In many recruitment exams, a strong grasp of idioms and phrases can significantly boost your scores. Here, we provide a comprehensive list of the 25 most important idioms and phrases that have frequently appeared in various competitive exams, along with their meanings, examples, and the specific exams where they were asked. This SEO-optimized article will help you prepare effectively and enhance your chances of success.
- Meaning: A good thing that initially seemed bad
- Example: Losing that job was a blessing in disguise; it forced me to pursue my passion.
- Exam: SSC CGL 2019
2. Beat Around the Bush
- Meaning: Avoid saying what you mean, usually because it is uncomfortable
- Example: Stop beating around the bush and tell me what happened.
- Exam: IBPS PO 2020
3. Bite the Bullet
- Meaning: To endure a painful experience
- Example: I'll just have to bite the bullet and get through this difficult time.
- Exam: UPSC Civil Services 2018
4. Break the Ice
- Meaning: To initiate conversation in a social setting
- Example: He told a joke to break the ice at the start of the meeting.
- Exam: SSC CHSL 2017
5. Caught Red-Handed
- Meaning: Caught in the act of doing something wrong
- Example: The thief was caught red-handed while stealing from the store.
- Exam: SBI Clerk 2019
6. Cut Corners
- Meaning: To do something the cheapest or easiest way
- Example: Don't cut corners on this project; quality is important.
- Exam: RRB NTPC 2020
7. Easy Come, Easy Go
- Meaning: Something gained easily is also lost easily
- Example: He didn't care much when he lost his money gambling, saying "easy come, easy go."
- Exam: SSC CPO 2018
8. Hit the Nail on the Head
- Meaning: To be exactly correct about something
- Example: You hit the nail on the head with your analysis of the problem.
- Exam: CDS 2019
9. Let the Cat Out of the Bag
- Meaning: Reveal a secret
- Example: He let the cat out of the bag about their surprise party.
- Exam: AFCAT 2020
10. Once in a Blue Moon
- Meaning: Very rarely
- Example: She visits her relatives once in a blue moon.
- Exam: SSC Stenographer 2017
11. Piece of Cake
- Meaning: Something very easy to do
- Example: The test was a piece of cake; I finished it in no time.
- Exam: IBPS Clerk 2018
12. Raining Cats and Dogs
- Meaning: Raining very heavily
- Example: It was raining cats and dogs, so we had to cancel our picnic.
- Exam: NDA 2019
13. Spill the Beans
- Meaning: To reveal secret information
- Example: Who spilled the beans about the surprise?
- Exam: RBI Grade B 2020
14. The Ball is in Your Court
- Meaning: It’s your decision to make
- Example: I've done all I can; now the ball is in your court.
- Exam: SSC MTS 2018
15. Under the Weather
- Meaning: Feeling ill
- Example: I'm feeling a bit under the weather today, so I won't be going to work.
- Exam: IBPS SO 2019
16. Hit the Sack
- Meaning: Go to bed
- Example: I'm really tired, so I'm going to hit the sack.
- Exam: SSC JE 2017
17. Bite Off More Than You Can Chew
- Meaning: To take on a task that is too big
- Example: He bit off more than he could chew with that project.
- Exam: SBI PO 2018
18. Burn the Midnight Oil
- Meaning: To work late into the night
- Example: She had to burn the midnight oil to meet the deadline.
- Exam: RRB ALP 2019
19. Cry Over Spilt Milk
- Meaning: To be upset about something that cannot be undone
- Example: There's no use crying over spilt milk; let's move on.
- Exam: SSC GD 2020
20. A Dime a Dozen
- Meaning: Very common and not valuable
- Example: Experts in this field are a dime a dozen.
- Exam: UPSC CAPF 2018
21. Throw in the Towel
- Meaning: To give up
- Example: After years of struggling, he decided to throw in the towel.
- Exam: SSC CGL 2017
22. Under the Gun
- Meaning: Under pressure to perform
- Example: He's under the gun to finish the project by tomorrow.
- Exam: IBPS RRB 2019
23. Put the Cart Before the Horse
- Meaning: To do things in the wrong order
- Example: Planning the details before agreeing on the budget is putting the cart before the horse.
- Exam: CDS 2020
24. Jump on the Bandwagon
- Meaning: To follow a trend
- Example: Everyone jumped on the bandwagon of the new fitness craze.
- Exam: AFCAT 2019
25. Break a Leg
- Meaning: Good luck
- Example: Break a leg in your performance tonight!
- Exam: SSC CHSL 2020
Conclusion
Mastering these idioms and phrases can give you an edge in various competitive exams. Make sure to understand their meanings and usage thoroughly to enhance your performance. Happy studying!
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