Master English Idioms and Phrases: 200+ Examples for Competitive Exams

Idioms and Phrases 

Idioms and phrases are crucial elements of the English language, lending richness and fascination to sentences. Often found in literature and spoken language, the origins of idioms are diverse, frequently stemming from stories and creative expressions that evolve over time. Unlike idioms, phrases are direct and literal, conveying meaning exactly as the words suggest. Mastery of idioms and phrases is vital for excelling in competitive examinations such as the SSC CGL, SSC GD, Banking exams, and other assessments featuring an English language component.

Idioms Definition 

A true idiom is a combination of words that collectively possess a meaning distinct from the literal interpretation of its components. For instance, uttering "smell a rat" doesn't imply an actual olfactory detection of a rodent. Instead, "smell a rat" is an idiom signifying the perception that something is amiss or that wrongdoing is occurring.

Idioms Examples

Let's explore some common idioms and their meanings:

1. Be hand and foot: To accomplish a task in all possible ways or by all means.

2. Be in the swim: To stay informed and up-to-date with current affairs or trends.

3. Can't cut the mustard: Someone who is not adequate enough to compete or perform successfully.

4. Beat around the bush: Trying to avoid addressing a subject, person, or situation directly.

5. Kill two birds with one stone: Accomplish two objectives with a single action or effort.

6. Beating a dead horse: Giving undue time or energy to a matter that is already concluded or irrelevant.

7. Costs an arm and a leg: Something that is excessively priced or prohibitively expensive.

8. Variety is the spice of life: New and exciting experiences contribute to a more interesting and fulfilling life.

9. Wag the dog: To divert attention from a more important issue by focusing on something less significant.

10. Thumb one's nose: A gesture expressing contempt or disrespect.

Phrases Definition

Phrases are groups of words that function as a single unit within a sentence, often forming part of a clause. Unlike complete sentences, phrases do not typically express a full thought. In English Grammar, various types of phrases exist, including noun, verb, infinitive, gerund, appositive, participial, prepositional, and absolute phrases.

Phrases Examples

Here are some examples illustrating the use of phrases:

1. The glass of water was on the shelf.

2. The employees were giggling and laughing when the manager left the room.

3. The nice neighbour offered him a glass of juice.

4. There's a chemist around the corner.

5. My English teacher teaches the English language proficiently. 

6. It has been raining heavily for the last few days.

Idioms and Phrases Examples

The following table presents a selection of idioms and phrases with their corresponding meanings.

Idioms & Phrases Questions

Practice these idioms and phrases with questions drawn from previous competitive examination papers. 

Q1. Wet behind the ears 

(a) skillful 
(b) young and experienced 
(c) young and inexperienced 
(d) hearing impaired

Ans. (c) "Wet behind the ears" means young and without much experience. 

Q2. Blood is thicker than water

(a) relations are more important than merit 
(b) the severity of a crime dictates the punishment 
(c) family relationships and loyalties are the strongest and most important ones 
(d) deceit from a family member hurts more than being cheated by strangers

Ans. "Blood is thicker than water" means family relationships and loyalties are the strongest and most important ones.

Q3. To bite off more than you can chew

(a) to take on a commitment that one cannot fulfill
(b) to claim a share larger than what one is entitled to
(c) to consume more than one needs
(d) a greedy person's eating habits reveal their nature

Ans. "To bite off more than you can chew" means to attempt something that is beyond one's capacity.

Q4. To bite your tongue

(a) to inflict self-harm
(b) to make a deliberate effort to avoid saying something
(c) words once spoken cannot be retracted
(d) to be utterly surprised

Ans. "To bite your tongue" means to refrain from saying something you strongly wish to express.

Q5. Don't count your chickens before they hatch

(a) avoid living in a fantasy world where desires are assumed to be reality
(b) accumulating wealth does not guarantee its increase
(c) maintain optimism while preparing for potential setbacks
(d) do not assume positive outcomes before they are certain.

Ans. "Don't count your chickens before they hatch" means you should not make plans that rely on something good happening before it is confirmed.

Q6. Barking up the wrong tree

(a) ignore those who persistently harass you
(b) to mistakenly direct negative remarks towards someone helpful
(c) scolding someone insensitive yields no results
(d) to be pursuing a misguided or incorrect course of action

Ans. "Barking up the wrong tree" means to pursue a fruitless endeavor or adopt an incorrect strategy.

Q7. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em

(a) animosity can lead to unexpected friendships
(b) if unable to defeat a group, align with them
(c) avoid conflict and foster camaraderie
(d) persist in efforts to be accepted by a resistant group

Ans. "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em" means if you cannot defeat a group or individual, it is often practical to align yourself with them.

Q8. All good things must come to an end

(a) even pleasant experiences are temporary
(b) a narrative should conclude positively
(c) the world is destined for destruction
(d) only negative experiences are enduring.

Ans. "All good things must come to an end" means everything enjoyable is ultimately temporary.

Q9. Once in a blue moon 

(a) an imaginary situation 
(b) feeling melancholic 
(c) an aesthetically pleasing view 
(d) to occur with extreme rarity

Ans. "Once in a blue moon" means very rarely.

Q10. Water under the bridge 

(a) devising solutions to challenges 
(b) past events are no longer significant or relevant 
(c) youth cannot be relived 
(d) time flows continuously

Ans. "Water under the bridge" means a past issue that is now resolved or considered settled.

Q11. Too many cooks spoil the broth

(a) independent work is always superior 
(b) seeking numerous opinions leads to confusion and indecision 
(c) if too many people are involved in a task, its quality will suffer 
(d) food is best prepared by a single individual.

Ans. "Too many cooks spoil the broth" means if too many individuals are involved in an activity, it will likely be executed poorly.

Q12. To jump ship

(a) advancing in one's career
(b) seizing an opportune moment
(c) to leave an organization or group
(d) to relinquish substantial wealth

Ans. "To jump ship" typically refers to a sailor deserting their vessel without authorization. It can also mean abandoning a failing enterprise or group.

Q13. To kick the bucket

(a) to become enraged
(b) to die
(c) to fall unwell
(d) to sustain an injury

Ans. "To kick the bucket" is an idiom meaning to die.

Q14. Two heads are better than one

(a) partnership mitigates business risks 
(b) isolation is detrimental 
(c) consulting another person for advice is beneficial 
(d) marital life surpasses single life.

Ans. "Two heads are better than one" means it is advantageous to receive advice or opinions from a second person.

Q15. The squeaky wheel gets the grease

(a) prominent issues are most likely to receive attention 
(b) one unfortunate individual consistently faces punishment 
(c) persistent complainers are often disliked 
(d) the favored individual receives preferential treatment.

Ans. "The squeaky wheel gets the grease" implies that the most noticeable problems are typically addressed first.

Uses of Idioms and Phrases

Idioms and phrases enrich language, enhancing communication by adding depth and expressiveness. Their effective use can make discourse more vivid and engaging.

1. Idioms can convey complex ideas succinctly and memorably. For example, “break the ice” means to initiate conversation in a social setting.
2. Phrases can effectively convey feelings and attitudes. “Over the moon” expresses extreme happiness.
3. Idioms often reflect cultural values and traditions, providing insight into a society's way of thinking. For example, “the early bird catches the worm” emphasizes the value of being protective.
4. Idioms paint vivid pictures in the listener's mind. “Bite the Bullet” creates a visual of someone enduring a painful experience bravely.
5. Many idioms are humorous and can listen the mood in conversation. “Kick the bucket” is a humourous way to referring to death.