Idioms and Phrases Examples

Understanding Idioms and Phrases with Examples

Idioms and phrases multiple-choice questions (MCQs) test your understanding and usage of idiomatic expressions and commonly used phrases. These questions typically give a highlighted sentence or a phrase. Students are then required to choose the option that best completes the sentence or provides the correct meaning of the given idiom or phrase.

Idioms and phrases are a matter of extensive practice and consistent reading habits. Most of the idioms and phrases have some history or cultural reference. Students can deduce the real meaning based on that.

Although there are no particular rules for idioms and phrases to follow while answering questions, one can learn to crack the questions in placement exams with the help of examples and expert tips.

Check out some of the common idioms and phrases here for starters. You can add more idioms and phrases examples to expand your knowledge, as the list is quite exhaustive and cannot be learned all at once.

Following are a few idioms and phrases used commonly

1. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush

It's better to hold onto something you have than to risk losing it by trying to get something better.

For Example:

John decided to keep his job offer instead of looking for a new one because a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

2. A penny for your thoughts

Asking someone to share their thoughts or opinions on something.

For Example:

Sarah was deep in thought, so I asked her, "A penny for your thoughts?"

3. A taste of your own medicine

Experiencing the same negative treatment or actions that you have given to others.

For Example:

After years of bullying his classmates, Tom finally got a taste of his own medicine when he became the target of teasing.

4. Bite the bullet

To face a difficult situation or endure something unpleasant.

For Example:

Jane had to bite the bullet and confront her fear of public speaking.

5. Break a leg

An expression used to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance or event.

For Example:

"Break a leg!" I said to my friend before her dance recital.

6. Catch someone red-handed

To catch someone in the act of doing something wrong or illegal.

For Example:

The police caught the thief red-handed as he was stealing from the jewelry store.

7. Costs an arm and a leg

Something that is extremely expensive.

For Example:

Buying a luxury car like that would cost an arm and a leg.

8. Cry over spilled milk

To be upset about something that has already happened and cannot be changed.

For Example:

Yes, I made a mistake, but there's no point crying over spilled milk. Let's focus on finding a solution.

9. Devil's advocate

Someone who argues against a cause or idea for the sake of debate or to explore its flaws.

For Example:

Mark always plays the devil's advocate during team meetings to ensure all aspects are considered.

10. Don't count your chickens before they hatch

Don't assume something will happen until it actually does.

For Example:

We haven't won the game yet, so don't count your chickens before they hatch.

11. Drop the ball

To make a mistake or fail to complete a task or responsibility.

For Example:

The team dropped the ball by missing the deadline for submitting the project.

12. Elephant in the room

An obvious problem or difficult situation that people are avoiding discussing.

For Example:

Everyone knew about the financial issues, but nobody wanted to address the elephant in the room.

13. Every cloud has a silver lining

There is something positive to be found in every difficult situation.

For Example:

Despite losing his job, John found a new career opportunity. Every cloud has a silver lining.

14. Fish out of water

Feeling uncomfortable or out of place in a particular situation.

For Example:

As a city person, Jane felt like a fish out of water when she visited the countryside.

15. Get a taste of your own medicine

To experience the same negative treatment that one has given to others.

For Example:

After years of cheating in exams, Tom got a taste of his own medicine when he failed the test.

16. Get the ball rolling

To start a process or get things started.

For Example:

Let's get the ball rolling by scheduling a meeting to discuss the project.

17. In hot water - In trouble or facing a difficult situation.

For Example:

John found himself in hot water when he missed the deadline for submitting the report.

18. Let the cat out of the bag

To reveal a secret or information that was supposed to be kept hidden.

For Example:

John accidentally let the cat out of the bag by telling Sarah about the surprise party.

19. Put all your eggs in one basket

To risk everything on a single plan or course of action.

For Example:

Investing all your money in one stock is like putting all your eggs in one basket.

20. Rome wasn't built in a day

It takes time and effort to achieve something significant.

For Example:

Learning a new language is a gradual process. Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day.

21. Spill the beans

To disclose or reveal secret information.

For Example:

Sarah couldn't keep the surprise and ended up spilling the beans about the gift.

22. Steal someone's thunder

To take credit for someone else's achievements or ideas.

For Example:

John was furious when his colleague stole his thunder during the presentation.

23. Take with a grain of salt

To not completely believe or trust something that someone says.

For Example:

He tends to exaggerate, so take his stories with a grain of salt.

24. The ball is in your court

It's now your turn or responsibility to take action.

For Example:

I've presented all the options; the ball is in your court to make the final decision.

25. Throw in the towel

To give up or surrender.

For Example:

After hours of struggling, I decided to throw in the towel and admit defeat.

26. Turn a blind eye

To intentionally ignore or overlook something.

For Example:

The manager turned a blind eye to the employee's misconduct.

27. Under the weather

Feeling sick or unwell.

For Example:

Sarah couldn't come to the party because she was feeling under the weather.

28. When pigs fly

Something that is highly unlikely to happen.

For Example:

John said he would clean his room when pigs fly, meaning he has no intention of doing it.

29. A watched pot never boils

When you wait anxiously for something to happen, it seems to take longer.

For Example:

John was eagerly waiting for the mail, but it felt like a watched pot never boils.

30. Barking up the wrong tree

Accusing or pursuing the wrong person or thing.

For Example:

The police were barking up the wrong tree when they arrested the wrong suspect.

31. Burn the midnight oil

To work or study late into the night.

For Example:

I have a big exam tomorrow, so I'll have to burn the midnight oil to prepare.

32. A flash in the pan

Something or someone that shows initial promise but fails to deliver in the long run.

For Example:

The band had a hit song but was ultimately a flash in the pan, as they couldn't replicate their success.

33. Beat around the bush

Avoiding direct or honest communication about a sensitive or difficult topic.

For Example:

Instead of beating around the bush, let's address the issue head-on and find a solution.

34. Between a rock and a hard place

Caught in a situation where there are no good options or choices available.

For Example:

John was between a rock and a hard place when he had to choose between accepting a pay cut or losing his job.

35. Break the ice

To initiate or facilitate conversation or interaction in a social setting.

For Example:

Sarah told a joke to break the ice and make everyone feel more comfortable at the party.

36. Cast pearls before swine

To offer something valuable to someone who doesn't appreciate or understand its worth.

For Example:

Sharing your innovative ideas with a closed-minded person is like casting pearls before swine.

37. Fly off the handle

To react angrily or lose one's temper suddenly and unexpectedly.

For Example:

John flew off the handle when he discovered that someone had scratched his car.

38. Go the extra mile

To make an additional effort or go beyond what is expected.

For Example:

Sarah always goes the extra mile to provide exceptional customer service to her clients.

39. Jump the gun

To act or make a decision prematurely, without having all the necessary information.

For Example:

John jumped the gun and started celebrating before the final results were announced.

40. Keep your eyes peeled

To remain alert and watchful for something specific.

For Example:

Keep your eyes peeled for any suspicious activity while we're away on vacation.

41. Kick the bucket

A euphemism for dying or passing away.

For Example:

Unfortunately, the old tree in the backyard finally kicked the bucket after years of declining health.

42. Like a bull in a china shop

Someone who is clumsy or reckless in delicate or sensitive situations.

For Example:

John barged into the meeting and started criticizing everyone without considering the impact; he was like a bull in a china shop.

43. On thin ice

In a precarious or risky situation, where a single mistake could lead to negative consequences.

For Example:

After the argument, John knew he was on thin ice with his boss and needed to improve his performance.

44. Paint the town red

To go out and celebrate or have a lively and enjoyable time.

For Example:

After receiving the promotion, Mary and her friends decided to paint the town red.

45. Skeletons in the closet

Secrets or shameful things from the past that someone wants to keep hidden.

For Example:

When the politician entered the race, the opposition tried to dig up skeletons in his closet.

46. Take the bull by the horns

To face a difficult or challenging situation directly and courageously.

For Example:

Instead of avoiding the problem, John decided to take the bull by the horns and confront it head-on.

47. Through thick and thin

To support or stay with someone during both good and bad times.

For Example:

Sarah has been by my side through thick and thin, offering her unwavering support.

48. Turn a blind eye

To intentionally ignore or overlook something.

For Example:

The teacher turned a blind eye to the students cheating on the exam.

49. Wear your heart on your sleeve

To openly display or express your emotions or feelings.

For Example:

John wears his heart on his sleeve and can't hide his excitement when something good happens.

50. Wild goose chase

A futile or fruitless pursuit or search for something that is unlikely to be found.

For Example:

Spending hours looking for her misplaced keys turned out to be a wild goose chase; they were in her bag all along.

51. You can't teach an old dog new tricks

It's difficult to change or teach someone who is set in their ways or resistant to change.

For Example:

John has been using the same outdated methods for years; they say you can't teach an old dog new tricks.

52. A penny for your thoughts

Asking someone to share their thoughts or what they are thinking about.

For Example:

Sarah seemed lost in thought, so John approached her and said, "A penny for your thoughts."

53. All bark and no bite

Someone who talks or threatens aggressively but doesn't follow through with action.

For Example:

The dog barks loudly whenever someone passes by, but it's all bark and no bite.

54. Beat a dead horse

To continue discussing or pursuing a topic or issue that has already been resolved or is no longer relevant.

For Example:

We've reached a decision, so there's no need to beat a dead horse; let's move on to the next agenda item.

55. Bite off more than you can chew

To take on more tasks or responsibilities than one can handle.

For Example:

John bit off more than he could chew by accepting multiple projects with overlapping deadlines.

56. Cry over spilled milk

To be upset or lament something that has already happened and cannot be changed.

For Example:

Yes, we made a mistake, but there's no use crying over spilled milk; let's focus on finding a solution.

57. A leopard can't change its spots

People cannot change their innate nature or character.

For Example:

Despite his promises to change, John couldn't resist his dishonest ways; a leopard can't change its spots.

58. All in the same boat

Facing the same difficulties or circumstances.

For Example:

In times of economic crisis, we're all in the same boat, struggling to make ends meet.

59. As the crow flies

The shortest distance between two points.

For Example:

The town is only ten miles away as the crow flies, but it takes longer to reach by road.

60. Batten down the hatches

To prepare for a difficult or challenging situation.

For Example:

The storm is approaching; it's time to batten down the hatches and secure everything.

61. Beat a hasty retreat

To quickly and hastily withdraw from a situation.

For Example:

When John realized he was in over his head, he beat a hasty retreat and left the meeting.

62. Burn the candle at both ends

To exhaust oneself by working too hard or doing too many activities.

For Example:

Sarah has been burning the candle at both ends with her job and night classes; she needs to take a break.

63. Carpe diem

Seize the day; make the most of the present moment.

For Example:

Instead of worrying about the future, let's live in the present and carpe diem.

64. Castles in the air

Unrealistic or impossible dreams or plans.

For Example:

John's ambitious business ideas were merely castles in the air; he never took any practical steps to implement them.

65. Come hell or high water

Determined to do something regardless of any obstacles or challenges.

For Example:

Sarah was determined to finish the marathon, come hell or high water; she wouldn't give up.

66. Curiosity killed the cat

Being too inquisitive can lead to trouble or danger.

For Example:

John's curiosity led him to explore the abandoned building, but curiosity killed the cat when he got injured.

67. Devil's advocate

Someone who presents a counter-argument or opposing viewpoint to stimulate critical thinking or debate.

For Example:

Sarah took on the role of the devil's advocate, raising valid concerns to ensure all perspectives were considered.

68. Dog days

The hot and sultry days of summer.

For Example:

During the dog days, it's best to stay indoors and avoid the scorching heat.

69. Every cloud has a silver lining

There is something positive or beneficial even in difficult or challenging situations.

For Example:

70. Sarah lost her job, but every cloud has a silver lining; she used the opportunity to pursue her passion.

Fight fire with fire

71. To respond to aggression or hostility with a similar or stronger action.

For Example:

Instead of backing down, Mary decided to fight fire with fire and stood up for herself.

72. Give someone the benefit of the doubt

To trust or believe someone, even without concrete evidence or proof.

For Example:

Although John made a mistake, let's give him the benefit of the doubt and assume it was unintentional.

73. Go against the grain

To act or behave in a way that is contrary to the usual or accepted way.

For Example:

Sarah has always been independent and goes against the grain, choosing a non-traditional career path.

74. Green with envy

Jealous or envious of someone else's success or possessions.

For Example:

When John saw his friend's new car, he couldn't help but feel green with envy.

75. Hit the ground running

To start a project or task with enthusiasm and immediate success.

For Example:

Mary joined the company and hit the ground running, quickly adapting to her role and achieving impressive results.

76. In the blink of an eye

Happening very quickly or instantaneously.

For Example:

The accident occurred in the blink of an eye; one moment everything was fine, and the next, chaos ensued.

77. It takes two to tango

Both parties are responsible or at fault in a situation.

For Example:

The argument escalated because it takes two to tango; both parties contributed to the misunderstanding.

78. Jump on the bandwagon

To join or support a popular trend or movement.

For Example:

Many companies jumped on the bandwagon and started offering eco-friendly products to meet the growing demand.

79. Leave no stone unturned

To make every effort or explore every possibility in order to achieve a desired outcome.

For Example:

In the investigation, the detective left no stone unturned, meticulously examining every piece of evidence.

80. Like shooting fish in a barrel

Something that is very easy or effortless to accomplish.

For Example:

With the clear instructions, the task was like shooting fish in a barrel; it required minimal effort.

81. Manna from heaven

Something unexpectedly good or beneficial that comes at the right time.

For Example:

The scholarship she received was like manna from heaven; it allowed her to pursue her dream education.

82. Needle in a haystack

Something extremely difficult or impossible to find due to its small size or hidden nature.

For Example:

Finding a specific book in the library without the title or author is like searching for a needle in a haystack.

83. Shoot for the moon

To set ambitious goals or aim for the highest possible achievement.

For Example:

Sarah encouraged her team to shoot for the moon and strive for excellence in their work.

84. Smoke and mirrors

Deceptive or misleading tactics or appearances that conceal the truth.

For Example:

The politician's promises were merely smoke and mirrors; they were never fulfilled.

85. Throw caution to the wind

To act recklessly or without considering the consequences.

For Example:

John decided to throw caution to the wind and quit his job to pursue his passion.

86. Turn the tables

To reverse a situation or shift the advantage from one party to another.

For Example:

With her clever strategy, Mary turned the tables and outsmarted her competitors.

87. With flying colors

To succeed or perform exceptionally well.

For Example:

Sarah passed the exam with flying colors, achieving a near-perfect score.

88. Actions speak louder than words

What someone does is more significant than what they say.

For Example:

John promised to change, but his actions spoke louder than words when he continued with his old habits.

89. Better late than never

It is better to do something late than not do it at all.

For Example:

Mary finally apologized for her mistake; better late than never.

90. Actions speak louder than words

What someone does is more significant than what they say.

For Example:

John promised to change, but his actions spoke louder than words when he continued with his old habits.

91. On cloud nine

Feeling extreme happiness or euphoria.

For Example:

After receiving the promotion, John was on cloud nine; he couldn't stop smiling all day.

Tips and Tricks to Solve Idioms and Phrases Questions

Idioms and phrases questions can be easily solved by learning tips and tricks for idioms and phrases. These tips and tricks are very useful in finding the correct answer quickly and effectively, saving a lot of time in exams.

Follow these tips and tricks while solving idioms and phrases questions:

1. Context is Key

If the options include both literal and figurative meanings, choose the one that makes more sense in the given context.

2. Look for Clues

Identify any familiar words or similar expressions that can help you guess the correct meaning.

3. Read Widely

Regularly read books, newspapers, and magazines to expose yourself to a variety of idioms and phrases, enhancing your understanding and usage.

4. Be Literal

If the options include both literal and figurative meanings, choose the one that makes more sense in the given context.

5. Practice Makes Perfect

Solve as many idiom and phrase questions as possible to familiarize yourself with common expressions and their usage.