Test: Idioms And Proverbs- 2 - Mechanical Engineering MCQ

To make a clean breast of it' means to confess to one's mistakes or transgressions, to tell the truth about oneself. Therefore option C is the correct answer.

The phrase "to keep one's temper" means to remain calm and not become angry. It refers to controlling one's emotions and maintaining composure in situations that might otherwise provoke anger.

The correct answer is To catch a dangerous person​​.
Key Points

• Let's look at the meaning of the given idiom:
  • To catch a tartar- to deal with someone or something that proves unexpectedly troublesome or powerful
• Example: 
  • Now that she finally agreed to meet with you, you just might find that you've caught a tartar.​

The idiom 'to drive home' means to emphasize an important point about something to someone. You state it in a very forceful and effective way so it is well delivered to the other end.

Option A is the correct answer because 'to have an axe to grind' means to have a private reason for doing or being involved in something.
Options B, C and D are incorrect because these are not the correct meanings of the given phrase. 
Option E is incorrect because the correct answer has already been chosen.
 

To cry wolf is an idiom that originates from Aesop's fable "The Boy Who Cried Wolf." It refers to the act of giving false alarms or raising unnecessary alarms, causing others to become skeptical or dismissive when a real threat or danger is present. The phrase is often used to describe situations where someone repeatedly exaggerates or fabricates stories or issues, leading to a loss of credibility. The idiom can be interpreted in different ways, but the most common meaning is "to give false alarm."
Here is a detailed explanation of the different options:
A: To listen eagerly
- This option does not accurately represent the meaning of the idiom "to cry wolf." It is not about listening eagerly but rather about the act of giving false alarms.
B: To give false alarm
- This option correctly represents the meaning of the idiom "to cry wolf." It refers to the act of repeatedly giving false alarms or raising unnecessary alarms.
C: To turn pale
- This option does not accurately represent the meaning of the idiom "to cry wolf." It is not about turning pale but rather about the act of giving false alarms.
D: To keep off starvation
- This option does not accurately represent the meaning of the idiom "to cry wolf." It is not about keeping off starvation but rather about the act of giving false alarms.
In conclusion, the correct answer is b. To give false alarm. This idiom is often used to caution against repeatedly exaggerating or fabricating stories or issues, as it can lead to a loss of credibility and make it difficult for others to trust or take the person seriously when a real threat or danger arises.

The phrase 'to end in smoke' means to be destroyed or ruined, often used metaphorically to describe something that has failed or come to nothing, leaving behind only the remnants (like smoke).

This aligns with:

• Option B, which accurately represents this meaning.

To be above board: business agreement which is honest and not trying to deceive anyone.

Option B is the correct answer because 'to put one's hand to the plough' means to begin or undertake a difficult task.

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.

Definition of leave (someone) in the lurch
: to leave (someone) without help or protection when it is needed

To play a supporting or minor role in relation to someone else: “Tired of playing second fiddle, she resigned and started her own company.” In an orchestra, the position of second violinist (fiddle) is not as glamorous as that of first violinist.

The phrase "to beg the question" is a logical fallacy that involves assuming the truth of the conclusion within the premises themselves, without providing actual evidence or argument. It is a form of circular reasoning where the argument's validity depends on the very conclusion it seeks to prove. In modern usage, it is often misinterpreted as "prompting or raising a question" but traditionally means "to take something for granted" without proper justification.

The term "black sheep" is an idiom used to describe a person who is considered a disgrace or an odd one out within a group, especially within a family. It does not refer to luck (unlucky or lucky) or to someone who does not take a share of the profits. Instead, it implies someone who does not fit in with the rest of the group or who brings shame to the group.

'A man of straw' is a man whose character is weak and who lacks definite beliefs; a man of no substance. Therefore option A is the correct answer. 
Options B, C and D are incorrect because these are not the correct meanings of the given phrase.

To smell a rat: to suspect or realize that something is wrong in a particular situation.

To hit the nail right on the head: to describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem

Definition: "To set one's face against" means to oppose with determination or to be strongly against something or someone.

To understand the meaning of the phrase "to set one's face against," we need to analyze the given options and choose the most appropriate one.
Option A: To oppose with determination:
- This option accurately describes the meaning of the phrase.
- It implies taking a firm stance against something or someone.
- When someone sets their face against something, they are determined to oppose it.
Option B: To judge by appearance:
- This option does not reflect the meaning of the phrase.
- "To set one's face against" is not related to judging someone based on their appearance.
Option C: To get out of difficulty:
- This option does not reflect the meaning of the phrase.
- "To set one's face against" is about opposition, not finding a way out of a difficult situation.
Option D: To look at one steadily:
- This option does not reflect the meaning of the phrase.
- "To set one's face against" is about opposition, not staring at someone steadily.
Conclusion:
Based on the analysis of the given options, the most suitable answer is Option A: To oppose with determination. This option accurately represents the meaning of the phrase "to set one's face against."

The phrase 'tipped off' means to give someone secret or advance information about something. In this context, it implies that:

• The police received prior information about Sobhraj's activities.
• This information enabled them to arrest him easily.

Explanation:
The phrase "gave me the cold shoulder" is an idiomatic expression that means to ignore or treat someone with indifference. In this context, the person being referred to met someone after a long time, but instead of engaging or showing warmth, the person ignored them.
Options:
A: Scolded me - This option does not align with the given context as scolding involves expressing disapproval or criticism, which is different from ignoring someone.
B: Insulted me - This option also does not fit the context as insulting someone involves saying or doing something disrespectful or offensive, which is different from ignoring someone.
C: Abused me - This option is not applicable in the given context as abuse refers to the act of mistreating someone physically, emotionally, or verbally, which is different from ignoring someone.
D: Ignored me - This option accurately reflects the meaning of the phrase "gave me the cold shoulder" as it implies being treated with indifference or being disregarded.
Therefore, option D, "ignored me," is the correct answer that best fits the given context.

The given sentence states that he passed himself off as a noble man. To find the correct answer choice, let's understand the meaning of the phrase "passed himself off as" which means to pretend to be someone else or to assume a false identity.

The correct answer is Option B: pretended to be because it accurately conveys the meaning of the original sentence.

Let's analyze the other answer choices:

• Option A: was regarded as - This implies that others considered him to be a noble man, but it does not capture the element of deception or pretense present in the original sentence.


• Option C: was thought to be - This suggests that others had a belief or opinion about him being a noble man, but it does not convey the idea of pretending or assuming a false identity.


• Option D: was looked upon - This implies that others had a certain perception or view of him, but it does not specifically indicate pretending or assuming a false identity.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: pretended to be as it accurately represents the intended meaning of the original sentence.

'Hanging fire' means to delay, wait, hold back, or hesitate. For example, if a project is hanging fire, it is:

• Moving slowly
• Not making progress

The phrase 'die in harness' means dying while still actively engaged in one's duties or service. This is considered a great privilege in the armed forces.

The phrase big draw refers to something that attracts a large audience or interest. In this context:

• It signifies a significant attraction.
• The term is often used to describe events or features that engage many people.

Thus, option B is the correct answer, as it implies a huge attraction.

The phrase 'lost heart' means having lost confidence or enthusiasm. Among the options:

• 'became discouraged' best captures this meaning as it directly relates to losing confidence.
• The other options describe different emotional states that do not precisely match the context of losing heart.