MCQ: Phrases and Idioms- 1 - SSC CGL MCQ

The given context is regarding the way in which the person cheated on his partner and it is certain that he is somebody who cannot be trusted for relationship and partnership at all.
 
Damp squib: A complete failure 
A broken reed: An unreliable person 
A dime a dozen: Anything that is common and easy to get 
Blessing in disguise: Something that is actually good though it is not recognized at first 
 
Among the given options, only option B makes sense here whereas all the others can be eliminated from consideration given the context of the sentence.
 
This makes option B the correct choice among the given options.

In the given context we are talking about the way in which he convinced his parents for the school trip and since he did it very quickly, it is evident that it was a very easy thing to do by his standard.

A Stalking horse: Pretence 
A slap on the wrist: A very mild punishment 
A piece of cake: Something that is very easy to achieve 
A toss-up: An uncertain result that can go either way 
Among the given options, it is clear that option C is correct in the given context as it expresses the actual meaning of the given context.
This makes option C the correct choice among the given options.

According to the given context we are talking about the critics who always criticize people but they have not done the job themselves in life.

Back to square one: Returning to the place from where one started 

Close but no cigar: Being close to accomplishing a goal but only falling short at the end 

Crying wolf: Intentionally raising a false alarm 

Back seat drivers: People who criticize from the sidelines 

From all the given options, we can see that only option D fits in the given context since it expresses the correct meaning of the given statement.

This makes option D the correct choice among the given options.

The idiom head over heels is used to imply that she was very much excited about her relationship with her boyfriend. She was overwhelmed in joy because of that relationship but it ended in despair only. Among the given options, we can choose option D since it provides us with the correct meaning of the given idiom as underlined.

This makes option D the correct choice among the given options.

The idiom by fits and starts implies doing something irregularly and without any routine or regular schedule to do that particular thing. Among the given options we can choose option B since it gives us the correct meaning of the said idiom whereas the rest can be eliminated since they are irrelevant here.

This makes option B the correct choice among the given options.

According to the given context we are talking about a person who requires physical proof or document in order to believe something.

A Doubting Thomas: Somebody who requires documentary evidence and proof to believe in something 

Bull in China shop: One who causes damage 

A drop in the bucket: A very small part of something big 

A Mare’s nest: A false invention 

A man of straw: A weak person 

According to the given context, the best idiom to be used in the blank is option A since it expresses the desired meaning perfectly.

According to the given context, it is clear that we are talking about the workers who are working tirelessly to finish an order since very little time is there for the company to get over with it.
 
A steal: A bargain that is very inexpensive 
 
Against the clock: Rushed and short on time 
 
All and sundry: Without making any distinction 
 
Add fuel to the fire: Whenever something is done in order to make a bad situation worse 
 
According to the given context, we can use option B in the blank here to express that the workers in the company are working very fast and tirelessly to deliver the order on time.

This makes option B the correct choice among the given options.

The given idiom is underlined in the heat of the moment is used to imply that something has been done without understanding the consequences and such things are normally done for being overwhelmed by the things taking place at the moment, around a person that actually snatches away the power of a person to think rationally and logically. Among the given options we can see that option D gives us the correct meaning of the idiom as underlined.

This makes option D the correct choice among the given options.

The idiom beat a dead horse implies that a matter has already been settled and there is no point to bring it up again for discussions. It is only wastage of time to gloss over the same thing again and again. Among the given options, we can easily pick out option D since it gives us the correct meaning of the underlined part whereas the rest can be eliminated for being irrelevant here.

This makes option D the correct choice among the given options.

The idiom crack someone up can be used to imply that you actually make someone laugh with something. It is regarding bringing a smile on the faces of people. Among the given options we can easily choose option D since it gives us the correct meaning of the phrase in underlined whereas the rest can be eliminated from consideration.

This makes option D the correct choice among the given options.

Get one’s head around: to understand, comprehend, apprehend, grasp, discern, recognize, interpret, get to know, fathom, get to the bottom of, come to terms with. This idiom can fit in the blank as the sentence implies that the concept is a little hard to understand.
Cry over spilt milk: regret of something that you will never be able to change. This idiom does not fit in the blank as there cannot be regret due to a concept.
Give a wide birth: stay away from (someone or something).
Hence, the correct answer is option C. 

'Pour oil on troubled waters' and 'bury the hatchet', both these idioms mean 'to make peace', this contextually fit in the blank.
'Have a blast' denotes 'have a good time'. This idiom does not contextually fit in the blank.
Hence, option B is the correct answer.

'By fits and starts' means in irregular short interval whereas 'by leaps and bounds' means rapidly. Both these idioms contextually fit in the blank.
'Between the devil and the deep sea' means to be between two dangers. This idiom does not contextually fit in the blank.
Hence, option C is the correct answer.

Options B and C are grammatically incorrect because the sentence uses ‘were’ which should be accompanied by verb in the ‘-ing’ form while these options do not use the suggested form of verb.
‘Crying wolf’ is contextually incorrect here.
‘Barking up the wrong tree’ will be suitable here as it suggests that the scientists were taking an ineffective course of action in suggesting the preventive methods.
Bark up the wrong tree : to attempt or pursue a futile course of action, often by making some kind of suggestion or request.
Stir up a hornet’s nest : to create, provoke, or trigger a dangerous, troublesome, or complicated situation.
Upset someone’s applecart : to ruin or interfere with one's plans or goals.
Cry wolf : to claim that something is happening when it really isn't.
Correct Sentence :
In the initial months of Covid-19, scientists were sometimes barking up the wrong tree in their recommendation on preventive steps.
Hence, the correct answer is option A. 

As per the meanings given below, the correct idiom will be ‘playing devil’s advocate’.
Take a rain check: postpone a plan.
Rain on someone’s parade: to spoil a moment.
Play devil’s advocate: to argue, just for the sake of it.
Play by the ear: to improvise.
Correct Sentence:
He was not agreeing to back off, as if he was playing devil’s advocate.
Hence, the correct answer is option C.