Idioms And Phrases — Part 1 MCQs with Explanations

The correct answer is (C): To confess without reserve. The idiom " to make a clean breast of " means to confess everything , to tell the whole truth, without holding anything back. Think of it as clearing your chest (breast) of a burden, a secret, or something you've been hiding. You're being completely open and honest. Option A (To gain prominence) is about becoming famous or important, which doesn't relate to confessing. Option B (To praise oneself) is about boasting, the opposite of admitting wrongdoing. Option D (To destroy before it blooms) refers to stopping something before it can develop, also unrelated. Option E (None of these) is incorrect since option C is the right answer. Therefore, " to confess without reserve " is the most accurate explanation of the idiom "to make a clean breast of".

To keeps one's temper: to maintain control of one's composure despite being angry or upset.

To encounter or be forced to reckon with someone or something that proves more powerful, troublesome, or formidable than one expected.

To drive home: give special importance or value to.

To have an axe to grind: to have a strong personal opinion about something that you want people to accept and that is the reason why you do something

To cry wolf: to ask for assistance when you don't need it.

To end in smoke: to be destroyed or ruined.

To be above board: business agreement which is honest and not trying to deceive anyone.

To put one's hand to plough: to do a difficult task.

To pick holes: to try and make an idea or piece of work seem bad by finding all the things that are wrong or missing.

To leave someone in the lurch: to stop supporting someone in his difficult times.

To play second fiddle: to play a supporting or minor role in relation to someone else.

The correct answer is B: To take for granted . Here's why: The idiom "to beg the question" doesn't mean "to ask a question". It actually means to assume something is true without providing evidence for it . Think of it as assuming the very thing you're trying to prove , like a circular argument. Let's look at the other options: A: To refer to - This doesn't relate to the meaning of the idiom. C: To raise objections - While begging the question can lead to objections, it's not the definition itself. D: To be discussed - Something "to be discussed" isn't necessarily related to assuming something without proof. E: None of these - Is incorrect because B is the correct answer. Therefore, the best fit is "To take for granted" because it accurately describes the action of assuming something to be true without proper justification.

In the English language, 'Black sheep' is an idiom used to describe an odd or disreputable member of a group, especially within a family.

A man of straw: a man whose character is weak and who lacks definite beliefs.

To smell a rat: to suspect or realize that something is wrong in a particular situation

To hit the nail right on the head: to describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem

To set one's face against: strongly disapprove.

tipped off: to give someone a warning or secret information about something.

cold shoulder: be deliberately unfriendly to.

passed himself off: to try to make others believe that someone or something is something other than what the person or thing is

The question asks for the meaning of the idiom "hanging fire" in the given sentence. The sentence is: "This matter has been hanging fire for the last many months and must therefore be decided one way or the other." The idiom "hanging fire" means that something has been delayed , postponed , or left undecided for a long time. Think of an old firearm where the ignition powder might ignite, but the main charge takes a moment to fire; it "hangs" before it goes off, creating a delay. In our sentence, it means the matter has not been resolved or decided for many months, and it's taking a long time to move forward or be completed. Let's look at the options: Option A: going on slowly This option perfectly captures the idea of something being delayed or not being resolved quickly. If a matter is "going on slowly" for many months, it means it's still unresolved and taking a lot of time, which matches the meaning of "hanging fire". So, Option A is the correct answer . Option B: hotly debated While the matter might be debated, "hanging fire" specifically emphasizes the delay and indecision , not just the intensity of a discussion. A hot debate could still lead to a quick decision. Option C: stuck up This phrase means arrogant or conceited, which doesn't make sense when referring to a "matter." Option D: ignored While a delayed matter might feel ignored, the core meaning of "hanging fire" is about indecision or slow progress , rather than being deliberately disregarded. The emphasis is on the lack of resolution over a long period. Therefore, the best fit for "hanging fire" in this context is going on slowly , implying a long period of delay and indecision.

die in harness: to die while still at work.

The idiom “big draw” refers to something that attracts a large number of people or generates great public interest. In the context of a cricket match, a big draw means it was a huge attraction, pulling in many spectators or gaining significant attention. Thus, the correct answer is Option B .

lost heart: having lost confidence or enthusiasm.

let the grass grow under his feet: to be inactive; to do nothing.

backstairs influence: influence from a source that is secret.

play to the gallery: act in an exaggerated way in order to appeal to popular taste.

stew in his own juice: to think about or suffer the results of your own actions, without anyone giving you any help.

hold out: resist or survive in difficult circumstances.

burning the candle at both ends: go to bed late and get up early.

shelve: decide not to proceed with.

blows his own trumpet: to talk about oneself or one's achievements especially in a way that shows that one is proud or too proud.

out and out: in every respect; absolute.

Option A: talking nonsense This is correct. The idiom "through his hat" means talking nonsense. When someone is speaking "through their hat," they are saying things that are not true or do not make sense. Option B: talking ignorantly This is incorrect. While talking ignorantly can sometimes overlap with talking nonsense, "through his hat" specifically refers to saying things that are nonsensical rather than just showing a lack of knowledge. Option C: talking irresponsibly This is incorrect. Talking irresponsibly means speaking in a way that lacks consideration for the consequences, which is not the specific meaning of "through his hat." Option D: talking insultingly This is incorrect. Talking insultingly means speaking in a manner that is offensive or rude, which is not the specific meaning of "through his hat." Conclusion: Option A is the correct answer because the idiom "through his hat" means talking nonsense. It refers to saying things that are not true or do not make sense, which fits the context of the sentence.

held over: to delay something.

plough a lonely furrow: follow a course of action in which one is isolated or in which one can act independently.

put a spoke in my wheel: prevent someone from carrying out a plan.

strike gold: find a valuable source of information on a topic.

very different about : not very good at something.