Directions (1-15): In the following questions four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase italicized/bold in the sentence. Choose the one that best expresses the meaning of the given idiom/phrase:
Q1. The students were in the blues when they heard that the examination would not be postponed after all
(a) cheerless and depressed
(b) violent and angry
(c) wearing blue badges
(d) singing sad songs
Q2. To give so much importance to this dispute is to make a mountain of a molehill.
(a) to take advantage
(b) to give great importance to trifles
(c) to see a thing with prejudiced mind
(d) to get into trouble
Q3. The captain played with determination because the honour of the team was at stake.
(a) at the top
(b) in danger
(c) very low
(d) appropriate
Q4. The inspector was caught red handed.
(a) quickly
(b) caught in the act of committing the crime
(c) caught with dirty hands
(d) found with hands tied
Q5. She cut a sad figure in her first performance on the stage.
(a) made a sorry figure
(b) cut a sorry face
(c) did not do well
(d) performed a sad role
Q6. Sunita has bitten off more than she can chew.
(a) over and above
(b) beyond her capacity
(c) trying to do too much
(d) bad fall
Q7. He never wanted to keep her under his thumb and so he let her do what she liked.
(a) below his thumb
(b) restricted
(c) unduly under control
(d) in his presence all the time
Q8. I have a bone to pick with you in this matter.
(a) am angry
(b) selfish motive
(c) selfless motive
(d) desire
Q9. The cashier wiped the nose of his employer by presenting false bills.
(a) abused
(b) cheated
(c) slapped
(d) doomed
Q10. It is time that professors came down from their ivory towers and studied the real needs of present day students.
(a) expensive fee
(b) detachment and seclusion
(c) dreamlands
(d) a tower made of ivory
Q11. She is quite at sea and does not know what course of action to take in the matter.
(a) at ease
(b) displeased
(c) perplexed
(d) danger
Q12. To work on this project is like flogging a dead horse.
(a) harp upon a question that has been settled
(b) dragging something too far
(c) over-spending money
(d) none of these
Q13. Let India and Pakistan clinch the Kashmir issue through bilateral talks; it is no use involving a mediator.
(a) to continue negotiations
(b) to find a via-media
(c) to decide finally
(d) to decide among themselves
Q14. He neither employs him nor allows him to find job elsewhere, he is simply following a dog in the manger policy.
(a) a selfish policy
(b) delaying tactics
(c) good for nothing
(d) dirty policy
Q15. Please do not get on my nerves, I am already in a crisis.
(a) disappoint
(b) to add more worry
(c) disturb
(d) leave me alone
Solutions
1.A
2.B
3.B
4.B
5.D
6.C
7.C
8.A
9.B
10.B
11.C
12.A
13.D
14.A
15.B
