Idioms and Phrases MCQs

Solved English MCQs on common idioms and phrases with their meanings and example sentences, for PPSC, FPSC, NTS and CSS screening tests.

1. 1

   The idiom "a piece of cake" means:

   AA small rewardBA share of profitCSomething very easyDA sweet memory

   Correct answer: C. Something very easy

   It describes a task that is very easy. Example: "The first paper was a piece of cake for Hina."

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2. 2

   To "break the ice" means to:

   AMake a sudden decisionBEnd a friendshipCDamage something valuableDStart a conversation in an awkward situation

   Correct answer: D. Start a conversation in an awkward situation

   It means easing tension when people first meet. Example: "The teacher told a joke to break the ice on the first day."

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3. 3

   "Once in a blue moon" means:

   AVery rarelyBSuddenlyCEvery monthDAt night

   Correct answer: A. Very rarely

   Something that happens once in a blue moon happens very rarely. Example: "My cousin from Canada visits once in a blue moon."

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4. 4

   To "hit the nail on the head" means to:

   AHurt oneselfBLose one's temperCWork very hardDDescribe something exactly right

   Correct answer: D. Describe something exactly right

   It means to say exactly the right thing about a situation. Example: "You hit the nail on the head: the real problem is poor planning."

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5. 5

   To "burn the midnight oil" means to:

   AWork or study late into the nightBCause a fireCWaste resourcesDCelebrate

   Correct answer: A. Work or study late into the night

   Example: "Before the CSS exam, Ahmed burned the midnight oil for weeks."

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6. 6

   To "spill the beans" means to:

   AWaste foodBReveal a secretCMake a messDTell a lie

   Correct answer: B. Reveal a secret

   Example: "We planned a surprise party, but my brother spilled the beans."

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7. 7

   If something "costs an arm and a leg", it is:

   AVery expensiveBPainfulCDangerousDWorthless

   Correct answer: A. Very expensive

   Example: "A new car costs an arm and a leg these days."

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8. 8

   If you are "under the weather", you are:

   ACaught in the rainBFeeling slightly illCVery happyDUnder pressure at work

   Correct answer: B. Feeling slightly ill

   Example: "Sara stayed home because she was feeling under the weather."

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9. 9

   To "bite the bullet" means to:

   AAvoid responsibilityBAct violentlyCFace an unpleasant situation bravelyDSpeak rudely

   Correct answer: C. Face an unpleasant situation bravely

   Example: "He bit the bullet and told his boss about the mistake."

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10. 10

    "At the eleventh hour" means:

    AVery earlyBAt the last possible momentCOn timeDBefore noon

    Correct answer: B. At the last possible moment

    Example: "She submitted her application at the eleventh hour, just before the deadline."

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12. 11

    A "blessing in disguise" is:

    AA religious ceremonyBA hidden enemyCSomething that seems bad but turns out to be goodDA secret gift

    Correct answer: C. Something that seems bad but turns out to be good

    Example: "Missing that flight was a blessing in disguise: I met my future business partner at the airport."

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13. 12

    To "call it a day" means to:

    AMake a phone callBStart earlyCName a holidayDStop working for now

    Correct answer: D. Stop working for now

    Example: "We've done enough for today; let's call it a day."

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14. 13

    If someone is "in hot water", they are:

    AVery angryBIn troubleCRelaxingDFeeling sick

    Correct answer: B. In trouble

    Example: "The clerk was in hot water after the files went missing."

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15. 14

    To "beat about the bush" means to:

    AWork in the gardenBAvoid coming to the main pointCDefeat an opponentDSearch carefully

    Correct answer: B. Avoid coming to the main point

    Example: "Stop beating about the bush and tell me what happened."

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16. 15

    A "red-letter day" is a:

    AHoliday for workersBDay of bad newsCDay of dangerDMemorable or special day

    Correct answer: D. Memorable or special day

    It comes from the old practice of marking holy days in red on calendars. Example: "The day she got her appointment letter was a red-letter day."

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17. 16

    "The apple of one's eye" refers to:

    ASomeone very dearBAn eye diseaseCA healthy dietDA greedy person

    Correct answer: A. Someone very dear

    Example: "His youngest daughter is the apple of his eye."

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18. 17

    To "turn a blind eye" means to:

    ADeliberately ignore somethingBLook closelyCWink at someoneDBecome blind

    Correct answer: A. Deliberately ignore something

    Example: "The guard turned a blind eye to students arriving late."

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19. 18

    "Through thick and thin" means:

    APartlyBThrough a forestCIn good times and badDWith great effort

    Correct answer: C. In good times and bad

    Example: "True friends stay with you through thick and thin."

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20. 19

    A "white elephant" is:

    AA costly possession that is more trouble than it is worthBA rare animalCA respected leaderDA sign of peace

    Correct answer: A. A costly possession that is more trouble than it is worth

    Example: "The unused stadium has become a white elephant for the city."

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21. 20

    "To cry over spilt milk" means to:

    AComplain about pricesBBe carelessCRegret something that cannot be undoneDWaste food

    Correct answer: C. Regret something that cannot be undone

    Usually used in the negative. Example: "The result is out; there's no use crying over spilt milk. Prepare for the next test."

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