Idioms and Phrases PDF

Idioms and Phrases c. resolved d. changed 1. The project advanced by leaps and bounds. 9. I take exception to your statement that I am bad tempered. a. rapidly b. slowly...

Idioms and Phrases c. resolved d. changed 1. The project advanced by leaps and bounds. 9. I take exception to your statement that I am bad tempered. a. rapidly b. slowly a. feel offended b. feel unhappy c. sharply d. simply c. object d. feel angry 2. His speech fell short on the audience. 10. His friends beat the boy to pay off old scores a. Had no effect b. moved the audience a. To punish someone b. to take revenge c. Impressed the audience d. was quite short c. to force him to be a scorer in a match 3. The officer called for an explanation form the cashier for the shortage of cash. d. because he had not scored well earlier a. Asked b. begged 11. She is too fond of her own voice. c. served a notice d. demanded a. loves singing b. very selfish 4. He took his father’s advice to heart. c. very talkative a. casually b. patiently d. does not listen properly to anyone else c. seriously d. quietly 12. Some people do not grease anybody’s palm on any account. 5. He is so innocent that he wears his heart on his sleeve. a. Bribe b. flatter c. cheat d. fight a. Wears dress that does not match 13. I was so disappointed when my close friend left me in the lurch. b. Express his feelings openly a. Went away without waiting for me c. Wears colourful dresses b. Helped me in difficult times d. Express his feelings with the shape of a heart printed on his sleeve. c. Abandoned me when I needed help 6. She denied point-blank her involvement in the d. Stopped helping me in emergency crime. 14. He was on the brink of disaster. a. Directly b. desperately a. At the top of b. at the point of c. stubbornly d. rudely b. On the side of d. on the back of 7. The poor subordinates are made scapegoats 15. The boy felt like a fish out of water. by their superiors. a. Disgusted b. uncomfortable a. Punished for others’ misdeeds c. disappointed d. homeless b. Developed poor relations 16. His speech was all Greek to me. c. Treated humbly and respectfully a. strange b. incomprehensible Scolded with arrogant reactions c. inaudible d. uninteresting 8. The matter has been sorted out. a. revised b. supported RANI MA’AM 1 17. The poor man moved from pillar to post to get 25. She rejected his proposal point-blank. money. a. directly b. pointedly a. went to pillars b. tried his best c. abruptly d. briefly c. went to money lenders 26. At Christmas, even the elderly people paint d. moving from one place to another aimlessly the town red. 18. Raju was left alone to face the music. a. indulge in rioting b. to have a lively time a. to bear the criticism c. Paint the houses red d. spill red wine b. to listen to a favourable comment 27. Sumit had to look high and low before he could find his scooter key. c. to run away d. to compensate a. Everywhere b. nowhere 19. They were offered six months’ rent in lieu of notice to vacate the building. c. always d. somewhere a. Inspite of b. in place of 28. Ram was left high and dry by his friends when he lost all his money. c. despite of d. in addition to a. Isolated b. rejected 20. The possession of Kashmir is a bone of contention between India and Pakistan. c. wounded d. depressed a. a subject of peace b. a subject of trade 29. We should know the pros and cons of a thing c. a subject of dispute d. a subject of exports before taking the final decision. 21. My friend turned a deaf ear to my tale of loss a. for and against a thing b. foul and fair and refused to help me. c. Ups and downs d. former and latter a. went far away b. listened carefully 30. The co-operation and esprit de corps c. paid no heed d. turned his ear away between the soldiers and the officers was directly responsible for their victory. 22. Rahul fought tooth and nail to save his company. a. bravery b. loyalty c. unity d. adjustment a. with weapons b. with all efforts 31. His dealings are all above board. c. using unfair means a. simple b. open c. decent d. friendly d. with strength and fury 32. He is the sort of man who would do anything for a consideration. 23. He has made his mark in the field of science. a. if he were paid to do it b. out of love a. attained notoriety b. ruined his wealth c. if he found some time merit in it c. acquired wealth d. distinguished himself d. out of sympathy 24. We should guard against green-eyed friends. a. rich b. jealous c. handsome d. enthusiastic RANI MA’AM 2 33. The company has been hand to the new 41. The result of the examination dashed my masters, lock, stock and barrel. hopes. a. Completely b. financially a. Frustrate b. kill someone c. administratively d. partially c. failed d. bring great happiness 34. Believe me, I am all at sea. 42. Don’t rely on him. He is a fair-weather friend. a. Out of reach b. puzzled a. friendly only in good time c. very happy d. drowning b. a successful friend 35. Just because he had won the competition, he c. a notable friend d. a jealous friend should not ride the high horse. 43. The leader had the lion’s share of the booty. a. Become abnormal b. appear arrogant a. the larger part b. the worthy part c. Hate others d. indulge in dreams c. the smaller part d. the stronger part 36. We kept our fingers crossed till the final 44. The place gives a bird’s eye view of the green results were declared. valley below. a. felt scared b. was annoyed a. a beautiful view b. a narrow view c. kept praying d. waited expectantly c. an overview d. an ugly view 37. The poor women do manual labour even 45. He always does things at the eleventh hour. when they are in the family way. a. To early b. too late a. In a domestic manner b. unwell c. immediately d. at the last moment c. injured d. pregnant 46. A red letter day 38. Never take up a fool’s errand. a. a dangerous day in one’s life a. To go with a message b. A sorrowful day in one’s life b. a useless undertaking c. An important or joyful occasion in one’s life c. One who takes a message d. Both a dangerous and sorrowful day in one’s d. an observation life 39. The child pulled a long face when the sweets 47. On the spur of the moment were over. a. To act impulsively a. look disappointed b. feel good b. to ride a horse in a race c. retreat d. run away c. To act deliberately 40. All his efforts ended in smoke. d. to act at the appointed time a. To give no practical result b. to fall 48. To eke out c. To catch fire a. To subtract b. to supplement d. ended in the destruction of the building c. to etch d. to oust RANI MA’AM 3 49. To be in the doldrums 58. Rank and file a. To be in low spirits b. to be within doors a. Common people b. officers c. To praise loudly d. to be in a crisis c. People of high rank d. army personnel 50. To keep the pot boiling 59. To have a jaundiced eye a. To maintain interest b. to show anger a. To have fever b. to have jaundice c. To heat d. to do experiments c. To lose colour d. to be prejudiced 51. Lump in the throat 60. To flog a dead horse To be hoarse b. wind-pipe a. To whip a dead horse c. food of the low type b. attempt to do the impossible d. a highly emotional state c. Waste one’s efforts 52. In vogue d. to take advantage of a weakness a. Total absence b. smooth 61. To die in harness c. fair d. in fashion a. Premediated murder 53. A wild goose chase b. dying young in an accident a. A violent chase b. to hunt c. To die while in service c. Foolish and useless enterprise d. to be taken by surprise d. to run fast 62. To feather one’s nest 54. To draw the long bow a. To make a residential house a. To shoot b. to exaggerate b. something that lasts for a short time c. to criticize d. to admire c. To profit in a dishonest way 55. Count on d. to take advantage a. As a result of b. ceremonially 63. To steal the show c. Depend on d. to wait for the benefactor a. Disappeared form the show 56. A bird of passage b. won everybody’s praise a. A flying bird c. Crept into the show b. one who stays for a short time d. stole something from the show c. A unreliable person d. bed time 64. Turn down 57. Pyrrhic victory a. Sent back b. twisted around a. Permanent victory b. defeat c. refused d. handed over c. Easy victory d. victory at high cost RANI MA’AM 4 65. To take to one’s heels c. To be idifferent d. to disclose a secret a. To walk slowly b. to run away 74. To beat the bush c. to march forward d. to hop and jump a. Wander across the words 66. To drink life to the lees b. speak in a haphazard manner a. To have the best of fun and fortune c. Speak in a round-aabout manner b. To enjoy a life of drinking and dancing d. make use of irrelevant reference c. To have a life full of adventures 75. To strain every nerve d. To have the best of life a. To make utmost efforts 67. Down in the mouth b. to feel weak and tired a. Very weak b. unable to speak c. To be a diligent worker c. very depressed d. very confused d. to be methodical in work 68. To smell a rat 76. A forlorn hope a. To smell foul b. to see a rat a. A plan which has remote chances of success. c. To chase a rat d. to be suspicious b. hope of a single person 69. In cold blood c. Hope of a silly person a. Angrily b. deliberately d. Hope about unforeseeable fortune c. excitedly d. slowly 77. Raw deal 70. To give up a. Unripe fruit a. To stop b. to learn ‘ b. early stage of business c. to continue d. to start c. Unjust treatment d. contract not finally decided 71. Put off 78. In abeyance a. Cancelled b. postponed a. In absence b. in no time c. advanced d. announced c. in suspension d. in a nutshell 72. White elephant 79. To get at a. Very huge item a. To reach b. to proceed b. costly but useless possession c. to advance d. to escape c. Very expensive investment 80. A fool’ s paradise d. useful material a. To live in the past 73. To take someone for a ride b. to have happy dreams a. To deceive someone c. To live in illusions b. to give a ride to someone d. paradise of idiots RANI MA’AM 5 81. An axe to grind 90. With might and main a. To indulge in evil conspiracies a. A big blow b. a hard blow b. To catch a fish in disturbed water c. With full vigour d. penetrating c. To make a personal profit out of a situation 91. An iron will d. To aggravate the situation a. Strong enemity b. strong determination 82. To bell the cat c. To try one’s best d. vigilant a. To tie bell to a cat’s neck 92. Uphill task b. To take lead in danger a. Easy task b. difficult task c. To be alert of the enemy d. To make noise c. interesting task d. peaceful task 83. Rainy days 93. To turn the tables a. Late hours of the night b. Unlucky time a. To expose c. Critical time in any situation b. To change the situation completely d. Small hours of the morning c. To escape d. To profit in a dishonest way 84. The alpha and the omega Q94. Turn a blind eye a. The beginning and the end b. A nice act (a) Not able to see the obvious truth c. Assorted items d. Very costly (b) Hide the ugly truth from someone items (c) Pretend not to notice 85. Lay bare (d) Stay away from bad habits a. Expose b. take off all clothes Q95. Up a blind alley c. destroy d. exploit (a) Hiding something intentionally from another 86. Stem from person a. Kill b. induce (b) Not warning a person who is in danger c. originate d. ruin (c) One can enjoy thrills only if one takes risk 87. Stir up a hornet’s nest (d) Following a course of action that is certain to lead to an undesirable outcome a. Money laid by b. create trouble Q96. Blood is thicker than water c. Neighbourhood d. well-mannered people (a) Relations are more important than merit 88. To get along (b) All crimes are not equal so punishment for a. To manage to b. to go with murder is not same as that of theft c. To leave d. work helplessly (c) Family relationships and loyalties are the 89. Make up strongest and most important ones a. Get about b. leave (d) Deceit from a family member hurts more than c. reveal d. reconcile being cheated by strangers RANI MA’AM 6 Q97. The squeaky wheel gets the grease (b) One is discharged from a hospital or mental asylum (a) The most noticeable problems are the ones most likely to get attention (c) One can leave (b) One unfortunate child always keep getting (d) One is free of imprisonment punished Q103. There’s no such thing as a free lunch (c) The person who complains the most is hated (a) It isn’t possible to get something for nothing the most (b) There is no genuine kindness is this world (d) The favourite child or student gets the most attention (c) Even a mother will expect something for her love Q98. Run out of steam (d) Those who are tempted by free things, end up (a) To lose impetus or enthusiasm spending more (b) To work quickly like a machine Q104. Beating about the bush (c) To give up easily (a) Not accepting the real issue and solving (d) No more money to spend minor problems Q99. To go for broke (b) To avoid getting to the point of an issue (a) To risk everything in an all-out effort (c) To run around in circles and never accomplishing results (b) Failure in relationship or partnership (d) Avoiding coming face to face with a problem, (c) Losing all money in an effort to revive a escaping failing business Q105. To beat a dead horse (d) To start again after failing in a business (a) To revive interest in hopeless issue Q100. To sleep with the fishes (b) A cruel master will expect a slave to work (a) Always be in a dream world even after his death (b) To make absurd excuses (c) To extract everything from a resource till it (c) To sleep peacefully (d) To be dead fails Q101. To go down like a lead balloon (d) Doing a cruel act (a) Losing all the money while gambling Q106. To chew someone out (b) An idea on which one has a lot of hope, but it (a) To bore someone by talking ceaselessly falls (b) To discourage someone who is going to start (c) Failure in business or venture a new venture (d) A speech, proposal, or joke that is poorly (c) Reprimand someone severely received (d) To save someone Q102. To get one’s walking papers (a) One has the right to entry within a country or community RANI MA’AM 7 Q107. To chip on his shoulder (d) To climb on a rope (a) To have huge responsibilities on one’s Q114. On tiptoe shoulders (a) Greatly excited (b) To be disappointed (b) Uniform decorated with stars and medals (c) To be in a confusing state (c) Wearing your battle scars like medals (d) To be doubtful (d) Holding a grudge or grievance that readily Q115. Have kittens provokes a fight (a) To pet kittens (b) Be worried Q108. To shoot the breeze (c) To have a successful outcome (a) To do random acts hoping one will be successful (d) To be carefree (b) To have a casual conversation Q116. While away (c) To release stomach gases (a) Spend time uselessly (d) To brag about some mild achievement (b) To utilize time efficiently Q109. Get someone’s goat (c) To be on time (d) To be late (a) To improvise (b) To annoy someone Q117. Turn up (c) To do something special for someone (a) Disappear (b) Appear (d) To explain something to someone in a very (c) To take a right side (d) To get lost clear way with details Q118. By a long chalk Q110. Spick and Span (a) Majority (b) Occasionally (a) High and Low (b) Dark and Light (c) Suddenly (d) A case of emergency (c) Neat and Clean (d) Happy and Sad 119. A purple weight – Q111. The thin end of the wedge A. a dark spot (a) In strict vigilance B. a blemish in otherwise good work (b) Start of harmful development C. multicolored decoration (c) Be aware of the trick D. ornate portion in a literary work (d) Not a worthy possession 120. A pyrrhic victory – Q112. Get your walking papers A. a victory which is not possible (a) Compromise (b) Get fired from the job B. devastating victory (c) To be received gracefully C. a victory that brings more loss than gains (d) To sign on papers D. a quid pro quo Q113. Know the ropes (a) Unable to understand (b) Main support (c) To understand the details RANI MA’AM 8 121. A quid pro quo – 128. Fights shy of – A. Something done in revenge or retaliation A. afraid of B. frightened B. give up C. avoids from a feeling of mistrust C. selfless service D. quarrels bitterly with D. selfish act of revenge 129. Sink or swim 122. Under a cloud – a) Start a swimming training A. experiencing cloudy weather b) Stay dead or alive B. enjoying favourable luck c) Fail or succeed entirely by one’s own efforts C. under suspicion D. under observation d) To live or die 123. Flogging a dead horse- 130. Know the ropes A. repeating our request a) Have a lot of knowledge about threads B. making him see reason b) Remain silent in one’s comfort zone C. beating about the bush c) Get involved in an avoidable fight D. wasting time in useless effort d) Be informed about the details of a situation or task 124. Face the music – 131. cut the mustard A. get finished B. get reprimanded a) Operate in a satisfactory manner C. feel sorry D. listen to the music b) Achieve goals in unconventional ways 125. Sweeping statement- c) Expand the horizon with a broader perspective A. rash statement d) Look out for minute details B. unpremeditated statement 132. Vote with one’s feet C. thoughtless statement a) Cover a good distance by one feet D. generalized statements b) Participate in elections by hook and crook 126. To a hair – c) To show one’s displeasure by walking out A. vaguely B. to some extent d) Get engulfed in a lot of activities at the same C. exactly D. not the like of time 127. Let the grass grow under one’s feet – 133. Bell the cat A. to accept responsibility a) Deprived of basic fundamental rights B. to engage in useless talk b) To undertake a risky or impossible task C. to be trifled with c) To behave cruelly with cat D. to remain idle d) Love someone’s cat RANI MA’AM 9 134. Touch and go d) Participate in an unconventional way a) A desired outcome possible but very uncertain 140. To pour oil on troubled waters b) A venture started secretly a) To initial conversation with a stranger c) Participate in time restraining activities b) Sideline someone because of understanding d) Waste of time c) Spread the existing dispute 135. A Benjamin’s portion d) To make peace on a dispute or disagreement a) A scientific part 141. Open Pandora’s Box b) Leftover part after use a) Build momentum to wave path for immediate success c) A large portion b) Ruling out the myths about a mystery d) Curse someone c) To find a source of great troubles and 136. To put one’s hand to plough problems a) Start an agricultural venture d) To everyone happy by distributing the share b) Take care a lot many things at the same time equally c) To participate in a fun event 142. Give cold shoulder d) To set to work a) intentionally ignore someone 137. Reading between the lines b) Had a monstrous fight with someone a) Nerd’s paradise c) To spread a false rumor about someone b) Look for a meaning that is implied rather than d) To accept defeat without even trying explicitly stated 143. Break the ice c) Be present at the right moment in a meeting a) Point out someone’s fault deliberately d) Enhance your skill set in an unconventional b) Point out distress among a specific community way c) To initiate a social conversation or interaction 138. Beating about the bush d) To make arrangement for a feast a) Avoid the main topic 144. It takes two to tango b) To disclose a secret a) Restrict the movement c) Remove obstacle from your way b) Went on a trip in a group of two d) Being dedicated towards a greater goal c) To hear rumors about something or someone 139. To move heaven and earth d) Actions and communications need more than a) Sway the momentum to turn the table one person b) To do everything you can to achieve something c) Rely on preconceived notions to get the work done RANI MA’AM 10 145. Icing on the cake d) To make something using forest based raw materials. a) To learn something formally 151. Be in the black b) An attractive but inessential addition or enhancement. a) To be sick. c) To follow the rules strictly b) To get involved in a legal hassle. d) To make something useful by using waste c) To attend a funeral. products d) To make more than the expenditure 146. Devil’s advocate 152. Give stick a) An accomplice in crime a) To help b) To praise b) Someone who presents a counter-argument c) To punish d) To criticize c) Someone who supports a criminal 153. Chew the fat d) A cruel person a) To eat tasty food 147. Blessing in disguise b) To chat or gossip for a long time a) Something good that isn’t recognized at first c) To work hard d) To engage in a quarrel b) A talented person c) A kindhearted 154. Bread and butter person a) Edible items b) Itemized deductions d) Something which was not expected c) Start afresh d) Main source of income 148. Cat got your tongue 155. Bury the hatchets a) Speechless b) One who talks a lot a) Risk your integrity to get the work done c) One who is scared of very small things b) Assign significant importance to someone d) One who is daring to take risks c) End a conflict and become friendly 149. Read the riot act d) Kill an enemy a) To reprimand someone harshly. 156. Bed of thorns b) To learn something formally. a) Full of difficulties b) Extreme patriotism c) To ask someone to know the rules properly before making a comment. c) Supporting anti-incumbency movements d) To follow the rules strictly. d) Work half-heartedly towards a definite goal 150. Out of the woods 157. Back on one’s feet a) Lacking in knowledge. a) Venturing into different avenues b) To have passed a dangerous phase b) To be healthy again after sickness successfully. c) Portray sophisticated tantrums c) To be reduced to a shadow of one’s former d) Early taste of success self. RANI MA’AM 11 158. Bronx cheer b) A talented person who is chained by his circumstances. a) To cheer with vigour c) A person who is considered a doyen in his b) To punish someone field. c) To cheer sarcastically d) A person whose capabilities are limited to a d) To cheer for an opponent team recognizing particular field. their play 164. Run helter-skelter 159. Neck of the woods a) Risking life for unnecessary adventures a) A thickly forested area b) Dream about tidy situations b) To be in deep trouble c) Reaching the venue at the last moment c) Just the beginning of something d) A carelessly hurried situation d) A neighbourhood 165. Throw out of gears 160. Beet red a) Get excited about unplanned adventures a) To thrash someone mercilessly b) Lose control overgrowth b) To be embarrassed or angry c) Disturb the working of the existing system c) To be saddened by a bitter experience d) Speed up the growth d) To beat the opponent by a good margin 166. Turn the tables 161. Kitty corner a) Get into an argument b) Reverse the a) A place where useless stuff is stored. situation b) A place assigned to someone who is c) Showing aggressive characteristics important. d) Disturbing the working of the existing system c) A place that is diagonally opposite to the given 167. Quite the thing place. a) Very fashionable and popular d) A place that is isolated and located far away. b) Friendly attitude towards relatives 162. Get the boot c) Audacious mind a) Join the Military d) Significant importance b) Get promoted 168. All mouth no trousers c) Get fired a) A poor man d) Do the preparatory work for a task to be accomplished b) To talk boastfully without any intention of acting on one’s words 163. Ace in the hole c) An empty threat a) A crucial resource that is hidden till its use is required. d) A responsible man RANI MA’AM 12 169. Be in the air (c) The most important aspects or practical details of a subject or situation (a) Harmful gaseous effluents from a factory. (d) Some people are born tough (b) To fly like a bird or a plane. 175. To quit on someone (c) When an emotion or idea is on everyone's mind. (a) To fire someone from a job. (d) To be likely to happen. (b) To cheat with someone. 170. Children should be seen and not heard (c) To give up on a difficult person. (a) The voice of children is often drowned in (d) To stop helping someone, especially when, company of adults. the support is needed. (b) Some children will seek attention by crying. 176. Excuse my French (c) Children should not speak in the presence of (a) Used to apologize for swearing. adults. (b) Said when one cannot speak the language of (d) Those children are likable who dress neatly. the other person correctly. 171. Ease somebody's mind (c) Used to make a flimsy excuse. (a) Alleviate someone's anxiety. (d) Used when you give up easily. (b) Listen to somebody's grievances. 177. Chicken out (c) Have the capacity to understand the other (a) Quickly move from one position to another in person's thoughts. a game of chess or war. (d) Keep thinking about some person. (b) Be a lover of non-vegetarian delicacies. 172. An axe to grind (c) Be easily confused over small issues. (a) One cannot cut wood with a blunt axe. (d) To decide not to do something because you are too frightened. (b) To have important jobs to do. 178. A bad hair day (c) Have an ulterior motive. (a) A day which has a bad start will eventually (d) A weapon is useful only when it is sharp. become better. 173. At the eleventh hour (b) A day on which everything seems to go (a) At the last moment (b) Very late at night. wrong. (c) At a very odd time. (c) Don't worry over hair loss or else you lose (d) Luckily have sufficient time to wrap up things. more. 174. The nitty-gritty (d) A day when you forget to comb your hair. (a) The low level dirty job which is left to the lowermost subordinates. (b) Those with grit and determination will not be defeated RANI MA’AM 13 179. A penny for your thoughts 184. A fool's paradise a. A way of asking what someone is thinking. (a) An average person appears smart in company of fools. b. Another way of saying pennywise pound foolish. (b) A state of happiness based on a person's not knowing about potential trouble. c. An idea is less worth a penny unless it is executed successfully. (c) A paradise is ruined when fools enter it. d. Willing to share a secret only at a price. (d) Pretending that everything is going fine when actually all is being lost. 180. All in a day’s work 185. Get on somebody's nerves a. Even in routine work one can find instances of fun. (a) To calm an anxious person (b) To be an irritant b. Something unusual or difficult accepted as part of someone’s normal routine. (c) Be angry with yourself but take out the anger on somebody else. c. A lot of work which is done in just one day. (d) To crack jokes at somebody’s expense. d. Work all day on a job that you love. 186. Eyebrow raising 181. Blessing in disguise (a) Pretend to like something or someone even a. Good fortune always follows bad; that is the when you dislike. way of fate. (b) Look up in defiance as a show of rebellion. b. An apparent misfortune that eventually has good results. (c) A person finally getting due punishment. c. If a curse makes one stronger than it is a (d) Something which surprises, shocks, or blessing. offends people. d. A life of hardship does wonders for a person’s 187. Be glad to see the back of character. (a) Be always welcome whenever you go bad 182. A picture paints a thousand words. (b) Talk bad about somebody you hate behind a. An image of a subject conveys its meaning their back. more effectively than a description does. (c) Be happy when a person leaves. b. No words can do justice to masterpiece. (d) Feel happy that you backed off from a c. A great poem or script recreates a completer fruitless plan. imagery. 188. With bated breath d. Your mind will create fanciful images. (a) In dispute 183. To bid defiance (b) In anxiety a. To disregard recklessly b. To apologize (c) In full detail c. To act in a like manner d. To bribe (d) In happy mood RANI MA’AM 14 189. Add insult to injury 194. Level playing field (a) To further a loss with mockery or to worsen a. A game played where the weaker side is given an unfavourable situation. an advantage to make it a fair fight. (b) A disgrace becomes worse when friends and b. A situation in which everyone has a fair and family disown you. equal chance of succeeding. (c) The world usually slanders a fallen person c. A game where you progress level by level. rather than help him. d. A game which appears unfair but is actually (d) A suffering is compounded if you are hurt at fair. the same place again. 195. To gird up the loins 190. Tie the knot (a) To be unable to decide (a) Get into a fight. (b) Get angry. (b) To one's liking (c) Get more complicated. (d) Get married. (c) To be at strife (d) To prepare for hard work 191. Easier said than done 196. Evil twin (a) A task which is expected to be difficult turns (a) Getting punished for the deeds of another, out to be easy. person who is just like you. (b) Intentionally tell some one that a difficult task (b) An imaginary double humorously invoke to is easy. explain or excuse uncharacteristic or (c) Be more easily talked about than put into reprehensible behaviour. practice. (c) When two people are alike then one will be (d) Once a difficult task is done it feels easy. good and the other evil. 192. A red rag to a bull (d) To show behaviour which randomly switches between good and evil. (a) A few inspirational words can do wonderful things. 197. Be in the red (b) An object, utterance, or act which is certain to (a) Be the top performer provoke someone. (b) To be in a loss or debt (c) A signal or symbol used to warn a person. (c) Be in the list of people who are never invited. (d) All prepared and waiting for the signal to s (d) Be in the bad books of a person. tart. 198. In cahoots with 193. Be under no illusions (a) A marriage made in heaven. (a) Not be duped by a cheater. (b) A group of criminals (b) Get out of a magic spell. (c) With lot of determination (c) Don't have the habit of daydreaming. (d) In an alliance or partnership with (d) Be fully aware of the true state of affairs. RANI MA’AM 15 199. Come True B. To keep people at a distance a. Pray hard for your wished C. To interfere in someone’s affairs b. To happen in the way you had hoped. D. To regret in vain that can’t be undone. c. Day dream about success. 206. Pass the buck d. He finally proved that you were right. A. To tell people about someone’s secrets 200. Catch red-handed B. To pass the blame a. Apprehend someone in the course of C. Everyone gets a chance eventually wrongdoing D. Once in a life-time b. Successfully accomplish a difficult 207. Put a brave face c. Catch someone with colour on his hands A. To work hard and stay up very late night d. Be warned of imminent danger. B. To feel very sad 201. Spill the beans C. To act confident in a difficult situation A. To tell people about someone’s secrets D. To commit a fraud B. As a low priority 208. Take a back seat C. Everyone gets a chance eventually A. An agreement without conditions D. Once in a life-time B. Enjoy different opportunities at a single time 202. To feel blue C. Take a subordinate position A. To work hard and stay up very late night D. Worried for frivolous things B. To feel very sad 209. A Hobson’s choice C. To have faith in god A. Something is better than nothing D. To commit a blunder B. To give credit to a disagreeable person 203. No strings attached C. The only choice A. An agreement without conditions D. To sniff something wrong B. Enjoy different opportunities at a single time 210. To lose ground to somebody/something C. To be judged as acceptable A. An skeptical person D. Worried for frivolous things B. To keep people at a distance 204. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush C. To interfere in someone’s affairs A. Something is better than nothing D. To lose a sustained share/position B. To give credit to a disagreeable person C. Only just D. To sniff something wrong 205. A doubting Thomas A. An skeptical person RANI MA’AM 16 211. To kick the bucket 217. Going to the dogs A. To pass away A. Reaching a bad state B. To keep people at a distance B. Reaching success after much efforts C. To interfere in someone’s affairs C. Very annoyed D. To lose a sustained share/position D. To sniff something wrong 212. A long face 218. A storm in a tea-cup A. Something is better than nothing A. To see signs of plague epidemic B. To look disappointed for something B. To get back to previous state without results C. The only choice C. To hide oneself D. To sniff something wrong D. Worried for frivolous things 213. Make someone the scapegoat for something 219. A fly in the ointment A. To make to bear the sins for others A. To bring good luck B. Enjoy different opportunities at a single time B. To rush for something C. Take a subordinate position C. To speak indirectly or evasively D. Worried for frivolous things D. A spoilsport 214. Icing on the cake 220. A leopard can’t/doesn’t change its spots A. Getting extra than expectations A. Hard to live alone B. To feel very sad B. Hard to change a character C. To act confident in a difficult situation C. Impossible to get success D. To commit a fraud D. A situation of lawlessness 215. Keep your chin up 221. Take something with a pinch of salt A. To tell people about someone’s secrets A. Believing something with a doubt B. To encourage someone in his bad times B. To keep people at a distance C. Everyone gets a chance eventually C. To interfere in someone’s affairs D. Once in a life-time D. To lose a sustained share/position 216. To poke one’s nose into someone’s affairs 222. To cut corners A. More people are required to finish a difficult A. Something is better than nothing task B. To look disappointed for something B. Scarcely available C. To take short-cuts C. To interfere in someone’s affairs D. To sniff something wrong D. Wining everything coming your way RANI MA’AM 17 223. From the horse’s mouth 229. To burn the candle at both ends A. To make to bear the sins for others A. To work hard and stay up very late night B. From an authoritative or dependable source B. To contribute money for a party C. Take a subordinate position C. To have faith in god D. Worried for frivolous things D. To commit a blunder 224. On the rocks 230. Every dog has its day A. likely to fail A. Almost too late B. As a low priority B. To feel very sad C. Everyone gets a chance eventually C. To act confident in a difficult situation D. Once in a life-time D. To commit a fraud 231. die in harness. 225. To go overboard A) die with honour B) die on a horse back A. To tell people about someone’s secrets C) die while still working D) die in the battle field B. To encourage someone in his bad times 232. take people in. C. To do too much of something A) amuse people B) understand people D. Once in a life-time C) cheat people 226. Bend over backwards D) accommodate guests A. To try very hard to do something, especially for someone 233. Rift in the lute. B. To keep people at a distance A) brought about disharmony C. To interfere in someone’s affairs B) brought about a disciplined atmosphere D. To regret in vain that can’t be undone. C) caused unnecessary worries 227. A blessing in disguise D) caused a pleasant atmosphere A. A favourable situation under the pretense of 234. Beat about the bush. an unlucky one A) Put any blame on others B. To give credit to a disagreeable person B) pretend to be unaware of the matter C. Only just D. To sniff something wrong C) approach the matter in a round about way 228. Best of both worlds D) try to impress me with your arguments A. To win a victory over 235. Making a mountain of a molehill. B. Enjoy different opportunities at a single time a) Exaggerating b) boasting C. To be judged as acceptable C) taking undue advantage of a favourable D. Worried for frivolous things opportunity D) giving great importance to tries RANI MA’AM 18 236. Has no bearing D) share the responsibility A) Has no relationship with 244. It is high time B) is not affected by A) auspicious moment B) desired occasion C) provides no evidence to C) appropriate time D) already late D) has no impact on 245. At the eleventh hour 237. Take the rough with the smooth. A) one hour before twelve B) right at the end A) be tough in order to be successful C) at the last minute D) when in trouble B) use pleasant words to make things smooth 246. red tape. C) accept unpleasant as well as pleasant things A) accepting bribes B) formal procedures D) make unpleasant things better C) corruption D) dishonesty 238. came to a head 247. like a fish out of water. A) reached a crisis B) settled amicably A) disappointed B) frustrated C) took a turn for the better C) uncomfortable D) homeless D) resulted in a senseless violence 248. backseat driving. 239. over head and ears A) teasing others A) secretly B) openly B) offering advice without responsibility C) completely D) sufficiently C) interfering in others affairs 240. see through the design D) being critical of the work being done by others A) learn the aim B) know the antecedents 249. bee in bonnet. C) know the secret D) be aware of the trick A) crazy/obsessed with one thing 241. to a hair. B) ambitious C) overconfident A) not at all B) vaguely D) frustrated C) to some extent D) exactly 250. hard of hearing. 242. in a nutshell A) inaudible A) as objectively as possible B) disinterested B) in a simple and brief manner C) deaf D) insensitive C) an actual experience described vividly 251. a real white elephant. D) to take into consideration A) an expensive one B) a big one 243. carry the can. C) a useless one D) a rare one A) get into trouble B) accept the blame C) face the repercussions RANI MA’AM 19 252. chequered career C) ideal seeking D) genuine effort A) indulged in odd jobs (261) Leave no stone unturned B) a career which helped him make lot of money (a) Search for the hidden treasure C) a variety of jobs and experiences (b) Do a futile task D) is jobless (c) Be known for achieving a tremendous feat 253. carried off his feet. (d) Try every possible course of action in order to achieve something A) became delirious B) danced on his toes 262. I am fed up with his false promises. C) was dizzy D) surprised a) Furious b. disgusted 254. in a flutter c. pleased d. hopeful A) frightened B) very angry 263. Many people in our country like to feather C) in a jovial mood D) in a state of nervousness their own nest form the money they raise for 255. ended in smoke. social work. A) Fructified gradually B) came to nothing A) Provide comforts in one’s house C) were discarded B) Enrich oneself by dishonest means D) were partially carried out C) Achieve something and be proud of it 256. turned the tables D) Make one’s family comfortable A) behaved hospitably towards 264. Don’t take it seriously. He was simply pulling B) hit your leg. C) created obstacle for A) speaking in a harsh tone D) changed possible defeat into victory B) playing a joke with someone 257. held in camera. C) trying to comfort someone A) a secret B) in strict vigilance D) scolding someone for nothing C) not open to the public D) amidst great 265. He has set up his business now as he knows security the ins and outs of it. 258. prodigal son a. difficulties b. usefulness A) given into bad habits B) poor and miserly c. importance d. details C) extravagant D) step-son 266. After getting the news of his promotion, he was in high spirits. 259. tight corner a. drunk b. joyful A) in a closed room B) in a small house c. hopeful d. mad C) in a difficult situation D) in a meadow 260. wild goose chase. A) fruitful hunting B) futile search RANI MA’AM 20 267. A friend is no friend if he leaves you in the d. to handle a difficult situation lurch. 274. get out of hand a. make a fool of someone a. to act irresponsibly b. leave someone in a helpless condition b. to become uncontrollable c. take advantage of someone c. to lose courage d. to be indecisive d. leave for one’s own work 275. to give the slip 268. Take heart a. to hide b. to hit someone a. to rebuke b. to feel grieved c. to escape d. to keep low c. to assess the situation d. to take courage 276. In a nutshell 269. get a gold star a. in serious trouble b. in disgrace a. to compliment someone c. in control d. in short b. to earn a merit point for doing well 277. A fish out of water c. to get killed in war a. in the absence of something b. feeling sick d. to obtain possession of something c. in unfamiliar circumstances d. ready to die 270. Donkey’s years 278. a sea change a. having long ears b. a very long time a. a fast change b. a radical change c. instantly d. once in a while c. a nominal change d. a slow change 271. the icing on the cake 279. A stone's throw a. something that delays action a. a short distance b. an easy task b. Something that is essential but difficult c. a faraway place d. a memorable place c. something that makes one happy 280. a lot on your plate d. something that makes a good situation even a. having a large meal better b. having many responsibilities 272. The whole nine yards c. having something which causes envy a. An act of kindness d. having wealth in abundance b. an enjoyable situation 281. a safe pair of hands c. An essential part a. a person who does many jobs d. the entirety of something b. a happy person 273. hit the nail on the head c. a person who guards someone a. to assess the situation immediately d. a reliable person b. to make the precisely correct point c. to hit someone on the head RANI MA’AM 21 282. A hot potato a. to state something clearly a. an offensive remark b. a tasty snack b. to make something unsubstantial c. a memorable thing d. a controversial issue c. to consume only the fleshy part 283. to leave no stone unturned d. to reveal the hidden structure a. to comprehensively arrange things 289. A wolf in sheep’s clothing b. to make all possible efforts a. A celebrity dressed as a commoner c. to completely renovate an old building b. A scholar learning how to act as the fool d. to fully revise something produced c. A dangerous person pretending to be harmless 284. to pigeon hole d. A cunning man in a leather coat a. to blindly accept someone 290. Flash in the pan b. to typecast someone a. Gold discovered only once during panning c. to call someone names b. An early promise that fails to materialize d. to hurriedly reject someone c. Something that offers hope, like a light in a 285. to hold a brief for tunnel a. to support someone's cause d. Sudden discovery or a surprise element b. to write a speech for someone 291. Keep under one's hat c. to wait for someone (a) Keep all your wealth in your home d. to upset someone's campaign (b) To keep something a secret 286. to blow hot and cold (c) Steal and hide something a. to exhale heat and inhale cold (d) Take care of somebody else's valuables given b. to show favour and disfavour alternately to you for safe keeping c. to work like bellows and blow air 292. Hit the nail on the head d. to be friendly and unfriendly at the same time a. drive a nail into a wall 287) Get up on the wrong side of the bed b. hurt a person by telling the truth (a) Make a wrong decision and regret it for the c. say or do something exactly right rest of the life d. punish someone for a heinous crime (b) Start the day in a bad mood, which continues 293. Back seat driving all day long a. Commenting on players from the sidelines (c) Have a sleepless night especially due to worries b. Interfering in affairs without having knowledge (d) Suffer an uncomfortable stay at an unfamiliar c. Instructing husbands over the phone about pl ace what to buy 288. to make no bones about d. Attempting to teach a cab driver how to drive. RANI MA’AM 22 294. Carry a chip on one's shoulder d. to politely ask for someone's headphones a. Carrying multiple stars over the lapel 299. Get down to brass tacks b. Entertaining a grudge over a past event a. come back to the tracks and start again c. Having a plate inserted to fix the collar bone b. become angry about something that is not done d. Moving daintily across rooms c. start taking up the most important facts of a 295. “If it’s not one thing, it’s another. situation a. when one thing goes wrong. then another, and d. examine the thumb tacks used to fix a notice another 300. Go against the grain. b. when we entertain one guest, then there are many more coming a. Something that is ugly and unpopular c. when we know a cause, then there isn’t b. Something in conflict with one's value system another to be looked for c. Something that we can accept with difficulty d. when a machine is not functional, it makes d. Something done deliberately others also malfunction 301. To beat a dead horse 296. Don't count your chickens before they hatch’’. a. A significant effort a. do not count on something that is not going to b. A futile effort happen c. A deliberate effort b. do not wish for something that has not yet d. A joint effort happened 302. Bite the bullet c. do not count on a good timing that has not yet a. to restrain yourself from doing something happened unpleasant d. do not expect something good to happen b. to force yourself to do something unpleasant 297. finding their feet c. to amuse yourself by doing something a. beginning to understand the work and feeling unpleasant confident d. to dislike yourself for having done something b. getting comfortable and getting a good salary unpleasant c. buying and using comfortable foot wear 303. Caught red-handed d. making people fall at their feet, accepting a. To discover a murderer using the clues defeat b. To catch a thief who steals red paints 298. Lend me your ears. c. To catch someone doing something illegal a. to politely ask for someone's hearing-aid d. To try to arrest someone without any evidence b. to politely ask for someone's speakers c. to politely ask for someone's full attention RANI MA’AM 23 304. Always a bridesmaid never a bride 311. got the green light a. Someone who always comes second 1. Got energy and motivation to do something b. Someone who is born unlucky 2. Got the work started c. Someone who fulfills his or her potential 3. Got fired for doing something d. Someone who does not deserve to win 4. Got permission to go ahead with something 305. It's Greek to me 312. looking for a needle in a haystack. a. incomprehensible b. incredible 1. Making a big deal of a small thing c. intangible d. inevitable 2. Doing something impossible 306. to give someone the cold shoulder 3. Doing something secretly a. ignore or show indifference 4. Doing something unimportant b. deny someone comforting clothes 313. took heart. c. serve cold meat to someone 1. Gathered courage 2. Felt depressed d. bury someone in freezing cold 3. Overcame problems 4. Acted promptly 307. put one's cards on the table 314. with open arms. a. to be able to continue b. to be honest 1. Warmly 2. Honourably c. to accept defeat d. to deal a game of cards 3. Harmoniously 4. Promptly. 308. be the Devil’s advocate 315. Up in arms a. to present a counter argument just for the 1. to be angry 2. to be nervous sake of it 3. to be defensive 4. to be rude b. to present an argument in favor of a well- 316. Work against the clock known evil man 1. work with concentration c. to represent an accused in a murder trial 2. work against all problems d. to represent the devil as an advocate in witch trials 3. work in great hurry 309. get a taste of your own medicine 4. work late in the night a. be given the medicine meant for others 317. Run around in circles b. be treated by the same doctor 1. to keep doing something without achieving much c. be given the same treatment that you have given to others 2. to keep running to set a record d. make, taste and take medicines for others 3. to work excessively hard by keeping two jobs 310. Off and on 4. to remain busy with your work 1. Periodically 2. Immediately 3. Rarely 4. Seldom RANI MA’AM 24 318. Left out in cold 2. She was involved in many activities 1. to be ignored 2. to stand out 3. She had made a lot of risky investments 3. to be indecisive 4. to be criticized 4. She was suffering from many ailments 319. Bed of roses 326. for good. 1. An unforgettable moment 1. for a while 2. for new opportunities 2. A state of perplexity 3. for better income 3. An enjoyable state 4. forever 4. A difficult situation 327. fell flat. 320. Make a beeline for 1. could not be heard clearly 1. Make a line for honey 2. Go for freebies 2. appealed to the sentiments of the audience 3. Stand in a queue 4. Go straight to 3. impressed a lot 4. failed to make an impact 321. Touch and go 328. carried the day 1. Unchanging 2. Undoubted 1. acted as hosts 3. Unimportant 4. Uncertain 2. won a victory 322. above board. 3. made a guest appearance 4. participated a. honest and frank 329. made a clean breast of it. b. exceptionally talented 1. confessed his crime c. bold and reckless 2. asked for a fresh shirt d. smart and deceptive 3. took off his shirt 323. close shave. 4. blamed his companion a. to lose all possessions 330. getting out of hand b. to have no livelihood 1. not growing fast enough c. nothing to eat 2. not in control anymore d. a narrow escape 3. going to be handled soon 324. to die in harness 4. can be passed on to someone else 1. to continue occupation till death 331. To be thrown in at the deep end 2. to lead a life of comfort 1. need to do one thing at a time 3. to live in perpetual slavery 2. try to do too many things at the same time 4. to keep one's belongings safe 3. unable to do the given work 325. too many irons in the fire. 4. learn to do the difficult things too soon 1. She had too many clothes to iron RANI MA’AM 25 332. The festival expenses are bound to ______ in 4. even though he has put on weight my pocket. 338. Be left in the lurch 1. be out of the blue 2. give a clean chit 1. be tired of doing the same thing over and over 3. be upfront 4. make a dent again 333. To read between the lines 2. keep repeating something till it is accepted 1. to understand the implied meaning 3. be deserted when one is in trouble 2. to completely misunderstand the meaning 4. be sent to do work which one doesn't enjoy 3. to read with great difficulty 339. Go down in flames 4. to critically analyse a piece of writing 1. fail completely 2. get hit by a burning cracker 334. To blaze a trail 3. get completely burnt 4. crash land an 1. to initiate something new aeroplane 2. to act impulsively 340. Looking for a needle in a haystack. 3. to set fire to something 1. Doing something impossible 4. to complete a project 2. Making a big deal of a large thing 335. the last straw;. 3. Doing something secretly 1. she picked the last option available for her 4. Doing something unimportant 2. last straw available for anyone to pick up 341. Off and on 3. final irritant that made the situation 1. Rarely unbearable 2. Seldom 4. only one straw was available for drinking the juice 3. Immediately 4. Periodically 336. to steal her brother's thunder 342) Left out in cold 1. take away her brother's opportunities for jobs 1. to be ignored 2. to be criticised 2. pick up her brother's lucky charms to win 3. to stand out 4. to be indecisive prizes 343) Work against the clock 3. get a big reward from her brother for her 1. work late in the night 2. work against all achievement problems 4. get more recognition than her brother for their 3. work in great hurry 4. work with success concentration 337. through thick and thin. 344. Playing with fire 1. when there was a lot of work to be done 1.taking a grave risk 2.lighting candies 2. in times of good and bad fortune 3.smoking a cigarette 4.provoking the crowd 3. on occasions when he had a lot of money RANI MA’AM 26 345. All ears. 1.very attentive 2.talking loudly 353. through thick and thin. 3.covering their ears 4.making a lot of noise 1.under all circumstances 2.in happy moments 346. Swollen-headed. 3.in difficult times 4.in different weathers 1.well-connected 2.unwell 354. ended in smoke. 3.conceited 4.famous 1.exceeded the budget 2.was delayed 347. Out of the woods. 3.yielded no result 1.discharged from hospital 4.was successfully completed 2.released from prison 355. keep the wolf from the door. 3.out of danger 4.out of the forest 1.avoid starvation 2.live on charity 348. Speaks volumes 3.keep wild animals away 4.be safe in her house 1. gives enough proof 2. boasts a lot 356. smelt a rat. 3. publicly announces 4. showers praise 1.detected something wrong 349. put the cart before the horse. 2. felt very pleased 1.perform many task simultaneously 3.became complaisant 2.postpone till the last moment 4.behaved arrogantly 3.do things spontaneously 357. a square peg in a round hole 4.do last things first 1.in a favourable situation 350. blow his top 2.unhappy and regretful 1.dismiss from job 3.a misfit in the environment 2.be very embarrassed 4.in a financial crisis 3.be very angry 4.attack fiercely 358. cut to the quick 351. walk the tight rope 1.imprisoned 2.severely punished 1. be very nervous 2. be very cautious 3.hurt intensely 4.dismissed 3. be well trained 4. be an expert 359. bolt from the blue 352. the sword of Damocles 1.a thunderstorm 2.an unexpected disaster 1. strict rules and regulations 3.a windfall 4.an ominous warning 2. an ill omen of death 360) Lend an ear 3. a constant threat 1.to pay attention to 2. to not make trouble 4. threat of physical harm 3.to force someone to listen 4.to not tell someone something RANI MA’AM 27 361) On tenterhooks 370) Pull someone’s leg 1.unhappy 2.angry 1.trust someone 2.joke with someone 3.anxious 4.happy 3.get upset with someone 362) Lock, stock and barrel 4.tell someone a secret 1.immediately 2.partly 371) Actions speak louder than words 3.rarely 4.completely 1.take up a task that you cannot finish 363) In the pink 2.what you do is more important than what you say 1.in pink dress 2.in the limelight 3.do something without planning 3.in a happy mood 4.in good health 4.look for solution in the wrong place 364) Out of the woods 372) Get out of hand 1.no longer in trouble 2.no longer in sight 1.get out of control 2.to complete a task 3.no longer famous 4.no longer young 3.give up something 4.get upset 365) Butterfly in the stomach 373) Costs an arm and a leg 1.being excited 2.being nervous 1.easy to obtain 2.rarely available 3.being angry 4.being hungry 3.nothing to lose 4.very expensive 366) Lead someone by the nose 374) At daggers drawn 1.to do the right thing 1.deceiving somebody 2.without hope 2.to force someone to take the blame 3.friendly with each other 3.to dominate someone 4.bitterly hostile 4.to quarrel with someone 375) To play ducks and drakes 367) Couch potato 1.to use recklessly 2.to change places 1.a person who sleeps all day 3.to be friendly 4.to act cleverly 2.a person who watches too much television 376. with open arms 3.a person who remains relaxed and calm 1. Honourably 2. Promptly 4.a person who is simple in nature 3. Warmly 4. Harmoniously 368) Pull yourself together 377. took heart 1.go to sleep 2.calm down 1. Gathered courage 3.try to understand 4.do a good job 2. Felt depressed 369) Give someone the cold shoulder 3. Overcame problems 1.ignore someone 2.give away a secret 4. Acted promptly 3.do something pointless 4.pamper someone RANI MA’AM 28 378. to his heart’s content 386) Make a beeline for 1.only upto his legs 1. Make a line for honey 2. Go straight to 2.till he was completely sick 3. Stand in a queue 4. Go for freebies 3.as much as he wanted to 387) Till the cows come home 4.avoiding getting to wet 1. For a large part 2. For a long, long time 379) been nipped in the bud 3. In the evening 4. Till the work is finished 1.encouraged strongly 2.changed completely 388) Touch and go 3.dropped at an early stage 1. Unimportant 2. Undoubted 4.included somewhere else 3. Uncertain 4. Unchanging 380) in the running 389) Bed of roses 1. contesting the seat. 2. teaching yoga 1. A state of perplexity 3. giving speeches 4. jogging everyday 2. An unforgettable moment 381) turned a deaf ear 3. An enjoyable state 1. acknowledged 2.neglected 4. A difficult situation 3.a ccepted 4.presented 390) a close shave. 382) Handle with kid gloves 1. to have no livelihood 2. a narrow escape 1. to show someone your creativity 3. nothing to eat 4. to lose all possessions 2. to accomplish something too ambitious 391) in the teeth of tough resistance. 3. to remove all hurdles to start something 1. in a state of uncertainty 4. to treat someone with extreme care 2. in direct opposition to 383) Run around in circles 3. in collaboration with 1. to remain busy with your work 4. in a short span of time 2. to keep running to set a record 392) at sea 3. to work excessively hard by keeping two jobs 1. in shock 2. confused 4. to keep doing something without achieving much 3. sure 4. committed 384) Up in arms 393) above board 1. to be angry 2. to be rude 1. smart and deceptive 3. to be nervous 4. to be defensive 2. honest and frank 385) At the drop of a hat 3. bold and reckless 1. Instantly 2. Normally 4. exceptionally talented 3. Frequently 4. Usually RANI MA’AM 29 394) made off 3. unable to do the given work 1. squandered 2. ran away with 4. try to do too many things at the same time 3. discovered 4. transferred 402) To read between the lines 395) for good. 1. to completely misunderstand the meaning 1. for better income 2. to read with great difficulty 2. for new opportunities 3. to critically analyse a piece of writing 3. for a while 4. forever 4. to understand the implied meaning 396) fell flat 403) To blaze a trail 1. failed to make an impact 1. to initiate something new 2. impressed a lot 2. to set fire to something 3. appealed to the sentiments of the audience 3. to complete a project 4. to act impulsively 4. could not be heard clearly 404) A dark horse 397) had too many irons in the fire. 1. an unknown genius 1. She had made a lot of risky investments 2. a horse of a fine breed 2. She was suffering from many ailments 3. a well kept secret 3. She was involved in many activities 4. an expected outcome 4. She had too many clothes to iron 405) Of the first water 398) to die in harness 1. of favorable opinion 2. of ancient origin 1. to keep one's belongings safe 3. of the best quality 4. of no significance 2. to live in perpetual slavery 406) To make castles in the air 3. to continue occupation till death 1. to be very ambitious 4. to lead a life of comfort 2. to create impossible dreams or hopes 399) made a clean breast of 3. to accomplish difficult tasks 1. confessed his crime 2. took off his shirt 4. to show signs of cowardice 3. blamed his companion 4. asked for a fresh 407) steal her brother's thunder shirt 1. take away her brother's opportunities for jobs 400) Come rain or shine 2. get more recognition than her brother for their 1. when it does not rain 2. in the monsoon success 3. whatever happens 4. in bad weather 3. get a big reward from her brother for her achievement 401) To be thrown in at the deep end 4. pick up her brother's lucky charms to win 1. learn to do the difficult things too soon prizes 2. need to do one thing at a time RANI MA’AM 30 408) through thick and thin. 3. to be very lazy 4. to feel giddy 1. when there was a lot of work to be done 415) Green Thumb 2. on occasions when he had a lot of money 1. to have talent in gardening 3. even though he has put on weight 2. to be envious 4. in times of good and bad fortune 3. to be angry 409) the last straw 4. to have talent in painting 1. she picked the last option available for her 416) To grease the palm 2. only one straw was available for drinking the 1. to give support 2. to bribe someone juice 3. to cheat someone 3. last straw available for anyone to pick up 4. to give a massage 4. final irritant that made the situation 417) To bark up the wrong tree unbearable 1. to be wrong about the reason for something 410) Be left in the lurch 2. to bury money under a tree and forget the 1. be tired of doing the same thing over and over place again 3. to be mistaken about the name of a tree 2. be deserted when one is in trouble 4. to eat an unpalatable fruit by mistake 3. be sent to do work which one doesn't enjoy 418) To take the bull by the horns 4. keep repeating something till it is accepted 1. to face danger boldly 2. to escape unhurt 411) Go down in flames 3. to act foolishly 1. crash land an aeroplane 4. to enjoy risky sports 2. get hit by a burning cracker 419) Gift of the gab 3. fail completely 1. receive a precious gift 4. get completely burnt 2. achieve sudden greatness 412) Feather your own nest 3. have the ability to adapt 1. make money unfairly 2. win a competition 4. have the talent to speak well 3. be in a comfortable position 420) Turn a deaf ear 4. disturb others in their work 1. to pay attention 2. to listen carefully 413) Be an old hat 3. to make someone deaf 4. to pay no heed 1. an superstitious 2. be outdated 421) Take to task 3. be crazy 4. be foolish 1. to assign work 2. to rebuke 414) Head in the clouds 3. to praise 4. to give an award 1. to daydream 2. to be very tall RANI MA’AM 31 422) Have one’s hands full 3. avoiding too much closeness 1. to be very rich 2. to be very clumsy 4. using one’s arm to measure length 3. to be very busy 4 to be very generous 431) Acid test 423) Face the music 1. a malicious way of taking revenge 1. face the enemy 2. enjoy the harmony 2. a test that shows how to harm someone 3. get appreciation 4. face the criticism 3. proof that an attack has been made 424) Pass the hat 4. definitive proof of truth or falsehood 1. to sell something 2. to collect money 432) Dark horse 3. to play a game 4. to avoid work 1. someone who is fond of horse racing 425) As the crow flies 2. some who has a wheatish co