Idioms and Phrases: Master Guide for Competitive Exams

Idioms are expressions whose meaning cannot be determined from the literal definition of the words they contain. They are crucial for English Language sections in SSC CGL, CHSL, Constable GD, Banking, and other competitive exams. Understanding idioms helps you score full marks in vocabulary-based questions.

Classification of Idioms

  • Body Part Idioms: "Cost an arm and a leg", "Put your foot down", "Keep an eye on"
  • Animal Idioms: "Let the cat out of the bag", "Beat a dead horse", "Under the weather"
  • Color Idioms: "Once in a blue moon", "Green with envy", "Caught red-handed"
  • Food Idioms: "Piece of cake", "Spill the beans", "In a nutshell"

Exam Strategy

Trick 1: Never interpret idioms literally. Always think of their figurative meaning.
Trick 2: Most idioms in SSC exams come from standard textbooks — revise NCERT English idioms.
Trick 3: If unsure, eliminate obviously literal-meaning options first.

High-Frequency Idioms in SSC/Banking Exams

IdiomMeaning
Beat around the bushAvoid the main topic
Hit the nail on the headBe exactly right
Break a legWish good luck
Under the weatherFeeling unwell
Back to square oneStart from beginning

Practice MCQs: Idioms & Phrases for Constable GD 2026

Test your understanding with these 10 MCQs on Idioms & Phrases. These are designed to reinforce the concept explained above.

Q1. 'Burning the candle at both ends' means:

(A) To save electricity   (B) To overwork oneself   (C) To be wasteful   (D) To cook food

Answer: (B) To overwork oneself

Explanation: This idiom means to exhaust oneself by working too hard or staying up too late.

Q2. 'In hot water' means:

(A) Taking a hot bath   (B) In serious trouble   (C) Feeling warm   (D) Cooking something

Answer: (B) In serious trouble

Explanation: 'In hot water' means to be in a difficult situation or serious trouble.

Q3. 'Kill two birds with one stone' means:

(A) Hunting skill   (B) Accomplish two things with one action   (C) To be violent   (D) Bad luck

Answer: (B) Accomplish two things with one action

Explanation: This means to solve two problems with a single action, being efficient.

Q4. 'Let sleeping dogs lie' means:

(A) Don't wake pets   (B) Avoid bringing up old problems   (C) Be kind to animals   (D) Stay quiet

Answer: (B) Avoid bringing up old problems

Explanation: This idiom means to avoid mentioning old problems or conflicts that could cause trouble.

Q5. 'Miss the boat' means:

(A) To be late for a ship   (B) To miss an opportunity   (C) To travel by water   (D) To be confused

Answer: (B) To miss an opportunity

Explanation: 'Miss the boat' means to fail to take advantage of an opportunity.

Q6. 'No pain, no gain' means:

(A) Exercise is harmful   (B) Success requires effort and sacrifice   (C) Pain is always present   (D) Gain is impossible

Answer: (B) Success requires effort and sacrifice

Explanation: This proverb means that you need to work hard and endure some hardship to achieve success.

Q7. 'On the ball' means:

(A) Playing sports   (B) Alert and efficient   (C) Confused   (D) Very slow

Answer: (B) Alert and efficient

Explanation: 'On the ball' means someone who is alert, efficient, and able to do things well.

Q8. 'Pull someone's leg' means:

(A) To physically grab their leg   (B) To joke or tease someone   (C) To help someone   (D) To trip someone

Answer: (B) To joke or tease someone

Explanation: This idiom means to tease or joke with someone in a playful way.

Q9. 'Raining cats and dogs' means:

(A) Animals falling from sky   (B) Heavy rain   (C) A storm   (D) Light drizzle

Answer: (B) Heavy rain

Explanation: 'Raining cats and dogs' means it's raining very heavily.

Q10. 'Sit on the fence' means:

(A) To be physically on a fence   (B) To avoid taking sides   (C) To relax outdoors   (D) To be undecided about everything

Answer: (B) To avoid taking sides

Explanation: This idiom means to remain neutral and avoid taking a clear position on an issue.