IDIOMS (Part-IV)

1. Grasping at straws__. [SSC MTS 12/09/2023 (1st Shift)]

(a) Futile attempts to win
(b) Desperate attempt to succeed
(c) Holding the last strands of straw
(d) Wasting time enjoying and relaxing

Correct Answer: (b) Desperate attempt to succeed

Solution:desperate attempt to succeed.

E.g.- After losing his job, he was grasping at straws by applying for positions he was clearly unqualified for.

2. Select the most appropriate idiom to fill in the blank. [SSC MTS 12/09/2023 (1st Shift)]

She told me,____ to live in New York. that she was going.

(a) blue blood
(b) black and blue
(c) out of the blue
(d) once in a blue moon

Correct Answer: (b) black and blue

Solution:suddenly and unexpectedly.

3. Bone to pick___. [SSC MTS 12/09/2023 (1st Shift)]

(a) To be angry about something and want to discuss it.
(b) To stop trying hard.
(c) To not give up.
(d) Putting in extra effort.

Correct Answer: (a) To be angry about something and want to discuss it.

Solution:to be angry about something and want to discuss it.

E.g. I have a bone to pick with you because you promised to help me with my project, but you never showed up.

4. Select the most appropriate idiom to fill in the blank. [SSC MTS 12/09/2023 (2nd Shift)]

Rahul speaks easily in front of a small group, but he seems____before a large audience.

(a) ill at ease
(b) think ill of
(c) man of ill repute
(d) ill-disposed to

Correct Answer: (a) ill at ease

Solution:The idiom ill at uncomfortable or ease' means embarrassed. The given sentence states that Rahul speaks easily in front of a small group, but he seems uncomfortable before a large audience. Hence, 'ill at ease' is the most appropriate answer.

5. Select the most appropriate idiom for the following sentence. [SSC MTS 12/09/2023]

He made the business profitable from unprofitable in about a year of joining.

(a) Easy come, easy go
(b) Throw up
(c) Where there is a will, there is a way
(d) Still waters run deep

Correct Answer: (c) Where there is a will, there is a way

Solution:where there is determination, there is a path to success.

6. The apple of one's eye. [SSC MTS 12/09/2023 (3rd Shift)]

(a) Very cheerful
(b) Very dear
(c) Very nice
(d) Very pleasing

Correct Answer: (b) Very dear

Solution:very dear.

E.g.- My granddaughter is the apple of my eye. I cherish every moment with her.

7. The two neighbours will probably stop fighting when pigs fly. [SSC MTS 12/09/2023 (3rd Shift)]

(a) When their families meet
(b) When there is magic
(c) Something that is impossible
(d) when it rains

Correct Answer: (c) Something that is impossible

Solution:something that is impossible.

8. By the skin of your teeth___. [SSC MTS 12/09/2023 (3rd Shift)]

(a) By a very narrow margin
(b) To be less affected by criticisms and rebuffs
(c) Very protective
(d) Saved by others

Correct Answer: (a) By a very narrow margin

Solution:By the skin of your teeth - by a very narrow margin.

E.g. I almost missed my flight, but made it by the skin of my teeth.

9. Select the most appropriate option that can substitute the underlined segment in the following sentence. [SSC MTS 12/09/2023 (3rd Shift)]

His research on the migratory patterns of the birds is run-of-the-mill.

(a) absurd
(b) one in a million
(c) trash
(d) average

Correct Answer: (d) average

Solution:average.

10. Keep someone at arm's length___. [SSC MTS 13/09/2023 (1st Shift)]

(a) To ruin someone's plans
(b) To avoid becoming too close or friendly with someone
(c) Angry about something
(d) Having energy again after being tired

Correct Answer: (b) To avoid becoming too close or friendly with someone

Solution:to avoid becoming too close or friendly with someone. E.g. She decided to keep her nosy neighbor at arm's length by politely avoiding personal questions.