Idioms & Phrases for SSC CGL PDF

Idioms & Phrases Asked in various SSC exams (updated till – CGL T1, 2016) Useful for CGL T-1 & T-2, CPO Pre and Mains, CHSL, etc. *Error free Presented by: Online mentors In this document we ha...

Idioms & Phrases Asked in various SSC exams (updated till – CGL T1, 2016) Useful for CGL T-1 & T-2, CPO Pre and Mains, CHSL, etc. *Error free Presented by: Online mentors In this document we have compiled Idioms & Phrases asked in various examination held by SSC. Some Idioms & Phrases are repeated, focus on them because they were asked multiple times, so they have been included them multiple times too. Like this page for SSC CGL TIER 2 study plan and tier 2 practice questions (Maths and English), cloze test, comprehension, fill in the blanks, spelling correction, sentence arrangement , etc. Click on the link given below: https://sscstudy.com/  Idioms & Phrases 1. Sweeping Statement – Thoughtless statement (SO(Audit), 1997) 2. All at sea – Puzzled (SO(Audit), 1997) 3. Enough rope – Enough freedom for action (SO(Audit), 1997) 4. By fits and start – Irregularly (SO(Audit), 1997) 5. Fell foul of – Got into trouble with (SO(Audit), 1997) 6. Token strike – Short strike held as warning (SO(Audit), 1997) 7. Face the music – Get reprimanded (SO(Audit), 1997) 8. Look down upon – Hate intensely (SO(Audit), 1997) 9. Flogging a dead horse – Wasting time in useless effort (SO(Audit), 1997) 10. Under a cloud – Under suspicion (SO(Audit), 1997) 11. Green thumb – To have a natural interest (SO(Audit), 2001) 12. Played havoc – Caused destruction (SO(Audit), 2001) 13. No love lost between – Not on good terms (SO(Audit), 2001) 14. Fair and square – Honest (SO(Audit), 2001) 15. A white elephant – Costly or troublesome possession (SO(Audit), 2001) 16. Out and out – Totally (SO(Audit), 2001) 17. On the cuff – On credit (SO(Audit), 2001) 18. Does not hold water – Cannot be believed (SO(Audit), 2001) 19. A wild goose chase – Futile search (SO(Audit), 2001) 20. In a tight corner – In a difficult situation (SO(Audit), 2001) 21. Going places – Talented and successful (SO(Audit), 2003) 22. In cold blood – A murder done without intention (SO(Audit), 2003) 23. Off and on – Occasionally (SO(Audit), 2003) 24. Hard and fast – Strict (SO(Audit), 2003) 25. Took to heels – Run away in fear (SO(Audit), 2003) 26. To keep up – To keep in touch (SO(Audit), 2003) 27. Make a clean breast – Confess without reserve (SO(Audit), 2003) 28. Heads will roll – Transfers will take place (SO(Audit), 2003) 29. Make no bones about – Do not have any hesitation in anything (SO(Audit), 2003) 30. Take after – Resembles (SO(Audit), 2003) 31. To starve off – Postpone (SO(Audit), 2003) 32. To give a piece of mind – To reprimand (SO(Audit), 2003) 33. Rest on laurels – To be complacent (SO(Audit), 2003) 34. Pay through nose – Pay an extremely high price (SO(Audit), 2003) 35. Draw on fancy – Use imagination (SO(Audit), 2003) 36. Turn an honest living – Make an legitimate living (SO(Audit), 2005) 37. Give the game away – Give out the secret (SO(Audit), 2005) 38. Cheek by jowl – Very near (SO(Audit), 2005) https://sscstudy.com/ Page 1  Idioms & Phrases 39. Give in – Yield (SO(Audit), 2005) 40. Run riot – Act without restraint (SO(Audit), 2005) 41. Go through fire and water – Undergo any risk (SO(Audit), 2005) 42. Talking through hat – Talking nonsense (SO(Audit), 2005) 43. Put up with – Tolerate (SO(Audit), 2005) 44. By fits and starts – Irregularly (SO(Audit), 2005) 45. Reading between the lines – Understanding the hidden meaning (SO(Audit), 2005) 46. Get the sack – dismissed from (SO(Audit), 2006) 47. Pros and cons – Considering all the facts (SO(Audit), 2006) 48. By leaps and bounds – Very Quickly (SO(Audit), 2006) 49. In the good books –In favour with boss (SO(Audit), 2006) 50. In the long run – Ultimately (SO(Audit), 2006) 51. To be always one’s beck and call – At one’s disposal (ready to serve one’s master) (SO(Audit), 2006) 52. Turn a deaf year – Disregard/ignore/refuse (SO(Audit), 2006) 53. At one’s wit’s end – Puzzled/confused/perplexed (SO(Audit), 2006) 54. To fight tooth and nail – To fight in a determined way for what you want (SO(Audit), 2006) 55. The green-eyed monster – Used as a way of talking about jealousy (SO(Audit), 2006) 56. Set the record straight – Give a correct account (SO(Audit), 2007) 57. Good Samaritan – Helpful person (SO(Audit), 2007) 58. Bad blood – Angry feeling (SO(Audit), 2007) 59. To go to the whole hog – To do it completely (SO(Audit), 2007) 60. Lay out – Spend (SO(Audit), 2007) 61. Laying off – Dismissal from jobs (SO(Audit), 2007) 62. Leaps and bounds – At rapid pace (SO(Audit), 2007) 63. Spilling the beans – Revealing the information indiscreetly (SO(Audit), 2007) 64. Carry out – Execute (SO(Audit), 2007) 65. Went to the winds – Dissipated/ To be utterly lost (SO(Audit), 2008) 66. Ins and outs – Full details (SO(Audit), 2008) 67. A white elephant – A costly but useless possession (SO(Audit), 2008) 68. Fed up – Annoyed (SO(Audit), 2008) 69. In the good books – In favour with (SO(Audit), 2008) 70. Sharp practices – Dishonest means (SO(Audit), 2008) 71. In high spirits – Full of hope and enthusiasm (SO(Audit), 2008) 72. Shake in shoes – Tremble with fear (SO(Audit), 2008) 73. Fits and starts – Not regularly (SO(Audit), 2008) 74. Close shave – Narrow shave (SO(Audit), 2008) 75. Take with a grain of salt – To listen to something with considerable doubt (TA(IT & CE), 2004) https://sscstudy.com/ Page 2  Idioms & Phrases 76. Hobson’s choice – No real choice at all (TA(IT & CE), 2004) 77. To eat a humble pie – To apologize (TA(IT & CE), 2004) 78. To give the devil his due – to give encouragement even to the enemy (TA(IT & CE), 2004) 79. Reading between the lines – looking for meanings that are not actually expressed (TA(IT & CE), 2004) 80. An open book – One that hold no secrets (TA(IT & CE), 2004) 81. An axe to grind – A private interest to serve (TA(IT & CE), 2004) 82. To blow one’s own trumpet – Praise one’s own abilities and achievements (TA(IT & CE), 2004) 83. Stand-offish – Indifferent (TA(IT & CE), 2004) 84. Sowing wild oats – Irresponsible pleasure seeking in young age (TA(IT & CE), 2004) 85. A bolt from the blue – Something unexpected and unpleasant (TA(IT & CE), 2006) 86. By leaps and bounds – Rapidly (TA(IT & CE), 2006) 87. Of no avail – Useless (TA(IT & CE), 2006) 88. On the verge of – On the brink of (TA(IT & CE), 2006) 89. A sore point – Something which hurts (TA(IT & CE), 2006) 90. Like a phoenix – With a new life/rebirth/reincarnation (TA(IT & CE), 2006) 91. To keep under wraps – Secret (TA(IT & CE), 2006) 92. Die in harness – To die at one’s work (TA(IT & CE), 2006) 93. Fair- weather friend – A friend that deserts in difficulties (TA(IT & CE), 2006) 94. Emerge out of thin air – Appear Suddenly (TA(IT & CE), 2006) 95. Cut no ice – Had no influence (TA(IT & CE), 2006) 96. Brought up – Introduce for discussion (TA(IT & CE), 2006) 97. Cannot hold a candle to – Cannot be compared to (TA(IT & CE), 2006) 98. Burn one’s boat – Leave no means of return (TA(IT & CE), 2006) 99. Make one’s flesh creep – Horrify (TA(IT & CE), 2006) 100. Pros and cons – For and against/ analysis of all the given facts (TA(IT & CE), 2007) 101. To take into account – To consider (TA(IT & CE), 2007) 102. Blow over – Pass off (TA(IT & CE), 2007) 103. Run into – Incurred/to experience difficulties (TA(IT & CE), 2007) 104. Blue-eyed boys – Favorites (TA(IT & CE), 2007) 105. Dropping names – Hinting at high connections/To mention famous people you know or have met in order to impress others. (TA(IT & CE), 2007) 106. A Red letter day – An important day (TA(IT & CE), 2007) 107. Bone to pick – Cause of quarrel/ Bone of contention (TA(IT & CE), 2007) 108. At stone’s throw – Very near (TA(IT & CE), 2007) 109. Struck a chill to the heart – Arouse fear/to make somebody afraid (TA(IT & CE), 2007) 110. End in a fiasco –A Total/Utter failure (TA(IT & CE), 2007) 111. Fall back – To turn or move back (TA(IT & CE), 2008) https://sscstudy.com/ Page 3  Idioms & Phrases 112. Turn up one’s nose at – To reject/despises (TA(IT & CE), 2008) 113. Turn one’s head – To feel proud in a way that other people find it annoying (TA(IT & CE), 2008) 114. High and dry – Neglected/ To leave someone helpless (TA(IT & CE), 2008) 115. Take for granted – To accept readily/ To pre-suppose as certainly true (TA(IT & CE), 2008) 116. Mince matters – To confuse issues/ to mix facts (TA(IT & CE), 2008) 117. Currying favour with – Ingratiating / trying too hard to get please somebody (TA(IT & CE), 2008) 118. Set one’s face against – Oppose strongly (TA(IT & CE), 2008) 119. Strom in a tea cup – Commotion (angry/worry) over a trivial matter (TA(IT & CE), 2008) 120. Putting one’s foot down – Asserting one’s authority/ take a firm stand (TA(IT & CE), 2009) 121. The man in the street – An ordinary man (common man) (TA(IT & CE), 2009) 122. To catch up with – To compete with (TA(IT & CE), 2009) 123. Fight to the bitter end – To fight a losing battle (TA(IT & CE), 2009) 124. Throw down a glove – To accept defeat (TA(IT & CE), 2009) 125. Read between the lines – Understanding the hidden meaning (TA(IT & CE), 2009) 126. Let the cat out of the bag – To utter a secret carelessly or by mistake (TA(IT & CE), 2009) 127. To have Too many iron in the fire – To get engage in too many enterprises at the same time (TA(IT & CE), 2009) 128. Fall through – To fail (TA(IT & CE), 2009) 129. Cut one off, without a shilling – Disinheriting / To expel from fraternal property (TA(IT & CE), 2009) 130. To smell a rat – To suspect a trick (Statistical Investigator, 2005) 131. Turn a deaf ear – Disobey (Statistical Investigator, 2005) 132. Have the last laugh – To be victorious at the end of an argument (Statistical Investigator, 2005) 133. Red letter day – Happy and significant day (Gala day) (Statistical Investigator, 2005) 134. To blaze a trail – To lead the way as a pioneer (Statistical Investigator, 2005) 135. To beat a retreat – To run away in fear (Statistical Investigator, 2005) 136. To steer clear of – Avoid (Statistical Investigator, 2005) 137. To get one’s own back –To get one’s revenge (Statistical Investigator, 2005) 138. To run across – To meet by chance (Statistical Investigator, 2005) 139. A dark horse – An unforeseen competitor (Statistical Investigator, 2005) 140. Put up with – Endure (Statistical Investigator, 2006) 141. Got the sack – Dismissed from (Statistical Investigator, 2006) 142. Herculean task –A work requiring very great effort (Statistical Investigator, 2006) 143. By leaps and bounds – Rapidly (Statistical Investigator, 2006) 144. Helter-Skelter – In disorderly haste (Statistical Investigator, 2006) 145. Go to the winds - Disappear (SO(CA), 2005) 146. Make ducks and drakes of – Squander (SO(CA), 2005) https://sscstudy.com/ Page 4  Idioms & Phrases 147. On the level – Honest and sincere (SO(CA), 2005) 148. Done for – Ruined (SO(CA), 2005) 149. Make a clean breast – Confess (SO(CA), 2005) 150. To end in smoke – To come to nothing; no outcome (SO(CA), 2005) 151. To have something up one’s sleeve – Having a secret plan (SO(CA), 2005) 152. To take to one’s heel – To run away (SO(CA), 2005) 153. To turn a deaf ear – To be indifferent (SO(CA), 2005) 154. At snail’s pace – To do things very slowly (SO(CA), 2005) 155. To run one down – To disparage someone (SO(CA), 2005) 156. To blow one’s own trumpet – To praise oneself (SO(CA), 2005) 157. To face the music – To bear the consequences (SO(CA), 2005) 158. To take someone to task – To scold someone (SO(CA), 2005) 159. At one’s wit – Puzzled/Confused/Perplexed (SO(CA), 2005) 160. At stake – In danger/ that can be lost or won depending on the success of a particular action (SO(CA), 2007) 161. To play to the gallery – To behave in an exaggerated way to attract people’s attention (SO(CA), 2007) 162. Read between the lines – Understand the hidden meaning (SO(CA), 2007) 163. Sitting on the fence – Hesitating which side to take (SO(CA), 2007) 164. No love lost between – Not on good terms (SO(CA), 2007) 165. To have not a leg to stand on – Unable to prove or explain why something is reasonable (SAS, 2005) 166. A man in the street – An ordinary person / common man (SAS, 2005) 167. Blood running cold – Become very frightened (SAS, 2005) 168. Playing to the gallery – Befooling the common man (SAS, 2005) 169. Come out of one’s shell – To appear suddenly (SAS, 2005) 170. Lay down arms – To surrender (CPO, 2010) 171. Making hay while the sun shines – Taking advantage of a favorable opportunity (CPO, 2010) 172. Blow one’s own trumpet – To praise oneself (CPO, 2010) 173. Bear with – Support / To be patient with some body or something (CPO, 2010) 174. Give vent to – To emphasize (CPO, 2010) 175. Turn a deaf ear – Pay no attention (CPO, 2010) 176. Bone of contention – Matter of dispute (CPO, 2010) 177. Stand on own feet – To be independent (CPO, 2010) 178. By fits and starts – Irregularly (CPO, 2010) 179. Over head and ears – Completely (CPO, 2010) 180. To call it a day – To conclude proceedings (CGL T-1, 2011) 181. To put up with – To tolerate (CGL T-1, 2011) https://sscstudy.com/ Page 5  Idioms & Phrases 182. To face the music – To bear the consequences (CGL T-1, 2011) 183. Yeoman’s service – Social work (CGL T-1, 2011) 184. To take to hearts – To grieve over (CGL T-1, 2011) 185. To smell a rat – To be suspicious (CGL T-1, 2011) 186. To move heaven and earth – to try everything possible (CGL T-1, 2011) 187. To take someone for a ride – to deceive (cheat) someone (CGL T-1, 2011) 188. In cold blood – Not intentional / Excitedly (CGL T-1, 2011) 189. A damp squib – A disappointing result (CGL T-1, 2011) 190. To bite the dust – To be defeated (CGL T-1, 2011) 191. To take to one’s heel – To run away (CGL T-1, 2011) 192. To be all at sea – Lost and confused (CGL T-1, 2011) 193. Cold Comfort – Slight satisfaction (CGL T-1, 2011) 194. A bolt from the blue – An unexpected and unpleasant event (CGL T-1, 2011) 195. To feather one’s nest – To make oneself rich (in position or in monetary terms) (CGL T-1, 2011) 196. To die in harness – To die while in service (CGL T-1, 2011) 197. To show a clean pair of heels – to escape/run away (CGL T-1, 2011) 198. To flog a dead horse –to waste one’s efforts (CGL T-1, 2011) 199. To strain every nerve – To make utmost efforts (CGL T-1, 2011) 200. A bolt form the blue – Unexpected problem (CPO, 2011) 201. Sailing in the same boat – Being in the same difficult situation (CPO, 2011) 202. Gift of the gab – Ability to speak well (CPO, 2011) 203. To keep the wolf from the door – Escape starvation (CPO, 2011) 204. Soft option – Easy and agreeable option (CPO, 2011) 205. A little gush of gratitude – Excessive enthusiasm (FCI, 2012) 206. To lose ground – To become less popular (FCI, 2012) 207. To fall back on – to fail to do something important in time (FCI, 2012) 208. To make one’s blood boil – To make somebody furious (FCI, 2012) 209. Wear and tear - Damage (FCI, 2012) 210. To add fuel to the fire – To cause additional anger (FCI, 2012) 211. Hand in glove – In close relationship (FCI, 2012) 212. To make a mountain of a molehill – To give great importance to little things (FCI, 2012) 213. To speak one’s mind – To be frank and honest (FCI, 2012) 214. Maiden speech – First speech (DEO, 2008) 215. At the eleventh hour – At the very last moment (DEO, 2008) 216. Cope with - compromise (DEO, 2008) 217. Go a long way – help considerably (DEO, 2008) 218. Gift of the gab – talent of speaking (DEO, 2008) https://sscstudy.com/ Page 6  Idioms & Phrases 219. Standstill – Complete halt (DEO, 2008) 220. Cross swords - Disagree (DEO, 2008) 221. Pore over – Go through (DEO, 2008) 222. Make both ends meet – To live a lavish life (DEO, 2008) 223. Run down - Criticise (DEO, 2008) 224. Grease anybody’s palm – To give bribe (Stenographer, 2010) 225. Leave in the lurch – Abandon in the midway/difficult situation (Stenographer, 2010) 226. Caught red handed – At the time of committing crime (Stenographer, 2010) 227. On the brink of – On the point of (Stenographer, 2010) 228. Face the music – Face the unpleasant consequences (Stenographer, 2010) 229. Gift of the gab – Ability to speak impressively (Stenographer, 2010) 230. Go down the drain – Lose forever (Stenographer, 2010) 231. A close shave – Narrow escape from danger (Stenographer, 2010) 232. Cool as cucumber – Not nervous or emotional (Stenographer, 2010) 233. In high spirits - Cheerful (Stenographer, 2010) 234. Scapegoats - A person who is blamed for the wrongdoings with arrogant reactions (CHSL, 2010) 235. A red letter day – A day memorable for joyful event (CHSL, 2010) 236. Wears heart on sleeves – Express feelings openly (CHSL, 2010) 237. To pay off old scores – To refund old dues (CHSL, 2010) 238. Man of letters – Proficient in literary arts (CHSL, 2010) 239. Turn down - Refuse (CHSL, 2010) 240. On good terms – Agree with someone (CHSL, 2010) 241. Stole the show – Win everyone’s praise (CHSL, 2010) 242. Measure up – Reach the level (CHSL, 2010) 243. Doctor the accounts – To manipulate the accounts (CHSL, 2010) 244. Dark horse – An unexpected winner (CHSL, 2010) 245. Face the music – To bear the criticism (CHSL, 2010) 246. In the red – Losing money/to owe money (CHSL, 2010) 247. In lieu of – Despite of (CHSL, 2010) 248. Beat about the bush – Speak in a round about manner (CHSL, 2010) 249. Bring about - Cause (Stenographer, 2011) 250. Pull up - Reprimand (Stenographer, 2011) 251. At sixes and seven – In disorder or confusion (Stenographer, 2011) 252. Lose head – Panic (Stenographer, 2011) 253. Take to task – To criticize severely/ to punish (Stenographer, 2011) 254. Sit in judgement – To pass judgement(or comment on someone ) especially when you have no authority (Stenographer, 2011) https://sscstudy.com/ Page 7  Idioms & Phrases 255. Leave in the lurch – To desert someone (Stenographer, 2011) 256. Cry over spilt milk – Cry over irreparable loss (Stenographer, 2011) 257. Bad blood – Active enmity (Stenographer, 2011) 258. Close shave – A narrow escape (Stenographer, 2011) 259. Grease palms – To bribe someone (MT(NT), 2011) 260. Carrot and stick – Reward and punishment policy (MT(NT), 2011) 261. To cut teeth – To gain experience of something for the first time (MT(NT), 2011) 262. Cut no ice – Had no influence (MT(NT), 2011) 263. Close the book - Stop working on something (MT(NT), 2011) 264. In fits and starts - Irregularly (MT(NT), 2011) 265. Bird’s eye view – An overview (MT(NT), 2011) 266. Run in the same groove – Clash with each other (MT(NT), 2011) 267. Keep your head – Remain calm (MT(NT), 2011) 268. Pull strings – Use personal influence (MT(NT), 2011) 269. Pot luck dinner – Dinner where somebody brings something to eat (Stenographer, 2011) 270. To hit below the belt – To attack unfairly (Stenographer, 2011) 271. All at sea - Puzzled (Stenographer, 2011) 272. Sought after – Wanted by many people because it’s of good quality or difficult to find/Pursued by (Stenographer, 2011) 273. Build castle in the air - Daydreaming (Stenographer, 2011) 274. On the spur of the moment – To act suddenly, without planning (CHSL, 2011) 275. To have something up one’s sleeve – To have a secret plan (CHSL, 2011) 276. A red letter day – An important or joyful occasion in one’s life (CHSL, 2011) 277. To explore every avenue – To try every opportunity (CHSL, 2011) 278. At one’s beck and call – Ready to follow orders/ To be dominated by someone (CHSL, 2011) 279. By fair or foul means – In honest or dishonest way (CHSL, 2011) 280. Status quo – As it is/ unchanged position (CHSL, 2011) 281. To burn candle at both ends – To be extravagant/ Spend without any worry (CHSL, 2011) 282. To hit the jackpot – To make money quickly (CHSL, 2011) 283. To bring to light – to reveal (CHSL, 2011) 284. At the eleventh hour – At the last possible moment (CHSL, 2011) 285. Go scot-free – To escape without punishment (CHSL, 2011) 286. To shed crocodile tears – To pretend grief (CHSL, 2011) 287. To look down one’s nose – To regard with contempt (CHSL, 2011) 288. To miss the bus – To miss an opportunity (CHSL, 2011) 289. A white elephant – Costly and troublesome possession, with much use to its owner (CHSL, 2011) 290. To call spade a spade – To be frank (CHSL, 2011) https://sscstudy.com/ Page 8  Idioms & Phrases 291. To fight tooth and nail – To fight heroically, in very determined way (CHSL, 2011) 292. Birds of same feather – Persons of same character (CHSL, 2011) 293. Take exception – To object over something (CHSL, 2011) 294. High handed – Using authority in an unreasonable way, overbearing (CHSL, 2011) 295. Too fond of one’s own voice – To like talking without wanting to listen to other people/Very selfish (CHSL, 2011) 296. By leaps and bounds – Rapidly (CHSL, 2011) 297. An open book – Straight forward and honest dealings (CHSL, 2011) 298. Fall short – Fail to meet expectation/ have no effect (CHSL, 2011) 299. Heart to heart talk – Frank talk (CHSL, 2011) 300. Give the game away – Give out the secret(unintentionally) (CHSL, 2011) 301. Take cue from – To copy what someone already did in past in order to be successful (CHSL, 2011) 302. Call for – To ask (CHSL, 2011) 303. Out of the question – Undesirable/ Not worth discussing (CHSL, 2011) 304. Run into – To meet someone accidently (CHSL, 2011) 305. End up in something – Come to nothing/ Useless (CHSL, 2011) 306. Spread like fire – Spread rapidly (CHSL, 2011) 307. Ins and outs – Full details (CHSL, 2011) 308. Dropping like flies – Collapsing in large numbers (CHSL, 2011) 309. Rat race – Fierce competition for power (CHSL, 2011) 310. Hard nut to crack – Difficult task (CHSL, 2011) 311. See eye to eye – To think in same way (CHSL, 2011) 312. Put across – To communicate your ideas, feelings, etc. successfully. (CHSL, 2011) 313. To have second thoughts – To reconsider (Constable, 2012) 314. Not my cup of tea – Not what somebody likes or interested in (Constable, 2012) 315. To break the ice – To start a conversation (Constable, 2012) 316. To eat a humble pie – To say or show sorry for a mistake that one made (Constable, 2012) 317. To add fuel to fire – To worsen the matter / To incite (CPO, 2012) 318. To burn one’s fingers – To get physically hurt (CPO, 2012) 319. At the eleventh hour – At the last moment (CPO, 2012) 320. To feel like a fish out of water – Uncomfortable situation (CPO, 2012) 321. To foam at one’s mouth – To be very angry (CPO, 2012) 322. Send packing – To tell somebody firmly or rudely to go away / Terminate service (CGL T-2, 2012) 323. Kick up a row - Make a great fuss / To complain loudly about something (CGL T-2, 2012) 324. Wet behind the ears – Young and without experience / Naïve (CGL T-2, 2012) 325. To talk someone over – To convince over (CGL T-2, 2012) 326. Wear heart on sleeves – Express emotions freely (CGL T-2, 2012) https://sscstudy.com/ Page 9  Idioms & Phrases 327. Bury the hatchet – To make peace / To stop being unfriendly and become friends again (CGL T-2, 2012) 328. Once in a blue moon - Rarely (CGL T-2, 2012) 329. Through thick and thin – Under all circumstances (CGL T-2, 2012) 330. Come to grief – To suffer (CGL T-2, 2012) 331. Eat anyone’s salt – To be anyone’s guest (CGL T-2, 2012) 332. Give a hand with – To help with (CPO, 2012) 333. Take to heart – To be very upset by something that somebody says or does / Serious (CPO, 2012) 334. Had better – used for telling somebody what you think he ‘should’ do (CPO, 2012) 335. Strike a bargain – To negotiate a deal (CPO, 2012) 336. Point blank – Very definite and direct (CPO, 2012) 337. Scapegoat - A person who is blamed for the wrongdoings, mistakes, or faults of others, especially for reasons of expediency / Fall guy (CPO, 2012) 338. Kicking heels – To be relaxed and enjoy / Waste time (CPO, 2012) 339. End in smoke – Come to nothing (CPO, 2012) 340. Die in harness – Die in service/ Die while working (CPO, 2012) 341. On the horns of dilemma – In a situation where you have to make choice between things that are equally unpleasant (CPO, 2012) 342. Hold your tongue – To be silent (CHSL, 2012) 343. No hard and fast rules – Easy regulation (CHSL, 2012) 344. Live from hand to mouth - Miserably (CHSL, 2012) 345. Turn a deaf ear – Refuse to obey (CHSL, 2012) 346. Take exception – To object (CHSL, 2012) 347. To hail from – To come from (CHSL, 2012) 348. To put an end to - Stop (CHSL, 2012) 349. By fits and starts - Irregularly (CHSL, 2012) 350. Bad blood – Feeling of hatred (CHSL, 2012) 351. Turn up – To appear (CHSL, 2012) 352. Die hard – unwilling to change (CHSL, 2012) 353. Turn down - Reject (CHSL, 2012) 354. To pass away - Die (CHSL, 2012) 355. Carry weight – Be important / Important influence (CHSL, 2012) 356. Fall flat – Fail to amuse people / Fail to produce intended effect (CHSL, 2012) 357. Under the thumb of – Under the control of (CHSL, 2012) 358. To get wind – Come to know about something secret or private (CHSL, 2012) 359. Part and parcel – An essential part of something (CHSL, 2012) 360. To give vent to – To express a feeling, especially anger, strongly (CHSL, 2012) 361. Stand by – To help/support somebody or be friend, even in difficult times (CHSL, 2012) https://sscstudy.com/ Page 10  Idioms & Phrases 362. In black and white – In writing (CHSL, 2012) 363. At a loss – Unable / Not knowing about what to do or say (CHSL, 2012) 364. Lame excuse – Unsatisfactory explanation (CHSL, 2012) 365. Hand in glove – Working closely with someone / Very intimate (CHSL, 2012) 366. A hard nut to crack – A difficult problem or situation to solve or deal with (CHSL, 2012) 367. For better or worse - Always (CHSL, 2012) 368. From the bottom of one’s heart – To speak frankly (CHSL, 2012) 369. In a nutshell - Brief (CHSL, 2012) 370. A shot in the dark – An attempt to guess something (CHSL, 2012) 371. At the eleventh hour – At a last moment (CHSL, 2012) 372. Water under the bridge – Something that happened in the past and is now forgotten or no longer important (CHSL, 2012) 373. Stick to guns – Hold on to original decisions (CHSL, 2012) 374. Out of hand – Out of control, at once, immediately (CHSL, 2012) 375. The salt of the earth – Very good and honest/ Kind (CHSL, 2012) 376. Talking through hat – Talking nonsense (CHSL, 2012) 377. Looking forward to – To expect something or someone (FCI, 2012) 378. Slip off – Leave quietly (FCI, 2012) 379. Get on well – Have a friendly relationship (FCI, 2012) 380. In a pickle – In an embarrassing or awkward situation (FCI, 2012) 381. Under a cloud – Being subject to suspicion (FCI, 2012) 382. As hard as nail – Emotionless / To show no sympathy, kindness or fear (CGL, 2012) 383. Allow a free hand – Complete liberty (CGL, 2012) 384. Lays out – To spend money (CGL, 2012) 385. Break down – To lose control of your feelings and start crying / Could not proceed (CGL, 2012) 386. Cut coat according to one’s cloth – Live within your means (CGL, 2012) 387. Weal and woe – Ups and downs (CPO, 2012) 388. Iron will – Strong determination (CPO, 2012) 389. To take to task - Punish (CPO, 2012) 390. Rack and ruin - Ransacked (CPO, 2012) 391. Rides the high horse – Feel superior (CPO, 2012) 392. By fits and starts – Irregularly (MTS, 2013) 393. Has a bee in one’s bonnet – To be preoccupied or obsessed with something (MTS, 2013) 394. See through – Detect / To realize the truth about someone or somebody (MTS, 2013) 395. Take after – To follow / To take care of older members of family (MTS, 2013) 396. Break up – Disband itself / The breaking up of relationship or association / The division of larger group in smaller fragments (MTS, 2013) 397. Stand by - Support (MTS, 2013) https://sscstudy.com/ Page 11  Idioms & Phrases 398. Bull in a China shop – A clumsy person (MTS, 2013) 399. Change colours – To turn pale (MTS, 2013) 400. Spick and span – Neat and clean / Tidy (MTS, 2013) 401. Give in – To agree to do something that you don’t want to do (MTS, 2013) 402. Leaps and bounds - Irregularly (MTS, 2013) 403. Wide off the mark - Irrelevant / Not accurate / Inadequate (MTS, 2013) 404. Out of the world – Extraordinary (MTS, 2013) 405. Sweep under the carpet – Keep hidden (MTS, 2013) 406. By leaps and bound – Very rapidly (MTS, 2013) 407. To toe the line – To follow the lead / To follow boss’s orders (MTS, 2013) 408. Stick to guns – Maintain opinion (MTS, 2013) 409. Take hat off – Encourage / To admire somebody very much for something he has done (MTS, 2013) 410. Null and void – Empty (FCI, 2013) 411. Break the ice – Initiate a talk (FCI, 2013) 412. Keep the wolf from the door – Avoid starvation (FCI, 2013) 413. Fish in troubled water – To make a profit out of troubled situation (FCI, 2013) 414. Look into – To investigate (FCI, 2013) 415. Smell the rat – Suspect that something is fishy (CGL T-1, 2013) 416. Let the grass grow under the feet – Delay in getting things done (CGL T-1, 2013) 417. Apple of discord – Cause of animosity (CGL T-1, 2013) 418. A fish out of water – In uncomfortable situation (CGL T-1, 2013) 419. In the long run – Over a period of time (CGL T-1, 2013) 420. Jumping down one’s throat – To react very angrily to somebody (CGL T-1, 2013) 421. Out of wits – Greatly confused (CGL T-1, 2013) 422. Call spade a spade – To speak in a straightforward manner (frankly) (CGL T-1, 2013) 423. Face the music – Accept the punishment (CGL T-1, 2013) 424. To play second fiddle – Take a subordinate role (CGL T-1, 2013) 425. Casting pearl before swine – Offering good things to undeserving people (CGL T-1, 2013) 426. Putting the cart before the horse – Doing things in the wrong way (CGL T-1, 2013) 427. Not fit to hold candle – Not so good as somebody or something else (CGL T-1, 2013) 428. Egg someone on – TO encourage somebody to do something (CGL T-1, 2013) 429. For good - Permanently (CGL T-1, 2013) 430. Achilles’s heel – Weak spot (CGL T-1, 2013) 431. Take a leap in the dark – To take risk (CGL T-1, 2013) 432. Cut the guardian knot – Remove difficulty / To solve problem (CGL T-1, 2013) 433. Blow one’s own trumpet – Self boasting (CGL T-1, 2013) 434. A cakewalk – An easy achievement (CGL T-1, 2013) https://sscstudy.com/ Page 12  Idioms & Phrases 435. Not to look a gift horse in the mouth – Not to find fault with the gift received (CGL T-1, 2013) 436. Man of straw – A man of no substance (CGL T-1, 2013) 437. Born with a silver spoon – Born in a rich family (CGL T-1, 2013) 438. Let sleeping dogs lie – Not to bring up an old controversial issue (CGL T-1, 2013) 439. A month of Sundays – A long time (CGL T-1, 2013) 440. A closed book – A mystery (CGL T-1, 2013) 441. In apple pie order – In perfect order (CGL T-1, 2013) 442. Thick and thin – In spite of all difficulties (CGL T-1, 2013) 443. Wet one’s whistle – To have a drink / Moistens one’s throat (CGL T-1, 2013) 444. Bury the hatchet – Make peace (CGL T-1, 2013) 445. Cool one’s heel – To keep waiting (CGL T-1, 2013) 446. Live-wire – A person who is lively or energetic (CGL T-1, 2013) 447. Feel blue – In trouble / depressed (Constable, 2013) 448. Above board – Legal and honest (Constable, 2013) 449. Pour cats and dogs – Rain heavily (Constable, 2013) 450. For good - Permanently (Constable, 2013) 451. Iron fist – To treat people in severe manner / strictly (Constable, 2013) 452. Time and again - Always (Constable, 2013) 453. Eat humble pie – To say or show that you are sorry for the mistakes committed by you (CPO, 2013) 454. Rule the roost – Exercise authority / To be the most powerful member in the group (CPO, 2013) 455. Have something up your sleeve – Have an alternate plan (CPO, 2013) 456. Take to task – Punished / Reprimanded (CPO, 2013) 457. Feel one’s pulse – To find what one is thinking on some point (CPO, 2013) 458. Donkey’s year – A long time (CGL T-2, 2013) 459. To make things done – To manage (CGL T-2, 2013) 460. Chicken out – Withdraw / To decide not to do something because you are afraid (CGL T-2, 2013) 461. Ice braking – Starting a conversation (CGL T-2, 2013) 462. Bad hats – People of bad character (CGL T-2, 2013) 463. Give and take – Adjustment / Willingness in relationship to accept what somebody else wants and gives up some of what you want (CGL T-2, 2013) 464. Off and on – Irregularly (CGL T-2, 2013) 465. Man of straw – A man of no substance (CGL T-2, 2013) 466. Break down – Weep bitterly (CGL T-2, 2013) 467. Get down to business – To begin work seriously (CHSL, 2013) 468. Giving a piece of one’s mind – Speak sharply / To disapprove (CHSL, 2013) 469. Go about – Go around / TO continue to do something (CHSL, 2013) https://sscstudy.com/ Page 13  Idioms & Phrases 470. Take exception - To object at something (CHSL, 2013) 471. Picking up holes in – Finding out faults with something (CHSL, 2013) 472. To cast a die – To take a decision (CHSL, 2013) 473. Put up with – Bear patiently / To bear or endure (CHSL, 2013) 474. The gift of the gab – Ability to speak well (CHSL, 2013) 475. See through – Detect / To realize the truth (CHSL, 2013) 476. Cordon off – Isolate / To stop people from getting into an area by surrounding it with police (CHSL, 2013) 477. Keep an open house – Welcome all members (CHSL, 2013) 478. Wet behind ears – Young and inexperienced / Naive (CHSL, 2013) 479. Pick on - Warn severely (MT(NT), 2014) 480. Fight tooth and nail – Fight with strength and fury (MT(NT), 2014) 481. Teething problems – Difficulties at the start (MT(NT), 2014) 482. A wild goose chase – Fruitless pursuit (MT(NT), 2014) 483. To get into hot water – To get into trouble (MT(NT), 2014) 484. A bolt from the blue – A complete surprise (MTS, 2014) 485. Plain sailing – Very easy (MTS, 2014) 486. Take to one’s heel – Run off (MTS, 2014) 487. To cut one short – To criticize one (CGL T-1, RE-2013) 488. Show the white flag – T o surrender (CGL T-1, RE-2013) 489. A cut above – Rather superior to (CGL T-1, RE-2013) 490. To throw dust in one’s eye – To deceive (CGL T-1, RE-2013) 491. Read between the lines – Know what the writer thinks / Know hidden meaning (CGL T-1, RE-2013) 492. Give vent to - Express (CGL T-1, RE-2013) 493. Bring about – Cause to happen (CGL T-1, RE-2013) 494. Husband one’s resource – Save / Economical (CGL T-1, RE-2013) 495. Foam at the mouth - Angry (CGL T-1, RE-2013) 496. Keep wolf away from the door – Keep away extreme poverty (CGL T-1, RE-2013) 497. Pin money – Additional money (CGL T-1, RE-2013) 498. The Alpha and Omega – Beginning and end (CGL T-1, RE-2013) 499. Salt of the earth – Good, honest and ideal (CGL T-1, RE-2013) 500. Bring the house down – Make the audience applaud enthusiastically (CGL T-1, RE-2013) 501. Gerrymandering way – In a manipulative and unfair way (CGL T-1, RE-2013) 502. Strain every nerve – Make all efforts / Try all tricks (CGL T-1, RE-2013) 503. Hard and fast – That cannot be altered / fixed (CGL T-1, RE-2013) 504. Turn up one’s nose at - To not accept something because you do not think it is good enough for you / To treat with contempt (CGL T-1, RE-2013) 505. Down in the dumps – Sad and depressed (CGL T-1, RE-2013) https://sscstudy.com/ Page 14  Idioms & Phrases 506. Dot one’s I’s and cross one T’s – Be detailed and exact (CGL T-1, RE-2013) 507. All moonshine – Superficial (CPO, 2014) 508. Wild goose chase – A foolish and useless enterprise (CPO, 2014) 509. Swan song – Last prayer (at funeral or farewell) (CPO, 2014) 510. By the skin of teeth – By the narrowest margin (CPO, 2014) 511. Bury the hatchet – Make peace / Forget the quarrels (CPO, 2014) 512. Keep up with – Go at equal pace (CPO, 2014) 513. Flies off at a tangent – Start discussing something irrelevant (CPO, 2014) 514. Batten down the hatches – Prepare for a difficult situation (CPO, 2014) 515. Nail one’s colours to the mast – Refuse to climb down (CPO, 2014) 516. All might and main – With full force (CPO, 2014) 517. Red herrings – Clues intended to distract or mislead / An unimportant fact, idea, event, etc. that takes people attention from the important ones (CPO, 2014) 518. To cut one’s coat according to one’s cloth – To live within one’s means (CPO, 2014) 519. White elephant – A costly but useless possession (CPO, 2014) 520. Look sharp – Pay attention (CPO, 2014) 521. Big draw – Huge attraction (CPO, 2014) 522. Bear down – To move quickly towards something/someone in a determined or threatening way (CPO, 2014) 523. To put a spoke in someone’s wheel – Destroy the plan / Cause hindrance / To prevent somebody from putting their plan into action (CPO, 2014) 524. At a stretch - Continuously (CPO, 2014) 525. Know beans about something – Well informed and intelligent (CPO, 2014) 526. To get into hot water – To get into troubles (CPO, 2014) 527. Know the ropes – Learn the procedures (CGL T-1, 2014) 528. Barking up the wrong tree – Trying to find someone ay wrong place (CGL T-1, 2014) 529. In the swim – Well informed and up-to-date (CGL T-1, 2014) 530. Rub up the wrong way – To irk or irritate someone (CGL T-1, 2014) 531. Add fuel to the fire – Worsen the situation (CGL T-1, 2014) 532. In the loop – Informed regularly (CGL T-1, 2014) 533. Hold one’s horses – To keep waiting (CGL T-1, 2014) 534. Black out – Lost consciousness (CGL T-1, 2014) 535. Cut and dry method - Honest (CGL T-1, 2014) 536. Back to the drawing board – Plan it all over again (CGL T-1, 2014) 537. In the air – Certain / Able to be firmly relied on to happen or be the case / Specific but not explicitly named or stated (CGL T-1, 2014) 538. On the same page – Thinks in a similar way (CGL T-1, 2014) 539. Pull no punch – Speaks frankly (CGL T-1, 2014) https://sscstudy.com/ Page 15  Idioms & Phrases 540. Going places – Talented and successful (CGL T-1, 2014) 541. Stand/Hold your ground – Refuse to yield / To continue with your opinions or intentions when someone is opposing you (CGL T-1, 2014) 542. Put your feet down – Take a firm stand / To be very strict in opposing what somebody wishes to do (CGL T-1, 2014) 543. Read between the line – To understand the inner meaning (CGL T-1, 2014) 544. To the letter – Paying attention to every detail / Doing or following exactly what somebody something says (CGL T-1, 2014) 545. To carve out a niche – To work harder in order to have successful career / Develop a special position for oneself (CGL T-2, 2014) 546. Wild goose chase – Useless search / Unprofitable adventure (CHSL, 2014) 547. In Dutch – In trouble (CHSL, 2014) 548. See eye to eye – To have the same opinion (CHSL, 2014) 549. Come to light – Been revealed / To become known to people (CHSL, 2014) 550. Around the clock – Day and night (CHSL, 2014) 551. Balloon goes up – The situation turns unpleasant or serious (CHSL, 2014) 552. Watching grass grow – Very boring (CHSL, 2014) 553. Nine day’s wonder – A dazzling short-lived spectacle of no real value (CHSL, 2014) 554. Beyond the pale – Outside commonly accepted standards (CHSL, 2014) 555. Took after – Similar to / to look or behave like an older member of your family (CHSL, 2014) 556. Throw dust into one’s eye – To deceive (CHSL, 2014) 557. Cool about working – Not tense about working / Reading to work (CHSL, 2014) 558. Salad days - Adolescence (CHSL, 2014) 559. All ears - Attentive (CHSL, 2014) 560. Maiden speech – First speech (CHSL, 2014) 561. Hold water – With logical backing / To stand up to critical examination (CHSL, 2014) 562. Other fish to fry – Some important work to attend to (CHSL, 2014) 563. A close shave – A narrow escape from danger (CHSL, 2014) 564. To tell in a nut shell – In a brief manner / Summarize(CHSL, 2014) 565. Within a stone’s throw – At a short distance (CHSL, 2014) 566. To feather one’s nest – To enrich oneself when opportunity occurs (CHSL, 2014) 567. A close-fisted person – A miser (CHSL, 2014) 568. To gather roses only – To seek all enjoyments of life (CHSL, 2014) 569. A black sheep – A person with bad reputation (CHSL, 2014) 570. To grease the palm – To bribe (CHSL, 2014) 571. For good – Permanently(CHSL, 2014) 572. An about turn – Complete change of opinion or situation (CHSL, 2014) https://sscstudy.com/ Page 16  Idioms & Phrases 573. Make a mockery – to make something seem ridiculous or useless / No serious outcome (CHSL, 2014) 574. Eat like a horse – Eat a lot (CHSL, 2014) 575. Go to the dogs – To be ruined (CHSL, 2014) 576. Pay on the nail – Pay promptly / Payment without delay (CHSL, 2014) 577. Penelope’s web – An endless job (CHSL, 2014) 578. At draggers drawn - Enmity (CHSL, 2014) 579. Bury the hatchet – Make peace (CGL T-2, 2014) 580. Null and void – Not binding / Having no legal force / Not binding (CGL T-2, 2014) 581. Break in - To train somebody or something in something (CGL T-2, 2014) 582. Stir up a Hornet’s nest - To create a lot of trouble (CGL T-2, 2014) 583. Second thoughts – Reconsidering the original idea (CGL T-2, 2014) 584. Average out - Balance (CGL T-2, 2014) 585. Go to the dogs – Ruin / to go to in very bad situation (CGL T-2, 2014) 586. Floored – To surprise or confuse (CGL T-2, 2014) 587. Give way - Collapse (CGL T-2, 2014) 588. Tall tales - Boasting (CGL T-2, 2014) 589. Backseat driver – A person who gives unwanted advice (CGL T-2, 2014) 590. At random - Without any aim or target (CGL T-2, 2014) 591. Break off – Suddenly stop (CGL T-2, 2014) 592. Go haywire – Become out of control (CGL T-2, 2014) 593. Above board – Honest / Without any secret (CGL T-2, 2014) 594. Feather in one’s cap – An achievement (CGL T-2, 2014) 595. Follow one’s nose – To go straight ahead (CGL T-2, 2014) 596. To latch onto – To promote (CGL T-2, 2014) 597. Fight shy of – To avoid someone/ something (CGL T-2, 2014) 598. Add fuel to the fire – Worsen the matter (CGL T-2, 2014) 599. Cock and bull story – Absurd an unbelievable story (CHSL, 2015) 600. Hold water – Seem logical (CHSL, 2015) 601. To be down to earth – To be realistic (CHSL, 2015) 602. In the nick of time – Just in time (CHSL, 2015) 603. To shun evil company – To avoid or give up bad company (CHSL, 2015) 604. Seamy side – Unpleasant and immoral (CHSL, 2015) 605. A sacred cow – A person never to be criticised (CHSL, 2015) 606. A dog’s breakfast – A total mess / A thing that has been done badly (CHSL, 2015) 607. Sail in the same boat – To be in same situation (CHSL, 2015) 608. Take the bull by the horns – to face a difficulty courageously (CHSL, 2015) 609. Shed crocodile tears – To pretend to be sympathetic (CHSL, 2015) https://sscstudy.com/ Page 17  Idioms & Phrases 610. To be in a quandary – In a confusing situation (CHSL, 2015) 611. Take French leave – Absenting oneself without permission (CHSL, 2015) 612. To put in a nutshell – To state something very concisely (CHSL, 2015) 613. The genomes of Zurich – A slang term for Swiss bankers (CHSL, 2015) 614. To make up one’s mind – To decide what to do (CHSL, 2015) 615. To call it a day – Decide to finish working of the day (CHSL, 2015) 616. In two minds – To be undecided (CHSL, 2015) 617. Put something by – To save money for a particular purpose (CHSL, 2015) 618. On cloud nine – Extremely happy (CHSL, 2015) 619. The jury is out - No decision has been reached (CHSL, 2015) 620. Have a finger in every pie – To be meddlesome / To involved in a lot of different activities and having influence over them (CHSL, 2015) 621. To take after – To resemble an older member of family (CHSL, 2015) 622. Flying visit – Very short visit (CHSL, 2015) 623. Telling upon – Showing effectively / Having strong effect (Constable, 2015) 624. Kith and kin - Relatives (Constable, 2015) 625. Part and parcel – Important part (Constable, 2015) 626. Beat about the bush – Circumlocution / Does not talk specifically (Constable, 2015) 627. Carry out – Complete something (Constable, 2015) 628. Take fancy – To attract or please somebody (Constable, 2015) 629. Snake in the grass – A hidden enemy (CGL T-1, 2015) 630. Make a mountain of a mole hill – Exaggerate a minor problem (CGL T-1, 2015) 631. Spill the beans – Reveal the secret information (CGL T-1, 2015) 632. Make amends for – Compensate the loss (CGL T-1, 2015) 633. Leave high and dry – In a difficult situation without help or money / Leave alone to work / A boat in a position out of water (CGL T-1, 2015) 634. Make believe – To pretend that something is true (CGL T-1, 2015) 635. Go for the jugular – Attack all out / To attack somebody’s weaker point during a discussion (CGL T-1, 2015) 636. Keep a level head – To remain calm and sensible in a difficult situation (CGL T-1, 2015) 637. Under the weather - Sick (CGL T-1, 2015) 638. At loggerheads – In strong disagreement (CGL T-1, 2015) 639. Go Dutch – Divide the cost (CGL T-1, 2015) 640. Alma mater – Institution where one got education (CGL T-1, 2015) 641. A closefisted man – A miser (CGL T-1, 2015) 642. As draft as a brush – Very silly (CGL T-1, 2015) 643. Rise with the lark – Get up early / To get out of bed very early in the morning (CGL T-1, 2015) https://sscstudy.com/ Page 18  Idioms & Phrases 644. At one’s wit’s end – To be so worried by a problem that you don’t know what to do next (CGL T-1, 2015) 645. Make a beeline – Rush / To go straight towards something as quick as you can (CGL T-1, 2015) 646. Wild goose chase – Useless search (CGL T-1, 2015) 647. A man of letters – A literary person (CGL T-1,RE 2015) 648. Horse sense – Basic common sense (CGL T-1,RE 2015) 649. Shot in the arm – Something that gives encouragement (CGL T-1,RE 2015) 650. Catch time by the forelock – Seize opportunity (CGL T-1,RE 2015) 651. Get on nerves - Annoying (CGL T-1,RE 2015) 652. Clean hands – innocent (CPO, 2015) 653. A golden mean – Middle course between two extremes (CPO, 2015) 654. Vexed question – Controversial issue (CPO, 2015) 655. Keep the wolf away from the door – To keep off starvation (CPO, 2015) 656. Out of sorts – Ill or sick / Upset (CPO, 2015) 657. Gut feeling – Strong instinct (based on feelings and emotions rather than thought and reason) (CPO, 2015) 658. Finish with something – Be through / To have something at the end / To stop doin something (CPO, 2015) 659. Red-letter day – An important day (CPO, 2015) 660. A close fisted man - Miser (CPO, 2015) 661. To set the Thames on fire – Do a heroic deed / To do such a work that needs a strenuous effort (CPO, 2015) 662. Eat humble pie – To say sorry for mistakes / Suffer humiliation (CPO, 2015) 663. Play ducks and drakes – Spend lavishly / To waste or squander (CPO, 2015) 664. Be taken aback – Shocked or surprised (CPO, 2015) 665. Lay it on thick – An exaggeration / To talk about somebody or something in a way than they really are (CPO, 2015) 666. Bird’s eye view – A overview / A general view from above (CPO, 2015) 667. To win laurels – to earn great prestige (CPO, 2015) 668. In the soup – To be in trouble (CPO, 2015) 669. Draw the line – To set a limit (CPO, 2015) 670. A bee hive – A busy place (CPO, 2015) 671. To cut the Gordian knot – To perform a difficult task (CPO, 2015) 672. Take a French leave – Being absent without permission (CGL T-2, 2015) 673. Arm-chair critic – A person who give advice based on theory not on practice (CGL T-2, 2015) 674. A chip of the old block – An experienced old man (CGL T-2, 2015) 675. Feather your nest – To make yourself richer, especially by spending money on yourself that should be spent on something else (CGL T-2, 2015) https://sscstudy.com/ Page 19  Idioms & Phrases 676. Throw up cards – To give in / To blow away the plan (CGL T-2, 2015) 677. Vote with your feet – Showing your disapproval (CGL T-2, 2015) 678. Dog in a manger – A selfish person (CGL T-2, 2015) 679. Chapter and verse – Providing minutes details (CGL T-2, 2015) 680. Bring down the house – Amuse the audience greatly / To make everyone cheer (CGL T-2, 2015) 681. Give a wide berth to – To stay away from or avoid someone (CGL T-2, 2015) 682. A hard nut to crack – A difficult problem to solve (CGL T-2, 2015) 683. In black and white – In writing (CGL T-2, 2015) 684. Beside the mark – Irrelevant / Not to be accurate (CGL T-2, 2015) 685. To give a piece of mind – Scolding / To tell someone that you are angry with them or you disapprove of their behaviour (CGL T-2, 2015) 686. Give away - To distribute something(CGL T-2, 2015) 687. Fight tooth and nail – Fight with all strengths (CGL T-2, 2015) 688. Show a clean a pair of heels – To run away fast / To flee swiftly (CGL T-2, 2015) 689. All moonshine – Concocted / Superficial (CGL T-2, 2015) 690. Up to the mark – According to the required standard (CGL T-2, 2015) 691. A red letter day – An important day (CGL T-2, 2015) 692. Sit on the fence – To avoid becoming involved in deciding or influencing something (Stenographer, 2016) 693. Shake off – Forget / To get away from somebody who is chasing or following you (Stenographer, 2016) 694. Cock and bull story – A concocted or absurd story (Stenographer, 2016) 695. Pull a long face – Look dejected / An unhappy or disappointed expression (Stenographer, 2016) 696. Under a cloud –Under suspicion (Stenographer, 2016) 697. Cat-nap – Short sleep (CGL T-1, 2016) 698. To pull a long face – Look sad (CGL T-1, 2016) 699. Fit like a glove - Perfectly (CGL T-1, 2016) 700. Caught red-handed – Discovered in the act of doing (CGL T-1, 2016) 701. Gate crasher – Uninvited guest (CGL T-1, 2016) 702. To angle – To fish (CGL T-1, 2016) 703. For all intents and purposes - Practically (CGL T-1, 2016) 704. Go out of one’s way – Do everything possible (CGL T-1, 2016) 705. In the running – Has good prospects in competition (CGL T-1, 2016) 706. Beat about the bush – To say everything except the main topic (CGL T-1, 2016) 707. Make room – Make space (CGL T-1, 2016) 708. Mend your way’s – Improve one’s behaviour (CGL T-1, 2016) 709. Beggar description – Cannot be described (CGL T-1, 2016) 710. Drag one’s feet – Be reluctant to act (CGL T-1, 2016) https://sscstudy.com/ Page 20  Idioms & Phrases 711. Hope against hope – Nurture an impossible hope (CGL T-1, 2016) 712. For keeps - Forever (CGL T-1, 2016) 713. Paled into insignificance – Seemed less important (CGL T-1, 2016) 714. With one voice - Unanimously (CGL T-1, 2016) 715. Make it light – Treat lightly (CGL T-1, 2016) 716. Every inch a gentleman - Entirely (CGL T-1, 2016) 717. A rough, violent, troublesome person - Tartar (CGL T-1, 2016) 718. To add fuel to the fire – Make thing worse (CGL T-1, 2016) 719. To take to heart – TO be greatly affected (CGL T-1, 2016) 720. To bring to light – TO reveal (CGL T-1, 2016) 721. All moon shine – Far from reality (CGL T-1, 2016) 722. At a snail’s pace - Slowly (CGL T-1, 2016) 723. Call on – Pay a visit (CGL T-1, 2016) 724. Pros and cons – Advantages and disadvantage (CGL T-1, 2016) 725. Once in a blue moon – Very rarely (CGL T-1, 2016) 726. Fish out of water – An uncomfortable position (CGL T-1, 2016) 727. Be down with – Suffering from (CGL T-1, 2016) 728. Fair-weather friend – Supports only when easy and convenient (CGL T-1, 2016) 729. Pull together – Work harmoniously (CGL T-1, 2016) 730. To bury the hatchet – to make peace (CGL T-1, 2016) 731. Selling like hot cakes – To have a very good sale (CGL T-1, 2016) 732. Scot free - Unpunished (CGL T-1, 2016) 733. To give oneself airs – Behave arrogantly (CGL T-1, 2016) 734. At a stone’s throw – At short distance (CGL T-1, 2016) 735. Bone of contention – Matter of dispute (CGL T-1, 2016) 736. To eat humble pie – To yield under humiliating circumstances (CGL T-1, 2016) 737. To end in smoke – To fail/ To end without any practical results (CGL T-1, 2016) 738. To spill the beans – To reveal a secret (CGL T-1, 2016) 739. Drive home - Emphasise (CGL T-1, 2016) 740. A left hand compliment – An ambiguous compliment (CGL T-1, 2016) 741. Cut a sorry figure – Make a poor impression (CGL T-1, 2016) 742. To take to task - Reprimand (CGL T-1, 2016) 743. Bad blood - Enmity (CGL T-1, 2016) 744. Maiden speech – First speech (CGL T-1, 2016) 745. To get cold feet - Fear (CGL T-1, 2016) 746. Beside the mark – Not to the point (CGL T-1, 2016) 747. On tenterhooks – In suspense and anxiety (CGL T-1, 2016) 748. A cuckoo in the nest – An unwelcomed intruder (CGL T-1, 2016) https://sscstudy.com/ Page 21  Idioms & Phrases 749. A house of cards – An insecure scheme (CGL T-1, 2016) 750. To smell a rat – To suspect foul dealings (CGL T-1, 2016) 751. Old head on young shoulder – To be wise beyond one’s age (CGL T-1, 2016) 752. A wild-goose chase – Pointless search (CGL T-1, 2016) 753. Hard of hearing – To be deaf (CGL T-1, 2016) 754. Burn your boats – Do something that makes it impossible to return ro the previous situation (CGL T-1, 2016) 755. Dressing-down – To give scolding (CGL T-1, 2016) 756. Null and void - Invalid (CGL T-1, 2016) 757. A dark horse – Unexpected winner (CGL T-1, 2016) 758. Throw cold water - Discourage (CGL T-1, 2016) 759. Butt in – Interrupt (CGL T-1, 2016) 760. Couch potato – A person who prefers to watch television (CGL T-1, 2016) 761. Carry the ball – Be in charge (CGL T-1, 2016) 762. Turn down - Reject (CGL T-1, 2016) 763. Catch a tartar – to deal with a person who is more than one’s match (CGL T-1, 2016) 764. Cap in hand – In a respectful manner (CGL T-1, 2016) 765. In the blues – Cheerless and depressed (CGL T-1, 2016) 766. Cheek by jowl – Very close together (CGL T-1, 2016) 767. Beyond the pale – Unreasonable or unacceptable (CGL T-1, 2016) 768. Blow one’s own trumpet – Praise oneself (CGL T-1, 2016) 769. Stick to guns – Maintain own opinion (CGL T-1, 2016) 770. At sea – At a loss (CGL T-1, 2016) 771. Straw in the wind – An indication of what might happen (CGL T-1, 2016) 772. Face the music – Be punished (CGL T-1, 2016) 773. Curry favours – Seek favourable attention (CGL T-1, 2016) 774. Weal and woe – Good times and bad times (CGL T-1, 2016) 775. Call in question - Challenge (CGL T-1, 2016) 776. Make both ends mean – Live within means (CGL T-1, 2016) 777. Put up the shutters – Go out of business (CGL T-1, 2016) 778. A drop in a bucket – A very insignificant amount (CGL T-1, 2016) 779. Draw a blank – Find no favour (CGL T-1, 2016) 780. To keep in abeyance – In a state of suspension (CGL T-1, 2016) 781. To be in a fix – In a difficult situation (CGL T-1, 2016) 782. To break the ice – Make people comfortable and relaxed / Start conversation (CGL T-1, 2016) 783. As daft as a brush – Extremely silly (CGL T-1, 2016) 784. In a nutshell – Briefly and concisely (CGL T-1, 2016) https://sscstudy.com/ Page 22  Idioms & Phrases 785. Strain every nerve – Work very hard (CGL T-1, 2016) 786. Evening of life – Old age (CGL T-1, 2016) 787. Button one’s lips – Stop talking (CGL T-1, 2016) 788. Cock and bull stories – Absurd and unlikely stories (CGL T-1, 2016) 789. A live wire – Lively and active (CGL T-1, 2016) 790. Capital punishment – Death sentence (CGL T-1, 2016) 791. Leaps and bounds - Rapidly (CGL T-1, 2016) 792. Wet behind the ears – Young and without much experience (CGL T-1, 2016) 793. Under a cloud – Under suspicion (CGL T-1, 2016) 794. Get the sack – Be dismissed (CGL T-1, 2016) 795. Feather in one’s cap – A new and additional distinction (CGL T-1, 2016) 796. Donkey’s year – A long time (CGL T-1, 2016) 797. Leave no stone unturned – To try every possible way (CGL T-1, 2016) 798. A man of letters - Scholar (CGL T-1, 2016) 799. Bear in mind - Remember (CGL T-1, 2016) 800. To nip in the bud – To stop something in the starting (CGL T-1, 2016) 801. To put a spoke in one’s wheel – To hinder (CGL T-1, 2016) 802. To clip one’s wings – To deprive one of power (CGL T-1, 2016) 803. Hold up – Delay (CGL T-1, 2016) 804. To play fast and loose – To act in an unreliable way (CGL T-1, 2016) 805. Feather one’s own nest – Make money in an improper way (CGL T-1, 2016) 806. Pull a fast one – Play a trick (CGL T-1, 2016) 807. Grease the palm – To bribe (CGL T-1, 2016) 808. Turn-turtle – Complete over-turn of a situation (CGL T-1, 2016) Like this page for SSC CGL TIER 2 study plan and tier 2 practice questions (Maths and English), cloze test, comprehension, fill in the blanks, spelling correction, sentence arrangement , etc. Click on the link given below: https://sscstudy.com/ https://sscstudy.com/ Page 23