Idioms and Phrases Explained: Rules, Examples & Master Techniques
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Aspirants master idioms and phrases for competitive exams like SSC CGL, Banking, UPSC, and other Government exams because these exams often test an individual's proficiency in English language skills, including vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension. Idioms and phrases are an essential part of language that reflect cultural nuances and enhance communication efficiently.
Understanding them can help candidates improve their reading comprehension, enrich their expression in descriptive answers, and tackle questions that assess linguistic knowledge. Mastery of idioms and phrases also allows candidates to decipher the meaning of complex sentences that may appear in comprehension passages or verbal reasoning sections.
The number of multiple choice questions (MCQs) in competitive exams, it varies depending on the specific exam and its structure.
For example,
The SSC CGL exam typically includes sections on English comprehension, quantitative aptitude, and general awareness, each with a different number of questions. The English section may contain around 25 - 50 questions, which can include idioms and phrases.
Banking exams like IBPS often feature a similar number of questions in the verbal section, UPSC exams, particularly the civil services preliminary examination, focus more on comprehension and may include idiomatic usage in both the preliminary and main exams.
It is essential for candidates to review the specific exam pattern and syllabus to understand the exact number of questions and their distribution.
As we know, all idioms are phrases, all phrases are idioms. Understanding the difference comes down to whether the words mean literally what they say or if they carry a figurative/ hidden meaning.
What is a phrase?
A phrase is a group of two or more words that function together as a single unit in a sentence. It does not contain both a subject and a verb working together to form a complete thought.
Literal Meaning: The words mean exactly what the dictionary defines.
Function: Used to add detail, context, precision, or clear description to sentences.
Examples of phrases:
A beautiful multi coloured bag ( noun phrase)
In the morning ( prepositional phrase)
Running very fast (verb/adverb phrase)
Sentence:
He writes a leave application to his boss in the morning. (the words literally mean during the early hours of the day).
Grammar Point:
- In the morning is a prepositional phrase of time.
- It tells us when he writes the leave application.
- In the morning refers to the period from dawn until 12 noon, not just the early hours of the day.
SSC Exam Tip: Use in the morning, in the evening, and in the afternoon to refer to parts of the day. We generally use at night to refer to the night time period.
Understanding the different types of phrases in English Grammar can enhance both writing and speaking skills.
Here are a few examples along with grammatical rules:
Prepositional Phrase: This phrase begins with a preposition and ends with a noun or pronoun, which is the object of the preposition. It functions as an adjective or adverb in a sentence.
For example,
The file on the desk is mine.
Here, "on the desk" is a prepositional phrase modifying "the file". The rule is that a prepositional phrase must always have preposition followed by its object.
Noun Phrase: A noun phrase consists of a noun and its modifiers, which can include adjectives, determiner's, or other nouns. It acts as a subject, object, or compliment in a sentence.
For instance,
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
"The quick brown fox" is a noun phrase. The rule here is that the core of a noun phrase is noun or pronoun, with optional modifiers providing additional information.
Adjective Phrase: This phrase consists of adjective and any modifiers that more information about it. It describes a noun or pronoun.
For example,
The cake was incredibly delicious.
"incredibly delicious" is an adjective phrase modifying "cake". The grammatical rule is that the adjective phrase centers around an adjective, often preceded by an intensifier like "very" or "quite".
Verb Phrase: A verb phrase includes the main verb and any auxiliary (helping) verbs, as well as modifiers. It functions
as the predicate of a sentence.
For example,
Rohan has been playing all afternoon.
" has been playing" is the verb phrase. The rule is that a verb phrase must include a main verb, and it can include auxiliary verbs to indicate tense, mood, or voice.
Understanding types of phrases and their rules can greatly improve grammatical accuracy and clarity in writing.
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What is an idiom?
An idiom is a special type of phrase whose meaning cannot be understood from the literal definition of its individual words.
Learn Idioms Easily
Figurative Meaning/ Non-Literal: The meaning is cultural or symbolic.
Function: Used to add colour, emotion, humour, emphasis, or creative flair to writing and speech.
Examples of Idioms:
Bite the bullet: Face a difficult situation with courage.
Piece of cake: Very easy
Sentence: The English test was a piece of cake.
Here, it does not mean the test was a literal slice of baked dessert; it means the test was very easy.
Key Differences at a Glance
- Feature: Meaning Type
- Phrase: Literal (Words mean exactly what they say)
- Idiom: Figurative ( hidden of symbolic meaning)
- Feature: Word substitution
- Phrase: Words can usually be swapped out ( in the morning - in the evening)
- Idiom: Words of fixed; changing them breaks the meaning:
- piece of cake❌
- slice of cake✔️
Difference Between "Piece of Cake" and "Slice of Cake":
1 Slice of cake
A slice is a thin or flat portion of cake cut from a larger cake.
Example: She ate a slice of cake after dinner.
2 Piece of cake
A piece is a general portion of cake. It may be sliced or broken off.
Example: He gave me a piece of cake.
Slice of cake🍰 — emphasizes a portion cut into a slice.
Piece of cake — refers to a portion in general.
A piece of cake (idiom) — means something very easy to do.
Idiomatic example: The SSC English test was a piece of cake for Aman.
Meaning: The test was very easy for Aman.
Remember: Every slice is a piece, but not every piece is necessarily a slice.
- Feature: Purpose
- Phrase: Clear communication, providing information/context
- Idiom: Expressive, engaging or creative communication
- Feature: Cultural Context
- Phrase: Universal and easy for non-native speakers to understand
- Idiom: Cultural specific; requires prior learning to understand
When to use which?
Use Standard Phrases When:
You need clear, direct and ambiguous communication:
Formal letters, academic essays, official reports, exam instructions, or precise information.
Writing for an international audience:
Non-native speakers might take an idiom literally and get confused.
Describing factual events or details:
Time, location, actions, or physical descriptions (sitting on the wheelchair).
Use Idioms When:
Writing creative pieces or stories:
To make dialogues sounds natural, vivid or expressive.
Engaging in Formal or Daily Conversations:
Idioms make spoken English sound fluent and conversational.
Emphasizing a feeling or attitude:
Saying " I am feeling under the weather" conveys are moved better than just saying "I am slightly unwell".
Attracting attention:
In headlines, creative essays, aur speeches to keep the audience entertained.
Examples,
Literal Phrase:
The child spilled the tea on the foot mat.
(Actually ,tea fell on to the floor)
Idiom:
(Slang/ Idiomatic: Share the gossip!)
Literal Phrase: Keep an eye on the clock
(Physically watch the time)
Idiom: Keep an eye on my bag
(Idiomatic: Watch over/ protect my bag so it is not stolen)
The idiom “work like a dog” has both a literal and figurative meaning. Literally, it refers to the image of a dog working tirelessly, such as a sheepdog herding livestock or a sled dog pulling a sled. Dogs, in these roles, are known for their hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
Figuratively, “work like a dog” means to work very hard or to put in a lot of effort over long hours. It often implies that someone is working with great diligence and without rest, sometimes to the point of exhaustion. This idiom is commonly used to describe someone who is extremely committed to their job or task, often going above and beyond what is required.
Idioms vs. Phrases
Difference Between Idioms and Phrases
Idioms and phrases are both essential components of language that add color and depth to communication. However, they differ in their usage and meaning. An idiom is a combination of words that, when used together, have a figurative meaning that is different from the literal meanings of the individual words.
For example,
"kick the bucket" is an idiom that means "to die," and not literally kicking a physical bucket.
Idioms are often culturally specific and can be challenging for language learners to understand because their meanings are not immediately apparent from the words alone.
On the other hand, a phrase is any group of words that work together to convey a particular idea or concept. Phrases can be literal or figurative, but they do not necessarily have the non-literal meaning that defines an idiom.
For example,
"a piece of cake" can be both a phrase when referring to an actual slice of cake and an idiom when used to describe something that is very easy to do. While all idioms are phrases, not all phrases are idioms.
Understanding both can enhance communication skills, providing a richer and more nuanced way to express thoughts and ideas.
Key Advantages of Learning Idioms and Phrases:
Learning idioms and phrases offers several key advantages, enhancing both language proficiency and cultural understanding. Idioms, often metaphorical in nature, provide insight into the cultural nuances and historical contexts of a language, allowing learners to communicate more naturally and effectively.
For example,
The English idiom “kick the bucket” means to die, and using it correctly can help convey a message with a touch of humor or lightheartedness that might otherwise be lost.
Additionally, mastering idioms can boost confidence in language use, as it demonstrates a deeper grasp of conversational subtleties.
Phrases like “break the ice” or “hit the nail on the head” can make interactions smoother and more engaging, facilitating better connections in both social and professional settings. Ultimately, learning idioms enhances creativity in expression and contributes to a richer, more vibrant use of language.
Side by Side Comparison Idiom vs Phrase
- Feature: Meaning Type
- Literal Phrase: Literal (Exact words)
- Idiom: Figurative (Symbolic/Hidden)
- Feature: Flexibility
- Literal Phrase: Words can be changed easily
- Idiom: Fixed wording (cannot change words)
- Feature: Best Used For
- Literal Phrase: Formal writing, reports, essays
- Idiom: Creative writing, informal dialogue
Top Repeated Idioms for Competitive Exams
Here are high frequency idioms repeatedly tested in exams like UPSC, SSC, Banking and Defense:
- By leaps and bounds: At a very rapid pace.
- A bolt in the blue: A sudden and unexpected event
- Burn the midnight oil: To study or work late into the night.
- Bury the hatchet:; To end in quarrel and make peace.
- An iron hand - By force
- Bite your tongue - To avoid talking
- kick the bucket - Die
- Latin and Greek - unable to understand
- Call a spade a spade - Straight talking
- Under the thumb - Under his control
- Cry for the moon - Ask for the impossible
- At arm's length - To keep at a distance
- Out of the way - Strange
- Spread like wildfire - Spread quickly
- By hook or by crook: By fair or foul means
- Die in harness - Die while in service
- In hot water - In trouble
- In high spirits - Very happy
- A big gun - An important person
- In the long run - Ultimately
- At home - Comfortable
- At sea - Confused and lost
- An acid test - A critical test
- Carry on - To continue
- Tight spot - A difficult situation
- Above all - Mainly
- Behind the scenes - In private
- At first blush - At first sight
- Close fisted - Mean
English Grammar Vocabulary Tips
Smart Tips to Master Idioms and Phrases Easily
Group by Themes: Learn idioms categorized by colors, animals, or emotions instead of alphabetical order.
Idioms make your English "Colourful and Expressive!"
Colour Idioms:
Other Examples of Colour Idioms with their meanings:
- Feeling blue: sad
- Black out: faint suddenly
- Black sheep: A person who is a disgrace to a family or group
- Blue blood: Noble birth
- Red carpet treatment: Royal treatment
- In the black: Financially profitable
- Black and white: in writing
- Yellow cake: a rich cake yellow in colour because of too many yokes (eggs) used in it.
Animals Idioms English Grammar
Idioms for SSC CGL Candidates
- Literal Meaning: A futile pursuit of a wild goose, which would be difficult and unlikely to succeed.
- Figurative Meaning: An endless or hopeless search for something that is hard to find or does not exist.
Busy as a bee:
- Literal Meaning: Bees that are constantly buzzing around, collecting pollen and making honey.
- Figurative Meaning: Someone who is very busy and actively engaged in a variety of tasks.
Dog eat dog:
- Literal Meaning: A scenario where dogs attack and eat each other.
- Figurative Meaning: A highly competitive environment where people are willing to harm each other to succeed.
Sick as a dog:
- Literal Meaning: A dog is severely ill.
- Figurative Meaning: To feel extremely unwell or to be very sick.
Copycat:
- Literal Meaning: A cat that copies another cat's behaviour.
- Figurative Meaning: A person who emitted or mimics someone else's actions or ideas.
Idioms About Hard Work
Give it your all: This idiom means maximum effort and dedication into a task or activity. It implies doing everything possible to achieve the best possible outcome.
Go the extra mile: This phrase means to make a special effort or go beyond what is expected in order to achieve something or help someone. It suggests exceeding normal expectations and putting in additional effort.
Burn the midnight oil: This idiom is used to describe late into the night to work on something, often involving studying aur completing a project. It implies dedication and hard work, sometimes at the cost of sleep.
Role of your sleeves: This expression means to prepare yourself to start working hard on a task. It suggests getting ready to engage in physical work, often implying a practical, hands-on approach.
Work your fingers to the bone: This idiom means to work extremely hard, often to the point of exhaustion. It conveys the idea of putting in tremendous effort and diligence over a prolonged period.
Idioms About Success & Failure
Learn the ropes: This phrase means to become familiar with how a particular job or task is done. It often refers to acquiring the basic skills and knowledge needed to perform a function effectively.
Nail it: When someone "nails it", they perform a task or activity exceptionally well or successfully achieve a desired outcome. It's often used to express admiration for someone's skill or accomplishment.
Miss the boat: This idiom means to miss an opportunity or fail to take advantage of a situation. It often implies that the person was too late or didn't act when they had the chance.
Bite the dust: This phrase is used to indicate that someone or something has failed or been defeated. It can also refer to someone dying, although in a more colloquial and less serious context.
Hit the Jackpot: To "hit the Jackpot" means to achieve success or gain a significant reward, often unexpectedly. It originates from gambling, where hitting the jackpot would result in winning a last sum of money.
Learn Origin Stories: Understanding the history behind an idiom (etymology) makes it unforgettable.
Idiom Origin Stories:
Exploring the origin stories of idioms offers a fascinating glimpse into history and language evolution. One such idiom is “kick the bucket,” which means to die.
This phrase likely originates from a method of slaughtering animals. In the past, a bucket would be placed under an animal hanging by its feet.
When the animal struggled, it would kick the bucket underneath, leading to its demise. Over time, this action became synonymous with death in general.
Another intriguing idiom is “barking up the wrong tree,” meaning to pursue a misguided course of action.
This phrase hails from the hunting practices of early America, where hunting dogs would chase prey, such as raccoons, up trees.
Occasionally, the dogs would mistakenly bark at the wrong tree, believing the prey was there when it had already escaped to another. This literal mishap beautifully illustrates the metaphorical meaning.
Lastly, consider “the ball is in your court.” This idiom, used
to indicate that it is someone’s turn to take action or make a decision, originates from tennis. When the ball is hit into someone's court, it is their responsibility to respond. Understanding these origin stories not only makes idioms unforgettable but also enriches our appreciation of language’s vivid tapestry.
Watch Prepositional Traps:
Exams often test fixed prepositions (e.g., nip in the bud, not on the bud).
Other Examples,
Prepositional traps occur when certain verbs, adjectives, or nouns are followed by fixed prepositions, and this combination may not always follow predictable patterns.
Understanding these fixed propositions can be challenging for English learners, as they often don't translate directly from other languages.
Here are a few examples:
Depend on: The verb "depend" is often followed by the preposition "on".
For instance,
Success depends on hard work.
Here, "on" is necessary to convey the connection between success and hard work.
Interested in: When using the adjective " interested", it is typically followed by "in".
For example,
She is interested in learning new languages.
The preposition "in" helps specify what she is interested in.
Good at: The adjective "good" is commonly paired with "at" to indicate proficiency.
For instance,
She is good at playing the guitar.
Here, "at" denotes the area of skill.
Afraid of: The adjective "afraid" is usually followed by "of".
For instance,
She is afraid of lizards.
The preposition "of" specifies the object of fear.
Apologize for: The word "apologize" is often followed by "for" to indicate the reason for the apology.
For example,
I apologize for the mistake.
"For" links the action of apologizing to the specific reason.
👻 Halloween Special: Learn 16 Spooky Idioms!
🎃 Halloween is celebrated on 31st October!
Let's make learning English fun by exploring some spooky idioms. Try to complete the following expressions before checking the answers.
Challenge yourself! Use these idioms in your conversations on Halloween to improve your vocabulary and boost your confidence.
Complete the following idiomatic expressions
1. A _____ town.
2. A _____ owl.
3. A green-eyed _____.
4. The _____ hour.
5. To dig one's own _____.
6. A scaredy-_____.
7. Like a _____ out of hell.
8. Over my _____ body.
9. To make someone's _____ boil.
10. To be _____ stiff.
11. To _____ like a leaf.
12. A _____ hunt.
13. To stick a _____ into someone.
14. Not a _____ of a chance.
15. To make someone's _____ run cold.
16. To work the _____ shift.
🎃 Answers (Idioms with their meanings)
- 1. A ghost town 👻
- Meaning: A deserted place.
- 2. A night owl 🦉
- Meaning: A person who stays up late.
- 3. A green-eyed monster 💚
- Meaning: Jealousy
- 4. The witching hour 🧙
- Meaning: A mysterious or eerie time, often late at night.
- 5. To dig one's own grave 🪦
- Meaning: Do something that causes one's own trouble.
- 6. A scaredy-cat 🐈
- Meaning: A person who is easily frightened
- 7. Like a bat out of hell 🦇
- Meaning: Very fast.
- 8. Over my dead body 💀
- Meaning: A strong refusal.
- 9. To make someone's blood boil 🩸
- Meaning: Make someone extremely angry.
- 10. To be scared stiff 😱
- Meaning: Extremely frightened.
- 11. To shake like a leaf 🍃
- Meaning: Tremble because of fear or nervousness.
- 12. A witch hunt 🧹
- Meaning: An unfair attempt to blame or punish someone.
- 13. To stick a knife into someone 🔪
- Meaning: Betray or hurt someone .
- 14. Not a ghost of a chance 👻
- Meaning: No chance at all.
- 15. To make someone's blood run cold 🥶
- Meaning: Make someone feel intense fear or horror.
- 16. To work the graveyard shift 🌙
- Meaning:A work shift that takes place late at night or early in the morning.
Idioms and Phrases for Competitive Exams
Multiple-choice questions based on idioms and phrases:
Choose the correct option:
A piece of cake:
- Very tough
- Very confused
- Very easy
Ans: very easy
- Exact time
- At the last possible moment
- Before time
Ans: At the last possible moment
- Alarming
- Total blindness
- Pretend not to notice
Ans: Pretend not to notice
- Rigid
- Fragile
- Weak
Ans: Weak(person)
Choose the alternative which expresses the meaning of the idiom/phrases:
My friend was nervous about his new job, but he was eager to call the manager, so I said to him," To hold your horses".
Meaning of - to hold your horses
- Excited
- Be patient
- Happy
- Puzzled
Ans: Be patient
I know that you like pizza but don't eat like a horse.
Meaning of - eat like a horse
- Gobble
- Gulp
- Eats a lot
- Eats unhealthy food
Ans: Eats a lot
Rohan worked hard, yet he passed the exam by the skin of his teeth.
- By cheating
- with flying colors
- Barely/by a small margin
- Surprised
Ans: Barely/ by a small margin
Nowadays, I am feeling under the weather, so I will not attend the meeting.
- Feeling good
- Travelling
- Feeling sick
- Feeling sad
Ans: Feeling sick
Here is a set of previous year questions:
Select the Correct Meaning:
Select the option that gives the most appropriate meaning:
The manager warned the employee that repeating the mistake put him in hot water.
- In a pleasant situation
- In a troublesome or difficult situation
- In a very cold environment
- In a state of confusion
Answer: In a troublesome or difficult situation.
Explanation: The phrase "in hot water" is an idiom that means someone is in trouble or facing difficulties. It is commonly used to describe a situation where an individual is likely to face negative consequences or reprimand due to their actions or decisions. In this context, the manager's warning suggests that if the employee repeats the mistake, they will find themselves in a problematic situation.
Select the option that best expresses the meaning of the idiom:
A bolt from the blue
- A sudden, unexpected bad event
- A beautiful blue sky
- A long awaited piece of news
- A stroke of good fortune
Answer: The phrase "a bolt from the blue" refers to a sudden, unexpected, bad event.
Explanation: This idiom originates from the idea of a lightning bolt appearing out of a clear blue sky, which is something that happens without warning and can be quite shocking.
The phrase is often used to describe surprising and unwelcome news or events that catch people off guard, much like a sudden storm disrupting a peaceful day.
Choose the correct meaning of the underlined idiom:
She managed to clear the civil services examination because she left no stone unturned during her preparation.
- Spent a lot of money
- Made every possible effort
- Relied purely on luck
- Took frequent study breaks
Answer: Made every possible efforts.
Explanation: The phrase “left no stone unturned” is an idiom that means to make every possible effort to achieve a goal. It implies that the person was thorough and diligent in their efforts, exploring every possible avenue to ensure success. In the context of the sentence, it means she worked very hard and used all available resources and strategies to prepare for and ultimately clear the civil services examination.
Select the option that gives the most appropriate meaning:
- To waste fuel unnecessarily
- To cause a major fire accident
- To sleep early to stay healthy
- To work or study late into the night
Answer: Study or work late into the night.
Explanation: The phrase “to burn the midnight oil” means to work or study late into the night. This expression originates from the time before electric lighting, when people relied on oil lamps to provide light after sunset. Working or studying by the light of these lamps would often require staying up late, thus “burning the midnight oil.” This idiom is often used to describe someone who is diligently working late hours to achieve a goal or meet a deadline.
Choose the correct meaning of the idiom:
Despite the heavy losses, the company managed to recover by leaps and bounds:
- Irregularly and slowly
- By taking huge financial loans
- At a very rapid pace
- With great difficulty
Answer: "At a very rapid pace."
Explanation: The phrase "by leaps and bounds" is an idiomatic expression that means making significant progress very quickly. It is often used to describe situations where progress or recovery happens much faster than expected. Therefore, "at a very rapid pace" aligns with the meaning of the expression, indicating that the company's recovery was swift and substantial. The other options—"irregularly and slowly," "by taking huge financial loans," and "with great difficulty"—do not align with the implication of rapid progress suggested by "by leaps and bounds."
Spotting the Error
Identify the segment that contains and error:
You must nip the bad habit on the bud before it ruins your career completely.
- You must
- nip the bad habit
- on the bud
- before it ruins your career
Answer: The fixed expression is "Nip in the bud"
(preposition in, not on).
Explanation: The expression “nip it in the bud” is derived from the practice of removing buds from plants to prevent them from growing into full flowers or fruits. In this context, it means to stop a problem or bad habit at an early stage before it has a chance to develop into something more significant. By addressing the issue early on, you can prevent it from having a detrimental impact on your career or personal life. The incorrect version, “nip it on the bud,” is a common mistake, likely due to the similar sound of the words “in” and “on,” but lacks the same metaphorical meaning.
Frequently Asked Questions About Idioms & Phrases
Why are Idioms important in competitive exams?Idioms play a significant role in competitive exams for several reasons.
First, they are an integral part of language proficiency, reflecting one's mastery over the nuances of a language. Idioms often appear in reading comprehension passages, vocabulary sections, or even in essay prompts, where understanding them can help in grasping the overall meaning of the text. They also test a candidate's ability to comprehend and interpret figurative language, which is crucial for effective communication. Furthermore, idioms can enhance one's writing by adding flair and depth, making responses more engaging. In competitive exams, where every mark counts, a strong grasp of idioms can provide candidates with an edge over others by showcasing their linguistic competence and
Give some examples of Idioms used in daily conversation.
Idioms are phrases where the meaning is not immediately obvious from the individual words.
Here are a few commonly used idioms in daily conversation.
Break the ice: This means to initiate conversation in a social setting, helping to ease any initial awkwardness or tension.
For example,
He told a joke to break the ice at the meeting.
Bite the bullet: To endure a painful or unpleasant situation that is unavoidable.
For instance,
I didn't want to go to the dentist, but I had to bite the bullet.
Spill the beans: This means to reveal a secret or disclose information unintentionally.
For example,
She accidentally spilled the beans about the surprise gift.
Hit the nail on the head: To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem.
For example,
When he said the team needed communication, he really hit the nail on the head.
Under the weather: Feeling ill or unwell.
For instance,
I think I will stay home today; I'm feeling a bit under the weather.
These idioms add colour and personality to language, making conversations more engaging and lively.
Can a phrase form a complete sentence?
Yes, a phrase can form a complete sentence if it functions as an independent clause, meaning it has a subject and a predicate and expresses a complete thought.
For example,
"She smiled" is a complete sentence because it has a subject "She" and a predicate, "smiled", and it conveys a complete idea. However, many phrases are not complete sentences because the lack either a subject, a predicate, or do not express a complete thought. In general, phrase to stand alone as a complete sentence, it must meet these grammatical criteria.
