IDIOMS & PHRASES with Practice Set 22 IDIOMS AND PHRASES 1 S.N. PHRASES .................. fgUnh esa vFkZ .................. Meaning in English 4. detksj i{k...................... A small but fatal weakness. ............... To make a matter worse. vkx esa ?kh Mkyuk vklku ,oa vPNh vk;.......... Good income job with high ...................... comfort. okyh ukSdjh An axe to grind .............. LokFkZ ls Hkjk .............. mís'; Something done for selfish 5. 6. An iron-will .................... An old flame .................. 1. 2. 3. Achilles’ heels ............... Add fuel to fire .............. An arm chair job ............ reasons. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. .................. Strong will power. n`<+ bPNk 'kfDr ....................... A person, one had a romantic iqjkuk I;kj relationship with, in the past. An old head on .............. viuh mez ls T;knk .............. A child or young person who young shoulders ............ le>nkj gksuk .................... thinks and talks like an older and experienced person. An olive branch ............. 'kkafr fuosnu ..................... Peace request/ peace treaty. Apple of discord ............. >xM+s dk dkj.k .................. Matter of dispute. Apple of one’s eye ......... nqykjk] I;kjk ..................... Very lovable/ dearest one. Apple-pie-order .............. fcYdqy Bhd gkyr .......... In good condition esa At a loss ........................ fu.kZ; u ys ikuk ................ To be unable to decide. At a pinch ...................... leL;k esa gksuk .................. In a trouble. At arm’s length ............. nwj j[kuk (nksLrh u j[kuk) ..... Avoid becoming too friendly. At daggers drawn ........... dV~Vj nq'euh gksuk .............. To have bitter enmity. At ease .......................... fpUrk jfgr...................... Free from pain and anxiety. At one’s finger’s ends .... iw.kZ tkudkjh............... To have complete knowledge. gksuk At one’s wit’s end .......... pfdr ............................ Puzzled / confused / perplexed. At sixes and sevens ....... vLr&O;Lr ....................... In disorder. At stake ......................... nko ij ........................... At risk and insecured. At the eleventh hour ..... vfUre le; esa.................. At the last moment. Back stairs gossip ......... ukSdjks ds chp dk xi'ki ...... Talk among servants/ unfair talks. Idioms Ans Phrases - 1 23. 24. 25. 26. Bad blood ....................... Bag and baggage ........... Baker’s dozen ................ Be born with a silver ..... spoon in one’s mouth 27. Be in the driving seat .... 28. Bear the brunt of ........... 29. Beat about the bush ...... 30. Beat black and blue ....... 31. Beat hollow ................... 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. Beck and call ................. Bed of roses ................... Bed of thorns ................. Beggar description ........ Bell the cat .................... 37. Between the devil and ... the deep sea 38. Big gun .......................... 39. Bird of passage .............. 40. Bird’s eye view .............. 41. Birds of feather ............. ............................. Enmity/ bitter relations. 'k=kqrk -fcLrj lesr .............. With all belongings. cksfj;k .................... Thirteen in number. la[;k esa rsssjg ........ To be born in a rich family. /uh ifjokj esa iSnk gksuk Bearing all responsibilities. lkjh ftEesnkjh dk Hkkj ..mBkuk .................. To bear the main part of ifj.kke Hkqxruk something unpleasant. ....... To talk in a roundabout ?kqek&fiQjk dj ckrsa djuk manner/ circumlocution. ........... Beating mercilessly. vR;f/d fiVkbZ djuk .................... To defeat thoroughly and dkiQh vklkuh ,oa cqjh rjg ls ijkftr djukconvincingly. .................... Ready to obey order instantly. vkKk esa jguk .................. Pleasant situation of comfort. vkuan ls Hkjiwj ..... A situation of extreme difficulty. nq%[k ,oa rdyhiQ ls Hkjiwj ......................... A person with no resource. vo.kZuh; .................... Taking first step at personal tksf[ke mBkuk risk. .....ds Between two difficult situations. nks xaHkhj ijs'kkfu;ksa chp Å¡ph igq¡p okyk O;fDr........ An influential person .............. One who comes occasionally. ;nk&dnk vkusokyk ljljh fuxkg..................... Overview. ........... People with the same idea, ,d gh izo`fr ds yksx charact-eristics and interests. ..................... To be defeated. ijkftr gksuk ,slk O;fDr tks ifjokj @Vhe ds. A person who is regarded as for his family/ team etc. fy, 'kehZanxh dk dkj.k disgrace cusa 44. Blind alley ..................... dk;Z ftlesa vkxs izxfr ......... A situation in which no further ........................ progress can be made. laHko ugh 45. Blind date ...................... fdlh vatku O;fDr ls feyuk .. A meeting between a girl and 42. Bite the dust ................. 43. Black sheep ................... a boy, who have not met before. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. Blow one’s own trumpet Blue blood ..................... Blue book ...................... Body and soul ................ Bolt from the blue ......... Bone of contention ........ ........... To praise oneself. vius eq¡g fe;k¡ feV~Bw ...................... Royal or aristocratic descent. 'kkgh O;fDr .................... Government report. ljdkjh fjiksZV ........................... Entirely. iw.kZr;k ................ Unexpected problem. vkdfLed foifÙk ............ Subject of a dispute. >xM+s dh oLrq@dkj.k Idioms And Phrases - 1 Boon/blessing in disguisefNik gqvk ojnku ................ Hidden blessing. Bosom friend ................. ftxjh nksLr ...................... Fast friend. Break the ice ................. pqIih rksM+uk ...................... To start a conversation. Breathe one’s last ......... ej tkuk ......................... To pass away/ to die. Broad day light .............. fnu&ngkM+s ........................ In day light (when crime cannot be hidden). 57. Broken reed ................... vfo'oklh O;fDr ................ A weak, unreliable person. 58. Brown study .................. fopkjeXurk ...................... A state of deep thought. 59. Bull in the china shop ... tks txg ds vuqdwy u gks ..... One who is out of place in a delicate situation. 60. Burn a hole in the pocket 'kh?kzrk ls [kpZ............ djuk Money spent quickly. 61. Burn one’s fingers ......... [kqn dk uqdlku dj cSBuk ...... To get oneself into trouble. 62. Burn the candle at both ends fiQtwy[kphZ djuk ............... To waste money. 63. Burn the midnight oil ... nsj jkr rd esgur djuk....... Labouring/studying till late night. 64. Burning question .......... ToyUr iz'u..................... Hot issue. 65. Bury the hatchet ........... nq'euh [kRe djuk .............. To end a hostility. 66. By fits and starts ........... #d&#d dj vfu;fer :i ls Irregularly. 67. By hook or by crook ....... xyr ;k lgh fdlh Hkh s) 72. Castles in the air .......... gokbZ fdyk cukuk ............... Day dream/ a hope or desire 73. 74. 75. 76. 77. 78. 79. unlikely to be realized. Cat and dog life ............. dygiw.kZ thou .................. Troublesome life. Catch a tartar ................ 'k=kq ;k cgqr cM+h ijs'kkuh ... To grapple with a unexpectedly. ls ........................ formidable opponent. lkeuk gksuk Cat’s paw ....................... futh LokFkZ ds iwfrZ ...... esaAftlperson used by another as O;fDrdk iz;ksx fd;k tk,..... a dupe or tool. Chew the cud ................ euu djuk....................... To ponder over / meditate. Chicken hearted ........... dk;j ............................. Lacking courage / cowardly. Cock-and-bull story ....... eux<+ar dgkuh .................. A concocted story. Crocodile tears .............. fn[kkoVh vk¡lw .................... An false display of grief. Idioms Ans Phrases - 1 ............................. To quarrel or fight. yM+uk .... To desire the unattainable. fdlh vlaHko oLrq dh dkeuk djuk 82. Cry over spilled milk .... O;FkZ iNrkuk ..................... Regret in vain for what cannot be 80. Cross swords ................. 81. Cry for the moon ........... undone. ........... To give a poor show. vius iz;kl ls rfud Hkh izHkko u NksM+uk 84. Cut both ways ............... nksuksa gh ikVhZ......... ds i{kArgue esa in favour of both sides. rdZ djuk 85. Cut no ice ...................... dksbZ vlj ugha Mkyuk .......... To fail to make an impression. 86. Cut one’s coat according viuh vk; ds vuqlkj.......... To live within one’s means. to one’s cloth ................ O;; djuk 87. Dance to one’s tune ...... gqDe dk ikyu djuk ........... Obeying one's order. 88. Dark horse .................... tks vizR;kf'kr :i ls thr tk, ..One who wins unexpectedly. 89. Dead letter .................... dkuwu] tks dHkh ............ ykxw A law or ordinance that is no Fkk ysfdu vc ykxw ughalonger gSA enforced. 90. Democle’s sword ............ flj ij eaMjkrk [krjk ........... Constant threat. 91. Die a dog’s death ........... yTtktud ekSr ejuk ........... To die a shameful death. 92. Die in harness ............... vius dk;kZof/ ds nkSjku ........... Die while in service. gh e`R;q gksuk 93. Dog in the manger ........ tks nwljks dks ml............ A person who prevents others lq[k dk Hkksx djus ugha nsrk gS from enjoying what he cannot. tks mlds fdlh dke dk ugha 94. Donkey’s years .............. dkiQh le; ckn................. A long time. 95. Draw a line .................... e;kZnk r; djuk ................. Set a limit. 96. Duck in a thunder storm O;Fkk .......................... In a painful condition. esa 97. Eagle eyed .................... rst utj okyk .................. With keen eye sight. 98. Eat humble pie ............. 'kehZUnxh >syuk .................. To apologize. 99. Eat one’s words ............. 'kCn okil ysuk .................. Take a statement back. 100. Elbow room ................... dke djus dh Lora=krk ......... Sufficient scope to move or 83. Cut a sorry figure .......... 101. End in smoke ................ 102. Escape one’s lips ........... 103. Fabian policy ................ 104. Fair and square ............. 105. Fair sex ......................... 106. Fair weather friend ....... function. ........ Come to nothing. dksbZ ifj.kke u fudyuk ........................ Speak unintentionally or cksy tkuk unexpectedly. ....... lko/kuhiw.kZ eUnxfr uhfrDeliberate slow policy/ policy of delaying decisions. fu"i{k............................ In an honest way . ukjh tkfr........................ Women. Selfish friends who are with us eqlhcr esa lkFk............... u Idioms And Phrases - 1 only in comfortable situation. nsus okyk fe=k At any cost/ at demanded price. eqagekaxh ................... dher ................... Additional success. vPNh mIyfC/ ............... To enrich oneself by taking vius in dk ykHk advantage of one's position. mBk dj dekbZ djuk] Hkfo"; ds fy, tqxkM+ djuk 110. Fight shy of ................... Vkyuk ............................ To attempt to avoid a thing or 107. Fancy price .................... 108. Feather in the cap ......... 109. Feather one’s nest ........ person. 111. Fish in troubled waters .. To take advantage of the problems fo"ke ifjfLFkfr dk ykHk .mBkuk 112. Fish out of water ........... ............... Out of one’s usual and comfortable d"Vizn voLFkk esa 113. Fly in the ointment ....... vlqfo/k.......................... A slight unpleasant thing that of others. place. obstruct the enjoyment of something. 114. Fool’s paradise .............. >qBh mEehn esa [kq'k ........ A state of being happy for foolish gksuk or unfounded reasons. 115. Forty winks ................... >idh ............................ A nap. 116. French leave ................. . Agksuk leave without information or fcuk lwpuk ds vuqifLFkr permission. 117. Fringe benefits ............. osru ds vykok feyus .......... An additional benefit apart ....................... from salary. okyk ykHk Providing only bare essentials. fliQZ xqtkjk.................. Hkj 119. Gala day ........................ vkuanksRlo dk.............. Celebration day. fnu 120. Get away with ................ cp fudyuk..................... To escape. 121. Get down to ................... dke xaHkhjrkiwoZd vkjaHk . To attend djuk to work seriously. 122. Get into a soup .............. >a>V esa iM+uk ................... Get into trouble. 123. Get into hot water ......... leL;k esa iQ¡luk ................. Get into trouble. 124. Get off scot free ............. vnf.Mr fudy tkuk........... To escape without punishment. 125. Get on one’s nerves ....... rax djuk........................ To irritate or annoy. 126. Gibble-gabble ................ ew[kZrkiw.kZ .............. okrkZykiFoolish talk. 127. Gift of the gab ............... prqjkbZiwoZd /kjk .......... izokgTalent for speaking. cksyus dh 'kfDr 128. Give a piece of mind ...... Mk¡Vuk ............................. To rebuke or scold. 129. Go through fire and water dksbZ Hkh [krjk eksy ......ysuk To brave any danger. 130. Go to dogs ..................... O;FkZ gksuk ........................ To deteriorate/ degenerate. 131. Go to rack and ruin ....... fouk'k gksuk ...................... To decay or get destroyed. 132. Good Samaritan ............ n;kyq O;fDr ..................... A person who helps and pays 118. From hand to mouth ..... Idioms Ans Phrases - 1 sympathy to those in distress. 133. Grass widow ................... ,slh fookfgrk ftl dk.......... A woman who is separated, divorced or lives apart from her ifr mlls nwj gks husband. 134. Grease the palm ............ fj'or nsuk....................... To bribe. 135. Green room ................... A lounge in a theater or studio vfHkusrk dk Hks"k&Hkw"kk dk dejk for the performers to get ready. 136. Grist to one’s mill ......... iQk;nsean .......................... Something that can be used for one's advantage. 137. Halcyon days ................. [kq'kxokj fnu .................... Peaceful days. 138. Hammer and sickle ....... lektokn dk izrhd............. A symbolic representation of commu-nism in general. cgqr vf/d esgur ls .......... With great effort or energy. 140. Hand and glove with ...... vPNs lg;ksx ls ................. In close co-operation. 141. Hang by a thread ........... cgqr uktqd fLFkfr esa..... Be in a risky situation. gksuk 142. Hard nut to crack .......... tfVy leL;k@ O;fDr ........... A difficult problem to solve/ A 139. Hammer and tongs ........ person difficult to understand. 143. Haul over the coals ....... dksluk] HkRlZuk........... djuk To take to task, to reprimand. 148. Hen-pecked husband ..... ..... To be involved in something. fdlh dk;Z esa 'kkfey jguk ........ To be completely occupied. dke dh deh ugha gksuk .......... The way one wants. viuh bPNk ds vuqlkj ,d gh le; dbZ dk;ksZa...... esaTo be involved in many projects ..................... or activities at the same time. 'kkfey gksuk .................. Admirer of one’s own wife in a tks: dk xqyke 149. Herculean task .............. ................ Task requiring tremendous cgqr dfBu dk;Z 144. Have finger in the pie ... 145. Have one’s hands full .... 146. Have one’s way .............. 147. Have several irons ........ in the fire ...................... servile manner. effort. 150. High and dry .................. vdsyk............................ In a deprived situation (alone). ........................... Overbearing. fujadq'k .......... Living with comfort and ease. ,s'k vkjke dh ftUnxh 153. Hit below the belt .......... xyr rjhds ls izgkj djuk ...... To strike unfairly. 154. Hit the jackpot .............. cM+h dke;kch feyuk ............ Gaining a big/ great success 151. High handed .................. 152. High living .................... (speci-ally by luck). 155. Hit the nail on the head lgh le; ij lgh .............. To do the right thing at the right time ckr@dk;Z djuk ............ No alternative. dksbZ fodYi u gksuk 157. Hole and corner policy .. xqIr uhfr ......................... Secret policy. 158. Hue and cry ................... gks -gYyk .......................... Any loud public outcry. 156. Hobson’s choice ............. Idioms And Phrases - 1 159. Hush money .................. 160. In a nutshell ................. 161. In black and white ......... 162. In full swing .................. 163. In the blues ................... 164. In the long run .............. 165. In the nick of time ........ 166. In the same boat ........... 167. In vogue ........................ 168. Ins and outs .................. fdlh ckr dks xqIr j[kus.... dsMoney given to someone to ....... keep something secret. fy, fn;k tkus okyk iSlk .......................... In very brief form. la{ksi esa ........................ In printed or written form. fyf[kr esa ...................... At the height of activity. iwjs tksjksa ij .................... In dumps depressed. nq%[k@larki esa ............................ Ultimately. vUrr% Bhd le; ij ................... At the last possible moment. ................ Sharing the same problems. ,d gh gkykr esa izpfyr........................... In the current fashions. .................... Intricacies or complications/ full foLr`r fooj.k detail. ......................... Rigorous control. dM+kbZ ls 170. Itching palm .................. fj'or ysus dh vknr gksuk ...... Craving for bribe. 171. Itsy bitsy ....................... vR;Ur NksVk ..................... Very small or tiny. 172. Jack of all trades and .... tks vkneh fdlh Hkh dke...esa A person who knows many master of none fuiq.k u gks] ysfdu lHkh........ different kinds of work but is a .... master of none. dk;ks± dh tkudkjh j[krk gks 173. Jail bird ........................ tks tsy esa gks ;k igys ........... s A person who is or has been jg pqdk gk...................... confined to jail. 174. Jaundiced eye ............... i{kikriw.kZ n`f"Vdks.k ............. To look at something with a 169. Iron hand/ Iron fist ....... prejudiced view. ......................... False love. >wBk I;kj 176. Jump to a conclusion .... fcuk lksps&le>s urhts ......... ij To come to a conclusion ......................... prematurely. igq¡p tkuk 177. Kangaroo court ............. xSj -dkuwuh U;k;ky; ............. An illegal court. 178. Keep one’s cards close .. fdlh ckr dks fNikuk ........... Hiding something. 175. Judas kiss ..................... to one’s chest 179. Keep one’s fingers crosses fdlh vPNh ?kVuk ds gksus . Todh wait expectantly. dkeuk djuk 180. Keep one’s word ............ izrhKk iwjh djuk ................ To keep one’s promise. 181. Keep the ball rolling ..... tkjh j[kuk ....................... To maintain the progress of a project or plan. 182. Keep the wolf from the door nfjnzrk ls la?k"kZ ........... djuk To avert poverty/ starvation. 183. Kill two birds with one stone ,d dk;Z djds nks leL;kvksa Doing ls two things at the same ....................... time while effort is made for one fuiV ysuk 184. Kith and kin .................. cU/q&ckU/o ...................... Blood relations. Idioms Ans Phrases - 1 .. To frown. R;kSfj;k¡ p<+kuk (xqLlk djuk) . Ajguk man who is fond of the tks efgykvksa ds laxr esa .................. company of women. ilan djrk gks 187. Lame excuse ................. vlarks"ktud cgkuk ............. False excuse/ baseless excuse. 188. Left- handed complimentiz'kaalk ds :i esa vieku ....... An insult disguised as a 185. Knit one’s brow ............. 186. Lady’s man .................... 189. 190. 191. 192. 193. 194. 195. 196. 197. 198. 199. 200. 201. 202. 203. 204. 205. 206. 207. 208. 209. 210. 211. compliment. Lion’s share .................. lcls cM+k fgLlk ................. Large part. Live in an ivory tower ... lEiUurk esa thuk........... Living in comfort and being ,oa unaware of realities of others' vke yksxksa ds nq%[k ls miseries. [kqn dks nwj j[kuk Loaves and fishes .......... O;fDrxr ykHk ................... Material benefit. Look off colours ............ vLoLFk fn[kkbZ .............. nsuk Look ill or unhealthy. Look through coloured ....... >wBs vkoj.k ls ns[kuk ............ To see with different/ wrong glasses views. Lump in the throat ....... xyk Hkj tkuk (HkkoukRed A tight {k.k esa)or uncomfortable feeling in throat due to emotions. Mad as a march hare ..... fljfiQjk.......................... Crazy and insane. Make a clean breast ...... lp dcwy ysuk .................. To confess especially something bad or illegal. Maiden name ................ fookfgrk L=kh dk fookg ........... ls A women’s surname before marriage. iwoZ dk uke Maiden speech .............. izFke lkoZtfud Hkk"k.k .......... First speech. Make a hash ................. xM+cM dj nsuk .................. To mess up. Make a mountain .......... ckr dk craxM+ cukuk ........... To exaggerate a minor difficulty. out of a mole hill Make both ends meet ... vk; ds vanj gh xqtkjk djuk .. To live within one’s means. Make hay while the ..... ekSds dk ykHk mBkuk ............ To take the benefit of an sun shines opportunity. Make or mar ................. cukuk ;k fcxkM+uk ............... To make or destroy. Make the best of ........... nksuksa gkFk ............... Getting benefited from both the esa yM~Mw both the worlds sides. Make up one’s mind ...... fu'p; djuk .................... To decide. Man of means .............. le`¼ O;fDr ..................... A wealthy man. Man of iron ................... n`<+ bPNk 'kfDr........... okyk Man with strong will-power. Man of letter ................. fo}ku vkneh ..................... Learned person. Man of parts .................. lq;ksX; O;fDr .................... A man of qualities. Man of spirit ................. mRlkfgr O;fDr .................. A man full of enthusiasm. Man of straw ................. og vkneh ftldk dksbZ er u gks A weak person. Idioms And Phrases - 1 212. 213. 214. 215. Man of the world ........... Man of word .................. Mare’s nest ................... Midas touch .................. ................... An experienced person. vuqHkoh O;fDr tqcku dk lPpk................. True to one's word. ..................... A false invention. >wBh viQokg man with extraordinary tknwbZ 'kfDr (ftl dke esaAgkFk power or capacity to make any yxk, og ykHknk;d fl¼ gks) venture profitable. 216. Mince matters .............. 217. 218. 219. 220. 221. 222. moderate or restrain one's T;knk l[r 'kCnksa ds iz;ksx lsTocpuk language. To Mind one’s P’s .......... f'k"Vkpkj dk iwjk è;ku..j[kuk Taking care of behaviour and Q’s properly. Miss the beat ................ volj [kksuk ..................... To lose an opportunity. Mother wit .................... vke tkudkjh................... Common sense. Move heaven and earth vkdk'k&ikrky ,d djuk ...... To try one's best. Much cry and little wool/jkbZ dk igkM+ cukuk ............ Lot of fanfare for something Much ado about nothing ................................... which has very little importance. Narrow escape/Close Shave cky&cky cpuk .............. To escape by a little margin. 223. Nig-nag .......................... ......... A noun used to address someone tks yxkrkj ijs'kku djsa (African-American (with joke or frustation). ds fy, uLy-lwpd 'kCn ds :i esa iz;qDr 'kCn) 224. Nine day’s wonder ......... de le; dk lq[k (pkj .......... Something that arouses great interest but for a very short fnu dh pk¡nuh) period. 225. Nip in the bud ............... ....... To put on end to something in vkjaHk esa gh u"V dj nsuk its initial stage. csdkj............................. Ineffective. 227. Nurse a grudge .............. 'k=kqrk Hkko dk;e........ j[kuk Bear resentment for long period. 228. Oily tongue ................... [kq'kken dh Hkk"kk ................ Flattering words. 229. On one’s guard .............. lko/ku@lpsr jguk .............. Vigilant. 230. On one’s last legs .......... [kRe gksus dh fLFkfr esa ... Close gksukto collapsing. 231. Once for all .................... ges'kk ds fy, (dke............ For the last time/ Conclusively. [kRe djuk) 232. Open question ............... loky ftl dk ,d ls vf/d . A question which may have more than one answer. mÙkj gks ldrk gSA 233. Palmy days .................... vPNs o 'kkafriw.kZ ........... fnu Prosperous/ affluent days. 234. Pandora’s box ................ leL;kvksa dk HkaMkj ............. A source of extensive but unforeseen troubles. (ftlls okfdiQ u gks) 235. Part and parcel .............. vko';d vax .................... Inseparable part. 226. Null and void ................. Idioms Ans Phrases - 1 236. Past master ................... 237. Pay the piper ................. ........................... An expert. fo'ks"kK ................. To bear the cost of something/ [kpZ ogu djuk some service rendered. vR;f/d [kpZ ogu djuk...... To pay dearly. 239. Penny wise pound foolish NksVs [kpZ esa fdiQk;r .... djuk Careful about trifles but wasteful in large ventures. vkSj cM+h jde mM+kuk 240. Pick up the gauntlet ..... pSysat dcwy dj ysuk ........... To accept the challenge. 241. Play ducks and drakes .. iSls cckZn djuk .................. To waste money. 242. Play second fiddle ......... fupyk LFkku Lohdkjuk .......... To be at a subordinate position. 243. Play truant .................... fcuk btktr dke ls............ To be absent from duty without xk;c jguk...................... permission. 244. Poison someone’s ears .. dku Hkjuk ........................ To speak against one to another. 245. Poke one’s nose ............ Vk¡x vM+kuk ....................... To Interfere. 246. Pour oil on troubled waters Øks/ 'kkar djuk ................ To pacify the matters. 247. Pros and cons ................ i{k vkSj foi{k .................. For and against. 248. Pull ones’ legs ............... Vk¡x f[kapuk (etkd mM+kuk) ... To make fun of or to tease. 249. Pull the wool over ......... /ks[kk nsuk ........................ To mislead. 238. Pay through his nose .... somebody’s eyes 250. Put a spoke in one’s wheel rax djuk@ ck/k mRiÂ... To obstruct. djuk ....... To keep a work pending. dke dks yfEcr dj nsuk Put one’s foot down ....... vius izkf/dkj dks n'kkZuk ....... To act firmly. Put one’s shoulders ....... Lo;a vius iz;klks ls fdlh ...... To work or exert oneself heavily. to the wheel .................. dk;Z dks djuk Put the cart before the horse dksbZ dke mYVs............ fljs ls To do things wrongly. izkjaHk djuk Put the cat among pigeons xyr dke@ ckr ls dkiQh ...... To say/ do something that yksxks dk xqLlk HkM+dk nsuk causes trouble or make many 251. Put in cold storage ........ 252. 253. 254. 255. very angry. 256. Quarrel with one’s ......... tgk¡ ls jksth&jksVh....... feyrhTo fight with the executive or bread and butter ............ gS] ogk¡ ds ofj"B vf/dkjh ..... employer, who is providing one’s means of living. ls yM+uk 257. Queer fish ..................... vthc O;ogkj okyk O;fDr .... Strange person. 258. Rain cats and dogs ........ rst ckfj'k gksuk .................. Rain very heavily. 259. Rainy day ...................... vkfFkZd d"V ds ............ Future time of need, especially fnu financial need. 260. Read between the lines . fNik gqvk vFkZ le> tkuk ..... To understand the hidden meaning. Idioms And Phrases - 1 261. Red handed ................... 262. Red letter day ............... 263. Red tapism .................... 264. Rest on one’s laurels .... 265. Rhyme or reason ........... 266. Right hand man ............ 267. Rise like a phoenix ....... from its ashes 268. Rock the boat ................ 269. Rolling stone ................ 270. Royal road ..................... 271. Rule the roost ............... 272. Run amuck .................... 273. Run in the same groove 274. Run-of-the mill .............. 275. Run the gauntlet .......... 276. Sail under false colours 277. Save ones’ skin ............. 278. See eye-to-eye ............... 279. See pink elephants ....... vijk/ djrs le; .............. Exactly while committing a crime or doing something wrong .............. A memorably important or happy lkSHkkX; dk vR;Ur occasion. egÙoiw.kZ................... fnu .................. Strict adherence to excessive yky iQhrk'kkgh paper work and official formalities. .............. Depending on the achievement Hkwrdky ds miyfC/ .................... made in the past. ij fuHkZj jguk Sense, logic or meaning. fdlh Hkh dkj.k............... ls eq[; lgk;d O;fDr............ One’s most valuable assistant or supporter. cgqr cM+h leL;k ls mcj..djTo make a miraculous comeback after a seemingly insurmountable fudy vkuk setback. .................. To disturb a situation which was larqyu fcxkM+uk otherwise stable. restless tks fLFkjrk ds lkFk dk;Z ugha SA djrk g person. ..................... An easy or direct way of vklku jkLrk achieving a desired result. ....................... To dominate. jksc tekuk lud lokj gksuk................ Mad with murderous frenzy. .... Maintaining a sweet laca/ks dks e/qj cuk, j[kuk relationship. lkekU;........................... Average/ common. ............ To go through an unpleasant cqjs vuqHko ls xqtjuk experience. ........................ To pretend to be something that /ks[kk nsuk you are not. .................. To save oneself. Lo;a dks cpkuk .............. Showing agreement/ to agree. iw.kZr% lger gksuk vR;f/d u'kk ds................. Any visual hallucination arising ...... due to intoxication. dkj.k mu phT+kksa dks ns[kuk 280. See red .......................... 281. See through .................. 282. Set at naught ................ tks okLro esa u gks Be very angry. xqLls esa ..................... gksuk le> tkuk ....................... Comprehend/ understand. vlEeku djuk.................. To disregard or treat as of no 283. Set one’s face against ... ............... To oppose with determination. dM+k fojks/ djuk importance. Idioms Ans Phrases - 1 284. Set one’s heart on ......... ...................... To have as one’s ambition to cgqr pkguk 285. 286. 287. 288. 289. 290. 291. 292. ..................... To irritate or annoy someone. ijs'kku djuk ........ To achieve something amazing. vk'p;Ztud dk;Z djuk With united effort. iw.kZ lg;ksx ds ............. lkFk ............... To show cowardice. Hk; iznf'Zkr djuk vfuf'pr dky ds fy, ......... Indefinitely. ......... Refuse to take side in a dispute. fdlh dk i{k ugha ysuk .................. Spoken unintentionally. tqcku fiQlyuk vkylh O;fDr................... A person with lazy approach of obtain something. Set one’s teeth on edge . Set the Thames on fire . Shoulder to shoulder .... Show white feather ....... Sine die ......................... Sit on the fence ............. Slip of the tongue ......... Slow coach .................... 293. Small fry ....................... 294. Smell a rat .................... 295. Smooth sailing .............. 296. Snake in the grass ........ 297. Shake in the shoes ....... 298. Sow the dragon’s teeth . 299. Speak one’s mind .......... 300. Spick and span .............. working. xSj egRoiw.kZ ............. O;fDr Insignificant person. .................. To suspect of something wrong dqN xyr gS&;s done. eglwl dj ysuk ................. Easy progress. ijs'kkuh ds fcuk A secret enemy. vkLrhu dk lkai@ diVh...fe=k .................... A tremble with fear or Mj ls dk¡iuk apprehension. ............ To create future troubles for Hkfo"; ds fy, isj'kkuh yourself or others. bDV~Bk djuk eu dh ckr djuk............... Speak what one really thinks. ....................... In order/ neat and clean. lkiQ&lqFkjk 301. Stand on one’s own legs vkRe&fuHkZj ................ gksuk To be self dependent. 302. Stand/Stick to one’s guns vVy jguk.................... To be strict and determined. 303. Stand somebody in ............ ykHknk;d fl¼ gksuk ........... To be of great use and benefit to good stead someone. 304. Steal a march ................ pqids ls ykHk izkIr dj ... To obtain an advantage by secret ysuk means. 305. Step into another’s shoes fdlh nwljs dh txg ysuk ....... To take over a job/responsibility of some other person. 306. Stiff-necked person ....... <+hV ............................... Stubborn or arrogant. 307. Stir a finger ................... dksf'k'k djuk .................... Making effort. 308. Stone’s throw ................ cgqr utnhd..................... Very near. 309. Street Arabs .................. .................. A homeless person (especially cs?kj ,oa vukFk who survives by begging). 310. Sum and substance ....... lkjka'k ............................ Main idea or gist. 311. Swan song ..................... ... The ejus@ lsokfuo`fr ds igys dh last ceremony or farewell. fcnkbZ laxhr ;k lekjksg Idioms And Phrases - 1 312. Sweat of one’s brow ....... 313. Swelled head ................. ...................... Hard labour. dM+h esgur ............................. Grand opinion of oneself/ ?keaMh conceited. ..................... People hating each other a lot. dV~Vj nq'eu To overwhelm with surprise. HkkSpDdk dj................ nsuk ......... To surprise unexpectedly. vpkud izHkkfor djuk ij fopkj djuk ................. To consider. 318. Take one at one's word .. fdlh ds dgus ij ............... To be convinced of one's sincerity and act in accordance fo'okl djuk 314. 315. 316. 317. Sworn enemies .............. Take away one’s breath . Take by storm ............... Take into account ......... with his/her statement. 319. Take the bull by the horns ladV dk lh/k ,oa [krjukd ... To adopt the most direct but the most dangerous way of facing rjhds ls lkeuk djuk adifficulty. 320. Take to one’s heels ....... Hkkx tkuk ........................ To run away. 321. Talk big ......................... Mhaxsa ekjuk ....................... To boast or brag. 322. Talk of the town ............ pfpZr ckr....................... To be the person or subject everyone is talking about. 323. The printer’s devils ....... NikbZ =kqfV ........................ Error in printing. 324. Think twice ................... lksp le> dj fu.kZ; ysuk ..... To consider carefully before deciding. 325. Through thick and thin . lHkh ifjfLFkfr;ksa .............. esa In good and bad times. 326. Throw cold water upon .. grksRlkfgr djuk ................ To discourage. 327. Throw down the gauntlet pSysat ..................... To challenge. djuk 328. Tooth and nail ............... iwjh rkdr ls ..................... Violently. 329. True to one’s salt .......... oiQknkj@ ued gyky ........... Loyal person. 330. Turn a deaf ear to .......... vulquk djuk .................... Not to pay attention to. 331. Turn over a new leaf ..... cqjs vkpj.k NksM+ vPNh .. Tofn'kk be entirely changed (for good). esa iw.kZ :i ls cnyuk 332. Turn the corner ............. fdlh dk;Z esa vk;s ladViw.kZ ... To pass through a critical point in a process. fLFkfr ls mcj tkuk 333. Turn turtle .................... myV&iyV tkuk ................. To overturn. 334. Turn up one’s nose at .... uhpk le>uk ..................... To take lightly with contempt. 335. Under the nose of .......... vk¡[kksa ds lkeus] ukd ds . Right uhps in front of someone. 336. Under the thumb of ....... ds o'k esa gksuk .................. Under the power or influence of. 337. Up and doing ................. dke esa lfØ; :i ls yxuk ... Active in work. 338. Up one’s sleeves ............ fNik ds j[kh xbZ oLrq ftldk . An item kept hidden and used whenever required. iz;ksx t:jr iM+us ij djsa Idioms Ans Phrases - 1 ................ Difficult task. cgqr dfBu dk;Z 340. Upon one’s sweet will .... viuh bPNk ij.................. On self desire or wish. 341. Ups and downs ............... mrkj&p<+ko ...................... Good and bad times. 342. Utopian scheme ............ vkn'kZ fdUrq dk;kZfUor ....... Au visionary scheme though ................. Impractical. gksus okyh ;kstuk 343. Weather the storm ........ leL;k ls eqdkcyk dj......... Survive by coming out of difficulties. lqjf{kr ckgj fudyuk 344. Well-to-do ...................... lEHkzkar ............................ Affluent. 345. Wet blanket .................. etk fdjfdjk djus okyk ....... One who spoils the enjoyment. 346. Wheels within wheels ... tfVy dk;Z dk vkSj ............. A series of intricately connected events tfVy gksuk 347. White elephant ............. egaxk ijarq csdkj ................ Expensive but of no use. 348. White lie ....................... NksVk ,oa -egÙoiw.kZ ..... A minor lie. xSj >wB 349. Will O’ the wisp ............. Hkzked mEehn .................... Elusive/ unreal. 350. Windfall ........................ ,slk ykHk ftl dh.............. Sudden gain received unexpectedly. mEehn uk gks 351. With a grain of salt ....... Lohdkj djuk ysfdu 'kadk dsTo accept with misgiving. lkFk 352. With one accord/ in one voice ,d Loj esa...................... Unanimously. 353. Wolf in sheep’s clothing fe=krk trkus okyk ................ A malicious person in harmless ................... or benevolent disguise. [krjukd vkneh 354. Word for word ................ 'kCn'k% ............................ In exactly the same word. 355. Word of mouth .............. vukSipkfjd okrkZyki ........... Informal oral communication. 356. Yeoman’s service .......... vfr mÙke ........................ Excellent work. 339. Uphill task .................... Idioms And Phrases - 2 23 IDIOMS AND PHRASES - 2 'LET'S USE THEM IN SENTENCES' 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. Above board (honest and straightforward, bZekunkjh ,oa fu%Ny)& Gandhi ji was above board and hence had nothing to hide. Adam’s ale (pure water, 'kq¼ ty)& In the remotest parts of Rajasthan, people walk miles for Adam’s ale. Add a new feather in one’s cap (to acquire a new honour or distinction, dksbZ u;k lEeku izkIr djuk)& Paramount Coaching Centre has added a new feather in its cap by starting Paramount Reader Publication . Add insult to injury (to harm as well as humiliate, tys ij ued fNM+duk)& She has added insult to injury by returning the gift and sending a ‘get lost’ note. After one’s own heart (similar to you, tks vki ds tSlk gh gS)& Seeing your inclination towards art and Literature, I can say that you are clearly a person after my own heart. An eye wash (a pretence, fn[kkok)& The whole investigation was just an eye wash as no one was held guilty. An hair-breadth escape (very narrow escape, cky&cky cpuk)& He had a hair-breadth escape when his bike skid on the oil drenched road. An old flame (long time love, iqjkuk I;kj )- He met his old flame in the market yesterday but prudently avoided eye contact . An old head on young shoulders (to be more matured than one’s own age, viuh mez ls He is an old head on young shoulders as he teaches Physics at a T;knk le>nkj gksuk)& university at an young age of 25 . As fit as a fiddle (strong and healthy, LoLFk)& He feigned illness but I knew that he was as fit as a fiddle. Assume airs (to pretend superiority, cM+Iiu fn[kkuk)& After becoming an IAS officer he has assumed airs. At a stone’s throw (at a little distance, FkksM+h nwjh Lalij)& Quila is at a stone’s throw from my house. At large (absconding, dkuwu ds fxjÝr ls nwj)& Many terrorists are at large and posing serious threat to the security of India. At logger heads (to be at strife, 'k=kqrk dh voLFkk)& Congress is always at logger heads with the BJP. Idioms And Phrases - 2 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. At naught (to disregard or treat as of no importance, vlEeku djuk)&Leaders today set Gandhiji’s ideals at naught. At odds (in disagreement, vlger gksuk)&Various political parties are at odds in the matter of Women Reservation Bill. At sea (to be confused, my>u esa)& He was at sea when he saw the question paper. At one’s beck and call (at service, vkKk esa gkftj jguk)& The servants were always at the beck and call of the rich merchant. Back stairs influence (improper and private influence, ,slk izHkko tks vlkoZtfud gks ,oa lgh ugha He tried to get a government job by back stair influence. gks)& Bad egg (a worthless person, vokaNfu; O;fDr)& Often a prodigal son of a rich father becomes a bad egg for the society. Bandy words (to argue, tqcku yM+kuk)& The two neighbourers usually bandy words and create a lot of nuisance. Bank upon (depend on, count on, ij fuHkZj gksuk)& You can bank upon us at the time of need. Bated breath (holding your breath, in anxiety, fpark bR;kfn ls lk¡l :duk)& We waited for the good news outside the delivery room with bated breath. Caught red-handed (to be caught while committing a crime, jaxs gkFk idM+s tkuk)& My brother felt ashamed when he was caught red handed reading my personal diary. Be in bad books of (out of favour, Ñik ik=k u gksuk)& She is in bad books of her parents as she went to see a movie without informing them. Be in bad odour of (to be out of favour, fdlh dh cqjh jk; esa gksuk)& A corrupt minister is always in bad odour of the public. Be in good books of (to be in kind favour, Ñik ik=k gksuk ½& She is in good books of her employer as she is very efficient and hardworking. Be in good odour of (to be in good favour, fdlh dh vPNh jk; esa gksuk)& An honest minister is always in good odour of the public. Be in the driving seat (to take the whole responsibility, lkjh ftEesnkjh dk Hkkj mBkuk)& Ramesh is the eldest son and so he is in the driving seat after his father’s death. ½& Our school bore the palm in the dance Bear the palm (to be victorious, fot;h gksuk competition held at the district level. Beat the air (to make useless efforts, O;FkZ iz;kl djuk)& Trying to reform a hard-core criminal is like beating the air. Bed of roses (an easy and comfortable situation, ljy vkSj vkjke dh fLFkfr)& The life of the prince was a bed of roses. Bee in one’s bonnet (go on talking about something which other people think is not )& She ugha gksa bee in her bonnet important, jkx vykiuk ml ckr dk tks nwljksa ds fy, egRoiw.kZ has about recycling of waste material. Behind the scene (secretly, fNis :i esa)&The minister is the mastermind behind the scene and the police are arresting small fries. Below the belt (to strike unfairly, xyr rjhds ls izgkj djuk)& One must compete with others in a fair manner and should not hit anyone below the belt. Idioms And Phrases - 2 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55. Beside oneself (to feel extremely nervous or worried, cgqr vf/d fpUrhr ;k O;kdy gksuk)& Before any exam I am beside myself. Beside the mark (irrelevant, vizklafxd)& The judge did not hear any argument that was beside the mark. Between Scylla and Charybdis (between two great dangers, nks dfBu ifjfLFkfr;ksa ds chp)& She is between Scylla and Charybdis: If she obeys her mother-in-law she will lose her job and if she does not she will lose her family. Bid defiance (to defy, voKk djuk)& The army is bidding defiance by going against the government. Bite the dust (to be defeated, gkj tkuk)& In every match , the Pakistani team bit the dust. Blaze the trail (to be pioneer and make path for others, nwljks ds fy, jkLrk cukuk)& Only a man of iron can blaze the trail. Blessing in disguise (something intrinsically good but having a bad appearance, Åij ls cqjh fn[kus okyh ij okLro esa vPNhHe ckr)& missed the train but it was a blessing in disguise as the train met with an accident. Blow one’s own trumpet (to praise one’s ownself, viuh gh 'ks[kh c?kkjuk)& Every political party always blows its own trumpet and denounces the other political parties. Blue stocking (an educated intellectual lady, i<+h fy[kh efgyk)& A blue stocking was rarely found in Medieval India. Book worm (a bibliophilic person, fdrkch dhM+k)& She is not a book worm but still comes first. Break the ice (to break silence by speaking first, fuLrC/krk rksM+uk)& Shyam broke the ice by talking to me after a long time. Bring down the house (receive great applause, Hkjiwj rkjhiQ ikuk)& The performance of Lata Mangeshkar brought the house down. Bring home (to explain, le>kuk)&I was unable to bring my views home before my parents. Bring to book (to punish, ltk nsuk)&The guilty should be brought to book. izdk esa ykuk)& Bring to light (to disclose, irk yxkuk] fNih ckr dks’k The CBI has brought many indiscripancies to light in many high profile cases. Brow beat (to intimidate, Mjkuk)& The Government must not brow beat the social reformers if they protest against any unjust law. Burn one’s boats (point of no return, okilh dk jkLrk can dj nsuk)& By signing the agreement he burnt his boat. Now he will have to work in this organization for two more years. By and by (gradually, /hjs&/hjs)& You will learn the norms of this organization by and by. By and large (on the whole, laiw.kZ :i ls ns[kus ½&ij My friend is by and large an honest person. By dint of (by means of, ds cy ij)& You can succeed by dint of hard work only. Idioms And Phrases - 2 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. 61. 62. 63. 64. 65. 66. 67. 68. 69. 70. 71. 72. 73. 74. 75. 76. 77. 78. By fair or foul means (by any way right or wrong, lgh ;k xyr fdlh Hkh izdkj ls)& He will try to get a job by fair or foul means but will ultimately lose his peace of mind. By the rule of thumb (according to practical experience, O;ogkfjd :i ls)& By rule of thumb we must not allow children to take major decisions. Call a spade and spade (to be frank, eqagiQV ckr ½& djukHe never hesitated in calling a spade a spade and hence he has few friends. Call names (to abuse, xkyh nsuk ½& He has a bad habit of calling names. Capital punishment (death penalty, ekSr dh ltk)& Capital punishment should be abolished as it is the cruelest form of punishment. Carrot and stick policy (reward and punishment policy, buke vkSj ltk dh ikWfylh)& The multinational companies adopt carrot and stick policy to get maximum output. Carry matters with a high hand (to deal with a person strictly, l[rh ls fuiVuk)&The police carry matters with high hand. Cast a slur (to bring disgrace, vi; ’k dk dkj.k cuuk ½& Taking bribe could cast a slur on the honour of your family. Cave in (yield, >qd tkuk)& One must not cave in under pressure or temptation. Chapter and verse (in full detail, iw.kZ fooj.k ds lkFk)& I cannot narrate the whole incident in chapter and verse. Cheek by jowl (close together, lkFk&lkFk)& Many poor people live cheek by jowl in a small room. ½& It is not a child’s play to address a crowd. Child’s play (a very easy task, cPpksa dk [ksy Clinch the issue (to clear the controversy, fookn [kRe djuk)& The college administration clinched the issue by accepting the demands of the students. Clip one’s wings (to weaken the power, ij drjuk)& Sonia Gandhi clipped the wings of some ministers by withdrawing the powers delegated to them. ½& His family had a close shave in the bus Close shave (a narrow escape, cky&cky cpuk accident. Cloven hoof (symbol of disgrace or evil intention, vlEeku ;k 'kSrkuh bjkns dk izrhd)& Usually some or other leader of the BJP shows cloven hoof to the BJP leadership. Cock a snook (to show impudent contempt, vlEeku izdV djuk)& He refused to accept the award, cocking a snook at the Filmfare Award jury. Cock sure (very sure and certain, lqfuf'pr gksuk)& I am cock sure, we will win the match. Cold reception (not a hearty welcome, tks xeZtks were very ’kh ls Hkjk Lokxr ugha We gks)& unhappy when we were given cold reception at his marriage party. ½& I came across a problem when I was Come across (meet by chance, vpkud eqykdkr gksuk solving the equation. Come home to (to understand, le> esa vkuk)& At last, it came home and we got the correct answer. Come in handy (to be useful, dke dk gksuk)& This opener comes in handy when we need to open this container. Come to a pass (a difficult situation, fdlh ?kVuk dk gksuk)& The accident came to pass due to the negligence of the driver. Idioms And Phrases - 2 79. 80. 81. 82. 83. 84. 85. 86. 87. 88. 89. 90. 91. 92. 93. 94. 95. 96. 97. 98. Come true (to prove true, lgh lkfcr gksuk)& My dreams have come true as I have got selected. Cool one’s heels (to be kept waiting, bUrtkj djk;k tkuk)& We sat down and cooled our heels for the minister who didn’t turn up. Corporal punishment (bodily punishment, 'kkjhfjd n.M)& Corporal punishment is banned in schools. Count chickens before they are hatched (To anticipate profit before hand, igys ls ykHk dk fo’okl dj ysuk)& Don’t dream of profit now as it is futile to count your chickens before they are hatched. Cross one’s mind (to occur to oneself, vpkud fnekx esa vkuk)& I was resting when suddenly a new idea crossed my mind. Curry favour (to win favour by flattery, [kq'kken djds ds Ñik dk ik=k cuuk)& Many developing countries curry favour with America. Curtain lecture (a private scolding by wife to her husband, vdsys esa ifr dks nh xbZ Mk¡V)& Don’t tell me that your father has never got any curtain lecture in his life. Cut both ends (to argue in support of both sides of the issue, nksuksa i{kks ds rjiQ ls rdZ nsuk)& Mahesh always cuts both ends and hence he has neither friends nor foes. ½& The Cut the Gordian knot (to solve a difficult problem, fdlh dfBu leL;k dk gy fudkyuk national leaders cut the Gordian knot by making India a secular country. Cut throat (tough, dBhu)&We face cut throat competition in every field. Damp squib (complete failure though earlier thought to be exciting, iw.kZ vliQyrk] tks yxrk Fkk mÙkstukRed gksxk)& The performance of team India turned out to be a damp squib. cT+kkuk Dance attendance upon (to be in servile attitude all the time, pkiywlh djuk@ gkftjh ½& The mother-in-law wanted the lady to dance attendance upon her. Dark Horse (unexpected winner, vizR;kf'kr fotsrk)& An unknown independent candidate came out as a dark horse after the election. Days of reckoning (a time when the effects of one’s past mistakes or misdeed catch up with one, tc Hkwrdky esa dh xbZ xfYr;kas dk vlj fn[kus Youyxs)& have been manipulating the account for a long time. Now days of reckoning have come. Dead broke (penniless, fnokfy;k)& Due to recession he has become a dead broke. gksuk)& Die-hard (obstinately resistant to change, ifjorZu ds f[kykiQ n`<+rk ls He is a die-hard fan of Devanand. Dig one’s own grave (to do something which causes you harm, ,slk ÑR; tks eqlhcr esa Mky ns)&You are digging your own grave by writing your pass word in your diary. Dog’s life (very miserable life, d"Vnk;d thou)&Due to unchecked inflation, the poor are living a dog’s life. Double dealing (deceitful actions, /kks[ksckth ds dk;Z)& The double dealing of the lawyer was exposed by a sting operation. Double-edged sword (act that will harm oneself as well as the others, ,slk dk;Z tks nwljs dks vkSj Lo;a dks Hkh uqdlku igqapk lds)& Corruption is a doubled edged sword for the public as well as the Government. Idioms And Phrases - 2 99. 100. 101. 102. 103. 104. 105. 106. 107. 108. 109. 110. 111. 112. 113. 114. 115. 116. 117. 118. 119. 120. Down and out (lacking funds, resources or prospects, iQ.M] laink bR;kfn dh deh gksuk)& He was down and out when his factory was burnt to the ground. Down in the mouth (filled with melancholy and despondency, nq[k ,oa fujk'kk ls Hjk gksuk)& She was down in the mouth when she saw her husband’s dead body. Draconian law (extremely severe law, vR;Ur Øwj dkuwu)& There are still many draconian laws in under developed countries. Draw the long bow (to tell large stories or to exaggerate, yEch dgkfu;k¡ cukuk ;k c<+k&p<+k dj Come to the point. Don’t draw a long bow. dqN crkuk)& Drawn battle /match (a battle or match in which no party wins, cjkcj dh ckth gksuk)& The drawn battle created a lot of excitement till the last ball. ek=kk)& Drop in the ocean (very insignificant amount, vR;Ur gh FkksM+hMy knowledge about Archeology is only a drop in the ocean. Ducks and drakes (to waste money, iSls cckZn djuk)& I cannot allow you to play ducks and drakes with my hard earned money. lkgl)& Dutch courage (bravery under alcoholic influence, 'kjkc ds u'ks esa fn[kk;s tkuk okykHis dutch courage will vanish when he will gain his sense. Easy money (bribe, fj'or)& Many officers make easy money. Eat one’s word (to admit that something you said in the past was wrong, ;s Lohdkj djuk fd dgh gqbZ ckr xyr FkhThose )& who said that Amitabh Bachhan’s charm was over had to eat their word after the success of Kaun Banega Crorepati. Egg on (to urge somebody to do some thing that is generally wrong, dqN xyr dk;Z djus ds fy, izksRlkfgr djuk)& He egged me on to drive faster. Eke out (to support (existence) with difficulty and effort or to add (something insufficient), especially with effort, cgqr eqf'dy ls dqN miyC/ djkuk)& He is trying to eke out an income by doing over time. Elixir of life (nectar of life, thou dk ve`r)& Contentment is the elixir of life. Enough and to spare (plentiful, izpqj ek=kk esa)& He earns enough and to spare. Ever and Anon (now and then, tc&rc)& The night was dark and we could hear the howling of dogs ever and anon. Every dog has his day (good fortune comes sooner or later, vPNk fnu lcdk vkrk gS)& When he bagged three movies in a row, he realized that every dog has his day. ls She is an honest person by every inch . Every Inch (Completely, iw.kZ :i ½& Eye wash (ineffective remedy which is just for show, fliQZ fn[kkos dk)& The committee set up to look into the multiple scams was just an eye wash. See eye-to-eye (showing agreement/ to agree, iw.kZr% lger gksuk)& The two competitiors never see eye to eye. djuk Face the music (to face opposition, dfBukbZ ;k fojks/ dk lkeuk½& Every leader has to face the music if he doesn’t fulfill promises made by him. ½& I don’t want to fan the flame of the tension Fan the flame (to aggravate, cnrj cukuk between the husband and the wife. Few and far between (very rare, cgqr de)&The houses in this remote village are few and far away. Idioms And Phrases - 2 121. Fight to the finish (to fight to the end, vkf[kjh urhts rd yM+uk)& When she was blamed and sued without any rhyme or reason, she pledged to fight the case to the finish. 122. Fish in troubled waters (to take advantage of the difficulties of others, nwljksa dh ijs'kkuh dk ykHk mBkuk)& Many lawyers don’t hesitate from fishing in troubled waters. 123. Fit to hold a candle to (match for, equal in quality, cjkcjh dk gksuk)& He is such a miser that he is not fit to hold a candle of such a lavish reception. 124. Flash in the pan (something or someone that became successful quickly and is unlikely to be repeated, vLdekr liQyrk ikuk tks {kf.kd gks vkSj Hkfo"; esa fiQj 'kk;n The usuccess gks)& of Kumar Gaurav in his debut movie ‘Love Story’ was a flash in the pan. 125. Flesh and blood (human nature or physical existence, together with its weaknesses / substance and depth in artistic portrayal, gkM+&ek¡l dk gksuk@ fdlh dyk esa ik;h tkus okyh xgjkbZ)& The movies of late seventies lacked flesh and blood with their ketchup blood and round the tree romance. 126. Flog a dead horse (to waste one’s energy, csdkj dh dks'kh'k djuk)& Trying to reform a terrorist is like flogging a dead horse. 127. Fly in the face of (to defy/ to brave/ to withstand, voKk djuk@ lkgl ls lkeuk djuk)& The theory about the existence of heaven and hell flies in the face of all logic and common sense. 128. Fly into a passion (to be enraged, Øksf/r gksuk)& He flies into a passion within seconds if someone ignores his instructions. 129. Fool’s errand (a fruitless mission or undertaking, fu"iQy dk;Z)& Many projects of Mohammad -bin-tuglaq were fool’s errand. 130. Foot the bill (bear expenses, [kpZ ogu djuk)& You had ordered these tasteless pizzaz . Now you will have to foot the bill. 131. For good (for ever, ges'kk ds fy,)He educated him and sent him to America for good. 132. For the rainy day (precaution for emergency, dfBu ifjfLFkfr;ksa ds fy;s izcU/)& I have kept some money in the bank for the rainy days. 133. Foul Play (treachery, /ks[kk/M+h)& Foul play destroys the fun of life. 134. French leave (leave without information, fcuk lwpuk ds vuqifLFkr gksuk)& If you take french leave, you will be fined. 135. From the bottom of one’s heart (very sincerely, vUrj eu ls)& I thanked him from the bottom of my heart for his timely help. 136. Gain ground (to progress/ advance, rjDdh djuk@ opZLo c<+kuk)& Due to the misgovernance by the ruling party, the opposition is gaining ground. 137. Gentleman at large (wealthy man with time on his hands, /uh O;fDr ftlds ikl le; dh deh Here he was, talking like a gentleman at large who was free to come and go u gks)& and roam about the world at pleasure, 138. Get down to brass tacks (discuss the basic facts or realities/ to deal with the matter djuk)&After avoiding the thorny question of tax reforms straight, fdlh eq[; fo"k;ij ppZk for months, the ruling party finally got down to brass tacks last week and drafted a preliminary proposal. 139. Get into a scrape (find oneself in a difficult or awkward situation, [kqn dks eqf'dy gkykr esa ikuk)&By signing the bond he will get into a scrape. Idioms And Phrases - 2 140. Get the better of (to overcome, dkcw ik ysuk)& At last he got the better of his problems and opponents. 141. Get wind of (to know the secret, Hksn tku ysuk ½& The opposition got the wind of the plans of the ruling party. 142. Gird up the loin (to be well prepared for some difficult task, fdlh dfBu dk;Z dks djus ds fy, dej dl dj rS;kj gksuk½& If we all gird up the loin, we can remove illiteracy. 143. Give a wide berth (to give ample space or distance to avoid an unwanted consequence, fdlh vokaNfu; urhts ls cpus ds fy, nwjh cuk;s j[kuk)& Being an understanding father, you should give a wide berth to your son and wait for the right time to talk to him. 144. Give cold shoulder (pay no attention to, è;ku u nsuk)& He went to the police for help but they gave him cold shoulder. 145. Give somebody enough rope (to hang themselves) (to allow someone to do what he wants to, knowing that he will probably fail or get into trouble, fdlh dks dqN djus dh vuqefr Don’t stop him.Give him enough rope to hang. ns nsuk ;s tkurs gq, fd og vliQy gks tk,xkA)& He will be rejected for his poor performance and will return home. 146. Give the devil his due (even the wicked person should be given the credit due to him, In spite of being so rude, he helped me in need. The cqjs vkneh dh Hkh mfpr iz'kalk ½&djuk devil should be given his due. 147. Give up the ghost (to die, ej tkuk)& My grandfather gave up to ghost last Sunday. 148. Give vent to (to express one’s thoughts or feelings, vius fopkjksa ;k Hkkoukvksa dks izdV djuk)& Every Indian is free to give vent to his thoughts. jguk)& 149. Wool-gathering (to engage in fanciful daydreaming, euHkkou dYiuk esa [kks, Work hard. Wool gathering will not help you in any way. 150. Go back on one’s word (to change one’s mind about/ repudiate, ckr ls ihNs gV tkuk)& She has decided to do charity and she should not go back on her word. 151. Go broke (become bankrupt, fnokfy;k gksuk)& He has gone broke and is unable to make both ends meet.. 152. Whole hog (the whole way/Completely, iw.kZ :i ls)& She went the whole hog and checked the account of the whole month in one go. 153. Golden opportunity (very favourable opportunity or chance, lqugjk volj½& He missed the golden opportunity by declining the offer. 154. Green horn (an inexperienced or immature person, especially one who is easily gks)& heavy loss because he deceived,vuqHkoghu O;fDr ftls csodwiQ cukuk vklku He incurred relied on the green horn who was his own nephew. 155. Hang in balance (have two equally possible results/ be uncertain, vfuf'p; dh fLFkfr)& After the opposition party won the election, whether or not the new highway will be built, hangs in the balance. 156. Hang over one’s head (to have something bothering or worrying one, ijs'kkuh ;k leL;k dk cus jguk)&He committed suicide because troubles and court cases hung over his head. 157. Hard and fast (definite, fuf'pr)& There is no hard and fast rule for solving these numericals. Idioms And Phrases - 2 158. Harp on the same string (to keep on talking on the same topic, ,d gh fo"k; ij ckr djrs jguk)& Some obsessed people have the habit of harping on the same string. 159. At the nick of time (at the last possible moment, Bhd le; ij)& I reached the examination hall at the nick of time. 160. Heart and soul (with complete faith and dedication, lPps fny ls)&He has put heart and soul in his work. 161. Heart to heart (very frankly, iwjs fny ls] [kqys :i ls)& The two friends had a heart to heart talk as they met after many years. 162. Hen-pecked husband (admirer of one’s own wife in a servile manner, tks: dk xqyke)& Every boy boasts, “I will never become a hen pecked husband.” 163. Himalayan blunder (a serious mistake, xaHkhj xyrh)& He committed a Himalayan blunder by leaving for work without his body guards and was shot dead. 164. Hit the nail on the head (to act in the right way, Bhd fu’kkus ij pksV ekjuk)& You have hit the nail on the head by making the bid at the right time. 165. Hold good (valid/ applicable, ykxw@ mfpr Bgjkuk)& Rule of triple talaq doesn’t hold good even in the Islamic countries. 166. Hold one’s ground (to stand firm, n`<+rk ls MVs jguk)& The Indian soldiers held their ground to the end. 167. Hold one’s jaw (to stop talking, cksyuk cUn gksuk)& Please hold your jaw else I shall go away. 168. Hold the fort (to stand firm on one’s position, vius LFkku ij MVs jguk)& Our soldiers held the fort and proved their valour. 169. Hold the scales even (to be impartial, fu"i{k jguk)&The Judge must hold the scales even. 170. Hold water (to stand up to critical examination, lgh lkfcr gksuk)& Your argument does not hold water. 171. Hot water (trouble, ijs'kkfu;ka)& Your cousin is in hot water due to his controversial speech. 172. In a fix (in a difficult mental state, ekufld my>u esa)& He was in a fix when he saw his mother in ICU. 173. In a tight corner (in difficult situation, eqf'dy gkykr eas)& I found myself in a tight corner when I lost my journey ticket. 174. In doldrums (to be depressed, fujk'kk esa)& He was found in doldrum when he could not succeed even in his third attempt. 175. In embryo (immature/ in the making, vfodflr voLFkk esa)& My plan of expanding my business is still in embryo. 176. In no time (in a very short time, FkksM+h gh nsj esa)& He can solve any mathematical problem in no time. 177. In one’s teens (from thirteen to nineteen years of age, rSjg ls mUuhl lky rd)& A person in his teen is spirited, full of dreams and optimistic. 178. In the air (in circulation/ in people’s thoughts, ppkZ esa)& News of his cold blooded murder is very much in the air. Idioms And Phrases - 2 179. Down in the dumps (unhappy, depressed, nq[kh@ fujk'k)& He is down in the dumps after his father’s death. 180. In the family way (pregnant, xHkZorh)& She has applied for leave as she is in the family way. 181. In the good books of (to be in favour with a person, i{k esa djuk)& People usually flatter their boss to remain in their good books. ½& The esa boy was in the jaws of the 182. In the jaws of (in the grip of, nkarksa ds chp] fdlh ds dCts kidnappers. 183. In the limelight (at the centre of attention, vkdZ"k.k dk dsUnz)& Film stars are habitual of remaining in the lime light. 184. In the lurch (in a difficult and embarrassing position, eqf'dy ,oa chp ea>/kj okyh fLFkfr esa)& when the experiment failed, the sub-ordinates left the eminent scientist in lurch. 185. Melting pot (a place where immigrants of different cultures or races form an integrated gS)& society, ,slk LFkku tgk¡ vizoklh yksx viuh&viuh lH;rk ds lkFk ,d lekt cukrs With immigrants from all over the world getting an easy passage to India, our country is becoming a melting pot. 186. In the red (in debt, dtZ esa)& The company is in the red due to its unfeasible projects. 187. In the teeth of (in opposition to or defiance of/facing danger or threats, ds fo:¼@ [krjs dk lkeuk djuk)&The tribe was in the teeth of starvation. 188. In the twinkling of an eye (in a moment/in no time, {k.k Hkj esa)& The house came down in the twinkling of an eye. 189. To fish in troubled waters (to take advantage of the problems of others, fo"ke ifjfLFkfr dk Many self-centred lawyers fish in troubled water. ykHk mBkuk)& 190. For all intents and purposes (for all practical purposes, gj O;kogkfjd mís'; ds fy,)& This dictionary is useful for all intents and purposes. 191. Snake in the grass (a secret enemy, vkLrhu dk lkai@ diVh fe=k)& Politicians playing caste based politics are snakes in the grass. 192. Keep abreast of (not to fall behind, ihNs u jg tkuk)& We must keep ourselves abreast of the latest development in technology. 193. Keep an eye on (to watch, utj j[kuk)& It is very necessary for us to keep an eye on our growing children. 194. Keep an open table (to entertain all, lc dk Lokxr djuk)&It is not very difficult to keep an open table in a party. 195. Keep at an arm’s length (to keep at a distance, nwjh cuk dj j[kuk)& You must keep bad habits at arm’s length. 196. Keep at bay (To keep someone at a distance, nwj j[kuk ½& He held the police at bay with a gun for several hours. 197. Keep body and soul together (to be able to pay for just those things that you need in order to live, fliQZ thou&;kiu Hkj dk tqxkM+ dj They can barely keep body and soul ikuk)& together on what he earns. 198. Keep the pot boiling (to keep going on actively, thou p;kZ tkjh j[kuk)& One has to keep the pot boiling inspite of all odds one has to face in life. 199. Keep up appearance (to keep one’s prestige/to maintain outward show, ckgjh fn[kkok cuk;s j[kuk)& Inspite of being a bankrupt, he is able to keep up his appearance. 200. Kick one’s heels (wait impatiently to be summoned, cqykos ds fy, cslczh ls bartkj djuk)& The whole day we kicked our heels outside the court room. 201. Kick the bucket (to die, ej tkuk)&He kicked the bucket and left his family in extreme financial difficulty. 202. Kill the fat calf for (to arrange a lavish reception for someone, fdlh dk /we/ke ls Lokxr djuk½& India killed the fat calf for the Common Wealth Games. 203. Kiss the dust (to be humiliated, viekfur gksuk)& In Indo-Pak war our enemies had to kiss the dust. 204. Knock against (to hit against, VDdj [kkuk)& I couldn’t see the transparent door and knocked against it. 205. Lapped in luxury (brought up in luxury, foykflrk esa iyuk)& Great people are generally not lapped in luxury. 206. Laugh in one’s sleeves (to laugh secretly, pqids ls)&Our neighbours laughed in their sleeves when they saw my grand father wearing a pair of fashionable googles. 207. Lead by the nose (to lead someone by coercion/ to guide someone very carefully, nokc I had to lead him by the nose to the meeting. esa ;k ekxZn'kZu djus gsrq fdlh dks jkLrk fn[kkuk)& He will never find his way through the admission form unless you lead him by the nose. 208. Lead to the altar (to marry, 'kknh djus tkuk)& He promised her to lead her to the altar. 209. Leap in the dark (to do something though there is uncertainty about the outcome, vfuf'pr play lottery is to leap in the dark. ifj.kke gksus ij Hkh dksbZ dk;ZTo djuk)& 210. Leave no stone unturned (to make all possible efforts, dksbZ Hkh iz;Ru ckdh u NksM+uk)& He worked very hard to pass the Civil Services Exams and left no stone unturned. 211. Leave one in the lurch (to leave one in difficulties, fdlh dk dfBukbZ;ksa esa lkFk NksM+ He nsuk)& kicked the bucket and left his family in the lurch. tkuk)& 212. Let by-gones be by-gones (to forget old things, iqjkuh ckrksa dks Hkwy India and Pakistan must start bi-lateral talks and let by-gones be by-gones. 213. Lick the dust (to get defeated, gkj tkuk)& The team licked the dust in the final match. 214. Lie in wait (wait in hiding to attack,?kkr yxk;s cSBs jguk)& The policemen were lying in wait for the kidnappers. 215. Live in an Ivory tower (where one can be aloof from the realities of life , tgk¡ thou dh The queen lived in an ivory tower and did not know the meanokLrfodrk ls nwj jgrs gSa)& ing of poverty. 216. Long and short (all that can or need be said., lkjka'k)& The long and short of the whole discussion will be made available to all in black and white. 217. Look down upon (To hate a person, fdlh O;fDr ls ?k`.kk djuk)& I hate those people who look down upon the poor. 218. Lose the day (to be defeated, gkj tkuk)&My favourite football team lost the day. 219. Make a fortune (To grow rich, /uh cu tkuk)& He made a fortune by selling smuggled goods. Idioms And Phrases - 2 220. Make after (to pursue or chase, ihNk djuk)& The people made after the chain snatcher and caught him. 221. Make amends (to compensate, gtkZuk nsuk)& He had to make amends for his bad behavior. 222. Make head or tail of (to understand, le>uk)& The doctor could not make the head or tail of his illness. 223. Make one’s mark (to achieve distinction, viuk izHkko NksM+uk)& India has made its mark in the field of technology. 224. Make out (to understand, le> ysuk)& I could not make out what he was saying. 225. Make up the leeway (struggle out of a bad position, especially by recovering lost time, The Government will have to make up the xoka pqds le; dh {kfriwfrZ djds cqjs gkykr ls fudyuk)& leeway by taking remedial actions immediately. 226. Make up one’s mind (To determine, fu'p; djuk ½& She has made up her mind to divorce her cruel husband. 227. Make a clean breast (to confess especially something bad or illegal, fdlh xqukg dk lp dcwy ysuk )& After months of lying about the money, he decided to make a clean breast of it and tell the truth. 228. Man in the street (common man, lk/kj.k O;fDr)&The life of a man in the street has become very difficult because of rising price. 229. Man of iron (man with strong will-power, n`<+ bPNk 'kfDr okyk)& Nothing can deter a man of iron . ½& We were ready to 230. Meet half-way (to be prepared for compromise, le>kSrs ds fy, jkth gksuk meet the other party half way and settle all litigation. 231. Milk of human kindness (human compassion, ekuork ls Hkjk g`n;)& Milk of human kindness is necessary for the existence of humanity. 232. Narrow circumstances (hard days/ poverty, xjhch ds fnu)& After his father’s death, he is living in narrow circumstances. 233. Neither chick nor child (no child, dksbZ cPps dk u gksuk)& She feels very lonely because she has neither chick nor child. 234. No love lost (having no love, fdlh izdkj dk izse@fe=krk dk u gksuk)& There is no love lost between these two neighbours who are fighting an endless court case. 235. Nook and corner (at every place, izR;sd LFkku ij)& I searched for my book at every nook and corner of the house. 236. Oil someone’s hands (to bribe, fj'or nsuk)&We should stop oiling the officials’ hands. 237. Beauty is only skin deep (physical beauty is not important, ckgjh lqUnjrk egRoiw.kZ She ugha)& took a wrong decision by not marrying this gentleman.She doesn't know that beauty is only skin deep. 238. On and on (to continue, tkjh j[kuk)&She went on and on but nobody listened to her. 239. On the horns of a dilemma (to face a difficult situation between two problems, eqlhcr esa drive has put many shops on the horns iQaluk] nks dfBu voLFkkvksa dsThe chp demolition esa)& of a dilemma because if they do not shut down, their shops will be sealed and if they do, they lose their means of livelihood. 240. On the wrong side of (one’s age being more than, vf/d mez dk gksuk)& He is on the wrong side of fifty now. 241. Open secret (known to all, loZfofnr)&He is bankrupt and this is an open secret now. 242. Order of the day (some common things of the time, dksbZ izpfyr ckr)& Following new fashion is the order of the day. 243. Out of the wood (out of difficulties, eqlhcr ls NqVdkjk)& At last India came out of the wood and got independence. 244. Pay one back in one’s own coin (tit for tat, tSls dks rSlk)& The person doing wrong should be paid back in his own coin. 245. Pell mell (very fast and not organised, cgqr tYn vkSj vLr&O;Lr rjhds ls)& Every thing was done pell mell as we got the order at the eleventh hour. 246. Petticoat-Government ( undue influence of women, fL=k;ksa dk vuqfpr ncko)& Petticoatgovernment may adversaly influence your whole project. ½& fudkyuk 247. Pick holes in (to find fault with, nwljksa esa nks"k My boss has the habit of picking holes in our performance. 248. Pin prick (troubles that are for short time, tks leL;k,a dqN fliQZ le; ds fy, gks)& We should ignore such pin pricks and get on with the job. 249. Play a double game (to act dubiously, /ks[kk/kM+h djuk)& My friend was playing a double game. 250. Play fast and loose (be unreliable, vfo'oluh; gksuk)&How can you trust a man who plays fast and loose changing his statement every minute? 251. Play one false (to deceive, fdlh dks /ks[kk nsuk)& He played her false and married again. 252. Play one’s cards well (to do the correct things to achieve a desired result, le>nkjh ls dke djuk)& If you play your cards well, you will get selected.. 253. Play the fool (to act foolishly, csodwiQh djuk)& Why do you play the fool when it comes to spending money? 254. Pocket an insult (to bear insult, vieku lgu dj ysuk)& Indians had to pocket much insult during their fight for Independence. 255. Poison one’s ears against (to set a person against another, fdlh ds fo#¼ dku Hkjuk)& She has poisoned the ears of my mother-in-law. 256. Past master (an expert, fdlh {ks=k dk fo'ks"kK)& He is a past master in cheating others. 257. Pour oil on troubled waters (to pacify the anger of others, Øks/ dks 'kkUr djus dk iz;Ru)& He solved the matter by pouring oil on troubled waters with his good behaviour. 258. Pull the string (to exercise secret influence, fNis :i ls izHkko Mkyuk)& When I saw extreme level of red-tapism in the organization, I had to pull my strings to get my work done. 259. Pull to pieces (to criticise severely, dVq vkykspuk djuk)& The leader of opposition has pulled the ruling party to pieces. 260. Put an end to (to finish, lekIr dj nsuk)&She has put an end to her unfeasible ideas. 261. Put pen to paper (to start writing, fy[kuk vkjEHk dj nsuk)& In my board examination I put my pen to paper without wasting a second. 262. Put the saddle on the right horse (to blame the really guilty person, lgh vijk/h ij vkjksi yxkuk)The court put the saddle on the right horse and passed the right order. Idioms And Phrases - 2 263. Put to the sword (to kill, ekj nsuk)& Nadir Shah put even children to the sword. 264. Put up with (to tolerate, lgu djuk)& Maharana Pratap could not put up with insult. 265. Rank and file (lower middle class people, lk/kj.k Js.kh ds yksx)& The extra-ordinary speeches of the great orators cannot be appreciated by the rank and file. 266. Red rag to a bull (something that will surely produce a violent reaction, fuf'pr gh mÙksftr djus okyh ckr)&The racial comments against the Indians proved to be a red rag to a bull and the riot took place. 267. Rise to the occasion (to show that you can deal with a difficult situation, ;s fn[kk nsuk fd vki eqf'dy gkykr dk lkeuk dj ldrs gS)&Mahatma Gandhi rose to the occasion and dared the British. 268. Roll up one’s sleeves (to be prepared for hard work, dM+h esgur ds fy;s rS;kj jguk)& We will have to roll up our sleeves as the time of examination has come. 269. Rub shoulders with (to meet and spend time with, fdlh ds fudV lEidZ esa vkuk)& He claims to have rubbed shoulders with Salman Khan during his journey to Sydney. 270. Run down (reduced in health/to criticize, LokLF; esa fxjkoV@ fuUnkI djuk)& was worried because she looked run down . Do not run down your friends in public. 271. Run short/ Hard up (not proving sufficient, shortage of money/ something, fdlh pht@ iSls dh deh)& I am running short of money these days. If you are hard up, you can come to me. 272. Scratch one’s head (to be perplexed, ijs'kku gks tkuk)& I scratched my head when I saw the puzzles in the PO exam. 273. Screw up one’s courage (to gather courage, lkgl c<+kuk)& Working women have to screw up their courage to handle eve teasing incidents at their working places. 274. Seal of love (kiss, pqEcu)&They validated their marriage with a seal of love. 275. See the light (to be born, tUe ysuk)&Many female babies are aborted before they see the light. 276. Set price on one’s head (to offer reward for killing or helping in the arrest of a criminal, fdlh vijk/h dks ekjus ;k idM+okus esa enn djus ij buke dh ½&?kks"k.kk The government of America had set price on Osama’s head. 277. Show a clean pair of heels (to run away, Hkkx tkuk)& The chain snatcher showed a clean pair of heels and the people were unable to catch him. 278. Sink fast (to deteriorate in quality or condition, cn ls cnrj gksuk)& The patient was sinking fast. 279. Slip of the pen (a small unintentional mistake in writing, fy[kus esa vutkus esa dh tkus okyh xyrh)& The slip of the pen created a lot of confusion. 280. Snake in the grass (some hidden enemy, vKkr 'k=kq)& Many leaders are snake in the grass creating disharmony in the society. djuk)& always 281. Sow wild oats (indulgence in youthful follies, ;qokoLFkk dh csodwfiQ;ka Mothers keeps an eye on their daughters to see that they do not sow wild oats. 282. Square meal (full meal, isV Hkj Hkkstu)& A poor person does not get even one square meal a day. Idioms And Phrases - 2 283. Stand in good stead (to be of great service, cgqr lgk;d gksuk)& Your experience will always stand in good stead when you join a full time job. 284. Storm in a tea cup (much hue and cry over a little matter, NksVh lh ckr ij cgqr 'kksjxqy djuk)& Do not worry about these silly rows. They are just storm in a tea cup. 285. Strain every nerve (to make every possible effort, gj izdkj dk iz;Ru djuk)& I strained every nerve to get out of the problem. 286. Sword of Damocles (an imminent danger, flj ij yVdh ryokj)& Terrorism is a sword of Damocles hanging over the whole world. 287. Take a leaf out of another man’s book (to imitate another person, udy djuk)& He has no originality of thought; he only takes a leaf out of another man’s book to make quick money. 288. Take an exception to (to be offended by something, fdlh ckr dk cqjk ekuuk)& She took an exception to his joke. 289. Take into one’s head (to suddenly decide to do some thing, often silly or surprising, took into their heads to get married dqN csodwiQh Hkjh gjdr djus dk vpkud fu.kZ;Itysuk)& next sunday. 290. Take pains (to work hard, dfBu ifjJe djuk)& She took pains to bring up her children after her husband's death. 291. Take the bull by the horns (to face danger with courage, [krjs dk fgEer ls lkeuk djuk)& Bhagat Singh took the bull by the horns and bravely challenged the British empire. 292. Take to one’s heels (to run away, Hkkx tkuk)& when the police came, the robber took to his heels. 293. Tall talk (boasting, 'ks[kh ekjuk)& One of my friends Rajesh is famous for his tall talks. 294. The Fourth Estate (the press, izsl)&Today the fourth estate can influence the court proceedings of any case. 295. The knock down price (very low price, cgqr de dher)& I bought every thing at the mega sale at knock down prices. 296. Sheet anchor (a person or thing to be relied upon in an emergency, vkikrdky esa dke vkus His uncle proved to be his sheet anchor after his father’s death. okyk O;fDr vFkok oLrq)& 297. Thick-skinned person (not easily offended, insensitive, yTtkghu ;k laosnughu O;fDr)& He is such a thick- skinned person that he laughed when people cursed and abused him. 298. Think lightly (not to be serious about a thing, etkd ds :i esa ysuk)&Don’t think of your married life lightly. 299. Throw light on (to make something easier to understand, fdlh fo"k; ij izdk'k Mkyuk)& I wanted to throw light on the pitiful life of the bar dancers. 300. Throw mud at (try to make a low opinion of someone by saying unpleasant things about him, cnuke djuk)&Companies should think carefully before slinging mud at someone who may respond with a libel action costing it crores of rupees. 301. Tool in the hands of (under the authority of another, nwljs ds gkFk esa dBiqryh dh Hkkafr)& The whole legal system has become a tool in the hands of the politicians. 302. Turn one’s coat (to change one’s party, ny cny ysuk)&Some people are so ambitious that they often turn their coat. Idioms And Phrases - 2 303. Turn the tables (to change the situation completely, fLFkfr dks fcydqy cny nsuk)& The ruling party had an easy victory in the last Lok sabha election but inflation and corruption have totally turned the table. 304. Under a cloud (under suspicious conditions, lansgiw.kZ fLFkfr Ever since the rumours of esa)& corruption started, the former chief minister has been under a cloud . 305. Under the rose (secretly, xqIr :i ls)& He is selling confidential documents under the rose. 306. Under the thumb of (completely under one’s power or influence, fdlh ds opZLo esa nck gksuk)& He is under the thumb of his mother and does not listen to the problems of his wife. 307. Upto the mark (up to standard, mfpr Lrj rd)& I have to watch my staff all the time to keep them up to the mark. 308. Vexed question (much debated and discussed, ftl iz'u ij dkiQh cgl gks pqdh gks)& 'Mercy killing should be granted or not' has become a vexed question. 309. Wash dirty linen in public (to expose private affairs in public, O;fDrxr ckrksa dks ckgj mNkyuk)& There is nothing as bad as washing one’s dirty linen in public. 310. Wash one’s hand of (to be free from, fdlh ckr ls eqDr gks tkuk)& Police have washed their hands of the kidnapping case. 311. Wear a long face (to look gloomy, mnkl fn[kkbZ nsuk)& Inspite of losing his job, he did not wear a long face. 312. Wild goose chase (useless efforts, O;FkZ dk iz;Ru)& Pakistan’s efforts to grab Kashmir have proved to be a wild goose chase. 313. Win laurels (to win honours, ; ’k izkIr djuk)& Sachin won laurels for India. 314. Without rhyme or reason (without any justification, vdkj.k)&Don’t shout at anyone without rhyme or reason. 24 IDIOMS AND PHRASES (PRACTICE SET) Directions : In questions 1 to 300, four alternatives are given for the idiom/ phrase underlined in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom/phrase and mark it in the Answer Sheet. 7. She could never measure up to her 1. To strain every nerve parent’s expectation. (A) to make utmost efforts (A) Reach the level (B) to feel weak and tired (B) Work as hard (C) to be a diligent worker (C) Assess the amount (D) to be methodical in work (D) Increase her height 2. To flog a dead horse (A) to whip a dead horse (B) attempt to do the impossible (C) waste one’s efforts (D) to take advantage of a weakness 3. To show a clean pair of heels (A) to hide (B) to escape (C) to pursue (D) to follow 8. The little girl with her flawless performance stole the show. (A) Stole something from the show (B) Crept into the show (C) Won everybody’s praise (D) Disappeared from the show 9. The thief was on good terms with the police. (A) Kept terms and conditions (B) Was friendly (C) Followed the rules (D) Agreed with them 4. To die in harness (A) premeditated murder (B) dying young in an accident (C) to die while in service (D) to be taken by surprise 5. To feather one’s nest (A) to make a residential house (B) something that lasts for a short time (C) to profit in a dishonest way (D) none of the above 10. John’s offer of help was turned down by the police. (A) Sent back (B) Twisted around (C) Refused (D) Handed over 6. To doctor the accounts (A) to make changes in account books (B) to clear the doctors’ bill (C) to verify the accounts in detail (D) to manipulate the accounts 11. To be all at sea (A) a family voyage (B) lost and confused (C) in the middle of the ocean (D) a string of islands Idioms And Phrases 12. To take to one’s heels (A) to walk slowly (B) to run away (C) to march forward (D) to hop and jump 13. To bite the dust (A) eat voraciously (B) have nothing to eat (C) eat roots (D) to fail 14. A bolt from the blue (A) a delayed event (B) an inexplicable event (C) an unexpected event (D) an unpleasant event 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. Cold comfort (A) absurdity (B) deception (C) slight satisfaction (D)foolish proposal The reputed company is in the red due to the recession. (A) making money (B) losing money (C) in danger (D) spending money When the Principal was entering the class, all my friends quietly disappeared, leaving me alone to face the music. (A) to listen to him (B) to enter into the class (C) to bear the criticism (D) to listen to a favourable comment The Kenyan team proved to be the dark horse in the ICC World Cup Cricket. (A) a strong intruder (B) a skilled team (C) the most powerful (D) an unexpected winner Having no arguments to defend his point, the speaker began to beat about the bush. (A) wander across the words (B) speak in a haphazard manner (C) speak in a round-about manner (D) make use of irrelevant reference 20. They were offered six months’ rent in lieu of notice to vacate the building. (A) in spite of (B) in place of (C) despite of (D) in addition to 21. We know that he is the one responsible for the discord but as he is well - connected all we can do is send him to Coventry. (A) transfer him (B) commend him (C) boycott him (D) dismiss him 22. The noble man gave up the ghost. (A) left the ghost (B) lived like a ghost (C) invited ghost (D) died 23. A Prime Minister cannot ride roughshod over his ministerial colleagues for long. (A) deal unkindly with (B) take for granted (C) be high-handed with (D) exploit wilfully 24. He was down in the mouth as he was defeated in the elections. (A) unable to speak (B) very depressed (C) very angry (D) very confused 25. They say, join the Army to drink life to the lees. (A) to have the best of fun and fortune (B) to enjoy a life of drinking and dancing (C) to have a life full of adventures (D) to have the best of life Idioms And Phrases 26. The car in the backyard is proving to be a white elephant. (A) very huge item (B) costly and useless possession (C) very expensive investment (D) useful material 27. He takes leave once in a blue moon. (A) regularly (B) often (C) rarely (D) once a fortnight 28. The meeting has been put off indefinitely. (A) cancelled (B) postponed (C) advanced (D) announced 29. The rules of the deal are set forth in the brochure. (A) stated (B) accepted (C) contradicted (D) printed 30. She bought her new house for a song. (A) very cheaply (B) on loan (C) at a loss (D) very easily 31. Raju had given up doing exercise after surgery. (A) learned (B) started (C) continued (D) stopped 32. The chairman tried to get his point across, but the members just wouldn’t listen. (A) give them a lesson (B) insist on (C) make them understand (D) motivate them 33. Ashok had all fair-weather friends. (A) friends who face difficulties calmly. (B) favourable friends (C) friends who desert you in difficulties (D) reliable friends 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. Since the company has lost a good deal of time and money, you will have to make good the loss. (A) make a good effort (B) try to minimize the loss (C) compensate for the loss (D) ensure that there are no forth losses a damp squib (A) rainy weather (B) a disappointing result (C) a skirt in a laundry (D) none of the above in cold blood (A) angrily (B) deliberately (C) excitedly (D) slowly to take someone for a ride (A) to give a ride to someone (B) to deceive someone (C) to be indifferent (D) to disclose a secret to move heaven and earth (A) to cause an earthquake (B) to try everything possible (C) to pray to all Gods (D) to travel in a rocket to smell a rat (A) to smell foul (B) to see a rat (C) to chase a rat (D) to be suspicious The possession of Jerusalem is a bone of contention between Israel and Palestine. (A) a subject of peace (B) a subject of trade (C) a subject of dispute (D) a subject of exports My friend turned a deaf ear to my tale of loss and refused to help me. (A) paid no heed (B) went far away (C) listened carefully (D) turned his ear away Idioms And Phrases 42. Helena was over head and ears in love with Demetrius. (A) carefully (B) completely (C) brilliantly (D) cautiously 43. Gopi works by fits and starts. (A) consistently (B) irregularly (C) in high spirits (D) enthusiastically 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. Naresh Goyal had to stand on his feet very early in his life. (A) to be physically strong (B) to be independent (C) to stand erect (D) to be successful It is high time he came out of his shell. (A) appeared suddenly (B) became more sociable (C) became a loser (D) removed his clothes Every political party is at present playing to the gallery. (A) adopting cheap tactics (B) befooling the common man (C) fighting for votes (D) appeasing the masses His blood ran cold when he heard his uncle was murdered. (A) He was frightened (B) He was horrified (C) He was disgusted (D) He was depressed This is so simple that even a man in the street can understand it. (A) an ordinary person (B) an illiterate person (C) an unknown person (D) a stranger When he went to claim insurance for his car, the agent said he hadn’t a leg to stand on. (A) had been injured in an accident (B) was lame (C) did not have much hope of getting it (D) would have to wait for some time 50. to cast aspersions (A) to act as the pillar of support (B) to raise aspirations (C) to make unpleasant remarks (D) to dissolve all the differences 51. on the cards (A) impossible (B) shocking (C) evident (D) anticipated 52. To turn over a new leaf (A) to change for the better (B) to start writing a new book (C) to work on a novel idea (D) to clear the garden 53. To keep up one’s appearances (A) to make public appearances now and then. (B) to maintain one’s looks and appearance. (C) to keep up an outward show of prosperity. (D) to make it appear that one is not concerned. 54. Off and on (A) repeatedly (B) always (C) occasionally (D) never 55. To take with a grain of salt (A) to make more palatable (B) to take a small quantity of (C) to make something meaningful (D) to accept with misgiving 56. To talk through one’s hat (A) to talk carefully (B) to talk softly (C) to talk nonsense (D) to talk secretively 57. Ins and outs (A) entrances and exits (B) details and complexities (C) passages and pathways (D) rules and regulations Idioms And Phrases 58. The thief passed himself off as a ticket examiner. (A) described himself (B) deceived everyone (C) disguised himself (D) was regarded 65. He looked blank when he was informed about his dismissal. (A) was without any emotion (B) was puzzled and surprised (C) was uninterested (D) was unhappy 59. A brave soldier will never show the white feather in the face of his enemy. (A) show signs of cowardice (B) act arrogantly (C) show intimacy (D) act impudently 66. That fellow trumped up a story (A) translated (B) sang with the music of a trumpet (C) concocted (D) copied 67. Though he is not a scholar, he wins arguments because he has the gift of the gab. (A) gifts from many people (B) a lot of money (C) talent for speaking (D) a good memory 68. The A.T.S. set the bait to arrest the terrorists. (A) laid the trap (B) announced the reward (C) set the record (D) put the bet 69. I have decided to give it a shot. (A) click a picture (B) try something (C) pose for a picture (D) injure someone 70. He turned a blind eye to his son’s pranks. (A) pretended not to notice (B) paid special attention to (C) covered up for (D) punished severely 71. All his schemes to murder the king ended in smoke. (A) fructified gradually (B) came to nothing (C) were discarded (D) were partially carried out 60. The poor man moved from pillar to post to get money. (A) went to pillars (B) went to post (C) went to money lender (D) tried his best 61. You have to be tactful in handling the sensitive matters rather than putting the cart before the horse. (A) treating these indifferently (B) behaving thoughtlessly (C) dealing with these in haste (D) tackling things in the wrong way 62. The boys cried with one voice that the examination should be postponed. (A) unanimously (B) vehemently (C) loudly (D) strongly 63. The scheme appears worthless at the first blush. (A) first attempt (B) first sight (C) first step (D) first phase 64. His pronunciation was so bad and his voice so low that the speech he made was all Greek to me. (A) strange (B) incomprehensible (C) inaudible (D) uninteresting Idioms And Phrases 79. Even though the new clerk was given a difficult task, he remained cool as a cucumber. (A) not nervous or emotional (B) caught cold (C) was happy (D) was scared 80. Some people do not grease anybody’s palm on any account. (A) bribe (B) flatter (C) cheat (D) fight 81. I had to pull strings to put up a good show. (A) play music (B) use personal influence (C) use the instrument (D) play a song 82. You can easily overcome this situation if you keep your head. (A) keep faith in (B) remain calm (C) believe in (D) trust the others 83. The car broke down just as it reached the edge of a cliff. It was indeed a close shave. (A) to share one’s brand (B) very risky (C) narrow escape from danger (D) to be happy It is clear that the ideas of both reformers ran in the same groove. (A) promoted each other (B) clashed with each other (C) moved in harmony (D) moved in different directions 84. The parents are in high spirits as their son has got a decent job. (A) in good position (B) drunk (C) cheerful (D) shocked This place affords a bird’s eye view of the green valley below. (A) a beautiful view (B) a narrow view (C) an overview (D) an ugly view 85. To foam at one’s mouth (A) to brush properly (B) to get very angry (C) to salivate on seeing food (D) none of the above 86. To feel like a fish out of water (A) disgusted (B) uncomfortable (C) disappointed (D) homeless 72. This fashion of long flowing skirts will run its course. (A) continue for a long time (B) become very popular (C) develop and then come to its usual end (D) end very soon 73. The police caught the thief redhanded. (A) in a red uniform (B) with blood in hands (C) at the time of committing the crime (D) after reading the rules 74. 75. 76. 77. 78. I was so disappointed when my close friend left me in the lurch. (A) went away without waiting for me (B) helped me in difficult times (C) abandoned me when I needed help (D) stopped helping me in emergency His position in the company was on the brink of disaster. (A) at the top of (B) at the point of (C) on the side of (D) on the back of When she realised that she had bought a fake product, she knew that her money had gone down the drain. (A) was lost forever (B) dropped in the drain (C) got washed away (D) her money was safe Idioms And Phrases 87. At the eleventh hour (A) too late (B) too early (C) immediately (D) at the last moment 96. to explore every avenue (A) to search all streets (B) to scout the wilderness (C) to find adventure (D) to try every opportunity 88. to burn one’s fingers (A) to get hurt physically (B) to suffer financial losses (C) to find work (D) to suffer nervous breakdown 97. 89. to add fuel to fire (A) to investigate (C) to initiate a red letter day (A) a dangerous day in one’s life (B) a sorrowful day in one’s life (C) an important or joyful occasion in one’s life (D) both a dangerous and sorrowful day in one’s life 98. to have something up one’s sleeve (A) to hide something in the sleeve (B) to play a magician trick (C) to have a secret plan (D) to play hide and seek on the spur of the moment (A) to act at once (B) to ride a horse in a race (C) to act deliberately (D) to act at the appointed time (B) to insulate (D) to incite 90. To bring to light (A) to reveal (B) to conceal (C) to provide luminescence (D) to appeal 91. To hit the jackpot (A) to gamble (B) to get an unexpected victory (C) to be wealthy (D) to make money quickly 99. 92. To burn the candle at both ends (A) to spend cautiously (B) to be stingy (C) to be extravagant (D) to survive difficulty 93. Status quo (A) unchanged position (B) excellent place (C) unbreakable statue (D) long queue 100. When my friend was in Kolkata, he ra n in to an o l d f r i en d a t th e theatre. (A) hit (B) met accidentally (C) planned to meet (D) invited 94. 95. By fair means or foul (A) without using common sense (B) without difficulty (C) in any way, honest or dishonest (D) having been instigated at one’s beck and call (A) to attend a call (B) to be helped by someone (C) to be useful to someone (D) to be dominated by someone 101. The news of the President’s death spread like wild fire. (A) spread rapidly (B) caused a major confusion (C) was a wild rumour (D) set the nation on fire 102. Going abroad for a holiday was out of the question. (A) undesirable (B) impossible (C) unpleasant (D) irresistible Idioms And Phrases 103. As a businessman, my father always maintained that his transactions constituted an open book. (A) an account book always open (B) a book of open confessions (C) an opening for new ventures (D) straight forward and honest dealings 104. The project advanced by leaps and bounds. (A) rapidly (B) slowly (C) sharply (D) simply 105. She is too fond of her own voice. (A) loves singing (B) very selfish (C) does not listen properly to anyone else (D) very talkative 106. Indian police is, on the whole, high handed in dealing with citizens. (A) kind (B) overbearing (C) prompt (D) adept 107. I take exception to your statement that I am bad tempered. (A) do not agree (B) feel unhappy (C) object (D) feel angry 108. His speech fell short on the audience. (A) had no effect (B) moved the audience (C) impressed the audience (D) was quite short 109. The officer called for an explanation from the cashier for the shortage of cash. (A) asked (B) begged (C) served a notice (D) demanded 110. We wanted the gift to be a surprise for my mother, but my sister gave the game away. (A) lost the game (B) gave out the secret 111. 112. 113. 114. 115 116. 117. 118. (C) gave away the gift (D) withdrew from the plan The actress took cue from her brother and became successful. (A) some help (B) a hint (C) some money (D) learnt acting Let us have a heart to heart talk to solve this problem. (A) good talk (B) emotional talk (C) frank talk (D) loving talk To miss the bus (A) to miss the bus that one regularly takes (B) to miss an opportunity (C) to have something to fall back upon (D) to find fault with others Birds of the same feather (A) persons of same caste (B) persons of same colour (C) birds with same type of feather (D) persons of same character To fight tooth and nail (A) to fight a losing battle (B) to fight heroically (C) to fight cowardly (D) to make every possible effort To call a spade a spade (A) to be frank (B) to be sly (C) to be rude (D) to be diplomatic by putting two and two together (A) to mix several things (B) to make an arit hmetical calculation (C) to keep people in pairs (D) to deduce from given facts to look down one’s nose (A) to show anger (B) to retaliate (C) to insult in the presence of others (D) to regard with contempt Idioms And Phrases 119. to shed crocodile tears (A) to weep profusely (B) to pretend grief (C) to grieve seriously (D) to mock something 128. on this side of the grave (A) outside the grave (B) by the side of the grave (C) in this world (D) before going to grave 120. To call it a day (A) to conclude proceedings (B) to initiate proceedings (C) to work through the day (D) None of the above 129. A man who, while pretending to be your friend, sets a spy to watch your activities is indeed a snake in the grass. (A) secret enemy (B) mean fellow (C) dangerous man (D) cunning fellow 121. To put up with (A) to accommodate (C) to understand (B) to adjust (D) to tolerate 122. To take to heart (A) to be encouraged (B) to grieve over (C) to like (D) to hate 123. Yeoman’s service (A) medical help (B) excellent work (C) social work (D) hard work 124. to go scot-free (A) to walk like a native of Scotland (B) to get something free (C) to escape without punishment (D) to save tax 125. to see red (A) get broke (B) get angry (C) feel lucky (D) become rich 126. in the nick of time (A) in an unexpected time (B) after some time (C) at a time when it was too late (D) precisely in the right time 127. the stage has been set (A) the conditions are beyond control (B) the platform for meeting is ready (C) the situation is getting worse (D) the situation is conducive 130. The audience was greatly impressed though I spoke off the cuff. (A) away from the mike (B) without preparation (C) off the subject (D) about the cuff 131. After listening to the student’s statements, the teacher had to eat her words. (A) withdraw her words (B) stop speaking (C) apologize (D) quarrel 132. to lose ground (A) to become less powerful (B) to become less popular (C) to lose foundation (D) to be without a leader 133. to make both ends meet (A) to buy costly articles (B) live a luxurious life (C) to live within one’s income (D) to please all people 134. to fall back on (A) to oppose something important (B) to suffer an injury on the back in an accident (C) to fail to do something important in time (D) to seek support out of necessity Idioms And Phrases 135. to make one’s blood boil (A) to make somebody furious (B) to develop fever (C) to get excited (D) to make someone nervous 136. She decided that she would get this job by hook or by crook. (A) by compromising or other responsi-bilities (B) by impressing the interviewers (C) by any means, right or wrong (D) by becoming a specialist in the field 137. In a debate, no one is allowed to sit on the fence. (A) to avoid taking sides (B) to insult a speaker (C) to relax while others speak (D) to agree with everyone 138. The matter has been sorted out. (A) revised (B) supported (C) resolved (D) changed 143. When things go wrong, everyone starts passing the buck. (A) analyses the problem (B) prepares to resign (C) pays a bribe (D) blames someone else 144. To keep the wolf away from the door. (A) to avoid a bad person (B) to clean the house (C) to avoid extreme poverty (D) to visit the zoo 145. To break the ice (A) to clear the snow (B) to start quarreling (C) to commence an interaction (D) to revive old enmity 146. Spick and span (A) neat and clean (B) hard-working (C) kitchen implements (D) calm and quiet 139. The soldiers carried out the orders of the General very effectively. (A) exited (B) executed (C) supported (D) applied 147. The pros and cons (A) good and evil (B) first and last (C) fair and foul (D) for and against 140. They set off by car for Mumbai late in the evening. (A) started (B) travelled (C) entered (D) resonated 148. Build castles in the air (A) waste time (B) daydream (C) build houses (D) work hard 141. Once his crime was discovered, he had no option but to come clean. (A) to deny the crime (B) to confess to the crime (C) to accuse someone else of the crime (D) to apologize for the cirme 142. The employees were kept in the dark about the latest developments. (A) were informed after office hours (B) were informed when it was too late (C) were given secret information (D) were not informed at all 149. Sought after (A) highly paid (B) pursued by (C) in great demand (D) with great talent 150. All at sea (A) very proud (C) puzzled 151. To hit below the belt (A) to punish (B) to tie with a belt (C) to hit with a belt (D) to attack unfairly (B) overjoyed (D) excited Idioms And Phrases 152. Pot-luck dinner (A) dinner where everybody brings something to eat (B) dinner where everybody brings his food (C) dinner where only soup is served (D) dinner where people eat and play games at the same time 153. His friends beat the boy to pay off old scores. (A) to refund old dues. (B) to take revenge. (C) to force him to be a scorer in a match. (D) because he had not scored well earlier. 154. Chintan is so innocent that he wears his heart on his sleeve. (A) Wears dress that does not match. (B) Expresses his feelings openly. (C) Wears colourful dresses. (D) Expresses his feelings with the shape of a heart printed on its sleeve. 155. Tagore was a man of letters. (A) of wide contacts. (B) an excellent letter dictator. (C) a great writer of letters. (D) proficient in literaterary art. 156. The poor subordinates are made scapegoats by their superiors. (A) punished for others’ misdeeds. (B) developed poor relations. (C) treated humbly and respectfully. (D) scolded with arrogant reactions. 157. She was on the horns of a dilemma as she had either to leave her job or divorce her husband. (A) in nervous condition (B) in terrible mood (C) in difficult situation (D) in suspense 158. Brown study (A) to study sincerely (B) to study uselessly (C) deep in thought (D) practical advantage 159. The young boy was kicking his heels inspite of his mother’s stern warnings. (A) playing happily (B) kicking someone (C) forced to wait (D) passing a gesture of disrespect 160. She denied point-blank involvement in the crime. (A) directly (B) desperately (C) stubbornly (D) rudely her 161. It is hard to strike a bargain with a woman. (A) to finalize a deal (B) to negotiate a deal (C) to negotiate (D) to deal 162. He took his father’s advice to heart. (A) casually (B) patiently (C) seriously (D) quietly 163. Can you give me a hand with this luggage? (A) keep a watch on (B) handle (C) provide me with (D) help me with 164. Fling away (A) to have an affair (C) to throw violently 165. Stick by (A) to adhere closely (B) stand by someone (C) to paste (D) to pass by 166. Wink at (A) to tease somebody (B) to like someone (C) to pretend not to see (D) to stare at (B) to flare up (D) to swing Idioms And Phrases 167. To be on the wane (A) to complain (B) to be sick (C) to be on boat (D) to be diminishing 168. To give a person the cold shoulder (A) to offer someone ice-cream (B) to be humble (C) to threaten (D) to treat coldly 169. To get one’s back up (A) to become irritated or angry (B) to sit straight (C) to act proud (D) to give support 170. To strike oil (A) to have found an oil well (B) to have lucky success (C) to have a close escape (D) to be unsuccessful 171. To talk shop (A) to talk a lot (B) to use phrases peculiar to one’s employment (C) to like to shop (D) to lie 172. To draw a line (A) to fix a limit (B) to caution someone (C) to be stern (D) to insult someone 173. A swan song (A) melodious song (B) disharmonious display (C) utterance/statement made just before death or retirement (D) concocted tale 174. Knit one’s brows (A) to disappoint somebody (B) to frown (C) to have a headache (D) to express discontentment 175. To plough the sands (A) to be extremely accomplished (B) to be resourceful (C) to be dejected (D) to busy oneself in an unprofitable proposition 176. To rip up old sores (A) to destroy something (B) to act cruelly (C) to reopen a quarrel (D) to inflict pain on someone 177. To rate soundly (A) to censure strongly (B) to acquire heavy profits (C) to be at peace (D) to assure somebody 178. To be no spring chicken (A) to be brave (B) to be honest (C) to be no longer young (D) to be childish 179. To take to one’s bed (A) to be very attached to one’s belongings (B) to lie in bed due to illness (C) to fight with one’s husband (D) to agree with someone 180. To stand on ceremony (A) to celebrate an occasion in a grand way (B) to be extravagant (C) to get married (D) to insist on excessive formality 181. To be at sixes and sevens (A) a state of total confusion and disorder (B) to be a great success (C) to be certain (D) to give away generously 182. To break the ice (A) a strong man (B) to start a quarrel (C) to break the awkward silence (D) to become violent Idioms And Phrases 183. Put one’s foot down (A) to demand (B) to take rest (C) to be firm about something (D) to do something stupid 184. Backstairs influence (A) one who is easily influenced (B) influential person (C) influence exerted secretly (D) wife’s influence on her husband 185. Long in the tooth (A) distant journey (B) rather old (C) ailment (D) young 186. A brazen-faced fellow (A) cruel person (B) ugly person (C) dark-complexioned person (D) impudent fellow 187. To see pink elephants (A) to dream (B) to anticipate luck (C) to be afraid of (D) to have hallucination due to excessive alcoholic intake. 188. Elbow room (A) opportunity for freedom of action (B) special room for the guest (C) to give enough space to move or work in (D) to add a new room to the house 189. French leave (A) a person who does not take leave (B) leave without permission (C) to take long leave (D) to take a day off and have fun 190. To commit to memory (A) to learn by heart (B) to tax one’s memory (C) to be forgetful (D) to commit oneself totally to a task 191. To burn a hole in the pocket (A) to steal from someone’s pocket (B) to destroy other’s belongings (C) to be very miserly (D) money that is spent quickly 192. To bury the hatchet (A) to have found a treasure (B) to make peace (C) to purchase something without discretion (D) to act in a suspicious manner 193. To beggar description (A) something of least importance (B) something beyond description (C) to describe a beggar (D) an accurate description 194. To beat the air (A) efforts that are vain or useless (B) to be satisfied with one’s performance (C) to be extremely relieved (D) to be very happy 195. To provide against a rainy day (A) to provide plentiful (B) to provide for a possible future, in time of difficulty or need (C) to store for the family (D) to store for the rainy season 196. To be all eyes (A) to be cautious (B) watching closely and attentively (C) to be amazed (D) to be non-plussed 197. Swollen headed (A) to be suffering from illness (B) to be conceited (C) to be narrow-minded (D) to be dumb 198. To stir up a hornet’s nest (A) to excite the hostility of people (B) to do some social service (C) to be totally at a loss in a situation (D) to be bankrupt 199. My hands are full (A) I am having a lot of things to carry (B) I am having lots of money (C) I am very busy (D) I am anxious Idioms And Phrases 200. No love lost between them (A) to have a fight (B) to dislike each other (C) to be as friendly as ever (D) to be upset 201. To be hand and glove with someone (A) to be social (B) to be playful (C) to be annoyed (D) to be intimate 202. To play fast and loose (A) to deceive someone (B) to be agile (C) say one thing and do another (D) to be efficient 203. To take stock of (A) to imagine (C) to survey (B) to supply (D) to attract 204. A man of straw (A) a man of no substance (B) a man without means (C) a man of character (D) a generous man 205. Wolf in sheep’s clothing (A) to act on the sly (B) to be a good actor (C) to be a hypocrite (D) to be money-minded or materialistic 206. To cut someone short (A) to oblige someone (B) to assist someone (C) to interrupt someone (D) to insult someone 207. To stick to one’s colours (A) to refuse to yield (B) to be patriotic (C) to be notorious (D) to be straightforward 208. An old head on young shoulders (A) to be old before one’s age (B) to be wise beyond one’s age (C) to be youthful in spite of one’s old age (D) to maintain good health 209. To snap one’s fingers at (A) to honour someone (B) to greet someone (C) to beckon someone (D) to treat with contempt 210. Falling foul of (A) quarrelling with (B) becoming friends with (C) being dishonest with (D) being scared of 211. Harp on the same string (A) to play music (B) to dwell tediously on the same subject (C) to beat someone (D) to acknowledge 212. Keep a good table (A) to have an artistic taste (B) to throw a party (C) to be a good host (D) to be extravagant 213. Take up the cudgels (A) to take notice (B) to accept a present (C) to defend someone vigorously (D) to accept a challenge 214. Splitting hairs (A) to be worried (B) to be venturesome (C) to trouble someone (D) to dispute over petty points 215. A great hand at (A) to be a good artist (B) to be an expert (C) to be a good player (D) to be generous 216. To make a pile (A) to make a fortune (B) to make a mess (C) to be absent-minded (D) to be corrupt 217. Under someone’s wing (A) to work under someone (B) to be under someone’s protection (C) to be alert (D) to be in the army Idioms And Phrases 218. To sow one’s wild oats (A) to swear (B) to be at ease (C) to engage in youthful excesses (D) to till the land 219. An olive branch (A) an offer of peace (B) an idea (C) a lady (D) a wicked person 220. Not worth a rap (A) worth nothing (B) very expensive (C) worth a lot (D) modestly priced 221. In merry pin (A) perplexed (B) merry making (C) embarrassed (D) in a cheerful mood 222. To leap the pale (A) to throw a bucket (B) to get into debt, to spend more than one’s income (C) to have much of fear (D) to become pale 223. To cut the gordian knot (A) to perform the opening ceremony (B) to be present at the opening ceremony (C) to solve a difficult problem (D) to get a sharp cut 224. To sow the wind and reap the whirlwind (A) to enjoy the fruits of hard work (B) to be deprived of one’ s reward (C) to act wisely (D) to suffer for one’s foolish conduct 225. To play possum (A) to play hide and seek (B) to feign ignorance or pretend the be sleeping or dead (C) to cheat somebody (D) to play seriously 226. A grass widow (A) a young widow (B) widow who has illicit relations with men (C) a woman whose husband is temporarily away from her (D) a working old woman 227. Mad as a March hare (A) sane (B) intoxicated (C) as mad as a hare in spring (D) slightly touched in the brain 228. Halcyon days (A) long days (B) short days (C) happy and peaceful days (D) disturbed days 229. Mother wit (A) to have an intelligent mother (B) university (C) silly (D) common sense 230. A blind date (A) a cloudy day (B) unknown future (C) meeting with someone you do not know (D) death-day 231. Much ado about nothing (A) to take something seriously (B) to play false (C) to make a fuss (D) to add 232. Judas’ kiss (A) wooing (B) a narrow escape (C) hypocritical affection (D) a religious person 233. To have no truck with (A) have no means of conveyance (B) scientifically backward (C) to have no trade with (D) to have no dealings with Idioms And Phrases 234. To clean the Augean stables (A) to purge/ clean the administration of its abuses (B) to buy horses (C) to sell horses (D) to improve working conditions 235. A fly in the ointment (A) to clean a thing (B) to sterilise (C) Small annoyance that spoils a pleasant experience. (D) an unsuccessful attempt 236. Of the deepest dye (A) of the worst/ extreme type (B) of the best type (C) of the most colourless type (D) of the colourless type 237. To throw up the sponge (A) to accept the challenge (B) to forget the past offences (C) to admit defeat (D) to send message 238. To rule the roost (A) to measure the height of something (B) to measure the depth (C) to strike with a stick (D) to dominate 239. Bats in the belfry (A) to be mad (B) something needed cleanliness (C) an impending danger (D) to be deceived 242. To egg on (A) to egg on slowly (B) to destroy slowly (C) to give a walk over (D) to instigate/ cause to proceed further 243. To haul over the coals (A) to walk over the fire (B) to burn (C) to scold for something done wrong (D) to throw into fire 244. To draw a bead on (A) to say prayers (B) to count the beads (C) to do one’s best (D) to take careful aim at 245. Fabian policy (A) dictatorial policy (B) democratic policy (C) systematic policy (D) policy of cautious persistence 246. To play to the gallery (A) to try to get the appreciation from the least intelligent people (B) to try to win appreciation of intelligent people (C) to play in the gallery (D) to disturb people sitting in the gallery 247. Pyrrhic victory (A) Permanent victory (B) Defeat (C) Easy victory (D) Victory at high cost 240. To have a jaundice eye (A) to have jaundice (B) to have fever (C) to be prejudiced (D) to lose colour 248. Go the whole hog (A) to do something thoroughly (B) sleep (C) to neglect duty (D) to mishandle the case 241. Rank and file (A) Common people (B) Officers (C) People of high rank (D) Army personnel 249. To bite one’s lips (A) to feel sorry (B) to repress one's anger or other emotions (C) laugh at others (D) to have doubt Idioms And Phrases 250. To hold someone in leash (A) to restrain (B) to be firm (C) to be unsure (D) to touch the exact point 258. With a string (A) not to give any aid (B) to give unconditional aid (C) gift or aid with condition (D) to accept aid 251. To cool one’s heels (A) to give a cold treatment to somebody (B) to be kept waiting for sometime (C) a closed chapter (D) a hot issue 259. To set stores by (A) to value highly (B) to hoard a large quantity of something (C) to set up store (D) fix a price 252. Bag of bones (A) a bag full of bones (B) a dead person (C) a person about to die (D) an extremely weak person 260. To draw the long bow (A) to shoot (B) to exaggerate (C) to criticize (D) to admire 253. All moonshine (A) show (B) lighted only by moon (C) false (D) far from reality 261. To know the ropes (A) to recognize the lost things (B) to do rigging (C) to know the procedure of doing a job (D) to flog 254. To shake the dust off one’s feet (A) to wash feet (B) to walk fast (C) to leave a place with a sense of resentment (D) to rest after a long journey 255. Off hand (A) Without preparation (B) Out of hand (C) Rehearsed (D) In hand 256. A bird of passage (A) a flying bird (B) an unreliable person (C) one who stays for a short time (D) bad time 257. Count on (A) Depend on (B) as a result of (C) ceremonially (D) to wait for the benefactor 262. To give the devil his due (A) to be just to a person even though he does not deserve such treatment (B) to surrender oneself willingly when one’s mistake is detected (C) to punish an innocent person (D) to punish a guilty person 263. In the swim (A) knowing latest current things (B) to cross a river by a boat (C) to cross a river by swimming (D) to be in the river 264. To knuckle under (A) to be in a crisis (B) to submit (C) to take rest (D) to go to bed 265. To have a dig at (A) to criticise someone (B) to sow seeds (C) to weed out (D) to praise someone Idioms And Phrases 266. In vogue (A) in fashion (B) fair (C) smooth (D) total absence 267. Three R’s (A) radiogram, radiograph, radio telescope (B) rabble, rattle, razzle (C) reading, writing, arithmetic (D) rail, radar, raft 268. A wild goose chase (A) foolish and useless enterprise (B) to hunt (C) a violent chase (D) to speak harshly 269. To rest on one’s laurels (A) to cease to strive for further glory (B) to be lazy (C) to be proud of one’s victory (D) to die 270. Raw deal (A) unjust treatment (B) unripe fruit (C) early stage of business (D) contract not yet finally decided 271. A forlorn hope (A) a plan which has remote chances of success (B) hope about unforeseeable future (C) hope of a single person (D) hope of a silly person 272. Printer’s devil (A) an apprentice in a printing office (B) blunder (C) low type of printed material (D) delay in printing 273. To call on the carpet (A) subject to criticism (B) to summon for a scolding (C) a heartfelt welcome (D) on the ground 274. To bring the house down (A) to appeal greatly to the audience 275. 276. 277. 278. 279. 280. (B) to pull down a building (C) to defame one’s family (D) to pass a bill unanimously To have an edge on (A) to cut with a knife (B) to threaten to wound (C) to be slightly better than (D) to be in a dangerous situation In sackcloth and ashes (A) to cremate (B) in a state of great mourning (C) dirty clothes (D) cheap clothes To put two and two together (A) to progress steadily (B) to compare the debit and credit (C) to conclude keeping in view the merits and demerits (D) to oppose as a last resort To weather the storm (A) to face a crisis (B) to survive a crisis (C) to be the victim of a crisis (D) to create crisis Lump in the throat (A) to be hoarse (B) a highly emotional state (C) food of low type (D) wind-pipe To fight shy of (A) to keep aloof from (B) to fight social evils (C) to be bold (D) to fight and win 281. Hobson’s choice (A) lion’s share (B) the best choice (C) option of taking the one offered or nothing (D) the last chance 282. To hit it off (A) to quarrel (B) to be hostile (C) to agree or be congenial (D) to threaten Idioms And Phrases 283. To whitewash (A) to clean a place (B) to work hard (C) to retrieve damaged reputation (D) to use cosmetics 284. Within an ace of (A) very close (B) within one’s means (C) within a narrow circle (D) near centre 285. To keep an open mind (A) to remember (B) to forget (C) to come to no decision on a subject until one knowns all the facts (D) to be clear-headed 286. Open question (A) a question put to all (B) a question without any generally agreed answer (C) a permanent problem (D) a clearly-wr itten/expressed question 287. On one’s mettle (A) roused to do one’s best (B) to put on an overcoat (C) to safeguard against attack (D) to use one’s own money properly 288. To keep the pot boiling (A) to maintain interest (B) to heat (C) to show anger (D) to do experiments 289. Grist to one’s mill (A) grain to be ground (B) useful for one’s purpose (C) income from will (D) to work one’s machine 290. Kangaroo court (A) a group of kangaroos (B) the young kangaroo (C) unofficial court (D) unofficial estimate 291. Wool gathering (A) to become a shepherd (B) to shear sheep (C) to engage in idle or aimless day dreaming (D) to live in the countryside 292. Between Scylla and Charybdis (A) between two hills (B) between two rivers (C) between two enemies (D) between two dangers 293. Achilles’ heel (A) bare-foot (B) to run fast (C) to wait on somebody (D) one’s vulnerable or susceptible spot 294. To know which side the bread is buttered on (A) to know where one’s interest lies (B) to be a glutton (C) to be fond of rich diet (D) to know how to increase one’s income 295. To eke out (A) to subtract (B) to supplement (C) to etch (D) to oust 296. To be in the doldrums (A) to be in low spirits (B) to be within doors (C) to praise loudly (D) to be in a crisis 297. Wild cat strike (A) a furious attack (B) strike not approved by the trade union (C) a strike in which violence is committed (D) to face a strong enemy 298. Blind alley (A) blindness due to old age (B) a dark room (C) unprofitable action (D) to continue to make efforts in spite of confusion Idioms And Phrases 299. Tied to the apron strings of (A) be independent (B) to be dominated by (C) to live together (D) to fall in love with 300. Our school is within a stone's throw from the railway station (A) Very far-off (B) with a certain radius (C) at a short distance (D) within a definite circumference ANSWER KEY 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. (A) 31. (B) 32. (B) 33. (C) 34. (C) 35. (D) 36. (A) 37. (C) 38. (B) 39. (C) 40. (B) 41. (B) 42. (D) 43. (D) 44. (C) 45. (C) 46. (C) 47. (D) 48. (C) 49. (B) 50. (C) 51. (D) 52. (C) 53. (B) 54. (C) 55. (B) 56. (C) 57. (B) 58. (A) 59. (A) 60. (D) 61. (C) 62. (C) 63. (C) 64. (B) 65. (A) 66. (B) 67. (B) 68. (D) 69. (C) 70. (A) 71. (B) 72. (B) 73. (B) 74. (B) 75. (D) 76. (A) 77. (A) 78. (C) 79. (C) 80. (D) 81. (A) 82. (C) 83. (C) 84. (D) 85. (C) 86. (B) 87. (C) 88. (A) 89. (D) 90. (D) (A) (B) (B) (A) (C) (C) (A) (B) (A) (B) (C) (C) (C) (B) (C) (C) (A) (A) (A) (B) (B) (C) (C) (C) (B) (D) (B) (D) (A) 91. 92. 93. 94. 95. 96. 97. 98. 99. 100. 101. 102. 103. 104. 105. 106. 107. 108. 109. 110. 111. 112. 113. 114. 115. 116. 117. 118. 119. 120. (D) (C) (A) (C) (D) (D) (C) (C) (A) (B) (A) (B) (D) (A) (D) (B) (C) (A) (D) (B) (B) (C) (B) (D) (D) (A) (D) (D) (B) (A) 121. 122. 123. 124. 125. 126. 127. 128. 129. 130. 131. 132. 133. 134. 135. 136. 137. 138. 139. 140. 141. 142. 143. 144. 145. 146. 147. 148. 149. 150. (B) (A) (B) (C) (B) (D) (D) (C) (A) (B) (A) (B) (C) (D) (A) (C) (A) (C) (B) (A) (B) (D) (D) (C) (C) (A) (D) (B) (C) (C) 151. 152. 153. 154. 155. 156. 157. 158. 159. 160. 161. 162. 163. 164. 165. 166. 167. 168. 169. 170. 171. 172. 173. 174. 175. 176. 177. 178. 179. 180. (D) 181. (B) 182. (B) 183. (B) 184. (D) 185. (A) 186. (C) 187. (C) 188. (C) 189. (A) 190. (A) 191. (C) 192. (D) 193. (C) 194. (A) 195. (C) 196. (D) 197. (D) 198. (A) 199. (B) 200. (B) 201. (A) 202. (C) 203. (B) 204. (D) 205. (C) 206. (A) 207. (C) 208. (B) 209. (D) 210. (A) (C) (C) (C) (B) (D) (D) (C) (B) (A) (D) (B) (B) (A) (B) (B) (B) (A) (C) (C) (D) (C) (C) (A) (C) (C) (A) (B) (D) (A) 211. 212. 213. 214. 215. 216. 217. 218. 219. 220. 221. 222. 223. 224. 225. 226. 227. 228. 229. 230. 231. 232. 233. 234. 235. 236. 237. 238. 239. 240. (B) (C) (C) (D) (B) (A) (B) (C) (A) (A) (D) (B) (C) (D) (B) (C) (C) (C) (D) (C) (C) (C) (D) (A) (C) (A) (C) (D) (A) (C) 241. 242. 243. 244. 245. 246. 247. 248. 249. 250. 251. 252. 253. 254. 255. 256. 257. 258. 259. 260. 261. 262. 263. 264. 265. 266. 267. 268. 269. 270. (A) (D) (C) (D) (D) (A) (D) (A) (B) (A) (B) (D) (D) (C) (A) (C) (A) (C) (A) (B) (C) (A) (A) (B) (A) (A) (C) (A) (A) (A) 271. (A) 272. (A) 273. (B) 274. (A) 275. (C) 276. (B) 277. (C) 278. (B) 279. (B) 280. (A) 281. (C) 282. (C) 283. (C) 284. (A) 285. (C) 286. (B) 287. (A) 288. (A) 289. (B) 290. (C) 291. (C) 292. (D) 293. (D) 294. (A) 295. (B) 296. (A) 297. (B) 298. (C) 299. (B) 300. (C)