SSC CGL Idioms and Phrases Questions
9 questions on Idioms and Phrases for SSC CGL. Each comes with the correct answer and a worked explanation.
- Questions
- 9
- Moderate
- 9
Idioms and Phrases questions with solutions
Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. A piece of cake
- (A)A sweet memory
- (B)Something very expensive
- (C)Something very easy to do
- (D)A small reward
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: (C) Something very easy to do
The idiom 'a piece of cake' is used figuratively and means "something very easy to do". Its meaning cannot be worked out from the literal sense of the individual words, which is why the other options are incorrect.
Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. Once in a blue moon
- (A)At midnight
- (B)Very rarely
- (C)Every month
- (D)Very frequently
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: (B) Very rarely
The idiom 'once in a blue moon' is used figuratively and means "very rarely". Its meaning cannot be worked out from the literal sense of the individual words, which is why the other options are incorrect.
Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. To break the ice
- (A)To make a serious mistake
- (B)To cool something quickly
- (C)To end a friendship
- (D)To start a conversation in an awkward situation
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: (D) To start a conversation in an awkward situation
The idiom 'to break the ice' is used figuratively and means "to start a conversation in an awkward situation". Its meaning cannot be worked out from the literal sense of the individual words, which is why the other options are incorrect.
Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. To hit the nail on the head
- (A)To miss an opportunity
- (B)To hurt oneself badly
- (C)To work very hard
- (D)To say exactly the right thing
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: (D) To say exactly the right thing
The idiom 'to hit the nail on the head' is used figuratively and means "to say exactly the right thing". Its meaning cannot be worked out from the literal sense of the individual words, which is why the other options are incorrect.
Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. To let the cat out of the bag
- (A)To free a prisoner
- (B)To lose one's temper
- (C)To reveal a secret
- (D)To waste money
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: (C) To reveal a secret
The idiom 'to let the cat out of the bag' is used figuratively and means "to reveal a secret". Its meaning cannot be worked out from the literal sense of the individual words, which is why the other options are incorrect.
Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. Under the weather
- (A)Out of money
- (B)Feeling slightly ill
- (C)Extremely happy
- (D)Caught in the rain
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: (B) Feeling slightly ill
The idiom 'under the weather' is used figuratively and means "feeling slightly ill". Its meaning cannot be worked out from the literal sense of the individual words, which is why the other options are incorrect.
Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. To burn the midnight oil
- (A)To work or study late into the night
- (B)To start a fire
- (C)To waste resources
- (D)To sleep early
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: (A) To work or study late into the night
The idiom 'to burn the midnight oil' is used figuratively and means "to work or study late into the night". Its meaning cannot be worked out from the literal sense of the individual words, which is why the other options are incorrect.
Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. To beat around the bush
- (A)To avoid talking about the main point
- (B)To argue loudly
- (C)To clear a garden
- (D)To win easily
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: (A) To avoid talking about the main point
The idiom 'to beat around the bush' is used figuratively and means "to avoid talking about the main point". Its meaning cannot be worked out from the literal sense of the individual words, which is why the other options are incorrect.
Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. To call it a day
- (A)To name a holiday
- (B)To celebrate a success
- (C)To stop working for the day
- (D)To begin a new task
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: (C) To stop working for the day
The idiom 'to call it a day' is used figuratively and means "to stop working for the day". Its meaning cannot be worked out from the literal sense of the individual words, which is why the other options are incorrect.
Frequently asked questions
How many SSC CGL Idioms and Phrases questions can I practise here?
9 questions — 9 moderate. 9 are shown on this page with answers and explanations, and the practice set draws from all of them.
How should I practise Idioms and Phrases for SSC CGL?
Read through a few solved questions first to see the method, then take a timed practice set. Afterwards, check which questions you got wrong or spent longest on and redo those before moving on.