Question 1

Idiom/phrase meaning: "to make a clean breast of" (choose the correct sense)  Context: This idiom is used when someone reveals the whole truth about a matter. Select the option that best expresses the meaning.

Accepted Answer

Given data Idiom: "to make a clean breast of". Situation: Admitting everything frankly. Meaning The idiom means to confess fully, keeping nothing back. Option analysis To confess without reserve — exact meaning. ✅(a), (b), (d) — unrelated to confession or truth-telling. Usage tip Often used in legal or disciplinary contexts: "He made a clean breast of the fraud." Final Answer To confess without reserve.

Question 2

Idiom/phrase meaning: "to keep one's temper" (choose the correct sense)  Context: Used to describe emotional self-control under provocation. Select the best meaning.

Accepted Answer

Concept "To keep one's temper" means to maintain self-control and stay calm, especially when provoked. Option analysis To remain calm; not lose one's temper — precise meaning. ✅(b) "Good mood" is close, but the idiom focuses on control rather than mood quality.(a), (d) — unrelated. Common pitfalls Confusing "keep" with "lose" one's temper; they are opposites. Final Answer To remain calm; not lose one's temper.

Question 3

Idiom/phrase meaning: "to catch a tartar" (choose the correct sense)  Context: Encountering or seizing someone unexpectedly formidable. Select the most accurate meaning.

Accepted Answer

Background The idiom implies that one has engaged someone stronger or more troublesome than expected. Option analysis To deal with a person who is more than one's match — the standard dictionary sense. ✅(a), (b) are close in spirit but focus on capture rather than being outmatched.(d) Shifts to self-disaster, which is not the central idea. Usage "By challenging the new counsel, they caught a tartar." Final Answer To deal with a person who is more than one's match.

Question 4

Idiom/phrase meaning: "to drive home" (choose the correct sense)  Context: Communicating an idea forcefully and clearly. Select the correct meaning.

Accepted Answer

Meaning "To drive home" an argument is to express it with such clarity and force that the listener fully understands. Option analysis To emphasise; make a point clear — exact sense. ✅(a)–(c) are literal/irrelevant interpretations. Example "The data drive home the need for immediate action." Final Answer To emphasise; make a point clear.

Question 5

Idiom/phrase meaning: "to have an axe to grind" (choose the correct sense)  Context: Hidden, selfish motive behind words or actions. Select the option that best captures the meaning.

Accepted Answer

Meaning Having "an axe to grind" means acting from a self-interested motive rather than from impartiality. Option analysis A private end to serve — captures the selfish motive. ✅(b), (c), (d) — unrelated or different concepts. Common pitfalls Confusing with "to grind to a halt" (stop completely) — unrelated. Final Answer A private end to serve.

Question 6

Idiom/phrase meaning: "to cry wolf" (choose the correct sense)  Context: Raising alarms repeatedly without real danger. Select the most accurate meaning.

Accepted Answer

Background From Aesop's fable: a boy repeatedly cries "wolf" when there is none; people stop believing him. Meaning "To cry wolf" = to raise a false alarm (often repeatedly). Option analysis To give a false alarm — correct. ✅(a), (c), (d) — unrelated meanings. Final Answer To give a false alarm.

Question 7

Idiom/phrase meaning: "to end in smoke" (choose the correct sense)  Context: Plans or efforts yielding nothing in the end. Select the best meaning.

Accepted Answer

Meaning If an effort "ends in smoke", it fails or produces no concrete result. Option analysis To come to nothing; yield no result — exact sense. ✅(a) Opposite (understanding is a positive result).(c), (d) — unrelated outcomes. Example "Months of negotiations ended in smoke." Final Answer To come to nothing; yield no result.

Question 8

Idiom/phrase meaning: "to be above board" (choose the correct sense)  Context: Conduct and dealings that are transparent and fair. Select the correct meaning.

Accepted Answer

Meaning "Above board" describes actions that are open, honest, and transparent — especially in transactions. Option analysis To be honest and straightforward in any business deal — precise meaning. ✅(a), (c), (d) — unrelated literal/figurative senses. Usage "All bidding procedures were above board." Final Answer To be honest and straightforward in any business deal.

Question 9

Idioms and phrases: Choose the correct meaning of the expression.  The idiom is: "To put one's hand to plough". Select the option that best conveys the intended meaning.

Accepted Answer

Given data Idiom: "to put one's hand to the plough". Task: Identify the intended figurative meaning. Concept/Approach In English, this expression means to begin a demanding task in earnest and persevere, not to literally start farming. Option analysis A is a literal misreading (actual farming).B matches the figurative sense: undertake a difficult task seriously.C suggests needless involvement, which the idiom does not imply.D shifts to technical work; not part of the idiom's meaning.E is unnecessary because B is correct. Common pitfalls Confusing idiomatic sense with literal agriculture. Final Answer To take a difficult task

Question 10

Idioms and phrases: Choose the correct meaning of the expression.  The idiom is: "To pick holes". Select the option that best conveys the intended meaning.

Accepted Answer

Given data Idiom: "to pick holes". Concept/Approach "To pick holes" means to find faults, i.e., to criticize or look for flaws in an argument or person. Option analysis C captures the meaning (fault-finding/criticising).A (quarrel) is a possible consequence but not the idiom's core meaning.B/D are literal and incorrect. E is unnecessary. Final Answer To criticise someone

Question 11

Idioms and phrases: Choose the correct meaning of the expression.  The idiom is: "To leave someone in the lurch". Select the option that best conveys the intended meaning.

Accepted Answer

Given data Idiom: "to leave (someone) in the lurch". Concept/Approach This means to abandon a person when they most need help, especially at a critical moment. Option analysis D states the recognized meaning.A (compromise), B (annoyance), and C (comfort) are unrelated. Final Answer To desert someone in his difficulties

Question 12

Idioms and phrases: Choose the correct meaning of the expression.  The idiom is: "To play second fiddle". Select the option that best conveys the intended meaning.

Accepted Answer

Given data Idiom: "to play second fiddle". Concept/Approach The expression means to take a subordinate role, supporting another's lead. Option analysis C reflects the subordinate/supporting function.A describes wellbeing; B reverses hierarchy; D implies control from behind rather than support. Final Answer To support the role and view of another person

Question 13

Idioms and phrases: Choose the correct meaning of the expression.  The idiom is: "To beg the question". Select the option that best conveys the intended meaning.

Accepted Answer

Given data Idiom: "to beg the question". Concept/Approach Traditionally in logic, it means to assume the thing to be proved—i.e., to take for granted the conclusion. Option analysis B is correct. A/C/D do not capture the logical fallacy and reflect common misuse ("to raise the question"). Common pitfalls Confusing it with "to raise the question". Final Answer To take for granted

Question 14

Idioms and phrases: Choose the correct meaning of the expression.  The phrase is: "A black sheep". Select the option that best conveys the intended meaning.

Accepted Answer

Given data Phrase: "a black sheep". Concept/Approach "A black sheep" refers to a disreputable, disgraced, or atypically troublesome member of a family or group. Option analysis None of the listed options matches this accepted meaning; therefore None of these is correct. Final Answer None of these

Question 15

Idioms and phrases: Choose the correct meaning of the expression.  The phrase is: "A man of straw". Select the option that best conveys the intended meaning.

Accepted Answer

Given data Phrase: "a man of straw". Concept/Approach This denotes a person of little substance, influence, or reliability; a weak figurehead. Option analysis A precisely matches. B/C/D are unrelated qualities. Final Answer A man of no substance

Question 16

Idioms and phrases: Choose the correct meaning of the expression.  The idiom is: "To smell a rat". Select the option that best conveys the intended meaning.

Accepted Answer

Given data Idiom: "to smell a rat". Concept/Approach Meaning: to suspect something is wrong or deceptive. Option analysis C conveys suspicion of foul play.A/B/D are literal or off-topic. Final Answer To suspect foul dealings

Question 17

Idioms and phrases: Choose the correct meaning of the expression.  The idiom is: "To hit the nail right on the head". Select the option that best conveys the intended meaning.

Accepted Answer

Given data Idiom: "to hit the nail on the head". Concept/Approach The phrase means to say/do exactly the right or most accurate thing. Option analysis A summarizes the idiomatic sense.B/C/D suggest unrelated actions or consequences. Final Answer To do the right thing

Question 18

Idioms and phrases: Choose the correct meaning of the expression.  The idiom is: "To set one's face against". Select the option that best conveys the intended meaning.

Accepted Answer

Given data Idiom: "to set one's face against". Concept/Approach This expression means to resolutely oppose something. Option analysis A is correct. B misreads "face" as appearance; C/D are unrelated. Final Answer To oppose with determination

Question 19

Idioms / Phrasal Meaning – Choose the option that BEST explains the highlighted phrasal verb in context. Sentence: Sobhraj could be easily arrested because the police were tipped off in advance.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The phrasal verb “tip off” means to give someone secret or advance information, often as a warning or lead. In law-enforcement narratives, being “tipped off” enables timely action such as surveillance or arrest. Given Data / Assumptions: Phrasal verb: tipped off. Context: police arresting a suspect easily. We need the best explanatory paraphrase. Concept / Approach: Focus on typical collocations: police are “tipped off” by informants, neighbors, or insiders. The phrase does not imply bribery, threats, or physical toppling; it is about information transmission ahead of time. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Identify core meaning: tip off = provide advance/inside information.2) Review choices: only one references advance information.3) Validate with context: advance knowledge explains an easy arrest.4) Select “Given advance information.” Verification / Alternative check: Replace in the sentence: “because the police were given advance information.” The cause-effect relation becomes explicit. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Toppled over: physical action, irrelevant. Bribed: suggests money exchange, not information. Threatened: implies coercion, not a tip. Common Pitfalls: Confusing “tipped off” with “paid off” (bribed) due to the shared particle “off.” Final Answer: Given advance information

Question 20

Idioms – Choose the option that BEST explains the highlighted idiom in context. Sentence: I met him after a long time, but he gave me the cold shoulder.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The idiom “give someone the cold shoulder” is an established expression meaning to deliberately ignore someone or treat them with indifference. It typically describes a chilly reception after an expected warm greeting. Given Data / Assumptions: Idiom: the cold shoulder. Context: meeting someone after a long time. We need the closest explanation among options. Concept / Approach: Idioms must be interpreted non-literally. “Cold shoulder” metaphorically conveys emotional coldness—refusing friendly engagement. It does not necessarily include verbal insults or scolding; the essence is intentional neglect. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Recall idiomatic meaning from common usage and dictionaries: to ignore or snub.2) Compare options for alignment with deliberate neglect.3) Select “ignored me.”4) Confirm fit with the narrative of disappointment after a long gap. Verification / Alternative check: Paraphrase: “I met him after a long time, but he ignored me.” This preserves tone and outcome without figurative language. Why Other Options Are Wrong: scolded me: active rebuke, not indifference. insulted me: explicit offense, not passive neglect. abused me: verbal or physical mistreatment; too strong and incorrect here. Common Pitfalls: Assuming any negative behavior qualifies; the idiom is specifically about snubbing or ignoring, not attacking. Final Answer: ignored me

Idioms and Phrases Questions