Idioms and Phrases Questions in English

(A) The idiom $built\, upon\, sand$ refers to something that is constructed on an unstable or insecure foundation,making it likely to fail or collapse.
Therefore,the phrase $built\, upon\, sand$ best expresses the meaning of being $established\, on\, insecure\, foundations$.

(B) The word $floored$ in this context means to surprise,confuse,or baffle someone to the point where they do not know how to react or respond.
Since the plan was described as 'complicated',it is logical that the listeners were left confused or puzzled.
Therefore,the option that best expresses the meaning is 'puzzled'.

(B) The idiom $bad\ blood$ refers to feelings of hatred,resentment,or hostility between people or groups.
In the given sentence,it implies that there has been $ill\ feeling$ or animosity between the two communities for a long time.
Therefore,option $B$ is the correct choice.

(B) The idiom $storm\, in\, a\, tea\, cup$ means a lot of unnecessary anger or worry about a matter that is not important.
In the given sentence, the neighbours were disappointed because the couple's argument was over something trivial, not a serious issue.
Therefore, the correct option is $B$.

(C) The idiom $keeps\, himself\, to\, himself$ means to avoid meeting people or to stay away from social interactions. Therefore, it best expresses the meaning of being 'unsociable'.

(D) The idiom $small\, talk$ refers to polite,informal conversation about unimportant matters,often used to pass the time or to be social in a formal setting.
$A$. Whispering refers to speaking very softly.
$B$. Backbiting refers to speaking spitefully about someone who is not present.
$C$. Gossip refers to casual conversation or reports about other people,typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true.
$D$. Light conversation is the most accurate synonym for $small\, talk$,as it describes casual,non-serious,or trivial topics of discussion.
Therefore,the correct option is $D$.

(D) The phrasal verb $broke\, down$ in the context of a vehicle means that the vehicle stopped functioning or ceased to operate due to a mechanical failure.
Therefore, the most appropriate meaning is $failed\, to\, work$.
Thus, the correct option is $D$.

(A) The idiom $strained \, every \, nerve$ means to make every possible effort or to work extremely hard to achieve a goal.
In the given sentence,the father put in his maximum effort to ensure his child's success.
Therefore,the correct meaning is 'worked very hard'.

(B) The idiom $picking\, holes\, in$ means to find faults or weaknesses in something. Therefore, the phrase $picking\, holes\, in$ is best expressed by the alternative $finding\, fault\, with$. Thus, option $B$ is the correct answer.

(B) The idiom '$the$ $die$ $is$ $cast$' means that a decision has been made or an action has been taken from which there is no turning back.
It originates from Julius Caesar's famous phrase 'alea iacta est' when he crossed the Rubicon river.
Therefore,the correct option is $B$.

(B) The idiom '$born\, with\, a\, silver\, spoon\, in\, his\, mouth$' means to be born into a wealthy or affluent family.
It implies that the person has enjoyed privileges and luxury since birth due to their family's financial status.
Therefore, the correct alternative is '$born\, in\, a\, wealthy\, family$'.

(B) The idiom $a\, rift\, in\, the\, lute$ refers to a disagreement or a break in the harmony of a relationship or situation.
In the given sentence,the arrival of the mother-in-law caused a disturbance in the peaceful environment of the family.
Therefore,the phrase $proved\, a\, rift\, in\, the\, lute$ means that it brought about disharmony.
Thus,option $B$ is the correct choice.

(D) The phrasal verb $take\, after$ means to resemble someone in appearance or character,usually a parent or relative.
In the given sentence,the prince did not $take\, after$ the king implies that the prince did not resemble the king.
Therefore,the correct option is $D$.

(C) The idiom '$by\, and\, by$' means 'gradually' or 'in the course of time'.
Therefore,the phrase implies that the situation will improve over time or step by step.
Thus,the correct option is $C$.

(A) The idiom $crocodile\, tears$ refers to a display of insincere or fake sadness. It originates from the ancient belief that crocodiles shed tears while consuming their prey. Therefore,the phrase implies that the person is not genuinely grieving but is merely pretending to be sad. Among the given options,$Pretended\, sorrow$ is the correct meaning.

(D) The idiom $pulled\, up$ means to criticize or rebuke someone for their actions or behavior.
In the given sentence,the Prime Minister has criticized or scolded the Orissa party members.
Therefore,the word $reprimanded$ is the closest in meaning to $pulled\, up$.

(B) The idiom $did\, me\, a\, good\, turn$ means to perform an act that helps or benefits someone.
In the given sentence,by recommending the person for the post of Vice Principal,the subject performed a helpful action for the speaker.
Therefore,the phrase $did\, me\, a\, good\, turn$ is best expressed by the option $did\, an\, act\, of\, kindness$.

(D) The idiom $making\, hay\, while\, the\, sun\, shines$ means to take advantage of an opportunity while it lasts or to make the best use of a favourable situation.
Therefore,option $D$ is the correct choice.

(D) The idiom $fair\, and\, square$ means to be honest,just,and straightforward in one's actions or dealings.
Among the given options,$Upright$ is the best synonym as it means strictly honorable or honest.
Therefore,the correct option is $D$.

(B) The idiom $high\, time$ is used to indicate that something should have been done already or that it is the right moment to take action,often implying that there has been a delay.
In the given sentence,'It is $high\, time$ that India did something about the population problem' means that India should have addressed this issue earlier and it is now the appropriate time to act.
Therefore,the correct option is $B$.

(B) The idiom $standing\, up$ for someone means to defend,support,or champion the cause of a person or group,especially those who are vulnerable or treated unfairly.
In the given sentence,'He is always $standing\, up$ for the weak and oppressed' implies that he consistently supports and fights for the rights of the weak and oppressed.
Therefore,the phrase 'Championing the cause of' best expresses the meaning of the idiom $standing\, up$ for.

(C) The idiom $give\, a\, wide\, berth$ means to stay away from someone or something,or to avoid them to prevent trouble.
In the context of the sentence,it suggests that we should avoid or keep a distance from people with bad character.
Therefore,the correct option is $C$.

(A) The word $vogue$ means the prevailing fashion or style at a particular time.
Therefore,the phrase 'in $vogue$' means 'in fashion' or 'currently popular'.
Thus,option $A$ is the correct choice.

(B) The idiom $cut\, to\, the\, quick$ means to be deeply hurt or offended emotionally.
In the given sentence,the old man felt profound emotional pain because his own son refused to acknowledge him.
Therefore,the phrase $cut\, to\, the\, quick$ is best expressed by the meaning $hurt\, intensely$.

(D) The idiom $put \, in \, a \, word \, for \, someone$ means to speak in favor of someone or to recommend them to another person.
In the given sentence, the speaker is asking the person to put in a good word or recommend them to someone else.
Therefore, the correct option is $D$ (recommend).

(C) The idiom $in\, cold\, blood$ means to do something in a cruel, deliberate, and unfeeling manner, without any emotion or pity.
In the given sentence, the dacoit murdered the man without any mercy or emotional hesitation.
Among the given options, $ruthlessly$ is the best synonym as it conveys the sense of being cruel and lacking pity or compassion.
Therefore, the correct option is $C$.

(C) The idiom '$sharp\ practices$' refers to methods of doing business that are dishonest or unethical,even if they are not strictly illegal.
In the context of the sentence,it implies that the person built their empire through questionable or deceitful means.
Therefore,the correct option is '$C$ - dishonest dealings'.

(C) The idiom $hand\, in\, glove$ means to be in close association or partnership with someone, often for a specific purpose or action, sometimes implying a secret or dishonest collaboration.
In the given sentence, it suggests that the secretary and the treasurer are working closely together or are in league with each other.
Therefore, the most appropriate option is $C$, which states 'associates in some action'.

(B) The idiom $under\, his\, thumb$ means to be under someone's complete control or influence. In the context of the sentence,it implies that the husband did not want to exert excessive authority or control over his wife. Therefore,the option $Unduly\, under\, control$ best expresses this meaning.

(A) The idiom $ivory\, tower$ refers to a state of privileged seclusion or separation from the practical,everyday realities of life. In the context of the sentence,it implies that professors are disconnected from the actual needs of students. Therefore,the option that best expresses this meaning is $Detachment\, and\, seclusion$.

(A) The idiom $a\, cool\, customer$ refers to a person who remains calm,composed,and not easily excited or flustered,even in difficult or demanding situations.
In the context of the sentence,to get the best buys,one needs to maintain composure and patience rather than acting impulsively.
Therefore,the option that best expresses this meaning is 'Be calm and not be excitable'.

(B) The idiom $rank\, and\, file$ refers to the ordinary members of an organization,rather than the leaders or those in high-ranking positions.
In the context of the sentence,it means that the common employees or members of the government did not oppose the new policy.
Therefore,the correct option is $B$.

(B) The idiom $wiped\ the\ nose$ means to cheat or deceive someone.
In the given sentence,the clerk submitted a false bill to his employer,which is an act of cheating or fraud.
Therefore,the correct option is $B$ (Cheated).

(B) The idiom "to have a bone to pick with someone" means to have a grievance or a reason to argue or complain about something with someone. In the context of the sentence,it implies that the speaker is annoyed or has a disagreement that needs to be addressed. Therefore,"Am angry" is the best alternative that expresses this meaning.

(B) The idiom '$stuck$ $his$ $neck$ $out$' means to do something that is risky or to expose oneself to criticism or danger by taking a bold action.
In this context,the $C.M$ took a risk by making a significant promise that might be difficult to fulfill or could lead to political criticism.
Therefore,the correct option is $B$.

(A) The idiom $put\, his\, foot\, down$ means to assert one's authority or to be firm in one's decision to stop something from happening.
In the context of the sentence,being harassed by injustice,the person decided to take a firm stand and refuse to tolerate it further.
Therefore,the phrase means 'not to yield' or 'to be firm'.
Thus,option $A$ is the correct choice.

(B) The idiom $keep\, a\, straight\, face$ means to manage to stop oneself from laughing or smiling,especially when something is funny. In the given context,the students could not control their laughter upon hearing the teacher's strange pronunciation. Therefore,the phrase implies the inability to $remain\, serious$. Thus,option $B$ is the correct answer.

(D) The idiom $bring\, to\, light$ means to reveal, uncover, or make something known to the public.
In the context of the sentence, the parliamentary inquiry failed to reveal or disclose any surprising information regarding the Bofors deal.
Therefore, the word $Disclose$ is the best synonym for the given phrase.

(A) The idiom $went\, down\, well\, with$ means to be received favorably or to be accepted by a group of people.
In the context of the sentence,it implies that the majority of the audience liked or accepted his speech.
Therefore,the phrase $found\, acceptance\, with$ is the most accurate alternative.

(A) The idiom '$to\, bite\, off\, more\, than\, one\, can\, chew$' means to take on a task or responsibility that is way too big or difficult for a person to handle.
In the given sentence, Rohit has taken on more work or a bigger challenge than he is capable of managing.
Therefore, the correct option is $A$, which means 'Is trying to do too much'.

(D) The idiom $left\ no\ stone\ unturned$ means to do everything possible to achieve a result or to find something.
In the given sentence, the detective tried every possible method or effort to find the culprit.
Therefore, the phrase $left\ no\ stone\ unturned$ is best expressed by the option $D$, which is $used\ all\ available\ means$.

(C) The idiom $took\, him\, to\, task$ means to scold, criticize, or reprimand someone for their actions or negligence.
In the given sentence, the authorities are holding the person accountable for their negligence by reprimanding them.
Therefore, the correct option is $C$.

(B) The idiom $give\, in$ means to stop resisting or to surrender to pressure or demands.
$1$. $Accede$ means to agree to a demand or request.
$2$. $Yield$ means to give way to arguments,demands,or pressure,which is synonymous with $give\, in$.
$3$. $Oblige$ means to do as someone asks or desires in order to help or please them.
$4$. $Confirm$ means to establish the truth or correctness of something.
Therefore,the best alternative that expresses the meaning of $give\, in$ is $yield$.

(B) The idiom $on\, its\, last\, legs$ refers to something that is near the end of its life, usefulness, or strength and is about to fail or collapse.
In the context of a business, it means the business is failing and is likely to close down soon.
Therefore, the phrase $on\, its\, last\, legs$ best expresses the meaning of being $about\, to\, perish$.

(A) The idiom $went \,back\, on$ means to fail to keep a promise or to break a commitment.
In the given sentence,the person did not fulfill their promise to vote for the speaker.
Among the given options,$withdrew$ (meaning to retract or fail to fulfill) is the closest in meaning to breaking a promise.
Therefore,the correct option is $A$.

(B) The idiom $ran\, amuck$ (or $run\, amok$) means to behave uncontrollably and in a frenzied or wild manner.
In the given sentence,the old beggar was acting in a wild and uncontrolled way,which led him to throw stones at passersby.
Therefore,the option that best expresses this meaning is $ran\, about\, wildly$.

(A) The word $conceive$ in this context means to form an idea or mental image of something.
When the speaker says they cannot $conceive$ of a time without a refrigerator,they mean they cannot imagine or visualize such a situation.
Therefore,the best alternative is $Imagine$.

(D) The idiom 'to cry wolf' means to raise a false alarm or to give a false warning about a danger that does not exist.
Example: Tom cannot be trusted as he always cries wolf.

(A) The idiom 'to keep one's temper' means to maintain self-control and remain calm even when one is feeling angry or frustrated.
Example: Tom was upset with Peter,but he kept his temper.

(A) The idiom 'to have an axe to grind' means to have a private or selfish motive for doing something.
Example: The social activists have no political axe to grind; they just want to improve the lives of poor people.