Competitive Exams : English Language - Idioms (Set 1) | Concept of Maths

Question 1

1. During the strategic negotiations, the minor state was accused of trying "to run with the hare and hunt with the hounds". Which of the following options best captures the semantic value of the bolded idiom?

A) To champion the cause of the oppressed while maintaining a neutral public stance.

B) To act as a mediator in an escalating international conflict.

C) To try to remain friendly with both opposing factions in a conflict.

D) To aggressively pursue a high-risk, high-reward double diplomatic strategy.

Answer

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: This idiom means trying to support both sides of a conflict or attempting to please two incompatible groups simultaneously. A person doing this is seen as deceitful or hypocritical, much like someone trying to join the hunting dogs (hounds) while also running alongside their prey (the hare).

Question 2

2. The scientist’s lifelong pursuit of a perpetual motion machine was dismissed by his peers as merely "tilting at windmills". What is the precise figurative interpretation of this phrase?

A) Engaging in a battle against imaginary or insignificant enemies.

B) Harnessing archaic methods to solve cutting-edge contemporary problems.

C) Attempting to reverse irreversible natural phenomena.

D) Conducting high-altitude meteorological experiments without sufficient empirical baseline.

Answer

Correct Answer: A

Explanation: This idiom is derived from Miguel de Cervantes' classic novel Don Quixote, where the protagonist hallucinates and attacks literal windmills, believing them to be ferocious giants. Today, it refers to wasting energy fighting imaginary enemies, futile causes, or non-existent grievances.

Question 3

Question 4

4. When challenged by the rival firm’s hostile takeover bid, the board of directors decided "to throw down the gauntlet". What does this signify in this context?

A) To concede defeat gracefully to prevent further asset depletion.

B) To issue a formal challenge or open invitation to a contest.

C) To request an external arbitrator to resolve a dispute.

D) To file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection immediately.

Answer

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: In medieval times, a knight would literally throw his heavy armored glove (the gauntlet) at the feet of an opponent as a formal challenge to a physical duel. Today, it figuratively means to boldly challenge someone or declare one's intention to compete.

Question 5

5. The local politician was heavily criticized for "crying stinking fish" during the international economic summit. What does this idiom mean?

A) To raise false alarms about an imminent economic collapse.

B) To engage in insider trading based on speculative rumors.

C) To complain bitterly about unfavorable working conditions.

D) To decry or disparage one’s own efforts, family, or national goods.

Answer

Correct Answer: D

Explanation: This idiom stems from the absurd idea of a street vendor yelling out that their own fish is rotten. It refers to the self-defeating behavior of putting down one's own products, ideas, family, or affiliations in front of others.

Question 6

6. The defense attorney warned the client that attempting "to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear" during cross-examination would damage their credibility. Choose the option that best explains this idiom.

A) To try to create something refined or valuable from inferior or unsuitable materials.

B) To construct a complex legal defense out of circumstantial evidence.

C) To commit perjury to protect a close associate.

D) To spend exorbitant amounts of money on superficial cosmetic improvements.

Answer

Correct Answer: A

Explanation: A "sow's ear" (a pig's ear) is rough and unappealing, while a "silk purse" represents luxury and refinement. This proverb means that you cannot create a high-quality product or elegant outcome if you start with fundamentally flawed or low-quality materials.

Question 7

7. Instead of addressing the systemic structural deficits incrementally, the new CEO decided "to cut the Gordian knot". What is the meaning of this idiom?

A) To defer a complex decision to a future committee.

B) To resolve a highly complex problem by a quick, decisive, and bold action.

C) To divide a large company into smaller, unprofitable subsidiaries.

D) To declare a state of financial emergency within an organization.

Answer

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: According to ancient legend, the Gordian knot was an impossibly tangled knot tied by King Gordias. It was prophesied that whoever untied it would rule all of Asia. Alexander the Great simply drew his sword and sliced the knot in half. Thus, it means solving a complex, seemingly intractable problem through a single, bold, and unconventional stroke.

Question 8

8. The young lieutenant showed the "white feather" when ordered to lead the vanguard into the canyon. What is the meaning of this idiom?

A) To demonstrate remarkable grace and composure under pressure.

B) To signal a desire for a peaceful diplomatic resolution.

C) To act or behave in a cowardly fashion.

D) To claim an unearned military promotion.

Answer

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: In the old blood sport of cockfighting, a white feather in a gamecock's tail was traditionally considered a sign of crossbreeding and an inferior fighting spirit. Consequently, "showing the white feather" became a widespread British idiom for displaying cowardice or lacking courage.

Question 9

9. After the project funding was unexpectedly frozen, the research team was left "to kick their heels" in the empty laboratory for three weeks. What does this mean?

A) To celebrate a breakthrough with premature festivities.

B) To perform strenuous physical exercises to maintain alertness.

C) To be kept waiting impatiently with nothing productive to do.

D) To dismantle experimental setups in preparation for relocation.

Answer

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: This phrase dates back hundreds of years and evokes the visual image of someone sitting on a tall chair or bench, dangling their legs, and casually kicking their heels together out of sheer boredom and idleness while waiting for something to happen.

Question 10

10. The poet realized that writing contemporary avant-garde verse in an era indifferent to literature was like "writing in water". What is the meaning of this idiom?

A) To produce works that are highly fluid and open to multiple interpretations.

B) To use highly sophisticated metaphors to disguise simple truths.

C) To collaborate anonymously on a highly controversial political manifesto.

D) To undertake work that is destined to be quickly forgotten and leave no lasting impression.

Answer

Correct Answer: D

Explanation: The famous English Romantic poet John Keats requested his tombstone read: "Here lies one whose name was writ in water." Writing on the surface of water disappears instantly. The idiom reflects a legacy, promise, or effort that fades immediately and leaves no permanent mark on the world.

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Newcastle upon Tyne was historically the heart of England's coal-mining industry. Therefore, bringing coal to Newcastle would be completely pointless. The idiom is used to describe a redundant, superfluous, or entirely unnecessary action.

Competitive Exams : English Language - Idioms (Set 1) | Concept of Maths