Idioms & Phrases

Choose the correct meaning of At the outset.

• Very hostile and ready to quarrel
• Make financial records correct or make income equal expenses
• At the beginning
• Wait patiently for the right opportunity

Select the option that best explains At a loose end.

• Not knowing what to do or having nothing useful to do
• Returning to simple and important principles
• Everyone without distinction
• A subject that makes someone upset or angry
• Completely controlled by someone or something

Which option gives the correct meaning of At a premium?

• Only when all other choices have failed
• The main point being discussed or disputed
• Scarce and therefore valuable
• As a normal or expected thing

For SSC English, identify the meaning of At cross purposes.

• Misunderstanding each other while working toward different aims
• A situation where something grows larger or more serious over time
• Very hostile and ready to quarrel
• A difficult or awkward situation

For SSC English, identify the meaning of Above board.

• A difficult or awkward situation
• A mind focused on only one thing
• Available for someone to use
• Honest, open, and legal

For SSC English, identify the meaning of A passing fancy.

• Only when all other choices have failed
• A short-lived interest
• Honest, open, and legal
• Everyone without distinction

What is the figurative meaning of A pipe dream?

• As a normal or expected thing
• A warning that makes someone realize action is needed
• A very big change
• An unrealistic hope or plan
• A general improvement that benefits everyone

Which meaning matches the phrase All and sundry?

• Keeping a promise
• At the beginning
• Everyone without distinction
• As a normal or expected thing

Which meaning matches the phrase A poor show?

• A situation where both sides must give or act
• A disappointing performance or result
• A brief success that does not last
• Something that distracts attention from the real issue

Choose the best interpretation of A red herring.

• A phrase used when someone does not want to say who gave the information
• A person with a lot of experience
• A mind focused on only one thing
• Something that distracts attention from the real issue

What idea does A rising tide lifts all boats usually express?

• A state of false happiness based on wrong hopes
• A sad or disappointed expression
• A general improvement that benefits everyone
• A small problem that spoils an otherwise good situation
• Something that distracts attention from the real issue

How should we understand A sea change in a sentence?

• A very big change
• A small amount of truth
• A fair situation where everyone has the same chance
• Opposite to what is usual or natural

What does the phrase A sitting duck suggest?

• An unpleasant fact that is difficult to accept
• As a normal or expected thing
• Everyone without distinction
• An offer of peace
• An easy target for attack or criticism