Idioms and Phrases | General Aptitude for GATE - Mechanical Engineering PDF Download

This document explains common idiomatic expressions and phrases in English, providing their meanings and usage examples. It highlights how idioms add creativity and depth to communication by conveying meanings beyond their literal interpretations. The document serves as a helpful guide for understanding and using these expressions in everyday conversations.

Example Idioms

1. TO BUCK THE TREND

2. TOYING WITH SOMETHING

Meaning: Amuse oneself idly (can involve manipulating someone or something)
Usage: Though our current finances are running low, we are toying with the idea of going on a world tour.

3. ROSE UP AGAINST

Meaning: To rebel against someone or something
Usage: During  Arab spring in 2011, many Middle east countries saw their general populations rising up against authoritarian governments.

4. GAVE BIRTH TO

​Meaning: Cause it or start to exist
Usage: His hobby gave birth to a very successful business.

5. UNLEASHED THE ARMY OF

Meaning: Horrible attack against an enemy
Usage: The celebrity's contentious statement on Twitter unleashed the troll army's fury.

6. BORNE THAT OUT

Meaning: Support or prove or claim an idea
Usage: Nostradamus predicted the end of the world in 2012. Thank god the reality doesn't bear out the predictions.

7. STAY IN BUSINESS

​Meaning: Continue what was monetarily viable
Usage: One must be ready to innovate if one wants to stay in business for the long run.

8. PUBLIC SQUARE

Meaning: It is a street corner, a park, or a sidewalk. Also, a public square is any place where one has the freedom to walk and talk.
Usage: Many websites are rebuilding public squares digitally where people, during an emergency, can contact others.

9. PUT SOMETHING DOWN

Meaing: Note down, record something in writing. or to put an end to something
Usage: After constant badgering from her colleagues, she had to put it down by taking a stand.

10. THE LION'S SHARE

Meaning: The major share of something
Usage: She didn't take any initiative, however, she got the lion's share of the attention from the management.

11. IN THE PALM OF HAND

​Meaning: Easily accessible, control, have great influence
Usage: Her boyfriend will do anything for her; she's got him in the palm of her hand.

12. LOOK UPTO HIM

​Meaning: Admire or respect someone
Usage: Students generally look up to their teachers, therefore, a teacher must behave responsibly.

13. STUMBLED OVER

​Meaning: come across through accident or nearly fall by tripping or missing a step
Usage: The auditor stumbled across a major fraud during a routine financial review of the company.