🔹 100 Common Indian Phrases & Idioms
“100 Common Indian Phrases & Idioms” are useful for CUET English 2025: Download FREE PDF
🎯 Why Learn Idioms & Phrases for CUET English?
CUET English tests not only vocabulary but also your ability to understand context, figurative language, and expressions used in everyday and literary English. Idioms and phrases are frequently asked in:
📘 Where You’ll Find Idioms in CUET English:
✅ 1. Vocabulary-based MCQs:
You may be asked:
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The meaning of an idiom
➤ “What is the meaning of ‘spill the beans’?” -
Choose the correct idiom for a situation
➤ “He accidentally ________ about the surprise party.”
(A) spilled the beans ✅)
✅ 2. Reading Comprehension:
Idioms are often used in passages, especially in:
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Newspaper-style or editorial passages
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Narrative or dialogue-based texts
Understanding idioms improves:
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Inference skills
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Tone detection
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Figurative meaning comprehension
✅ 3. Sentence Completion/Usage Questions:
Example: “After the long journey, he was completely ________.”
Options:
(A) under the weather ✅
(B) raining cats and dogs
(C) over the moon
(D) once in a blue moon
💡 How to Use These 100 Idioms for CUET Practice:
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Revise 10 idioms daily – with meaning and example.
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Use in your own sentences – build context.
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Identify them in newspapers – The Hindu/TOI editorials.
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Practice MCQs based on them (I can help you with a set!).
✍️ Conclusion:
Mastering idioms will:
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Boost your CUET vocabulary score
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Enhance reading comprehension accuracy
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Help you sound natural and fluent in English writing/speakin
1-25
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Break the ice – To start a conversation
👉 Baat cheet shuru karna -
Hit the nail on the head – To be exactly right
👉 Bilkul sahi baat kehna -
Once in a blue moon – Very rarely
👉 Kabhi-kabhi, bahut kam -
Spill the beans – Reveal a secret
👉 Raaz khol dena -
Bite the bullet – Face something unpleasant bravely
👉 Kathin samay ka samna karna -
Kick the bucket – To die
👉 Mar jaana -
Burn the midnight oil – Work late into the night
👉 Raat bhar kaam karna/padhna -
A piece of cake – Very easy
👉 Bahut aasan kaam -
Costs an arm and a leg – Very expensive
👉 Bahut mehenga -
Let the cat out of the bag – Reveal a surprise or secret
👉 Chhupi baat bata dena -
Under the weather – Feeling sick
👉 Bimar mehsoos karna -
The ball is in your court – It’s your decision
👉 Ab faisla tumhara hai -
Cut corners – To do something poorly to save time/money
👉 Kaam mein kaami karna -
Hit the books – To study hard
👉 Man lagaakar padhna -
Pull someone’s leg – To joke with someone
👉 Mazaak karna -
Call it a day – Stop working for the day
👉 Aaj ke liye kaam khatam karna -
Add fuel to the fire – Make a bad situation worse
👉 Aag mein ghee dalna -
On cloud nine – Extremely happy
👉 Bahut khush hona -
Actions speak louder than words – Work matters more than talk
👉 Kaam sabit karta hai, baatein nahi -
Cry over spilt milk – Worry about something you can’t change
👉 Beeti baat par rona -
A blessing in disguise – Something good that seemed bad at first
👉 Chhupi hui achchhai -
Barking up the wrong tree – Accusing the wrong person
👉 Galat insaan ko dosh dena -
Back to square one – Start again from the beginning
👉 Dobara shuru karna -
Every cloud has a silver lining – There’s hope in bad situations
👉 Har bure samay ke baad acha hota hai -
In hot water – In trouble
👉 Mushkil mein padna -
In a nutshell – In short
👉 Saar mein / Ek line mein -
Jump the gun – Act before the right time
👉 Jaldi baazi karna -
Keep an eye on – Watch carefully
👉 Nazar rakhna -
Lend a hand – Help someone
👉 Madad karna -
Make ends meet – Earn enough to live
👉 Guzara karna -
On the same page – Thinking alike
👉 Ek jaise sochna -
Out of the blue – Suddenly
👉 Achaanak se -
Put yourself in someone’s shoes – Imagine being in their place
👉 Kisi ki sthiti samajhna -
Rain cats and dogs – Heavy rain
👉 Bahut tez barish hona -
Speak of the devil – When the person you’re talking about appears
👉 Billi ka naam liya aur billi hazir -
Take it with a grain of salt – Don’t believe completely
👉 Puri tarah na maanna -
The tip of the iceberg – Small part of a big problem
👉 Badi samasya ka chhota hissa -
Throw in the towel – Give up
👉 Haar maan lena -
Touch wood – To avoid bad luck
👉 Kisi buri baat se bachne ki dua -
Turn a blind eye – Ignore something
👉 Anjaan banna / Nazarandaz karna -
Walk on air – Feel extremely happy
👉 Bahut zyada khushi mehsoos karna -
When pigs fly – Something that will never happen
👉 Kabhi nahi hoga -
Your guess is as good as mine – I don’t know either
👉 Mujhe bhi nahi pata -
Better late than never – Late is better than not at all
👉 Der aaye durust aaye -
Rome wasn’t built in a day – Big things take time
👉 Bade kaam samay lete hain -
Birds of a feather flock together – Similar people stick together
👉 Ek jaise log saath hote hain -
Don’t judge a book by its cover – Don’t judge by appearance
👉 Roop dekh kar faisla mat karo -
Easier said than done – Easy to say, hard to do
👉 Kehna aasaan hai, karna mushkil -
Give someone the cold shoulder – Ignore someone
👉 Nazarandaz karna / Tanaav mein rehna -
Hit the sack – Go to sleep
👉 Sone jana -
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Keep fingers crossed – Hope for good luck
👉 Achhi kismet ki dua karna -
Let the cat out of the bag – Reveal a secret
👉 Raaz khol dena -
Miss the boat – Miss the opportunity
👉 Mauka chook jaana -
On cloud nine – Extremely happy
👉 Bahut khush hona -
Once in a blue moon – Very rarely
👉 Kabhi-kabhi hi -
Pull someone’s leg – Joke with someone
👉 Mazaak karna -
Sit on the fence – Avoid making a decision
👉 Faisla na lena -
Spill the beans – Reveal secret information
👉 Baat bata dena -
The ball is in your court – Now it’s your turn to act
👉 Ab faisla tumhare haath mein hai -
Under the weather – Feeling sick
👉 Thoda bimaar lagna -
Break the ice – Start a conversation
👉 Baatchit ki shuruaat karna -
Call it a day – Stop working for the day
👉 Din ka kaam khatam karna -
Cut to the chase – Get to the point
👉 Seedhe mudde par aana -
Face the music – Accept the punishment
👉 Saza ka samna karna -
Go the extra mile – Do more than required
👉 Zyada mehnat karna -
Hit the nail on the head – Say exactly the right thing
👉 Sahi baat kehna -
In hot water – In trouble
👉 Musibat mein hona -
Kick the bucket – Die (informal)
👉 Mar jaana -
Let bygones be bygones – Forget past issues
👉 Purani baatein bhool jao -
Make a mountain out of a molehill – Overreact
👉 Choti baat ka batangad banana -
Off the record – Not official
👉 Gair aupcharik roop se -
On thin ice – In a risky situation
👉 Khatre mein hona -
Read between the lines – Understand hidden meaning
👉 Chhupi baat samajhna -
Ring a bell – Sound familiar
👉 Kahin suna suna lagna -
Run out of steam – Lose energy
👉 Thak jana
76–100
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Show your true colors – Reveal real nature
👉 Apna asli roop dikhana -
Smell a rat – Suspect something is wrong
👉 Shaq hona -
Steal the show – Get all the attention
👉 Sab ki nazar mein aana -
Take a rain check – Postpone
👉 Baad mein karne ka vaada karna -
Up in the air – Uncertain
👉 Anishchit hona -
Bite the bullet – Accept a painful truth
👉 Mushkil faisla lena -
Burn the candle at both ends – Overwork
👉 Din raat mehnat karna -
Cry over spilt milk – Regret something that can’t be changed
👉 Beeti baat ka gham karna -
Devil’s advocate – Argue just for debate
👉 Ulti baat karne wala vyakti -
Fish out of water – Feel uncomfortable
👉 Achanak aur anjaani jagah mein asuvidha mehsoos karna -
Get out of hand – Become uncontrollable
👉 Haath se nikal jana -
Have a blast – Have a great time
👉 Bahut maza aana -
In the blink of an eye – Very quickly
👉 Palak jhapakte hi -
Jump on the bandwagon – Join a trend
👉 Trend ka hissa ban jana -
Keep your cool – Stay calm
👉 Shant rehna -
Lose your marbles – Go crazy
👉 Pagal ho jana -
Mind your own business – Don’t interfere
👉 Apne kaam se kaam rakho -
Not my cup of tea – Not interested
👉 Mujhe pasand nahi hai -
Out of the woods – Out of danger
👉 Khatre se bahar -
Play it by ear – Deal with it as it comes
👉 Jaise-jaise ho waise karna -
Put all your eggs in one basket – Depend on one thing only
👉 Sab kuch ek jagah lagana -
Sleep on it – Think overnight
👉 Sochne ke liye samay lena -
Throw light on – Explain clearly
👉 Vistar se samjhana -
Under your nose – Happening right in front
👉 Bilkul samne hona -
Zip your lip – Keep quiet
👉 Chup rehna / Baat na karna
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MCQs on Common Indian Phrases & Idioms that can be useful for CUET English Preparation 2025:
🧠 What is the meaning of the idiom: ‘Spill the beans’?
A. To worsen a situation
B. To endure a painful experience
C. To be very expensive
D. To reveal a secret
✅ Answer: D
📘 Explanation: Spill the beans means to reveal a secret.
📌 Example: He accidentally spilled the beans about the surprise party.
🌧️ What is the meaning of the idiom: ‘Under the weather’?
A. To worsen a situation
B. Very rarely
C. To start a conversation in a social setting
D. Feeling sick or unwell
✅ Answer: D
📘 Explanation: Under the weather means feeling sick or unwell.
📌 Example: She is feeling under the weather, so she won’t come today.
🌕 What is the meaning of the idiom: ‘Once in a blue moon’?
A. Very rarely
B. To worsen a situation
C. To work late into the night
D. To reveal a secret
✅ Answer: A
📘 Explanation: Once in a blue moon means very rarely.
📌 Example: I eat fast food only once in a blue moon.
🧊 What is the meaning of the idiom: ‘Break the ice’?
A. To start a conversation in a social setting
B. To worsen a situation
C. To be very expensive
D. To work late into the night
✅ Answer: A
📘 Explanation: Break the ice means to start a conversation in a social setting.
📌 Example: He told a joke to break the ice at the meeting.
🔨 What is the meaning of the idiom: ‘Hit the nail on the head’?
A. To reveal a secret unintentionally
B. To worsen a situation
C. To reveal a secret
D. To be exactly right about something
✅ Answer: D
📘 Explanation: Hit the nail on the head means to be exactly right about something.
📌 Example: You hit the nail on the head with your analysis.
🥵 6. What is the meaning of the idiom: ‘Burn the midnight oil’?
A. To be very rich
B. To work late into the night
C. To celebrate an event
D. To waste time
✅ Answer: B
📘 Explanation: Burn the midnight oil means to work late at night, often to study or meet deadlines.
📌 Example: She’s burning the midnight oil to prepare for CUET.
💡 7. What is the meaning of the idiom: ‘A blessing in disguise’?
A. A good thing that initially seemed bad
B. A punishment
C. A sudden failure
D. A financial loss
✅ Answer: A
📘 Explanation: A blessing in disguise refers to something good that wasn’t recognized at first.
📌 Example: Losing that job was a blessing in disguise — I got a better one!
😡 8. What does the idiom: ‘Add fuel to the fire’ mean?
A. To calm a situation
B. To make a situation worse
C. To light a fire
D. To encourage someone
✅ Answer: B
📘 Explanation: Add fuel to the fire means to make a bad situation worse.
📌 Example: His rude comments only added fuel to the fire.
🙈 9. What does the idiom: ‘Bite the bullet’ mean?
A. To accept something unpleasant
B. To run away from problems
C. To fight someone
D. To eat something hard
✅ Answer: A
📘 Explanation: Bite the bullet means to accept a difficult or unpleasant situation bravely.
📌 Example: I had to bite the bullet and take the difficult exam.
🧍♂️ 10. What does the idiom: ‘By the skin of one’s teeth’ mean?
A. Barely succeed in something
B. Lose badly
C. To look smart
D. To be overconfident
✅ Answer: A
📘 Explanation: By the skin of one’s teeth means just barely succeeding.
📌 Example: He passed the CUET exam by the skin of his teeth.
💸 11. What does the idiom: ‘Cost an arm and a leg’ mean?
A. To be very cheap
B. To be very expensive
C. To get injured
D. To lose something important
✅ Answer: B
📘 Explanation: It means something is very costly.
📌 Example: That iPhone cost me an arm and a leg.
📢 12. What does the idiom: ‘Hit the nail on the head’ mean?
A. To hurt someone
B. To fix something
C. To say something exactly right
D. To damage something
✅ Answer: C
📘 Explanation: It means to say or do something exactly correct or relevant.
📌 Example: She hit the nail on the head with her analysis.
🐘 13. What does the idiom: ‘Elephant in the room’ mean?
A. A zoo animal
B. A visible big object
C. An obvious problem no one wants to talk about
D. A large piece of furniture
✅ Answer: C
📘 Explanation: It refers to an obvious issue everyone avoids discussing.
📌 Example: The budget cuts were the elephant in the room.
😤 14. What does the idiom: ‘Give someone a cold shoulder’ mean?
A. To give food
B. To ignore someone
C. To help someone
D. To shake hands
✅ Answer: B
📘 Explanation: It means to deliberately ignore or be unfriendly.
📌 Example: She gave me the cold shoulder after the argument.
🙄 15. What does the idiom: ‘Let the cat out of the bag’ mean?
A. To release a pet
B. To reveal a secret
C. To catch a thief
D. To go shopping
✅ Answer: B
📘 Explanation: It means to accidentally reveal a secret.
📌 Example: He let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.
💪 16. What does the idiom: ‘Hit the sack’ mean?
A. To punch a bag
B. To go to sleep
C. To get angry
D. To pack clothes
✅ Answer: B
📘 Explanation: Hit the sack means to go to bed or sleep.
📌 Example: I’m exhausted. Time to hit the sack.
😍 17. What does the idiom: ‘Head over heels’ mean?
A. To fall physically
B. To be deeply in love
C. To be confused
D. To act strangely
✅ Answer: B
📘 Explanation: It means to be completely in love.
📌 Example: She’s head over heels for him.
🫥 18. What does the idiom: ‘Cry over spilt milk’ mean?
A. To be careless
B. To waste food
C. To regret something that can’t be undone
D. To get emotional
✅ Answer: C
📘 Explanation: It means wasting time worrying about past mistakes.
📌 Example: Don’t cry over spilt milk, just move on.
💨 19. What does the idiom: ‘In the blink of an eye’ mean?
A. Very slowly
B. Without seeing
C. Very quickly
D. Suddenly disappear
✅ Answer: C
📘 Explanation: It means very fast or instantly.
📌 Example: The car vanished in the blink of an eye.
💭 20. What does the idiom: ‘Once in a blue moon’ mean?
A. Frequently
B. Occasionally
C. Very rarely
D. Every day
✅ Answer: C
📘 Explanation: It means something that happens very rarely.
📌 Example: He visits his hometown once in a blue moon.
🗣️ 21. What does the idiom: ‘Speak of the devil’ mean?
A. To speak badly of someone
B. To talk about a ghost
C. To mention someone just before they appear
D. To gossip about enemies
✅ Answer: C
📘 Explanation: It is said when the person being spoken about suddenly appears.
📌 Example: Speak of the devil – we were just talking about you!
🔒 22. What does the idiom: ‘Keep something under wraps’ mean?
A. To hide a gift
B. To keep something secret
C. To wrap something properly
D. To protect something from dust
✅ Answer: B
📘 Explanation: It means to keep something confidential or hidden.
📌 Example: The project details were kept under wraps.
🥵 23. What does the idiom: ‘Break into a cold sweat’ mean?
A. To cool off
B. To get sick
C. To feel intense fear or nervousness
D. To exercise
✅ Answer: C
📘 Explanation: It means to suddenly feel nervous or scared.
📌 Example: I broke into a cold sweat before my interview.
🧠 24. What does the idiom: ‘Rack your brains’ mean?
A. To relax your mind
B. To try hard to remember something
C. To get a headache
D. To stop thinking
✅ Answer: B
📘 Explanation: It means to think very hard or try to recall something.
📌 Example: I had to rack my brains to remember her name.
🕵️ 25. What does the idiom: ‘Smell a rat’ mean?
A. To sense something is wrong or suspicious
B. To clean the house
C. To get angry
D. To act carelessly
✅ Answer: A
📘 Explanation: It means to suspect dishonesty or something fishy.
📌 Example: I smelled a rat when he avoided the topic.
🕰️ 26. What does the idiom: ‘Against the clock’ mean?
A. To damage a clock
B. To manage time
C. To do something in a hurry or before time runs out
D. To break a rule
✅ Answer: C
📘 Explanation: It means working with a deadline or in a rush.
📌 Example: We were racing against the clock to finish the project.
🙅♂️ 27. What does the idiom: ‘By hook or by crook’ mean?
A. Honestly
B. By any means, fair or unfair
C. By mistake
D. By luck
✅ Answer: B
📘 Explanation: It means to achieve something no matter how.
📌 Example: He wanted to win the election by hook or by crook.
🗓️ 28. What does the idiom: ‘Day in and day out’ mean?
A. Rarely
B. Repeatedly or regularly
C. Once a month
D. Every year
✅ Answer: B
📘 Explanation: It means continuously or on a daily basis.
📌 Example: She studies day in and day out for CUET.
😓 29. What does the idiom: ‘Burning the midnight oil’ mean?
A. Wasting time
B. Working late into the night
C. Using a lamp
D. Sleeping early
✅ Answer: B
📘 Explanation: It means to stay up late working or studying.
📌 Example: I’m burning the midnight oil for my CUET preparation.
👂 30. What does the idiom: ‘Lend an ear’ mean?
A. To donate an ear
B. To listen carefully or attentively
C. To ignore someone
D. To talk to someone
✅ Answer: B
📘 Explanation: It means to give attention and listen sympathetically.
📌 Example: She always lends an ear when I’m upset.
🧳 31. What does the idiom: ‘Hit the road’ mean?
A. To repair the road
B. To leave or start a journey
C. To meet someone
D. To get lost
✅ Answer: B
📘 Explanation: It means to begin a trip or journey.
📌 Example: We packed our bags and hit the road early in the morning.
🕊️ 32. What does the idiom: ‘Bury the hatchet’ mean?
A. To hide weapons
B. To forget old quarrels and make peace
C. To plant a tree
D. To run away
✅ Answer: B
📘 Explanation: It means to end a fight and become friendly again.
📌 Example: After years of rivalry, they decided to bury the hatchet.
🥶 33. What does the idiom: ‘Cold shoulder’ mean?
A. To wear warm clothes
B. To ignore someone deliberately
C. To give comfort
D. To be sick
✅ Answer: B
📘 Explanation: It means to show indifference or ignore someone.
📌 Example: She gave me the cold shoulder at the party.
🪤 34. What does the idiom: ‘Caught red-handed’ mean?
A. To injure someone
B. To be caught while doing something wrong
C. To be scared
D. To drop something
✅ Answer: B
📘 Explanation: It means to be caught in the act of committing a crime or mistake.
📌 Example: The thief was caught red-handed by the police.
🧹 35. What does the idiom: ‘Sweep under the rug’ mean?
A. To clean quickly
B. To hide something embarrassing
C. To decorate the floor
D. To move furniture
✅ Answer: B
📘 Explanation: It means to ignore or hide an issue or problem.
📌 Example: They tried to sweep the corruption case under the rug.
🧱 36. What does the idiom: ‘Back to the wall’ mean?
A. To rest peacefully
B. To face a difficult situation with no escape
C. To decorate the room
D. To lean against a wall
✅ Answer: B
📘 Explanation: It means to be in a helpless or critical position.
📌 Example: With no money left, he had his back to the wall.
🕳️ 37. What does the idiom: ‘Jump the gun’ mean?
A. To get scared
B. To start something too early
C. To shoot someone
D. To play a game
✅ Answer: B
📘 Explanation: It means to act too soon or before the right time.
📌 Example: He jumped the gun and answered before hearing the full question.
🍎 38. What does the idiom: ‘An apple of discord’ mean?
A. A sweet fruit
B. A reason for happiness
C. A cause of conflict or argument
D. A delicious dessert
✅ Answer: C
📘 Explanation: It means something that causes a dispute or argument.
📌 Example: The inheritance became an apple of discord among the siblings.
🔄 39. What does the idiom: ‘Turn a blind eye’ mean?
A. To close one eye
B. To ignore something intentionally
C. To go to sleep
D. To see partially
✅ Answer: B
📘 Explanation: It means to pretend not to notice.
📌 Example: Authorities turned a blind eye to the illegal activity.
🎓 40. What does the idiom: ‘Hit the books’ mean?
A. To throw books
B. To burn books
C. To start studying seriously
D. To close the library
✅ Answer: C
📘 Explanation: It means to begin studying hard.
📌 Example: With exams coming up, I need to hit the books now.
📜 41. What does the idiom: ‘Burn the midnight oil’ mean?
A. To waste time
B. To sleep late
C. To work or study late at night
D. To light a candle
✅ Answer: C
📘 Explanation: It means to stay up late working or studying.
📌 Example: She burned the midnight oil before the CUET exam.
🧩 42. What does the idiom: ‘Beat around the bush’ mean?
A. To cut bushes
B. To avoid talking directly
C. To clean a garden
D. To speak loudly
✅ Answer: B
📘 Explanation: It means to avoid the main topic.
📌 Example: Stop beating around the bush and tell me the truth.
🔥 43. What does the idiom: ‘Add fuel to the fire’ mean?
A. To light a stove
B. To make a situation worse
C. To warm the house
D. To celebrate
✅ Answer: B
📘 Explanation: It means to make an already bad situation worse.
📌 Example: His rude reply added fuel to the fire.
🌧️ 44. What does the idiom: ‘Under the weather’ mean?
A. To enjoy the rain
B. To be sick
C. To feel happy
D. To be outside
✅ Answer: B
📘 Explanation: It means to feel unwell or sick.
📌 Example: I’m feeling a bit under the weather today.
🧠 45. What does the idiom: ‘Pick someone’s brain’ mean?
A. To hurt someone
B. To ask for ideas or information
C. To play a game
D. To make fun of someone
✅ Answer: B
📘 Explanation: It means to ask someone knowledgeable for advice or ideas.
📌 Example: I want to pick your brain about CUET preparation tips.
🧪 46. What does the idiom: ‘Put to the test’ mean?
A. To examine something
B. To destroy
C. To improve a system
D. To punish someone
✅ Answer: A
📘 Explanation: It means to examine or check someone or something in a difficult situation.
📌 Example: Her leadership was put to the test during the crisis.
🪞 47. What does the idiom: ‘Break the ice’ mean?
A. To break something
B. To start a conversation
C. To feel cold
D. To dance
✅ Answer: B
📘 Explanation: It means to start a conversation in a social situation.
📌 Example: He told a joke to break the ice at the party.
💸 48. What does the idiom: ‘Cost an arm and a leg’ mean?
A. To be cheap
B. To be very expensive
C. To be useless
D. To be dangerous
✅ Answer: B
📘 Explanation: It means something very costly or expensive.
📌 Example: The designer dress cost her an arm and a leg.
📦 49. What does the idiom: ‘In a nutshell’ mean?
A. In a small box
B. In simple and brief form
C. Secretly
D. In anger
✅ Answer: B
📘 Explanation: It means to express something in a concise way.
📌 Example: In a nutshell, CUET needs focus, speed, and revision.
💪 50. What does the idiom: ‘By leaps and bounds’ mean?
A. Slowly
B. Randomly
C. With great progress
D. With doubt
✅ Answer: C
📘 Explanation: It means to grow or improve rapidly.
📌 Example: Her English has improved by leaps and bounds.
✅ 51. Cut corners
Meaning: Do something poorly to save time or money
Example: They cut corners and built a weak foundation.
MCQ:
“Cutting corners” means:
a) Drawing shapes
b) Doing a job cheaply and badly
c) Solving puzzles
d) Avoiding traffic
Answer: b) Doing a job cheaply and badly
✅ 52. A dime a dozen
Meaning: Very common
Example: Cheap phones like that are a dime a dozen.
MCQ:
“A dime a dozen” means:
a) Very costly
b) Rare
c) Very common
d) Worthless
Answer: c) Very common
✅ 53. Hit the sack
Meaning: Go to bed
Example: I’m tired. I’m going to hit the sack.
MCQ:
“Hit the sack” means:
a) Hit someone
b) Go to sleep
c) Quit your job
d) Go shopping
Answer: b) Go to sleep
✅ 54. Cost an arm and a leg
Meaning: Very expensive
Example: That luxury car costs an arm and a leg.
MCQ:
If something “costs an arm and a leg,” it is:
a) Heavy
b) Risky
c) Very expensive
d) Valuable
Answer: c) Very expensive
✅ 55. Cry over spilt milk
Meaning: Worry about something that can’t be undone
Example: Don’t cry over spilt milk. Move on.
MCQ:
“Crying over spilt milk” means:
a) Being childish
b) Regretting the past unnecessarily
c) Complaining loudly
d) Spilling food
Answer: b) Regretting the past unnecessarily
✅ 56. Every cloud has a silver lining
Meaning: Good things come even in bad times
Example: Losing the job was hard, but every cloud has a silver lining.
MCQ:
This idiom means:
a) Clouds are beautiful
b) Nature is strange
c) Bad times bring hope
d) Weather is changing
Answer: c) Bad times bring hope
✅ 57. Face the music
Meaning: Accept punishment or consequences
Example: He cheated and now must face the music.
MCQ:
To “face the music” means:
a) Sing in public
b) Dance fearlessly
c) Accept consequences
d) Avoid blame
Answer: c) Accept consequences
✅ 58. Hit the road
Meaning: Leave or start a journey
Example: Let’s hit the road early tomorrow.
MCQ:
“Hit the road” means:
a) Get into an accident
b) Start a journey
c) Build roads
d) Walk fast
Answer: b) Start a journey
✅ 59. Keep your chin up
Meaning: Stay positive
Example: Things will get better. Keep your chin up.
MCQ:
“Keep your chin up” implies:
a) Look higher
b) Stay cheerful
c) Be proud
d) Act brave
Answer: b) Stay cheerful
✅ 60. Kill two birds with one stone
Meaning: Solve two problems with one action
Example: By cycling to work, I kill two birds with one stone: save money and stay fit.
MCQ:
This idiom means:
a) Be cruel
b) Hunt for sport
c) Solve two problems at once
d) Do two wrongs
Answer: c) Solve two problems at once
✅ 61. Leave no stone unturned
Meaning: Try everything possible
Example: She left no stone unturned to find her dog.
MCQ:
“Leave no stone unturned” means:
a) Lift stones
b) Check every possibility
c) Clear a path
d) Take a break
Answer: b) Check every possibility
✅ 62. Make a long story short
Meaning: Summarize
Example: To make a long story short, he quit.
MCQ:
This idiom means:
a) Speak quickly
b) Avoid details
c) Tell lies
d) Change the story
Answer: b) Avoid details
✅ 63. Once bitten, twice shy
Meaning: Cautious after a bad experience
Example: I won’t lend him money again—once bitten, twice shy.
MCQ:
This idiom shows:
a) Courage
b) Repetition
c) Hesitation from past hurt
d) Curiosity
Answer: c) Hesitation from past hurt
✅ 64. Pull someone’s leg
Meaning: Joke with someone
Example: Don’t be serious—I was just pulling your leg.
MCQ:
“Pulling someone’s leg” means:
a) Teasing
b) Hurting
c) Helping
d) Pushing
Answer: a) Teasing
✅ 65. Take with a grain of salt
Meaning: Don’t take it too seriously
Example: Take his promises with a grain of salt.
MCQ:
This idiom advises:
a) Avoid salt
b) Believe everything
c) Doubt a bit
d) Trust blindly
Answer: c) Doubt a bit
✅ 66. The early bird catches the worm
Meaning: Those who act early succeed
Example: Wake up early—the early bird catches the worm.
MCQ:
This idiom supports:
a) Sleeping late
b) Laziness
c) Early action
d) Hunting
Answer: c) Early action
✅ 67. Throw in the towel
Meaning: Give up
Example: He threw in the towel after several failed attempts.
MCQ:
“Throw in the towel” means:
a) Clean up
b) Win a game
c) Admit defeat
d) Change clothes
Answer: c) Admit defeat
✅ 68. Up in the air
Meaning: Uncertain
Example: Our vacation plans are still up in the air.
MCQ:
“Up in the air” means:
a) Flying
b) Not decided yet
c) A surprise
d) High hopes
Answer: b) Not decided yet
✅ 69. Burn the candle at both ends
Meaning: Work too hard
Example: She’s burning the candle at both ends before exams.
MCQ:
This idiom implies:
a) Waste resources
b) Study late and wake early
c) Celebrate often
d) Light a candle
Answer: b) Study late and wake early
✅ 70. Your guess is as good as mine
Meaning: I don’t know either
Example: When will it end? Your guess is as good as mine.
MCQ:
This idiom shows:
a) You agree with someone
b) You know better
c) You’re also unsure
d) You’re teasing
Answer: c) You’re also unsure
✅ 71. Add fuel to the fire
Meaning: Make a situation worse
Example: His comment added fuel to the fire.
MCQ:
“Add fuel to the fire” means:
a) Help a friend
b) Create warmth
c) Worsen a conflict
d) Solve a problem
Answer: c) Worsen a conflict
✅ 72. At the drop of a hat
Meaning: Immediately
Example: He’s ready to help at the drop of a hat.
MCQ:
This idiom means:
a) Hesitatingly
b) With delay
c) Instantly
d) After thinking
Answer: c) Instantly
✅ 73. Back to the drawing board
Meaning: Start again
Example: The plan failed. Let’s go back to the drawing board.
MCQ:
This idiom suggests:
a) Start over
b) Avoid planning
c) Praise the plan
d) Decorate
Answer: a) Start over
✅ 74. Cut to the chase
Meaning: Get to the point
Example: Let’s cut to the chase—what’s your decision?
MCQ:
“Cut to the chase” means:
a) Skip small talk
b) Watch a movie
c) Chase someone
d) Speak slowly
Answer: a) Skip small talk
✅ 75. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch
Meaning: Don’t assume success too early
Example: Wait for results—don’t count your chickens before they hatch.
MCQ:
This idiom means:
a) Wait for proof
b) Celebrate early
c) Hope positively
d) Collect chickens
Answer: a) Wait for proof
✅ 76. Go down in flames
Meaning: Fail spectacularly
Example: The event went down in flames.
MCQ:
“Go down in flames” means:
a) Catch fire
b) Succeed brilliantly
c) Fail badly
d) Perform on stage
Answer: c) Fail badly
✅ 77. Hands are tied
Meaning: Unable to act
Example: I want to help, but my hands are tied.
MCQ:
This idiom means:
a) You’re in danger
b) You’re busy
c) You can’t do anything
d) You’re giving up
Answer: c) You can’t do anything
✅ 78. In the fast lane
Meaning: A busy, exciting lifestyle
Example: He lives life in the fast lane.
MCQ:
“In the fast lane” means:
a) Walking quickly
b) Being impatient
c) Living an active life
d) Taking risks
Answer: c) Living an active life
✅ 79. It takes two to tango
Meaning: Both parties are responsible
Example: Don’t blame her alone—it takes two to tango.
MCQ:
This idiom means:
a) Dance together
b) Be romantic
c) Both are involved
d) Support each other
Answer: c) Both are involved
✅ 80. Jump on the bandwagon
Meaning: Join a popular trend
Example: Everyone’s investing in gold, so he jumped on the bandwagon.
MCQ:
“Jump on the bandwagon” means:
a) Dance to music
b) Join a popular activity
c) Travel together
d) Follow rules
Answer: b) Join a popular activity
✅ 81. Beat around the bush
Meaning: Avoiding the main topic
Example: Stop beating around the bush and tell me what happened.
MCQ:
What does “beat around the bush” mean?
a) Hunt animals
b) Avoid the main point
c) Speak clearly
d) Complain constantly
Answer: b) Avoid the main point
✅ 82. Call it a day
Meaning: Stop working for the day
Example: We’ve finished the report. Let’s call it a day.
MCQ:
To “call it a day” means:
a) Start a new task
b) Celebrate something
c) Stop working
d) Take a break
Answer: c) Stop working
✅ 83. In hot water
Meaning: In trouble
Example: He was in hot water after forgetting his assignment.
MCQ:
If someone is in “hot water,” they are:
a) Bathing
b) Cooking
c) In trouble
d) Celebrating
Answer: c) In trouble
✅ 84. Let the cat out of the bag
Meaning: Reveal a secret
Example: She let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.
MCQ:
“Letting the cat out of the bag” refers to:
a) Playing with a pet
b) Freeing animals
c) Sharing a secret
d) Losing control
Answer: c) Sharing a secret
✅ 85. Get cold feet
Meaning: Become nervous
Example: He got cold feet before the interview.
MCQ:
To “get cold feet” means:
a) Become tired
b) Get angry
c) Get nervous
d) Feel relaxed
Answer: c) Get nervous
✅ 86. The ball is in your court
Meaning: It’s your decision
Example: I’ve made my offer. Now the ball is in your court.
MCQ:
If the ball is in your court, what does it mean?
a) You’re playing a game
b) It’s your turn to act
c) You lost an argument
d) You’re being ignored
Answer: b) It’s your turn to act
✅ 87. Barking up the wrong tree
Meaning: Accusing the wrong person
Example: If you think I’m to blame, you’re barking up the wrong tree.
MCQ:
“Barking up the wrong tree” means:
a) Asking for help
b) Accusing wrongly
c) Chasing dogs
d) Praising someone
Answer: b) Accusing wrongly
✅ 88. A blessing in disguise
Meaning: Something good that seemed bad at first
Example: Losing that job was a blessing in disguise.
MCQ:
A “blessing in disguise” is:
a) A lucky accident
b) A religious prayer
c) A hidden curse
d) A gift
Answer: a) A lucky accident
✅ 89. Actions speak louder than words
Meaning: What you do is more important than what you say
Example: He promised to help, but actions speak louder than words.
MCQ:
“Actions speak louder than words” implies:
a) Words are more powerful
b) Speak politely
c) Actions are more meaningful
d) Do nothing
Answer: c) Actions are more meaningful
✅ 90. Go the extra mile
Meaning: Do more than expected
Example: Our teacher always goes the extra mile for us.
MCQ:
To “go the extra mile” means:
a) Take a long walk
b) Work harder than required
c) Be stubborn
d) Get lost
Answer: b) Work harder than required
✅ 91. Hit the nail on the head
Meaning: Do or say something exactly right
Example: You hit the nail on the head with that answer.
MCQ:
This idiom means:
a) Hammering correctly
b) Speaking directly and correctly
c) Fixing a door
d) Making a mistake
Answer: b) Speaking directly and correctly
✅ 92. Jump the gun
Meaning: Start too early
Example: Don’t jump the gun and submit it before review.
MCQ:
To “jump the gun” means:
a) Miss a shot
b) Act too soon
c) Avoid danger
d) Ignore instructions
Answer: b) Act too soon
✅ 93. On cloud nine
Meaning: Extremely happy
Example: She was on cloud nine after getting the scholarship.
MCQ:
If you are “on cloud nine,” you are:
a) Sad
b) Confused
c) Extremely happy
d) Daydreaming
Answer: c) Extremely happy
✅ 94. Spill the beans
Meaning: Reveal a secret
Example: He spilled the beans about the deal.
MCQ:
“Spill the beans” means:
a) Waste food
b) Share a secret
c) Start cooking
d) Lie
Answer: b) Share a secret
✅ 95. Bite off more than you can chew
Meaning: Take on a task too big
Example: I bit off more than I could chew with this project.
MCQ:
This idiom means:
a) Chew loudly
b) Take on too much
c) Eat quickly
d) Work slowly
Answer: b) Take on too much
✅ 96. Under the weather
Meaning: Feeling sick
Example: I’m feeling a bit under the weather today.
MCQ:
“Under the weather” refers to:
a) Staying indoors
b) Feeling unwell
c) Avoiding the sun
d) Skipping work
Answer: b) Feeling unwell
✅ 97. Once in a blue moon
Meaning: Very rarely
Example: We go on a trip once in a blue moon.
MCQ:
“Once in a blue moon” means:
a) Frequently
b) Occasionally
c) Very rarely
d) Never
Answer: c) Very rarely
✅ 98. Read between the lines
Meaning: Understand the hidden meaning
Example: Try to read between the lines in her message.
MCQ:
To “read between the lines” is to:
a) Read everything
b) Skip parts
c) Understand hidden meaning
d) Memorize quickly
Answer: c) Understand hidden meaning
✅ 99. In the nick of time
Meaning: Just in time
Example: We arrived at the station in the nick of time.
MCQ:
This idiom means:
a) Very early
b) Very late
c) Just in time
d) Without a plan
Answer: c) Just in time
✅ 100. To add insult to injury
Meaning: Make a bad situation worse
Example: He not only refused to help but also laughed—adding insult to injury.
MCQ:
“To add insult to injury” means:
a) Apologize
b) Make things worse
c) Heal a wound
d) Avoid a situation
Answer: b) Make things worse
