Idioms & Phrases

Select the option that best explains A two-way street.

• A very small difference
• A mind focused on only one thing
• With responsibility for any danger or loss
• A subject that makes someone upset or angry
• A situation where both sides must give or act

Select the option that best explains A necessary evil.

• Something unpleasant but needed
• Something that greatly changes a situation
• A state of false happiness based on wrong hopes
• A kind person who helps someone in trouble
• A person who is unexpectedly successful or has hidden ability

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

Which meaning matches the phrase A hard pill to swallow?

• A rule, law, or plan that is no longer effective
• Something that has both good and bad effects
• Something expected to be exciting but turns out disappointing
• An unpleasant fact that is difficult to accept

Which meaning matches the phrase A cry in the wilderness?

• A warning or request that nobody listens to
• A completely different matter
• A habit of feeling angry or easily offended because of past unfairness
• A small amount of truth

Choose the best interpretation of A cut above.

• A person who is unexpectedly successful or has hidden ability
• A person who is highly educated and skilled in literature
• Better than others of the same kind
• A fresh start without past mistakes being counted

What idea does A house of cards usually express?

• A completely different matter
• An unpleasant fact that is difficult to accept
• A weak plan or system that can easily fail
• Something that distracts attention from the real issue
• A small problem that spoils an otherwise good situation

What idea does A damp squib usually express?

• A completely different matter
• Something that has both good and bad effects
• Something expected to be exciting but turns out disappointing
• Something unpleasant but needed
• An achievement to be proud of

Which explanation is closest to A laughing stock?

• A person or thing that others laugh at
• Honest, open, and legal
• A small amount of truth
• A rule, law, or plan that is no longer effective

Which explanation is closest to A dark horse?

• A brief success that does not last
• A fresh start without past mistakes being counted
• A goal or action that is too difficult or too ambitious
• A person who is unexpectedly successful or has hidden ability