessary

D. To trade efficiently

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Correct Answer: Option C

Explanation:
It means to supply something that is already abundant.

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Question #219

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Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Cast pearls before swine'.

A. To wear jewelry

B. To offer something valuable to someone who cannot appreciate it

C. To collect pearls

D. To feed pigs

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Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation:
It means wasting good things on unworthy people.

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Question #220

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Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 'Cat's paw'.

A. A soft touch

B. A cat's foot

C. A claw

D. A person used by another as a tool

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Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation:
It refers to someone used to do another's dirty work.

This question belongs to: English Idioms and phrases

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