Home > Verbal Ability > Idioms and phrases

An Idiomatic expression is given in each of the following questions. Mark the one which best describes the meaning of the given idiom/ phrase.

1. To talk one’s had off

a.) To think aloud
b.) To talk loudly
c.) To talk excessively
d.) To talk senselessly

2. To take with a grain of salt

a.) To take seriously
b.) To take with some reservation
c.) Being doubtful
d.) Being cautious

3. Hobson’s choice

a.) Accept or leave the offer
b.) No choice
c.) Excellent choice
d.) Large no. of choices

4. To get into hot waters

a.) To be in middle of the sea
b.) To loose patience
c.) To get into trouble
d.) To be of hot temperament

5. To wash one’s dirty linen in public

a.) To fight in public
b.) To bring home fights on road
c.) To dust your house
d.) To discuss dirty and scandalous things which are personal, in front of strange people

6. A storm in a teacup

a.) High excitement over something trivial
b.) Something unexpected
c.) Big thing in a small kitty
d.) None of the above

7. To read between the lines

a.) To read cautiously
b.) To understand the hidden meaning
c.) To read the fine print
d.) To understand the fine print

8. Leave one to sink or swim

a.) Leave someone to his fate
b.) To not help one
c.) To put someone in a difficult position
d.) To be in two minds

9. To give one a long rope

a.) Let the person go anywhere
b.) Let the person be independent
c.) To not interfere in someone’s matters
d.) Allow someone to keep continuing with his mistakes

10. To pull strings

a.) To learn to be a tailor
b.) To exercise hidden influence
c.) To play with guitar strings
d.) To make someone dance

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