1.Though he has lot of money, yet all his plans are built upon sand.
a) established on insecure foundations
b) based on inexperience
c) resting on cheap material
d) resting on immature ideas
Explanation: built upon sand: without secure foundations; liable to collapse.
2. His plan was so complicated that it floored his listeners.
a) entertained
b) puzzled
c) annoyed
d) encouraged
Explanation: floored: to surprise or confuse someone so much that they are unable to think what to say or do next.
3. There has been bad blood between the two communities even before shouting.
a) Impure blood
b) Ill feeling
c) loody fights
d) Quarrels
Explanation:bad blood: feelings of hate between people because of arguments in the past.
4. The curious neighbours were disappointed as the young couple's quarrel was just a storm in a teacup.
a) violent quarrel
b) fuss about a trifle
c) brittle situation
d) quarrel about tea cups
Explanation: storm in a teacup: great outrage or excitement about a trivial matter.
5. Mohan always keeps himself to himself
a) Is too busy
b) Is selfish
c) Is unsociable
d) Does not take sides
Explanation:keeps himself to himself: to refrain from attempting to communicate or make connections with others.
6. He is always standing up for the weak and oppressed.
a) Boosting the claims of
b) Championing the cause of
c) Seeking help of others for
d) Moving about with
Explanation: standing up: (of an argument, claim, evidence, etc.) remain valid after close scrutiny (critical observation or examination) or analysis.
7. We should give a wide berth to bad characters.
a) give publicity to
b) publicly condemn
c) keep away from
d) not sympathise with
Explanation: give a wide berth: to avoid a person or place.
8. Turban is in vogue in some communities.
a) in fashion
b) out of use
c) vaguely used
d) never used
Explanation:in vogue: a fashion or general liking, especially one that is temporary.
9. The old man was cut to the quick when his rich son refused to recognise him.
a) surprised
b) hurt intensely
c) annoyed
d) irritated
Explanation: cut to the quick: deeply wound or distress.
10. I requested him to put in a word for me.
a) introduce
b) assist
c) support
d) recommend
Explanation: put in a word for me: to say positive things about someone.
11. I am sure they will fight tooth and nail for their rights.
a) with all their might
b) without any other weapon
c) resorting to violence
d) very cowardly
Explanation: tooth and nail: engage in fight using all resources.
12. We were in hurry. The road being zigzag we had to cut off a corner to reach in time
a) To cut a portion of the road
b) To take a short cut
c) To go fast
d) To take an alternative route
Explanation: cut off a corner: to do something in the easiest, cheapest, or fastest way.
13. Discipline is on the wane in schools and colleges these days.
a) declining
b) increasing
c) spreading
d) spiralling
Explanation:on the wane: to decrease gradually in size, number, strength, or intensity.
14. In spite of the efforts of all peace loving people, world peace is still a far cry.
a) an impracticable idea
b) an abstract idea
c) out of reach
d) a long way off
Explanation: far cry: a long way.
15. I felt that it was a tall order to expect Monisha to go home alone at twelve in the night.
a) Difficult
b) Too much
c) Customary
d) Simple
Explanation:tall order: task or job that is difficult to carry out.
16. Vikram said that he has got a problem to square up with the manager
a) consider
b) discuss
c) settle
d) workout
Explanation: square up: face and tackle (a difficulty or problem).
17. Although both the parents are running the show for the last ten years but their business is now on its last legs.
a) About to fructify
b) About to perish
c) About to produce results
d) About to take off
Explanation: on its last legs: in such bad condition that it will soon be unable to work as it should.
18. The time is running out, you must look sharp.
a) be careful
b) make haste
c) be punctual
d) be sensible
Explanation: look sharp: get moving, be alert.
19. He is in the habit of throwing dust in eyes of his superiors
a) To put sand into eyes
b) To make blind
c) To deceive
d) To show false things
Explanation: throwing dust in his superiors eyes: to mislead or deceive someone by presenting or introducing distracting information.
20. In modern democratic societies lynch law seems to have become the spheres of life.
a) law of the mob
b) law of the underworld
c) law of the constitution
d) law of the parliament
Explanation: lynch law: the administration of summary punishment, especially death, upon a suspected, accused, or convicted person by a mob acting without legal process or authority.
21. While the ladies continued their small talk in the drawing room, I felt bored.
a) whispering
b) backbiting
c) gossip
d) light conversation
Explanation: small talk: polite conversation about unimportant or uncontroversial matters, especially as engaged in on social occasions.
22. My car broke down on way to the railway station.
a) stopped
b) met with an accident
c) ran out of petrol
d) failed to work
Explanation: broke down: to stop working or not be successful.
23. My father strained every nerve to enable me to get settled in life.
a) worked very hard
b) spent a huge amount
c) tried all tricks
d) bribed several persons
Explanation:strained every nerve: to make the greatest possible effort.
24. He is always picking holes in every project.
a) creating problems in
b) finding fault with
c) suggesting improvement in
d) asking irrelevant questions on
Explanation: picking holes in: to point out the flaws and faults.
25. The die is cast and now let us hope for the best.
a) project is over
b) decision is made
c) death is inevitable
d) cloth has been dyed
Explanation:die is cast: said when a situation is certain to develop in a particular way because decisions have been taken that cannot be changed.
26. He resigned the post of his own accord.
a) which he liked
b) according to his convenience
c) voluntarily and willingly
d) according to his judgement
Explanation: of his own accord: used to indicate that someone does something because he or she wants to, not because someone has asked the person or forced him or her to do it.
27. As a politician he is used to being in the limelight all the time.
a) giving speeches
b) the object of admiration
c) the centre of attraction
d) an object of public notice
Explanation: in the limelight: the center of public attention.
28. I ran out of money on my European tour.
a) exhausted my stock of
b) did not have enough
c) lost
d) carried a lot
Explanation: ran out: to use something completely so that nothing is left.
29. Madhuri might scream blue murder, but I feel Deepali should get the promotion since she is better qualified for the job.
a) Someone has been murdered with some blue liquid
b) Someone is being murdered and has become blue
c) Suffer from persecution complex
d) Make a great deal of noise and object vehemently
Explanation: scream blue murder: to scream, yell, or complain in a very loud or angry way.
30.Having sold off his factory, he is now a gentleman at large
a) Has no serious occupation
b) Is living comfortably
c) Is respected by everybody
d) Is held in high esteem
Explanation: gentleman at large: someone who has lots of wealth as well as time.
31. I cannot get along with a man who plays fast and loose
a) behaves in an unreliable and insincere way
b) has a loose tongue
c) lives a life of ease and luxury
d) does not know how to behave himself
Explanation: plays fast and loose: to behave in a careless manner.
32.There is no love lost between two neighbours.
a) close friendship
b) cool indifference
c) intense dislike
d) a love hate relationship
Explanation: no love lost: dislike, ill will, hate.
33. The question of abolition of private property is still a moot point.
a) undecided
b) uncertain
c) unknown
d) not clear
Explanation:a moot point: an issue open to argument; also, an irrelevant question, a matter of no importance.
34. This regular absenteeism is a bad business since on work is being completed.
a) Bad for business
b) Non-business like
c) An unfortunate event
d) Creating ill-will
Explanation: bad business: irresponsible business.
35. When he tells stories about himself, he is inclined to draw the longbow.
a) understate
b) get emotional
c) exaggerate
d) get excited
Explanation:draw the longbow: to exaggerate in telling stories; overstate something.
36. The dacoit murdered the man in cold blood.
a) coldly
b) boldly
c) ruthlessly
d) deliberately
Explanation: in cold blood: without feeling or mercy.
37.He has built a big business empire by his sharp practices
a) extreme hard work
b) keen business skills
c) dishonest dealings
d) sharp intelligence
Explanation: sharp practices: dishonest or barely honest dealings.
38. The secretary and the treasurer are hand in glove with each other.
a) very good friends
b) constantly fighting
c) associates in some action
d) suspicious of each other
Explanation:hand in glove: working together, often to do something dishonest.
39.He never liked the idea of keeping his wife under his thumb and so he let her do what she liked.
a) Pressed down
b) Unduly under control
c) Below his thumb
d) Under tyrannical conditions.
Explanation: under his thumb: completely under someone's influence or control.
40. It is time that professors came down from their ivory towers and studied the real needs of the students
a) Detachment and seclusion
b) A tower made of ivory
c) Prison
d) Dream lands
Explanation: ivory towers: a state of privileged seclusion or separation from the facts and practicalities of the real world.
41. The P.M has pulled up Orissa partymen
a) elevated
b) rewarded
c) punished
d) reprimanded
Explanation:pulled up: to stop, often for a short time.
42. He did me a good turn by recommending me for the post of Vice Principal.
a) returned my kindness
b) did an act of kindness
c) improved my prospects
d) became suddenly good
Explanation: did me a good turn: to do something that helps, aids, or benefits another person.
43.He believes in the policy of making hay while the sun shines.
a) giving bribes to get his work done
b) seeking advice from one and all
c) helping those who help him
d) making the best use of a favourable situation
Explanation:making hay while the sun shines: to make good use of an opportunity while it lasts.
44. His friends advised him to be fair and square in his dealings.
a) Careful
b) Considerate
c) Polite
d) Upright
Explanation: fair and square: honestly and straightforwardly.
45. It is high time that India did something about the population problem.
a) already late
b) appropriate time
c) desired occasion
d) auspicious moment
Explanation:high time: past the time when something should have happened.
46. He went to his friend's house in the evening as was his wont.
a) as usual
b) as he wanted
c) as he want was
d) as he wanted that day
Explanation: as was his wont: accustomed; usual.
47. Why do you wish to tread on the toes?
a) To give offence to them
b) To follow them grudgingly
c) To treat them indifferently
d) To be kicked by them
Explanation: tread on the toes: say or do something that upsets or annoys a person, especially by involving in matters that are not your responsibility.
48. He intends setting up as a lawyer in the adjoining district.
a) To establish himself
b) To migrate
c) To join
d) To settle
Explanation:setting up: the establishment or creation of something.
49. The autographed bat from the famous cricketer Sunil Gavaskar is worth a jew's eye
a) Not a worthy possession
b) unnecessary
c) A costly items
d) A possession of high value
Explanation: worth a jew's eye: very valuable.
50. The speaker gave a bird's eye view of the political conditions in the country.
a) a personal view
b) a general view
c) a biased view
d) a detailed presentation
Explanation: bird's eye view: an overall look at something.
51. The case was held over due to the great opposition to it.
a) stopped
b) postponed
c) dropped
d) cancelled
Explanation: held over: to delay something.
52. In the organised society of today no individual or nation can plough a lonely furrow.
a) remain unaffected
b) do without the help of others
c) survive in isolation
d) remain non-aligned
Explanation: plough a lonely furrow: follow a course of action in which one is isolated or in which one can act independently.
53. It was he who put a spoke in my wheel.
a) tried to cause an accident
b) helped in the execution of the plan
c) thwarted in the execution of the plan
d) destroyed the plan
Explanation:put a spoke in my wheel: prevent someone from carrying out a plan.
54. It is no longer easy to strike gold in Shakespeare's research since much work has already been done on him.
a) Hit a golden spot
b) Come across gold
c) Come across the word "gold"
d) Uncover or find a valuable line of argument or information
Explanation: strike gold: find a valuable source of information on a topic.
55. Sanjay is very different about passing the Civil Services Examination this year.
a) Dead sure of
b) Very hopeful of
c) Lacking self confidence about
d) Reasonably certain of
Explanation:very different about : not very good at something.
56. He was undecided. He let the grass grow under his feet.
a) loitered around
b) stayed out
c) sat unmoving
d) moved away
Explanation: let the grass grow under his feet: to be inactive; to do nothing.
57. Although he has failed in the written examination, he is using backstairs influence to get the job.
a) Political influence
b) Backing influence
c) Deserving and proper influence
d) Secret and unfair influence
Explanation: backstairs influence: influence from a source that is secret.
58. Companies producing goods play to the gallery to boost their sales.
a) advertise
b) cater to the public taste
c) attempt to appeal to popular taste
d) depend upon the public for approval
Explanation: play to the gallery: act in an exaggerated way in order to appeal to popular taste.
59. Since he knew what would happen, he should be left to stew in his own juice
a) Make a stew
b) Boil
c) Suffer in his own juice
d) Suffer for his own act
Explanation: stew in his own juice: to think about or suffer the results of your own actions, without anyone giving you any help.
60. The project did not appear to hold out bright prospects.
a) highlight
b) show
c) offer
d) promise
Explanation: hold out: resist or survive in difficult circumstances.
61. Why must you look a gift horse in the mouth ?
a) welcome a gift
b) find fault with a gift
c) be fastidious
d) examine a gift carefully
Explanation: gift horse in the mouth: to show a lack of appreciation or gratitude when receiving a gift.
62. Dowry is a burning question of the day
a) a widely debated issue
b) a dying issue
c) a relevant problem
d) an irrelevant issue
Explanation: burning question: an important question that requires an answer.
63. Leaders should not only make speeches they should also be prepared to bell the cat.
a) To take lead in danger.
b) To tie bell to a cat's neck
c) To be alert of the enemy
d) To make noise
Explanation:to bell the cat: to attempt or agree to attempt an impossibly difficult task that if achieved, will benefit the entire community.
64. The popularity of the yesterday's superstar is on the wane.
a) at its peak
b) at rock bottom
c) growing more
d) growing less
Explanation: on the wane: to decrease gradually in size, number, strength, or intensity.
65. He is leaving the country for a good.
a) for better prospects
b) for a good cause
c) forever
d) for others good
Explanation:for a good: permanently.
66. To make clean breast of
a) To gain prominence
b) To praise oneself
c) To confess without of reserve
d) To destroy before it blooms
Explanation: To make clean breast of: to disclose something openly.
67. To keeps one's temper
a) To become hungry
b) To be in good mood
c) To preserve ones energy
d) To be aloof from
Explanation: To keeps one's temper: to maintain control of one's composure despite being angry or upset.
68. To catch a tartar
a) To trap wanted criminal with great difficulty
b) To catch a dangerous person
c) To meet with disaster
d) To deal with a person who is more than one's match
Explanation: To encounter or be forced to reckon with someone or something that proves more powerful, troublesome, or formidable than one expected.
69. To drive home
a) To find one's roots
b) To return to place of rest
c) Back to original position
d) To emphasise
Explanation: To drive home: give special importance or value to.
70. To have an axe to grind
a) A private end to serve
b) To fail to arouse interest
c) To have no result
d) To work for both sides
Explanation: 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
71. He passed himself off as a noble man.
a) Was regarded as
b) Pretended to be
c) Was thought to be
d) Was looked upon
Explanation: passed himself off: to try to make others believe that someone or something is something other than what the person or thing is
72. This matter has been hanging fire for the last many months and must therefore be decided one way or the other
a) going on slowly
b) hotly debated
c) stuck up
d) ignored
Explanation: hanging fire: to delay, wait, hold back, or hesitate.
73. In the armed forces, it is considered a great privilege to die in harness.
a) die on a horse back
b) die in the battlefield
c) die while still working
d) die with honour
Explanation:die in harness: to die while still at work.
74. The cricket match proved to be a big draw.
a) a keen contest
b) a huge attraction
c) a lovely spectacle
d) a game without any result
Explanation: big draw: a big source of attraction.
75. When he heard that he had once again not been selected he lost heart.
a) became desperate
b) felt sad
c) became angry
d) became discouraged
Explanation:lost heart: having lost confidence or enthusiasm.
76. The thief took to his heels when he saw a policeman on the beat.
a) had some pain in his heels
b) ran away from the scene
c) confronted the policeman
d) could not decide what to do
Explanation: took to his heels: to begin to run away.
77. He struck several bad patches before he made good.
a) came across bad soil
b) Had a bad time
c) Went through many illness
d) Had many professional difficulties
Explanation: struck several bad patches: to have bad time.
78. The accounts of the murder made her flesh creep.
a) Made her sad
b) Surprised her
c) Made her cry bitterly
d) Fill her with horror
Explanation: made her flesh creep: to cause one to feel disgusted or frightened.
79. How long will the people put up with the increasing economic hardships?
a) welcome
b) take easily
c) remain satisfied with
d) tolerate
Explanation: put up with: tolerate; endure.
80. The teacher warned the student once for all that no mischief shall be tolerated in the class.
a) authoritatively
b) finally
c) angrily
d) coldly
Explanation: once for all: now and for the last time; finally.
81. Some people now wonder whether we just pay lip service or genuinely subscribe to democracy.
a) pay oral tribute
b) attach no value
c) remain indifferent
d) show only outward respect
Explanation: pay lip service: to say that you agree with something but do nothing to support it.
82. Don't thrust your nose into my affairs.
a) Advise me about
b) Be in opposition
c) Deal with
d) Meddle officiously in
Explanation: thrust your nose: interfere in something that is not one's concern.
83. He visits the doctor off and on.
a) everyday
b) regularly
c) never at all
d) occasionally
Explanation:off and on: happening occasionally, or only for part of a period of time, not in a regular or continuous way.
84. The recent film "Secular India" has tried to keep the pot boiling for Muslim women's.
a) Earning enough to keep body and soul together
b) Keep a controversy alive
c) Boil the bill
d) Boil something in a pot
Explanation: Keep a controversy alive
85. The robber took to his heels when the police arrived.
a) opened fire
b) hid himself
c) ran off
d) surrendered
Explanation:took to his heels: to run away.
86. To cry wolf
a) To listen eagerly
b) To give false alarm
c) To turn pale
d) To keep off starvation
Explanation: To cry wolf: to ask for assistance when you don't need it.
87. To end in smoke
a) To make completely understand
b) To ruin oneself
c) To excite great applause
d) To overcome someone
Explanation: To end in smoke: to be destroyed or ruined.
88. To be above board
a) To have a good height
b) To be honest in any business deal
c) They have no debts
d) To try to be beautiful
Explanation: To be above board: business agreement which is honest and not trying to deceive anyone.
89. To put one's hand to plough
a) To take up agricultural farming
b) To take a difficult task
c) To get entangled into unnecessary things
d) Take interest in technical work
Explanation: To put one's hand to plough: to do a difficult task.
90. To pick holes
a) To find some reason to quarrel
b) To destroy something
c) To criticise someone
d) To cut some part of an item
Explanation: 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.
91. I am afraid he is burning the candle at both ends and ruining his life
a) wasting his money
b) becoming overgenerous
c) overtaxing his energies
d) losing his objectives
Explanation: burning the candle at both ends: go to bed late and get up early.
92. The university will have to shelve its plans for expansion in view of present situation
a) cancel
b) discuss
c) reconsider
d) postpone
Explanation: shelve: decide not to proceed with.
93. Do no trust a man who blows his own trumpet
a) flatters
b) praises others
c) admonishes others
d) praises himself
Explanation: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.
94. He is out and out a reactionary.
a) no more
b) thoroughly
c) in favour of
d) deadly against
Explanation: out and out: in every respect; absolute.
95. I did not mind what he was saying, he was only through his hat.
a) talking nonsense
b) talking ignorantly
c) talking irresponsibly
d) talking insultingly
Explanation:through his hat: to speak without knowing the facts.
96. I hope it will not put you out If I am late.
a) harm you
b) irritate you
c) please you
d) worry out
Explanation: put you out: to annoy or upset someone, often by what you do or say to them.
97. Govind has left his country for good.
a) for better opportunities
b) on an important mission
c) forever
d) to return soon
Explanation:for good: permanently.
98.Sanjay was the real power behind the throne and all politicians were aware of this.
a) The person who had the real control and power
b) The acknowledged leader
c) The person who controlled the monarch
d) The person who advised the queen
Explanation: power behind the throne: a person who exerts authority or influence without having formal status.
99. His friends let him down.
a) failed
b) comforted
c) succeeded
d) stood by
Explanation: let him down: fail to support or help someone as they had hoped.
100. I felt like afish out of water among all those business tycoons.
a) troubled
b) stupid
c) uncomfortable
d) inferior
Explanation: like a fish out of water: not feel comfortable or relaxed because of being in an unusual or unfamiliar situation.