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All questions of Idioms for Class 10 Exam

Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the underlined idiom/ phrase.
How long will the people put up with the increasing economic hardships?
  • a)
    Welcome
  • b)
    Take easily
  • c)
    Remain satisfied with
  • d)
    Tolerate
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Headway Institute answered
Explanation:
The idiom "put up with" means to tolerate or endure something, especially something unpleasant or challenging. In the given sentence, it is being asked how long people will continue to tolerate the increasing economic hardships.

- Option A: Welcome - This option is incorrect, as "welcome" means to greet or receive someone or something gladly, which is not the meaning of "put up with."
- Option B: Take easily - This option is also incorrect, as "take easily" implies that people can easily accept or adapt to the hardships, which is not the same as tolerating them.
- Option C: Remain satisfied with - This option is not correct, as "remain satisfied with" implies being content with the situation, whereas "put up with" suggests enduring the situation despite its difficulties.
- Option D: Tolerate - This option is correct, as it accurately captures the meaning of "put up with" in this context. People are tolerating the increasing economic hardships, despite the challenges they pose.

So, the correct alternative is D: Tolerate.
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Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of underlined idiom/phrase.
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
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Deepak Iyer answered
Answer: B: Pretended to beExplanation:- The idiom "passed himself off" means to pretend to be someone or something that one is not.- In this context, the person is pretending to be a noble man when he is not one.- Therefore, the correct alternative is B: Pretended to be.

Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of underlined idiom/phrase.
Despite the trust bestowed on the minister, he turned out to be a snake in the grass during the revolution.
  • a)
    A secret enemy
  • b)
    A treacherous person
  • c)
    An unforeseen danger
  • d)
    An unexpected misfortune​
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Deepak Iyer answered
Answer: A: A secret enemyExplanation:The idiom "a snake in the grass" refers to someone who appears to be trustworthy and friendly but turns out to be deceitful or harmful. In this context, the minister was trusted by others, but he proved to be a secret enemy during the revolution. - A secret enemy: Someone who pretends to be trustworthy and friendly but is actually deceitful or harmful.- A treacherous person: Although this option is closely related to the meaning of the idiom, it does not capture the aspect of being a secret enemy, which is the primary focus of the idiom.- An unforeseen danger: This option does not directly relate to the meaning of the idiom, which focuses on a person's deceptive nature rather than an abstract danger.- An unexpected misfortune: This option also does not directly relate to the meaning of the idiom, as it refers to an unfortunate event rather than a person's deceitful nature.

Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the underlined idiom/ phrase.
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
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Learnever Education answered
Answer: D
Explanation:
The idiom "struck several bad patches" means to experience several difficult or challenging situations, especially in a professional context. In the given sentence, it implies that the person faced multiple professional difficulties before finding success. The correct alternative that expresses the meaning of the idiom is:
  • Had many professional difficulties

Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of underlined idiom/phrase.
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
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Clifford Academy answered
Answer: B
Explanation:
  • The idiom "big draw" means something that attracts a large number of people or generates a lot of interest.
  • In the context of the cricket match, it implies that the match was a huge attraction, drawing a large audience or generating a lot of interest among fans.
  • Therefore, the correct answer is B: A huge attraction.

Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of underlined idiom/phrase.
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​
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Learnever Education answered
The correct answer is A: Going on slowly.Explanation:The idiom "hanging fire" refers to a situation or matter that is unresolved or delayed for a long period of time. In the given sentence, the matter has been hanging fire for many months, which means that it has been going on slowly and hasn't been resolved yet. Therefore, the best alternative that expresses the meaning of the underlined idiom is:- Going on slowly - The matter has not been resolved - It has been delayed for a long period of time - The idiom conveys a sense of slow progress or inaction

Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the underlined idiom/ phrase.
Women should be paid the same as men when they do the same job, for, surely what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.
  • a)
    What is thought suitable pay for a man should also be for a woman
  • b)
    Goose and the gander eat the same sauce
  • c)
    Both goose and gander should be equally treated
  • d)
    The principle of equal treatment should be implemented
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Headway Institute answered
The correct answer is A: What is thought suitable pay for a man should also be for a woman.

Explanation:

The idiom "what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander" means that what is appropriate or suitable for one person should also be appropriate or suitable for another person in the same situation. In this context, the phrase is used to emphasize that women should receive equal pay as men when they perform the same job.

Breaking down the meaning:

- The idiom refers to the idea of fairness and equality.
- In the given sentence, the "goose" represents women, and the "gander" represents men.
- The "sauce" symbolizes the pay or treatment that each gender receives.
- The sentence argues that if men receive a certain pay for a job, women should receive the same pay when they do the same job.

Therefore, option A best expresses the meaning of the underlined idiom/phrase in the context of the sentence.

Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the underlined idiom/ phrase.
He sold his house for a song.
  • a)
    At a reasonable price 
  • b)
    At a discount
  • c)
    Very cheaply
  • d)
    At a premium
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Clifford Academy answered
Answer: C: Very cheaply
Explanation:
  • The idiom "for a song" means to sell or buy something at a very low price.
  • In this case, the phrase "He sold his house for a song" implies that he sold his house at a very cheap price.

Choose the correct meaning of the given proverb/idiom.
To smell a rat
  • a)
    To see signs of plague epidemic
  • b)
    To get bad small of a bad dead rat
  • c)
    To suspect foul dealings
  • d)
    To be in a bad mood
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Deepak Iyer answered
Answer: C: To suspect foul dealingsExplanation:- The idiom "to smell a rat" is used when someone suspects that something is wrong or that there are dishonest or deceitful activities happening.- It does not literally mean smelling a dead rat or seeing signs of a plague epidemic.- This idiom is often used in situations where someone feels that something is not as it seems or that there might be hidden motives behind certain actions.- It also does not refer to being in a bad mood.

Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of underlined idiom/phrase.
Sobhraj could be easily arrested because the police were tipped off in advance
  • a)
    Toppled over
  • b)
    Bribed
  • c)
    Given advance information
  • d)
    Threatened
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Deepak Iyer answered
The correct answer is C: Given advance information.Explanation: The phrase "tipped off" means to provide someone with confidential or insider information about a specific event or situation. In this case, the police were "tipped off" in advance, meaning they were given advance information about Sobhraj, which allowed them to easily arrest him.

Choose the correct meaning of the given proverb/idiom.
To cry wolf
  • a)
    To listen eagerly 
  • b)
    To give false alarm
  • c)
    To turn pale
  • d)
    To keep off starvation
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Learnever Education answered
Answer: B. To give a false alarmExplanation:- The idiom "to cry wolf" is derived from the Aesop's fable "The Boy Who Cried Wolf."- It means to raise a false alarm or to repeatedly warn others about a danger that doesn't actually exist.- When someone "cries wolf" too often, people may stop taking their warnings seriously, even when there is a real threat.- This idiom is often used to criticize people who are dishonest, exaggerate, or constantly seek attention in a dishonest way.

Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of underlined idiom/phrase.
He was undecided. He let the grass grow under his feet.
  • a)
    Loitered around
  • b)
    Stayed out
  • c)
    Sat unmoving
  • d)
    Moved away
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Clifford Academy answered
The correct answer is A: Loitered around.Explanation:- The idiom "let the grass grow under his feet" means to waste time or to delay taking action.- In this context, the person was undecided and instead of making a decision, he wasted time or loitered around.- So, the alternative that best expresses the meaning of the idiom is "Loitered around".

Choose the correct meaning of the given proverb/idiom.
To set one's face against
  • a)
    To oppose with determination
  • b)
    To judge by appearance
  • c)
    To get out of difficulty
  • d)
    To look at one steadily
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Clifford Academy answered
Answer: A. To oppose with determinationExplanation:- The idiom "to set one's face against" means to strongly oppose or be determined against something or someone.- It indicates a firm and resolute stand against a particular issue, person, or situation.- This expression conveys the idea of having a strong resolve or commitment to not support or endorse a specific matter.In summary, "to set one's face against" implies taking a strong and unyielding stance against something or someone, demonstrating a sense of determination and opposition.

Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the underlined idiom/ phrase.
The party stalwarts have advised the President to take it lying down for a while.
  • a)
    To be cautious
  • b)
    To be on the defensive
  • c)
    To take rest
  • d)
    To show no reaction
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Learnever Education answered
Explanation:
The idiom "to take it lying down" means:
  • To accept something without protest or resistance
  • To show no reaction or opposition to a situation or event
Thus, the correct alternative is D: To show no reaction.

Choose the correct meaning of the given proverb/idiom.
To end in smoke
  • a)
    To make completely understand
  • b)
    To ruin oneself
  • c)
    To excite great applause
  • d)
    To overcome someone
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Deepak Iyer answered
Answer: B. To ruin oneselfExplanation:- The proverb/idiom "to end in smoke" refers to the situation when something fails or becomes useless.- It implies that all efforts put into a project or goal have gone to waste and yielded no results.- This phrase is often used to describe a disappointing outcome or a failed venture.Examples:1. After months of preparation, their business plan ended in smoke because of a lack of funding.2. He put all his savings into the stock market, but it ended in smoke when the market crashed.

Choose the correct meaning of the given proverb/idiom.
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
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Deepak Iyer answered
Answer: A. To have an axe to grind- Meaning: A private end to serve- Explanation: * The phrase "to have an axe to grind" refers to having a personal motive or hidden agenda for doing something. * It implies that a person is promoting a particular cause or idea, not because it is inherently right or beneficial, but because they stand to gain from it. * This idiom is often used to describe situations where someone is advocating for a specific outcome, while concealing their true intentions or personal interest.

Choose the correct meaning of the given proverb/idiom.
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
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Headway Institute answered
Answer: CExplanation:The idiom "to make a clean breast of" means:- To confess without reserve- To admit one's mistakes or wrongdoings- To be completely honest about a situation or issueThis expression is often used when someone is disclosing something they have been hiding or when they are being completely open about a situation.

Choose the correct meaning of the given proverb/idiom.
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
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Headway Institute answered
Answer: B. To catch a dangerous person

Explanation:
- The idiom "to catch a tartar" means to catch or confront a dangerous or formidable person.
- The phrase is often used when someone is dealing with an individual who is more challenging or difficult than they initially anticipated.
- The idiom conveys the idea that the person has gotten involved with someone who might be a potential threat or cause trouble for them.
- It is derived from the historical Tartar people, who were known for their fierce fighting skills and military prowess.

Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of underlined idiom/phrase.
I met him after a long time, but he gave me the cold shoulder.
  • a)
    Scolded me
  • b)
    Insulted me
  • c)
    Abused me
  • d)
    Ignored me
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Learnever Education answered
Answer: D: Ignored meExplanation:- The idiom "the cold shoulder" refers to a situation where someone intentionally ignores or avoids another person.- In the given sentence, the person met someone after a long time, but instead of being friendly or welcoming, the other person ignored them.- Thus, the correct alternative that expresses the meaning of "the cold shoulder" is D: Ignored me.

Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of underlined idiom/phrase.
He is an interesting speaker but tends to go off at a tangent.
  • a)
    Change the subject immediately
  • b)
    Forget things in between
  • c)
    Go on at great length
  • d)
    Become boisterous
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Deepak Iyer answered
The correct answer is A: Change the subject immediately.Explanation:The idiom "go off at a tangent" means to suddenly change the subject or start talking about something unrelated to the main topic of discussion. In this context, the speaker is interesting but tends to change the subject immediately. - A: Change the subject immediately - Correct. This is the meaning of the idiom "go off at a tangent."- B: Forget things in between - Incorrect. The idiom does not imply forgetting things.- C: Go on at great length - Incorrect. The idiom does not suggest talking at length; it refers to changing the subject.- D: Become boisterous - Incorrect. The idiom does not relate to becoming loud or noisy.

Choose the correct meaning of the given proverb/idiom.
To drive home
  • a)
    To find one's roots
  • b)
    To return to place of rest
  • c)
    Back to original position
  • d)
    To emphasise
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Learnever Education answered
Answer: D - To emphasise
The idiom "to drive home" means:
  • To make a point clear or emphasize it effectively
  • To ensure that a message, idea, or concept is fully understood by someone
  • Often used in the context of communication, teaching, or persuasion
Example: The teacher used several examples to drive home the importance of studying for the upcoming exam.

Choose the correct meaning of the given proverb/idiom.
To smell a rat
  • a)
    To see signs of plague epidemic
  • b)
    To get bad small of a bad dead rat
  • c)
    To suspect foul dealings
  • d)
    To be in a bad mood
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Clifford Academy answered
Answer: CExplanation:The idiom "to smell a rat" means: - To suspect foul dealings- To feel that something is not right or there is some dishonesty or deception involved- To have a sense of suspicion, doubt or distrust about a situation or someone's actionsThis expression does not refer to the literal smell of a dead rat, a bad mood, or signs of a plague epidemic, but rather to a feeling of suspicion or doubt in a situation.

Choose the correct meaning of the given proverb/idiom.
To keep one's temper
  • a)
    To become hungry
  • b)
    To be in good mood
  • c)
    To preserve ones energy
  • d)
    To be aloof from
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Learnever Education answered
Answer: B - To be in a good moodExplanation:The idiom "to keep one's temper" means:- To maintain a calm and composed state of mind- To control one's anger or irritation- To not let negative emotions affect one's mood or behavior

Choose the correct meaning of the given proverb/idiom.
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
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Learnever Education answered
Answer: B. To be above boardThe idiom "to be above board" means:- To be honest in any business deal- To act with integrity and transparency- To be open and fair in dealings with othersThis expression originates from card games, where players would keep their hands above the table (board) to show they weren't cheating or hiding anything. Nowadays, it is used in various contexts to describe honest and transparent behavior.

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