CBSE Class 4 English Idioms and Phrases MCQs

In each of the following questions, four alternatives are given for the Idiom/ Phrase printed in bold in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the Idiom/ Phrase as your answer.

Question. Anand is a nice guy, but sometimes he really gets on my nerves.
(a) Makes me nervous
(b) Shakes my self-confidence
(c) Annoys me
(d) Makes me uncomfortable
Answer : C

Question. As a student, you should catch time by the forelock.
(a) Speed up
(b) Set up clock back
(c) Slowdown
(d) Seize opportunity
Answer : D

Question. Receiving his first award was a shot in the arm for him.
(a) Something that gives encouragement
(b) Something that is painful
(c) Something that needs attention
(d) Something done with a purpose
Answer : A

Question. It is sometimes wiser to rely on horse sense than on the advice of colleagues.
(a) Advice of parents
(b) Advice of teachers
(c) Advice of colleagues
(d) Basic common sense
Answer : D

Question. Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, was a man of letters.
(a) A great letter-writer
(b) A great politician
(c) A literary person
(d) A great patriot
Answer : C

In the following questions, four alternatives are given for the Idiom/Phrase printed in bold in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase.

Question. He and his neighbour are always at loggerheads.
(a) Agree on everything
(b) Disagreeing on everything
(c) Aloof from each other
(d) Abusing each other
Answer : B

Question. I am going to stay at home because I am feeling under the weather today.
(a) Unhappy
(b) Depressed
(c) Irritated
(d) Sick
Answer : D

Question. Even in the middle of the fire he kept a level head.
(a) Was impulsive
(b) Was sensible
(c) Was crazy
(d) Was self-centred
Answer : B

Question. The winning team decided to go for the jugular in the last quarter of the match.
(a) Forfeit the match
(b) Give easy opportunities to the opposite team
(c) Give reserve players a chance
(d) Attack all out
Answer : D

Question. Everybody thought Asha and Ashok were a happy couple, but it was all just make believe.
(a) Hatred
(b) Treachery
(c) Reality
(d) Pretence
Answer : D

Question.
A: Can you help me?
B: Sure, I’ll be finished with this in a second.
(a) Be thorough
(b) Be satisfied
(c) Be exhausted
(d) Be through
Answer : D

Question. I have a feeling in my gut that her husband is cheating her.
(a) Strong instinct
(b) Slight hint
(c) Lot of Proof
(d) Strong fear
Answer : A

Question. Out of sorts
(a) Not rich
(b) Out of reach
(c) Out of sight
(d) Not well
Answer : D

Question. To keep the wolf away from the door
(a) To keep off starvation
(b) To guard against wild animals
(c) To guard against enemies
(d) To keep aloof from disputed matters
Answer : A

Question. The future of Kashmir is still a vexed question.
(a) Controversial
(b) None of the given options
(c) Important
(d) confused
Answer : A

Question. A golden mean
(a) Comfortable and easy work
(b) Middle course between two extremes
(c) A sudden sad event
(d) A subject of contention
Answer : B

Question. I have clean hands, so why should I be afraid of any one.
(a) Beautiful
(b) Faulty
(c) Innocent
(d) Hygienic
Answer : C

In each of the following questions, four alternatives are given for the Idiom/ Phrase printed in bold in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the Idiom/ Phrase as your answer.

Question. I have taken fancy to this car.
(a) Given imaginative touches
(b) Revised
(c) Developed liking for
(d) Improved
Answer : C

Question. Carry out
(a) Bring
(b) Continue
(c) Complete something
(d) To take in
Answer : C

Question. He beats about the bush.
(a) Talks sensibly
(b) Talks continuously
(c) Speak well
(d) Does not talk specifically
Answer : D

In each of the following questions, four alternatives are given for the Idiom/ Phrase printed in bold in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the Idiom/ Phrase as your answer.

Question. He has made a dog’s breakfast of these accounts.
(a) A breakfast for the dogs
(b) An accurate summary
(c) A total mess
(d) A breakfast being served by the dogs
Answer : C

Question. A Sacred Cow
(a) A person never to be criticised
(b) A saintly person
(c) A helpful person
(d) A very religious person
Answer : A

Question. You will be reminded of the seamy side of life if you visit the slum tenements.
(a) The unpleasant aspects
(b) The gentler aspects
(c) The softer aspects
(d) The pleasanter aspects
Answer : A

Question. To shun evil company.
(a) To kick Out evil company
(b) To let loose evil company
(c) To give up evil company
(d) To put off evil company
Answer : C

In the following questions, four alternatives are given for the Idiom/Phrase written in bold in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase.

Question. To set the Thames on fire
(a) Do a heroic deed
(b) Do something to suit one’s own purpose
(c) To bum someone alive
(d) Destroy with fire
Answer : A

Question. You cannot expect even a single penny from him, he is a closefisted man.
(a) Miser
(b) Boxer
(c) Courageous
(d) Generous
Answer : A

Question. 15th August is a red-letter day in the history of India.
(a) An important day
(b) Blood-donation day
(c) Holiday
(d) A historical occasion
Answer : A

In each of the following questions, four alternatives are given for the Idiom/ Phrase printed in bold in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the Idiom/ Phrase as your answer.

Question. Television has become part and parcel of our lives.
(a) Status symbol
(b) Unavoidable luxury
(c) Important part
(d) Showy part
Answer : C

Question. My kith and kin congratulated me on my brilliant success.
(a) Niece and nephew
(b) Father and mother
(c) Relatives
(d) Colleagues
Answer : C

Question. His frequent Journeys are telling upon his health.
(a) Threatening
(b) Improving
(c) Informing
(d) Affecting
Answer : D

In the following questions, four alternatives are given for the Idiom/Phrase printed in bold in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase.

Question. To get into hot waters.
(a) To be impatient
(b) To suffer loss
(c) To get into trouble
(d) To be in a confused state of mind
Answer : C

Question. My student is one who knows how many beans make five.
(a) Knows mathematical calculations
(b) Is fiercely loyal
(c) Well informed and intelligent
(d) Is accurate and precise
Answer : C

Question. I can work for six hours at a stretch.
(a) Continuously
(b) Occasionally
(c) Maximum
(d) Minimum
Answer : A

Question. 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
Answer : C 

Question. Our fleet bore down upon the enemy.
(a) moved quickly backwards
(b) Moved quickly to the left
(c) Moved quickly to the right
(d) Moved quickly towards
Answer : D

Question. The rock concert proved to be a big draw.
(a) Favourite
(b) Huge attraction
(c) Gain
(d) Big bang
Answer : B

Question. Look sharp or you will miss the opportunity.
(a) Be confident
(b) Pay attention
(c) Take control
(d) Make haste
Answer : B

Question. Our old Rolls Royce has become a white elephant.
(a) A costly but useless possession
(b) Antique item or possession
(c) Any traditional possession
(d) A unique item or possession
Answer : A

Question. Since the children were young, their parents have always taught them to cut one’s coat according to one’s cloth.
(a) Be thrifty
(b) Live life to the full
(c) Live within one’s means
(d) Be fair
Answer : C

Question. The lawyer’s closing arguments were full of red herrings.
(a) Sound judgement
(b) References and allusions to previous crimes
(c) Clues intended to distract or mislead
(d) Loopholes
Answer : C

In each of the following questions, four alternatives are given for the Idiom/ Phrase printed in bold. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase as your answer.

Question. Raman was on cloud nine when she heard that she had won the lottery.
(a) Frustrated
(b) Very happy
(c) Shocked
(d) Confused
Answer : B

Question. My brother puts by a little money every month.
(a) Saves
(b) Loses
(c) Gives away
(d) Spends carefully
Answer : A

Question. I was in two minds whether to buy a new television or a new computer.
(a) To be firm
(b) To be undecided
(c) To take two decisions
(d) To lose one’s mind
Answer : B

Question. To call it a day
(a) Put off work for another day
(b) The day was marvellous
(c) Decide to finish working
(d) Give the day a name
Answer : C

In each of the following questions, four alternatives are given for the Idiom/ Phrase printed in bold. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase as your answer.

Question. To make up one’s mind.
(a) To decide what to do
(b) To remember things clearly
(c) To remind oneself of something
(d) To think creatively
Answer : A

Question. International monetary affairs are governed by the gnomes of Zurich.
(a) Witchcraft of Zurich
(b) Foreign leaders
(c) Big international bankers
(d) Guardians of treasure
Answer : C

Question. To put in a nut-shell.
(a) To be long and exhaustive about something
(b) To state something very concisely
(c) To place something
(d) To be blunt about something
Answer : B

Question. Nowadays it has become a fashion to take French Leave.
(a) Seeking permission from French Embassy
(b) Saying goodbye in French style
(c) Absenting oneself without permission
(d) Taking leave to go to France
Answer : C

In the following questions, four alternatives are given for the Idiom/Phrase printed in bold. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the Idiom/ Phrase.

Question. To be in a quandary
(a) To be in a confusing situation
(b) To be in an unenviable position
(c) To be on the alert
(d) To be in a commanding position
Answer : A

Question. A false friend never hesitates to shed crocodile tears.
(a) To move from one place to another
(b) To show false happiness
(c) To feel disappointed
(d) To pretend to be sympathetic
Answer : D

Question. Take the bull by the horns is
(a) To be helpful
(b) To win the battle
(c) To be sensitive
(d) To face a difficulty courageously
Answer : D

Question. Sail in the same boat
(a) Be In the same situation
(b) Suspect something uncanny
(c) Suspect something wrong
(d) Be in a different situation
Answer : A

In each of the following questions, four alternatives are given for the Idiom/ Phrase printed in bold. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase as your answer.

Question. Rohini reached the examination hall in the nick of time.
(a) Just after time
(b) Just in time
(c) very late
(d) Just before time
Answer : B

Question. To be down to earth.
(a) To be unreasonable
(b) To be pretentious
(c) To be realistic
(d) To be Impractical
Answer : C

Question. This argument does not hold water.
(a) Seem rejectable
(b) Seem logical
(c) Seem approvable
(d) Seem acceptable
Answer : D

Question. The truant school boy told cockand- bull stories to escape punishment.
(a) Drab and boring
(b) Authentic and realistic
(c) Interesting and thrilling
(d) Absurd and unbelievable
Answer : D

In the following questions, four alternatives are given for the Idiom/Phrase printed in bold in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase.

Question. She paid a flying visit to Mumbai to see her ailing father.
(a) Went by aeroplane
(b) A very long visit
(c) A very short visit
(d) A surprise visit
Answer : C

Question. To take after
(a) To remove
(b) To resemble
(c) To cheat
(d) To write down
Answer : B

Question. Have a finger in every pie
(a) To be greedy
(b) To be meddlesome
(c) To be efficient
(d) To be quarrelsome
Answer : B

Question. The Jury is out
(a) No decision has been reached
(b) A jury member is absent
(c) The entire jury decides to stay out of the proceedings
(d) The jury has taken a break between hearings
Answer : A