Idioms and Phrases Questions in English

(C) The idiom 'To make a clean breast of' means to confess or tell the truth about something,especially something that one has been hiding or feeling guilty about,without any hesitation or reservation. Therefore,the correct meaning is 'To confess without reserve'.

(D) The idiom 'To keep one's temper' means to remain calm and avoid becoming angry,even in a difficult or frustrating situation. Therefore,the correct meaning is 'To remain calm and not get angry'.

(D) The idiom 'To catch a tartar' means to encounter or deal with a person who is unexpectedly powerful,troublesome,or more than one's match. Therefore,option $D$ is the correct meaning.

(D) The idiom "To drive home" means to emphasize a point or to make something clearly understood by someone.
For example: "He tried to drive home the importance of hard work to his students."
Therefore,the correct meaning is "To emphasise".

(A) The idiom "To have an axe to grind" means to have a personal motive,a selfish reason,or a private agenda for doing something.
Therefore,the correct meaning is "$A$ private end to serve".

(B) The idiom "To cry wolf" originates from the famous fable of the boy who cried wolf. It means to raise a false alarm or to give a warning about a danger that does not exist. Therefore,the correct meaning is "To give false alarm".

(D) The idiom 'To end in smoke' means to come to nothing or to fail completely after much effort. Therefore,the correct option is $D$.

(B) The idiom "To be above board" means to be open,honest,and fair in one's dealings. It implies that everything is done in the open,without any hidden agendas or deception. Therefore,option $B$ is the correct meaning.

(B) The idiom "To put one's hand to plough" means to start a difficult or serious task. It signifies the commencement of a challenging endeavor that requires effort and dedication. Therefore,option $B$ is the correct meaning.

(C) The idiom "To pick holes" means to find faults or flaws in something or someone,which is synonymous with criticizing or finding weaknesses in an argument or plan.
Therefore,the correct meaning is "To criticise someone".

(D) The idiom 'To leave someone in the lurch' means to abandon or desert someone when they are in a difficult situation or need help. Therefore,the correct meaning is 'To desert someone in his difficulties'.

(C) The idiom "To play second fiddle" means to take a subordinate role or to be in a position of less importance than someone else.
Therefore,the correct meaning is to support the role and view of another person,effectively playing a secondary part.

(B) The idiom 'To beg the question' means to assume the truth of the conclusion in one's premise. In other words,it refers to taking a point for granted as if it were already proven,even though it is the very point that is being debated. Therefore,the correct meaning is 'To take for granted'.

(D) In the English language,'$A$ black sheep' is an idiom used to describe an odd or disreputable member of a group,especially within a family. Since this meaning is not provided in options $A$,$B$,or $C$,the correct choice is $D$.

(A) The idiom '$A$ man of straw' refers to a person who is weak,lacks substance,or has no backbone. It describes someone who is easily influenced or lacks the strength of character to stand up for themselves. Therefore,'$A$ man of no substance' is the correct meaning.

(C) The idiom "To smell a rat" means to feel that something is wrong,suspicious,or that there is a trick or deception involved in a situation.
Therefore,the correct meaning is "To suspect foul dealings".

(A) The idiom 'To hit the nail right on the head' means to describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem,or to do exactly the right thing in the most effective and efficient way.

(A) The idiom "To set one's face against" means to oppose something firmly or with determination.
It implies a strong refusal or resistance towards a particular idea,plan,or action.
Therefore,the correct option is $A$.

(C) The idiom $tipped\, off$ means to give someone secret information or a warning about something,especially something illegal or about to happen.
In the given sentence,the police were able to arrest Sobhraj easily because they had received information about his activities beforehand.
Therefore,the phrase $tipped\, off$ is best expressed by the meaning 'Given advance information'.

(D) The idiom $the \, cold \, shoulder$ means to intentionally ignore someone or treat them in an unfriendly manner.
In the given sentence,the speaker met someone after a long time,but the person did not respond warmly or acknowledge them properly,which implies they were ignored.
Therefore,the correct option is $D$.

(B) The phrasal verb $passed\, himself\, off$ means to pretend to be someone or something else in order to deceive others.
In the given sentence,the person is pretending to be a noble man.
Therefore,the correct meaning is $Pretended\, to\, be$.

(A) The idiom $hanging\ fire$ means to remain undecided,delayed,or in a state of suspense.
In the given sentence,the phrase implies that the matter has been delayed or left pending for many months.
Therefore,the option that best expresses this meaning is 'going on slowly' or 'delayed'.
Thus,the correct option is $A$.

(C) The idiom $die\, in\, harness$ means to die while still in service or while actively working. Historically, it refers to a horse that dies while still wearing its harness (the gear used for pulling a carriage or plow). In the context of the armed forces, it implies continuing one's duty until the very end of life. Therefore, option $C$ is the correct choice.

(B) The idiom $big\ draw$ refers to something that attracts a large number of people or generates significant interest.
In the context of a cricket match,it means the match was a huge attraction for the audience.
Therefore,the correct option is $B$.

(D) The idiom $lost\, heart$ means to lose courage,confidence,or hope. When someone is not selected for something repeatedly,they often feel discouraged or lose the motivation to continue trying. Therefore,$became\, discouraged$ is the most accurate meaning among the given options.

(A) The idiom $let\, the\, grass\, grow\, under\, one's\, feet$ means to delay taking action or to be inactive/idle when one should be moving or working.
In the given context,the person was undecided and therefore did not take any action,which corresponds to 'loitered around' or remaining inactive.
Therefore,the correct option is $A$.

(D) The idiom $backstairs\, influence$ refers to the use of secret,underhanded,or improper methods to achieve a goal,often involving private or illicit connections.
In the context of the sentence,the person failed the exam but is trying to secure the job through non-transparent or unfair means.
Therefore,$Secret\, and\, unfair\, influence$ is the correct meaning.

(C) The idiom $play\, to\, the\, gallery$ means to behave in a way that is intended to make people admire or support you, often by appealing to popular or base tastes rather than maintaining high standards.
In the context of companies producing goods, it means they are making products or marketing them in a way that specifically targets what the general public wants or likes to increase sales.
Therefore, the option that best expresses this meaning is 'attempt to appeal to popular taste'.

(D) The idiom $stew\, in\, his\, own\, juice$ means to suffer the consequences of one's own actions or to be left to deal with the unpleasant results of one's own behavior without interference from others.
Therefore,the option that best expresses this meaning is 'Suffer for his own act'.

(D) The phrasal verb $hold\, out$ in this context means to offer or to promise something,especially a prospect or hope for the future.
In the given sentence,'The project did not appear to $hold\, out$ bright prospects' means the project did not seem to offer or promise any bright future or success.
Therefore,'promise' is the best alternative that expresses the meaning of the phrase in this context.

(C) The idiom $burning\, the\, candle\, at\, both\, ends$ means to work very hard without taking enough rest,often leading to exhaustion or burnout.
In the given sentence,the person is working excessively or exhausting their physical and mental resources,which is causing them to ruin their life.
Therefore,the phrase $overtaxing\, his\, energies$ is the best fit for the meaning of the idiom.

(D) The idiom/verb $shelve$ in this context means to decide not to proceed with a plan or project for the time being,effectively putting it aside or delaying it.
Therefore,the word $postpone$ is the best alternative that expresses the meaning of $shelve$ in this sentence.
- $Cancel$ means to decide that a planned event will not take place.
- $Discuss$ means to talk about something.
- $Reconsider$ means to think about something again,especially in order to change a previous decision.
- $Postpone$ means to arrange for something to take place at a time later than that first scheduled.
Thus,the correct option is $D$.

(D) The idiom '$blows \, his \, own \, trumpet$' means to talk boastfully about one's own achievements or successes.
Therefore,it means to praise oneself.
Hence,the correct option is $D$.

(B) The idiom $out\, and\, out$ means 'completely' or 'thoroughly'.
In the given sentence,'He is $out\, and\, out$ a reactionary' means he is a complete or thorough reactionary.
Therefore,the correct option is $B$.

(A) The idiom $talking\ through\ one's\ hat$ means to talk nonsense or to speak about something without having any knowledge or understanding of it. Therefore,the phrase $talking\ through\ his\ hat$ is best expressed by the option $talking\ nonsense$.

(B) The idiom $held\ over$ means to delay or postpone something to a later time.
In the context of the sentence, the case was delayed because of the significant opposition it faced.
Therefore, the correct synonym for $held\ over$ is $postponed$.

(B) The idiom $plough\, a\, lonely\, furrow$ means to do something without the help or involvement of others,or to work in isolation.
In the context of the sentence,it implies that in today's interconnected society,no individual or nation can function or succeed entirely on their own without the cooperation or assistance of others.
Therefore,the option that best expresses this meaning is $B$.

(C) The idiom $put\, a\, spoke\, in\, my\, wheel$ means to prevent someone from achieving their goal or to hinder the progress of a plan.
Option $C$, "thwarted the execution of the plan," correctly captures this meaning as it implies obstructing or preventing the success of an intended action.

(D) The idiom $strike\ gold$ means to discover something valuable,successful,or profitable,often unexpectedly.
In the context of research,it refers to finding a significant,new,or valuable piece of information or a unique line of argument that has not been explored before.
Therefore,option $D$ is the correct interpretation.

(C) The phrase '$very \,different \,about$' in the context of the sentence implies a lack of certainty or confidence. When someone is 'different' about an outcome,it suggests they are not sure or are hesitant. Among the given options,'$Lacking \,self-confidence \,about$' best captures the meaning of being uncertain or doubtful regarding the result.

$(B)$ The idiom $gift\, horse\, in\, the\, mouth$ means to criticize or find fault with something that has been received as a gift or favor.
Historically, one would check a horse's teeth to determine its age and health; doing this to a horse received as a gift is considered rude, as it implies you are assessing its value rather than appreciating the gesture.
Therefore, the correct option is $B$.

(A) The idiom $burning\, question$ refers to a topic or issue that is currently very important,urgent,and widely discussed by the public.
In the context of the sentence,dowry is described as a $burning\, question$,meaning it is a matter of great public concern and debate.
Therefore,the option that best expresses this meaning is $a$ $widely$ $debated$ $issue$.

(A) The idiom $to\, bell\, the\, cat$ means to take on a dangerous or difficult task for the benefit of others.
It originates from the fable where mice decide to tie a bell around a cat's neck to hear it coming,but none of them are willing to perform the risky act.
Therefore,the option that best expresses this meaning is $A$,which is 'To take the lead in danger'.

(D) The idiom '$on\, the\, wane$' means to become gradually weaker,less important,or less popular.
In the context of the sentence,it indicates that the popularity of the superstar is decreasing.
Therefore,the correct alternative is 'growing less'.

(C) The idiom '$for\, a\, good$' means '$permanently$' or '$for\, ever$'.
In the given sentence,'$He\, is\, leaving\, the\, country\, for\, a\, good$' implies that he is leaving the country permanently and will not return.
Therefore,the correct option is $C$.

(A) The idiom $go\, off\, at\, a\, tangent$ means to suddenly start talking or thinking about a completely new and different subject.
In the given sentence,it implies that although the speaker is interesting,they have a habit of deviating from the main topic of discussion.
Therefore,the correct alternative is $A$ (change the subject immediately).

(C) The idiom "for a $song$" means to buy or sell something at a very low price or very cheaply.
Therefore,the correct alternative is "very cheaply".

(A) The idiom $a\, snake\, in\, the\, grass$ refers to a person who pretends to be a friend but is actually a secret enemy or someone who acts treacherously.
In the given sentence, the minister was trusted, but he betrayed that trust during the revolution, acting as a hidden enemy.
Therefore, the most accurate meaning among the options is $a\, secret\, enemy$.

(A) The idiom $what\, is\, sauce\, for\, the\, goose\, is\, sauce\, for\, the\, gander$ means that what is considered appropriate for one person should also be considered appropriate for another in a similar situation.
In the context of the sentence,it implies that if men and women perform the same job,they deserve the same pay,as the rules of fairness apply equally to both genders.

(D) The idiom $to\, take\, it\, lying\, down$ means to accept an insult, defeat, or criticism without protesting or fighting back.
In the given context, the party stalwarts are advising the President to remain passive or not to react to a situation for the time being.
Therefore, the option that best expresses this meaning is $to\, show\, no\, reaction$.