General Ability (Part - A : english) (NDA/NA SOLVED PAPER 2021-I) (01 to 50)

21. Given below are some idioms/phrases followed by four alternative meanings to each. Choose the response (a), (b), (c) or (d), whichever is the most appropriate expression and mark your response in your Answer Sheet accordingly.

3. IDIOMS AND PHRASES
question = (21 to 30)
Overstep the mark

(a) To tell people how successful you are
(b) To step into someone else's areas of expertise
(c) To upset someone by doing/saying more than you should
(d) To do something in an excited way

Correct Answer: (c) To upset someone by doing/saying more than you should

Solution:Overstep the mark: to go beyond what is proper or allowed by something
If you overstep the mark, you offend people by doing something that is considered to be rude or unacceptable.
Here, C is the most appropriate expression.

22. Palsy-walsy friends

(a) Good friends
(b) Friends who help each other in difficult situations
(c) Friends by choice, and not by chance
(d) Unfriendly

Correct Answer: (a) Good friends

Solution:Palsy-walsy friend: a good friend, pal, or buddy.
Here, A is the most appropriate expression.

23. Open a Pandora's box

(a) To do something that causes a lot of new problems that you did not expect
(b) To do something out of compulsion
(c) To do something beyond expectation
(d) To do something out of the box, that causes awards and ceremonies for you

Correct Answer: (a) To do something that causes a lot of new problems that you did not expect

Solution:Open a Pandora's box: To begin or introduce something that leads to many other problems. A reference to the story from Greek mythology in which Pandora opens a box containing all the possible things that can affect humanity negatively.
Here, A is the most appropriate expression.

24. Pull your socks up

(a) To get well-dressed for the occasion
(b) Improve your work or behaviour
(c) To speak in an honest way without hesitation
(d) To be in control of an organization, often secretly

Correct Answer: (b) Improve your work or behaviour

Solution:Pull your socks up: To try to improve one's performance or behavior because it has not been good enough recently.
Here, B is the most appropriate expression.

25. To get under somebody's skin

(a) To deceive someone
(b) To admire someone
(c) To annoy someone
(d) To support someone

Correct Answer: (c) To annoy someone

Solution:To get under somebody's skin: To become a source of irritation.
Here, C is the most appropriate expression.

26. Turn topsy-turvy

(a) To completely change something
(b) To completely evaluate something
(c) To enjoy yourself greatly
(d) To exhaust yourself completely

Correct Answer: (a) To completely change something

Solution:Turn topsy-turvy: in or into a state of confusion.
- upside down
- a state of utter confusion
Here, A is the most appropriate expression.

27. A clarion call

(a) A trumpet call
(b) An intimidating voice
(c) A strong request
(d) An urgent order

Correct Answer: (c) A strong request

Solution:A clarion call: a strongly expressed demand or request for action.
-A call to action
Here, C is the most appropriate expression.

28. Fire in the belly

(a) Fear and hatred
(b) Powerful ambition
(c) Love and dedication
(d) Lethargy and indifference

Correct Answer: (b) Powerful ambition

Solution:Fire in the belly: a powerful sense of ambition or determination.
Here, B is the most appropriate expression.

29. A hunky-dory situation

(a) There are serious issues among people
(b) There are no problems and people are happy
(c) There is war and bloodshed all over
(d) There is no work, only enjoyment

Correct Answer: (b) There are no problems and people are happy

Solution:If events or situations are hunky-dory, they are very satisfactory and pleasant:
Example: You can't lose your temper one minute and then expect everything to be hunky-dory again the next.
Here, B is the most appropriate expression.

30. Give somebody a leg up

(a) To pull someone down
(b) To deceive and betray someone
(c) To help someone for their livelihood
(d) To help someone to be successful

Correct Answer: (d) To help someone to be successful

Solution:Give somebody a leg up: To provide one with a physical lift or boost upward.
- To provide one with support, encouragement, or an added advantage.
Here, D is the most appropriate expression.