Verbal Ability

Idioms and Phrases 3

Directions to Solve

In the following questions four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase italicised and underlined in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idiom/phrase.

11.  The class could not keep a straight face on hearing the strange pronunciation of the new teacher.
A. remain silent
B. remain serious
C. remain mute
D. remain disturbed
12.  The detective left no stone unturned to trace the culprit.
A. took no pains
B. did very irrelevant things
C. resorted to illegitimate practices
D. used all available means
13.  You have to be a cool customer and be patient if you want to get the best buys.
A. Be calm and not be excitable
B. Have a cool head
C. Be uncommunicative
D. Be choosy
14.  The new C.M stuck his neck out today and promised 10kgs. free wheat a month for all rural families.
A. took an oath
B. took a risk
C. extended help
D. caused embarrassment
15.  There was no opposition to the new policy by the rank and file of the Government.
A. the official machinery
B. the ordinary members
C. the majority
D. the cabinet ministers
16.  I have a bone to pick with you in this matter.
A. Am in agreement
B. Am angry
C. Am indebted
D. Will join hands
17.  He has built a big business empire by his sharp practices.
A. extreme hard work
B. keen business skills
C. dishonest dealings
D. sharp intelligence
18.  He never liked the idea of keeping his wife under his thumb and so he let her do what she liked.
A. Pressed down
B. Unduly under control
C. Below his thumb
D. Under tyrannical conditions.
19.  The clerk wiped the nose of his employer by submitting a false bill and was dismissed from his job.
A. Cleaned the nose
B. Cheated
C. Abused
D. Slapped
20.  It is time that professors came down from their ivory towers and studied the real needs of the students.
A. Detachment and seclusion
B. A tower made of ivory
C. Prison
D. Dream lands

Overview

Exercise