CDS English Questions Set 11: 9th April 2020

IDIOMS AND PHRASES 

Directions: Given below are some idioms / phrases followed by four alternative meanings to each. Choose the response (a), (b), (c) or (d) which is the most appropriate expression.
1. A hot potato. 

(a) A dish to relish when it is hot 

(b) A very important person in a gathering 

(c) An issue which is disputed, and catching the attention of people 

(d) A way of thinking what someone is thinking 

2. You snooze, you lose. 

(a) Don’t take it lightly 

(b) Don’t be over-enthusiastic 

(c) Don’t hesitate to do it 

(d) Don’t be pessimistic 

3. I don’t buy it. 

(a) I don’t believe it 

(b) I have no money 

(c) I summarize it 

(d) I don’t need it 

4. My two cents. 

 (a) My money 

(b) My opinion 

(c) My decision 

(d) My explanation 

5. Out of the blue. 

. (a) Undoubtedly 

(b) Unexpectedly 

 (c) Unbelievably 

(d) Unconcerned 

6. What a small world. 

 (a) What a coincidence 

(b) What a challenging task 

(c) What a narrow space 

(d) What a beautiful place

7. Down the road. 

(a) In future                

(b) In the past

 (c) At present             

(d) No particular time 

8. Raising eyebrows. 

a) To show surprise 

(b) Criticize    

(c) Support  

(d) Instruct 

9. Step up the plate. 

 (a) Take control 

(b) Take a job 

(c) Take a responsibility 

(d) Take an opportunity 

10. The Holy Grail.

(a) The pious place of worship

 (b) An important object or goal

 (c) A very important place

(d) Someone’s destination of life

11. You scratch my back. I’ll scratch yours

(a) Mutual favour

(b) Mutual understanding

(c) Mutual respect

(d) Mutual disliking

12. At the drop of a hat.

(a) Without any hesitation

(b) When attempt fails and it’s time to start all over

(c) To further a loss with mockery

(d) Judging other’s intentions too much

13. Ball is in your court.

(a) Be happy at the dance / ball room

(b) It’s up to you to make the decision

 c) A very powerful person

 (d) Not speaking directly about an issue

14. Best of both worlds.

(b) All the advantages

(c) To take on a task that is way too big

 (d) Someone whom everybody likes

15. Costs an arm and a leg.

(a) Severe punishment to someone

 (b) Too much consciousness about one’s body

(c) Two difficult alternatives

(d) Something very expensive