English Quiz 9 based on Phrase replacement Quiz for Banks and SSC exam

Exp. The idiom given in bold is incorrect and thus requires a replacement. “Cheek by jowl” means close together. Therefore, it should be replaced with option (a) “under the weather”. “under the weather” means slightly unwell or in low spirits. All the other idioms fail to make the sentence contextually meaningful.

Heads with roll means something that is said to mean that people will be punished for something bad that has happened.

Dutch courage means strength or confidence gained from drinking alcohol.

Yeoman’s service efficient or useful help in need.

Exp. The idiom given in bold is incorrect and thus requires a replacement. “in cold blood” means close together. Therefore, it should be replaced with option (c) “at sea”. “At sea” means Perplexed, bewildered or puzzled. All the other idioms fail to make the sentence contextually meaningful. Hence, option (c) is the most viable choice.

Off and on means intermittently; now and then.

Take after means resemble (a parent or ancestor).

Token strike means a situation in which a group of workers refuses to work, but only for a short period.

Exp. The phrase given in bold is correct and doesn’t require any further correction or replacement. It perfectly fits into the sentence making it coherent. The phrase to be ‘shaking in your shoes’ is an idiomatic expression which mean to be very terrified or anxious. A variation of this idiom is: to be shaking in your boots. Hence, as it doesn’t require any replacement option (e) becomes the most feasible answer choice.

A close shave means a narrow escape from danger or disaster.

In high spirits means extremely happy and having a good time

A white elephant means a possession that is useless or troublesome, especially one that is expensive to maintain or difficult to dispose of.

A perfect storm means any event where a situation is aggravated drastically by an exceptionally rare combination of circumstances.

Exp. The idiom given in bold is incorrect and thus requires a replacement. “brought off” means pull off, negotiate, carry off, manage therefore, it should be replaced with option (b) “Fighting tooth and nail”. “Fighting tooth and nail” means Engage in vigorous combat or make a strenuous effort, using all one’s resources. All the other idioms fail to make the sentence contextually meaningful. Hence, option (b) is the most viable choice.

Good Samaritan means a person who gratuitously gives help or sympathy to those in distress.

Spilling the beans means reveal secret information unintentionally or indiscreetly

Laying off means dismissal from jobs

Exp. The idiom given in bold is incorrect and thus requires a replacement. “draw on fancy” means to imagination, fantasy therefore, it should be replaced with option (d) “rest on your laurels”. “Rest on your laurels” means to be satisfied with your achievements and not to make an effort to do anything else. All the other idioms fail to make the sentence contextually meaningful. Hence, option (d) is the most viable choice.

Get the sack means to be dismissed, with prejudice

Look down upon means to look down upon is defined as to consider someone or something lesser or inferior in some way.

Go places means showing a lot of talent or ability and are likely to become very successful.

Exp. The phrase given in bold is correct and doesn’t require any further corrections or replacement. It perfectly fits into the sentence making it coherent. The phrase to be ‘a close shave’ means a narrow escape from danger or disaster. Hence, as it doesn’t require any replacement, option (e) becomes the most feasible answer choice.

An axe to grind means a dispute to take up with someone or, to have an ulterior motive/ to have private ends to serve.

Lay out means to spend

Green thumb means a knack for growing plants and keeping them healthy

Run riot means to act in a chaotic manner.

Exp. The idiom given in bold is incorrect and thus requires a replacement. “blazing a trail” means to find a new path or method; begin a new undertaking therefore, it should be replaced with option (c) “like a phoenix”. “like a phoenix” means getting success or becoming prosperous after complete failure. All the other idioms fail to make the sentence contextually meaningful. Hence, option (c) is the most viable choice.

Throw down a glove means to offer a challenge.

To catch up with means succeed in reaching a person who is ahead of one.

High and dry means out of the water, especially stranded by the sea as it retreats.

Exp. The idiom given in bold is incorrect and thus requires a replacement. “cross swords” means have an argument or dispute. Therefore, it should be replaced with option (a) “red-letter day”. “red-letter day” means a day that is pleasantly noteworthy or memorable. All the other idioms fail to make the sentence contextually meaningful. Hence, option (a) becomes the most suitable answer choice.

A dark horse is a little-known person or thing that emerges to prominence, especially in a competition of some sort, or a contestant that seems unlikely to succeed.

Helter-skelter means here and there.

Damp squib means anything that doesn’t work properly, or fails to come up to expectations.

Exp. The phrase given in bold is correct and doesn’t require any further correction or replacement. It perfectly fits into the sentence making it coherent. The phrase to be ‘leaving in the lurch’ means abandon or desert someone in difficult straits. Hence, as it doesn’t require any replacement, option (e) becomes the most feasible answer choice.

Take cue from means to do what is done or suggested by (someone or something)

Status quo means the existing state of affairs, particularly with regard to social or political issues.

Go scot free means to get away with something without being punished

Miss the bus means be too slow to take advantage of an opportunity.

Exp. The idiom given in bold is incorrect and thus requires a replacement. “speak of the devil” means said when a person appears just after being mentioned therefore, it should be replaced with option (d) “pack it in”. “pack it in” means to give up an activity or job. All the other idioms fail to make the sentence contextually meaningful. Hence, option (d) becomes the most suitable answer choice.

See eye to eye means to be in full agreement.

Put across means to express your ideas and opinions clearly so that people understand them easily

Break the ice means do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a strained situation or when strangers meet.