Idioms and Phrases | Verbal Ability (VA) & Reading Comprehension (RC) - CAT PDF Download

1. TO BUCK THE TREND
Meaning: Being or appearing different from the rest.
Usage: Although share market is not doing well these days, few wealth management companies are bucking the trend and delivering good results to their investors.
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 unleased 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 borne 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, 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:  er 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 responsibily.
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.