SSC CGL (Prelims) English: Idioms and Phrases questions with solutions

Q1. Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom in the following sentence. Sejal visits the nearby temple off and on.

1. Periodically
2. Constantly
3. Continuously
4. Regularly

Answer: Periodically

The idiom “off and on” means occasionally or at intervals. Among the options, “periodically” is the closest meaning.

Q2. Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom. This year's budget is unlikely to pass as law since the president's proposed budgets typically face a jaundiced eye, but this one has gotten even more scepticism.

1. Jealousy
2. Confidence
3. Resentment
4. Good will

Answer: Resentment

"A jaundiced eye" means a prejudiced, cynical, or hostile attitude. Among the given options, "Resentment" is the closest match to that negative feeling. The other options do not convey suspicion or bias.

Q3. Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom: Care a hang

1. Hanging clothes to dry
2. Putting an outfit on a hanger
3. Caring too much
4. Showing no interest

Answer: Showing no interest

The idiom "care a hang" means to have no concern or interest in something. It is used to express indifference.

Q4. Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. To tell others secret information only for enjoyment is not a good practice.

1. spill the words
2. spill the cat
3. spill the onions
4. spill the beans

Answer: spill the beans

“Spill the beans” is an idiom meaning to reveal secret information. The other options are not standard English idioms with this meaning.

Q5. Choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the idiom: “To bury the hatchet”.

1. To dig a hole
2. To stop fighting
3. To hide something
4. To forgive but not forget

Answer: To stop fighting

“To bury the hatchet” is an idiom meaning to end a quarrel or make peace. It does not mean literally burying anything.