Idioms and Phrases - Verbal Ability Questions and Answers
Last Updated : 24 Jun, 2025
Idioms and phrases are an important concept of English comprehension, which is often asked in competitive exams. Candidates preparing for competitive exams or interviews must practice the questions of idioms and phrases to score well in the Verbal Ability section.
In the following article, we are going to discuss some important Idioms and Phrase questions for several competitive exams. A list of important idioms and phrases is also provided below so that the students can revise well.
What are Idioms?
An idiom is a phrase or expression in which all of the words have multiple meanings than they do. Idioms are enjoyable to use since they are a common feature of speech.
Examples of Idioms with Meaning
Here are some popular idioms with their meanings
- Back against the wall (Doing something against the wish due to being stuck in a tricky situation)
- Break the ice (Start the conversation)
- Get your act together (Start doing things in an organized and effective way)
- On cloud nine (Being very elated and happy)
- Spill the beans (Reveal a secret)
- Pull someone’s leg (Prank someone)
- Through thick and thin (Displaying full loyalty)
- Don’t cry over spilt milk (Don’t cry over something that can’t be fixed)
- A black sheep (Someone who brings disgrace to the entire family)
- Once in a blue moon (Rare occurrence)
- By the skin of your teeth (Making it barely)
- Go the extra mile (Making an extra effort)
- Straight from the Horse’s mouth (Getting information directly from the concerned person)
- Has bigger fish to fry (Has more important things to do)
- Look before you leap (Analyse the consequences before taking a decision)
- Take a rain check (Postponing a plan)
- Play devil’s advocate (Arguing for the sake of it)
- Throwing caution to the wind (Taking risks)
What is Phrases?
Pharases are defined as the combination of multiple words that are related to one another and act as a single unit but do not contain a subject-verb pairing.” A phrase can consist of anywhere from two to ten syllables. It is integrated into a phrase or statement elaborating on a topic by which give additional information.
Examples of Phrases
The following is the examples of Phrases:
- The disabled boy was left out of the entire journey.
- The deceased person was gentle and smart.
- The last time you ate anything since morning.
- You might enjoy a meal with us.
- He was excited to become the leader of the group.
- She was anxious to meet her idol.
- Taking my children for a drive is fun.
List of Important Idioms and Phrases
The following is the list of Important Idioms and Phrases:
| S.No | Idioms and Phrases | Meaning |
| 1 | to have ants in your pants | A person who can't still calm or remains silent |
| 2 | to take the bull by the horns | To deal with a difficult situation |
| 3 | to let the cat out of the bag | To disclose a secret |
| 4 | to have the cat get your tongue | Doesn't have words to say or is usually quite |
| 5 | to be raining cats and dogs | It is used to describe heavily rain |
| 6 | to have a cow | To become very angry at something |
| 7 | to wait until the cows come home | Waiting for someone for a long time |
| 8 | to be in the doghouse | Being in trouble by someone else |
| 9 | to let sleeping dogs lie | Stop interfering in a situation that doesn't cause any harm |
| 10 | to be in a fine kettle of fish | Being in an awkward situation |
| 11 | to seem a little fishy | Seems suspicious |
| 12 | to live high on the hog | Living a prosperous and a healthy life |
| 13 | to eat like a horse | Eat large quantities of food |
| 14 | to look a gift horse in the mouth | Finding faults in a gift or favour |
| 15 | to hear it straight from the horse's mouth | Hearing the information from the main source |
| 16 | to hold your horses | Saying someone to stop or care about their decision |
| 17 | to put the cart before the horse | Reversing the order or procedure of something |
| 18 | to change horses in midstream | Choosing a different leader |
| 19 | Under the weather | Feeling unwell |
| 20 | Turning a blind eye | To overlook |
| 21 | Make a beeline | Go quickly and directly to somewhere |
| 22 | At sixes and seven | If someone is in a state of confusion |
| 23 | Counting your chickens | When someone should not depend on something |
| 24 | Pain in the neck | When someone is very annoying |
| 25 | Like chalk and cheese | When two things are different from each other |
| 26 | To sit on the fence | When someone delays making a decision |
| 27 | Once in a blue moon | An incident that happens rarely |
| 28 | Burn the midnight oil | Work hard for a long time |
| 29 | Cook the Books | When someone alters the figures |
| 30 | Decked up | Wearing special clothes to look attractive |
Solved Questions on Idioms and Phrases
Directions (Q.1-10) : In each of the following questions, fill in the blanks with correct idioms or phrases given in the options.
Q1. We thought the new product launch would be a huge success, but it turned out to be __________.
A. damp squib
B. The apple of my eye
C. The ball is in your court
D. A shot in the dark
Answer: A. A damp squib
Q2. After months of training, she finally ran her first marathon and felt like she had __________.
A. Let the cat out of the bag
B. Hit the nail on the head
C. Bitten off more than she could chew
D. Crossed the finish line
Answer: D. Crossed the finish line
Q3. I had to take the day off work because I was _________.
A. Barking up the wrong tree
B. In hot water
C. Burning the midnight oil
D. Feeling blue
Answer: D. Feeling blue
Q4. I'm not sure if I should take this job offer. I'm afraid I might be __________.
A. Burning the candle at both ends
B. Breaking a leg
C. Cutting corners
D. Biting the hand that feeds me
Answer: C. Cutting corners
Q5. I don't want to jump to conclusions, but I think my roommate might be __________.
A. Pulling my leg
B. Two-faced
C. Barking up the wrong tree
D. A bull in a china shop
Answer: B. Two-faced
Q6. I don't know how I'm going to finish this project on time. I feel like I'm __________.
A. Between a rock and a hard place
B. On cloud nine
C. A fish out of water
D. A diamond in the rough
Answer: A. Between a rock and a hard place
Q7. I've been studying for this exam for months, so I'm hoping to __________.
A. Hit the ground running
B. Have a field day
C. Be a dark horse
D. Have a lot on my plate
Answer: A. Hit the ground running
Q8. I don't think we should hire him. He seems like __________.
A. A fish out of water
B. The black sheep of the family
C. A wolf in sheep's clothing
D. The apple of my eye
Answer: C. A wolf in sheep's clothing
Q9. The company's new CEO has really turned things around. It's like a __________.
A. Bolt from the blue
B. A mare’s nest
C. A shot in the arm
D. A storm in a teacup
Answer: C. A shot in the arm
Q10. I'm sorry, but I can't help you with your project. I'm already __________.
A. Burning the candle at both ends
B. A diamond in the rough
C. Cutting corners
D. Spreading myself too thin
Answer: D. Spreading myself too thin
Pracrice Questions on Idioms and Phrases
Q1. The new employee was a real __________, fitting in perfectly with the team.
A. Fish out of water
B. Square peg in a round hole
C. Breath of fresh air
D. Jack of all trades
Q2. After working for hours without a break, John was really __________.
A. On cloud nine
B. Running on empty
C. In hot water
D. Under the weather
Q3. When the CEO announced the merger, it was __________ for the company's future.
A. The last straw
B. A game changer
C. A wild goose chase
D. A shot in the dark
Q4. When the manager heard the news, it __________ to her entire strategy.
A. Went over like a lead balloon
B. Fell through the cracks
C. Put the cat among the pigeons
D. Hit the nail on the head
Q5. She really has __________ when it comes to organizing events, everything runs so smoothly.
A. A green thumb
B. An eye for detail
C. A way with words
D. A silver tongue
Q6. He’s always in the office working late. He’s really __________.
A. Burning the midnight oil
B. A wet blanket
C. A wolf in sheep’s clothing
D. A piece of cake
Q7. When they were told they had to rework the project, they felt like they had __________.
A. Been given a free rein
B. Hit a brick wall
C. Made a mountain out of a molehill
D. Walked on air
Q8. I was surprised when Jane showed up at the party; she’s usually very __________.
A. The life of the party
B. A wallflower
C. A sitting duck
D. A bird in the hand
Answer Key
- C. Breath of fresh air
- B. Running on empty
- B. A game changer
- C. Put the cat among the pigeons
- B. An eye for detail
- A. Burning the midnight oil
- B. Hit a brick wall
- B. A wallflower
Similar Reads
Aptitude Questions and Answers Aptitude questions can be challenging, but with the right preparation and practice, you can tackle them with ease. Our comprehensive guide to aptitude questions and answers covers all the essential topics of Aptitude, including Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability. Whether yo
3 min read
Quantitative Aptitude
What are Numbers?Numbers are symbols we use to count, measure, and describe things. They are everywhere in our daily lives and help us understand and organize the world.Numbers are like tools that help us:Count how many things there are (e.g., 1 apple, 3 pencils).Measure things (e.g., 5 meters, 10 kilograms).Show or
15+ min read
HCF and LCM - Solved Questions and AnswersQuestion 1: Find the greatest number that will divide 72, 96, and 120, leaving the same remainder in each case.Answer:To find the greatest number that will divide these numbers leaving the same remainder, we need to find the Highest Common Factor (HCF) of the differences between the numbers. The dif
12 min read
Pipes and Cistern - Solved Questions and AnswersQuestion 1: Two pipes, A and B, can fill a tank separately in 12 and 16 hours, respectively. If both of them are opened together when the tank is initially empty, how much time will it take to completely fill the tank? Solution: Part of tank filled by pipe A in one hour working alone = 1 / 12 Part o
12 min read
Speed, Time and Distance – Solved Questions and AnswersQuestion 1: A runner can complete a 750 m race in two and a half minutes. Will he be able to beat another runner who runs at 17.95 km/hr? Solution: We are given that the first runner can complete a 750 m race in 2 minutes and 30 seconds or 150 seconds. Speed of the first runner = 750 / 150 = 5 m / s
7 min read
Boats and Streams -Solved Questions and AnswersQuestion 1: A 100 m long train moving at a speed of 60 km/hr passes a man standing on the pavement near a railway track. Find the time taken by the train to pass the man. Solution: Length of the train = 100 m = 0.1 km Speed of the train = 60 km / hr So, the time taken by the train to pass the man =
8 min read
Percentages - Solved Questions and AnswersQuestion 1: A defect-finding machine rejects 0.085% of all cricket bats. Find the number of bats manufactured on a particular day if it is given that on that day, the machine rejected only 34 bats. Solution:Let the total number of bats on that day be n. 0.085 % of n = 34 => (0.085 / 100) x n = 34
8 min read
Ratio and Proportion - Solved Questions and AnswersQuestion 1: If a: b = 5: 9 and b: c = 7: 4, then find a: b: c.Solution: Here, we make the common term ‘b’ equal in both ratios.Therefore, we multiply the first ratio by 7 and the second ratio by 9.So, we have a : b = 35 : 63 and b : c = 63 : 36Thus, a : b : c = 35 : 63 : 36Question 2: Find the mean
5 min read
Mixture and Alligation - Solved Questions and AnswersQuestion 1: From a vessel of 20 liters of pure milk, 1 liter is taken out and replaced with water, so as to keep the volume constant at 20 liters. This process is repeated 5 times. Find the percentage of pure milk left in the vessel after 5 replacements. Solution: Here, we need to apply the formula
3 min read
Algebra Practice Questions Easy LevelAlgebra questions basically involve modeling word problems into equations and then solving them. Some of the very basic formulae that come in handy while solving algebra questions are : (a + b) 2 = a 2 + b 2 + 2 a b(a - b) 2 = a 2 + b 2 - 2 a b(a + b) 2 - (a - b) 2 = 4 a b(a + b) 2 + (a - b) 2 = 2 (
3 min read
Average in MathsAn average is the middle value of a group of numbers. The average is calculated by adding up all the numbers in a group and dividing the total by how many of numbers there are. The image below shows three rows of apples with 6, 11, and 7 apples, and if we take the average of all three rows, we get 8
15 min read
Ages - Solved Questions and AnswersQuestion 1: A’s age after 15 years would be equal to 5 times his age 5 years ago. Find his age 3 years hence.Solution : Let A’s present age be ‘n’ years.According to the question,n + 15 = 5 (n – 5)=> n + 15 = 5 n – 25=> 4n = 40=> n = 10=> A’s present age = 10 yearsTherefore, A’s age 3 ye
4 min read
Profit and Loss - Aptitude Questions and AnswersQuestion 1: A person buys a pen from a wholesaler at Rs. 10 for 20 pens. He sells those pens at Rs. 10 for 15 pens. Find his profit or loss percent. Solution: CP for each pen = 10 / 20 = Rs. 0.50SP for each pen = 10 / 15 = Rs. 2 / 3 Profit = SP - CP = Rs. (2 / 3) - 0.50 = Rs. 1 / 6 Therefore, profit
5 min read
Simple Interest - Solved Questions and AnswersQuestion 1: What would be the annual interest accrued on a deposit of Rs. 10,000 in a bank that pays a 4 % per annum rate of simple interest?Solution : Here, P = 10000, R = 4, T = 1SI = P x R x T / 100SI = 10000 x 4 x 1 / 100SI = 400Thus, the annual interest would be Rs. 400Question 2: A sum of mone
4 min read
Compound Interest - Solved Questions and AnswersQuestion 1: Find the compound interest on Rs. 10,000 at 10% per annum for a time period of three and a half years.Solution:Time period of 3 years and 6 months means for 3 years, the interest is compounded yearly and for the remaining 6 months, the interest is compounded half-yearly. This means that
6 min read
Mensuration 2D - Solved Questions and AnswersImportant Mensuration Formulas2D- ShapeAreaPerimeterSquarea24aRectanglel × b2 (l + b)Circleπr2 2πrScalene Triangle√ [s (s-a) (s-b) (s-c)]Where, s = (a + b + c)/2a + b + cIsosceles Triangle1/2 × base × height2a + bEquilateral triangle√3/4 x23aParallelogrambase × height2 (a + b)Rhombus1/2 × d1 × d24aT
5 min read
Mensuration 3D - Solved Questions and AnswersQuestion 1: Find the length of the largest rod that can be kept in a cuboidal room of dimensions 10 x 15 x 6 m.Solution: Largest rod would lie along the diagonal. Length of largest rod = Length of diagonal of the room = (L2 + B2 + H2)1/2 Length of the largest rod = (102 + 152 + 62)1/2 = (100 + 225 +
3 min read
Height and Distances - Solved Questions and AnswersQuestion 1: From the top of a lighthouse, the angles of depression of two ships are 30 and 45 degrees. The two ships, as it was observed from the top of the lighthouse, were 100 m apart. Find the height of the lighthouse.Solution:Here, we can apply the formula Height = Distance/[cot(original angle)
6 min read
Progression - Aptitude Questions and AnswersProgression (or Sequences and Series) is are mathematical concepts that involve arranging numbers in a particular order based on a repeatable pattern. The topic of Progressions is frequently asked in various competitive exams like SSC, Bank PO, and other government job exams and is a crucial part of
5 min read
Logarithm - Solved Questions and AnswersLogarithm is an important topic that needs to be prepared well for the Quantitative Aptitude section of exams. It requires practicing a lot of questions within a time limit. The logarithmic function is the inverse of the exponential function. It is defined as:y = logax, if and only if x = ay; for x
3 min read
Permutation and Combination - Aptitude Questions and AnswersPermutation and Combination are fundamental concepts in mathematics that deal with arranging and selecting objects from a set. These concepts are crucial in various fields, including probability theory, and statistics. There are different types of questions that you can use to test your understandin
4 min read
Probability - Solved Questions and AnswersQuestion 1: Three unbiased coins are tossed. What is the probability that at most one had occurred? Solution: S = {HHH, HHT, HTH, THH, HTT, THT, TTH, TTT} Favorable outcomes = {HTT, THT, TTH, TTT} Total number of outcomes = 8 Number of favorable outcomes = 4 Required probability = 4 / 8 = 0.50 Quest
11 min read
Introduction to GeometryGeometry is the branch of mathematics that deals with the shapes, angles, dimensions, and sizes of various things that we see in everyday life. It is mainly divided into plane and solid geometry. In plane geometry, 2d shapes such as triangles, squares, rectangles, and circles are studied. Whereas, i
9 min read
Clock - Solved Questions and AnswersClock questions are commonly included in quantitative aptitude exams. These questions typically require the application of basic arithmetic and algebraic concepts to solve problems related to time and time difference between two events.Question 1: Find the angle between the hands of a clock at 3:20
4 min read
Calendar - Solved Questions and AnswersQuestion 1: If January 1st, 2023, is a Sunday, what day of the week will October 31st, 2023?Solution: To solve this problem, we need to count the number of days between January 1st, 2023, and October 31st, 2023, and then find out what day of the week October 31st, 2023, falls on.Total number of days
7 min read
Coding Decoding - Solved Questions and AnswersQuestion 1: If EARTH is written as FCUXM in a certain code. How is MOON written in that code? Solution: Question 2: If DELHI is written as EDMGJ in a certain code. How is NEPAL written in that code?Solution : Question 3: If SYMBOL is written as NZTMPC is it a certain code? How is NUMBER written in t
4 min read
Races and Games - Aptitude Questions and AnswersQuestion 1: In a 100 m race, A beats B by 28 meters. Also, at the finish line, A was 7 seconds ahead of B. Find the time taken by A to complete the race. Solution: According to the question, B covers 28 m in 7 seconds.B's speed = 28 / 7 = 4 m/s Time required by B to complete 100 m = 100 / 4 = 25 s N
5 min read
Data Interpretation - Aptitude Questions and AnswersData interpretation questions are an essential part of the Quantitative Aptitude section. Data Interpretation questions require the ability to analyze and interpret different forms of data, including tables, graphs, charts, and more. With a focus on percentage, ratio and proportion, data interpretat
8 min read
Logical Reasoning
Number Series - Logical Reasoning Aptitude Questions and AnswerNumber Series is a widely asked topic in the Logical Reasoning section of competitive examinations held in India. In these types of questions, there will be a series of numbers given, along with a blank to be filled out. You are given the task of finding out the answer to the blank by figuring out t
12 min read
Alphanumeric Series - Logical Reasoning Questions and AnswerAlphanumeric series is formed by combining both alphabets and numbers. Alphanumeric series sometimes include symbols such as @,&,#, etc. So we can say that the Alphanumeric series is the combination of alphabets, numbers and symbols. This is an important topic that needs to be covered for the Lo
11 min read
Analogy - Logical Reasoning Question and AnswerAnalogy is a topic of Logical Reasoning where two things are compared and conclusions are drawn based on their similarities. Analogies are asked in various forms. These questions are also very important for the Verbal Ability section of competitive examinations like SSC, Banking, RBI, etc. The follo
6 min read
Making Judgements: Reasoning QuestionsJudgement questions are part of the Logical Reasoning section in most of the competitive examinations. Judgement questions are solved by combining the knowledge given in the question and through common sense. Judgement questions must be prepared comprehensively as this is a scoring section in the re
11 min read
Course of Action - Logical Reasoning Questions and AnswerCourse of Action is an important topic that needs to be covered for the Logical Reasoning section of the competitive examinations. It tests the analytical and logical ability of a candidate. The following article covers the concepts, questions, and answers related to the topic.Practicing Statements
6 min read
Statement and Conclusion - Logical Reasoning Questions and AnswerThe Statement and Conclusion section is a part of logical and analytical reasoning, which is frequently asked in all competitive exams, especially in banking sector exams. Statement and conclusion questions are a set of statements followed by conclusions. The general idea to solve such questions is
6 min read
Cause and Effect: Logical Reasoning Questions and AnswersCause and Effect Reasoning Section is one of the most tricky topics of Logical Reasoning section. The questions which come in this section are very easy in nature but they are designed in such a way that they are tricky. Candidates often get confused while solving these problems. It is asked in many
10 min read
Statement and Argument - Logical Reasoning Questions and AnswerArgument is a very important part of analytical reasoning, expressing different opinions for or against something. In competitive examinations, different types of questions are asked from this section in the form of inferences, assumptions, courses of action, syllogisms, etc. This is why argument is
7 min read
Reasoning Tricks to Solve Coding -DecodingCoding -decoding is one of the most common sections included in all competitive exams, which are basically designed for hiring processes and higher education. Many candidates find Coding-Decoding questions challenging to solve, and as a result, they avoid attempting these scoring questions and lose
5 min read
Statement and Assumption - Logical Reasoning Questions and AnswerStatement and Assumption in Logical Reasoning is the most generally asked topic in competitive exams. The fundamental behind such topics is to test the applicant's critical thinking skills. There are a number of statement and assumption questions asked in the various exams, like SSC, Banking, etc. O
6 min read
Venn DiagramVenn diagrams are visual tools used to show relationships between different sets. They use overlapping circles to represent how sets intersect, share elements, or stay separate. These diagrams help categorize items, making it easier to understand similarities and differences. In mathematics, Venn di
14 min read
Logical Reasoning: Verbal Reasoning
Logical Reasoning: Non-Verbal Reasoning
Verbal Ability
Spellings - Verbal Ability Questions and AnswersSpelling Correction is an important topic that needs to be practiced well for the verbal ability section of the competitive exams. Following is the practice set of questions for spelling correction. It is quite an easy topic if you have correct knowledge of English Vocabulary. It is a scoring topic
6 min read
Sentence Completion - Verbal Ability Questions and AnswersSentence completion is a type of question found in the Verbal Ability section of many competitive tests and exams. The aim is to determine the ability to choose the right word or words to complete a sentence. To answer this type of question as quickly and accurately as possible, we should practice s
12 min read
Ordering Of Sentences: Verbal Ability QuestionsRe-arrangement questions are of two types: Sentence re-arrangement and passage re-arrangement. In sentence re-arrangement, we are given a sentence whose words/group of words are jumbled and we have to make a meaningful sentence out of it. In passage re-arrangement, we are given multiple sentences an
6 min read
Reading Comprehension Questions & AnswersComprehension passages are sure-shot scoring questions that are usually asked in competitive examinations. Candidates must practice questions on this topic to score well in the exams. Reading Comprehension is a fundamental skill often tested as part of Verbal Ability in competitive examinations. It
15+ min read
Idioms and Phrases - Verbal Ability Questions and AnswersIdioms and phrases are an important concept of English comprehension, which is often asked in competitive exams. Candidates preparing for competitive exams or interviews must practice the questions of idioms and phrases to score well in the Verbal Ability section. In the following article, we are go
8 min read
Definite and Indefinite Articles ( A, An, The)Definite and Indefinite Articles ( A, An, The)Table of ContentWhat is an Article? Definite and Indefinite ArticlesWhat are Definite Articles?What are Indefinite Articles?Definite and Indefinite Articles ExamplesDifference Between Definite and Indefinite Articles Definite and Indefinite Articles Ques
9 min read
Adjective - Definition, List, Types, Uses and ExamplesWhen we discuss Adjectives, it means those words which well describe a Noun or a Place, Person, Thing, or Idea. An adjective is the only word that can create a major difference between the two.Let's discuss this topic in detail and also bookmark it to get back to the article whenever we want to revi
7 min read
Data Interpretation
Misc