Idioms and phrases form an essential part of the English language and frequently appear in various competitive exams. This blog covers everything you need to know about idioms and phrases from their definitions, types, and importance in exams to effective tricks, solved examples from recent 2024–25 exams, and more.
What Is Idiom and Phrases in English?
Idioms are fixed expressions or sayings whose meanings are not deducible from the literal words. Phrases are groups of words that work together to convey a particular meaning but are not complete sentences. Both enrich language by adding color, depth, and cultural nuance.
In competitive exams, idioms and phrases test your understanding of English beyond grammar focusing on contextual and figurative meanings.
Why does it appear in exams?
Examiners use idioms and phrases to assess candidates’ grasp of natural English, vocabulary richness, and ability to interpret implied meanings.
Skills required:
- Logic to decode figurative meanings
- Visualization to connect phrases to situations
- Good vocabulary and practice with common idioms
Why Is Idiom and Phrases Important in Competitive Exams?
Idioms and phrases are a vital part of the English language section in competitive exams. They help test your language skills beyond the literal, enhancing your ability to understand complex texts and communicate effectively.
| Exam | No. of Questions | Difficulty |
| SSC CGL / CHSL | 1–2 | Easy |
| IBPS PO / SBI PO | 1–2 | Moderate |
| RRB NTPC / Group D | 1 | Easy |
| State PSC / Police | 1–2 | Moderate |
Idiom and Phrases English Short Notes
Understanding common idioms and phrases is the key to mastering this topic.
| Idiom/Phrase | Details |
| Break the ice | To initiate conversation |
| Bite the bullet | To endure a painful situation |
| Once in a blue moon | Very rarely |
| Spill the beans | Reveal a secret |
| Under the weather | Feeling unwell |
Concepts of Idioms and Phrases
Concepts used to solve questions based on idioms and phrases:
| Concept | Details |
| Fixed Expression | Idioms have fixed words and order |
| Figurative Meaning | Meaning differs from literal word meanings |
| Contextual Usage | Correct usage depends on context |
| Common Idioms | Frequent exam idioms to memorize |
| Phrase vs Idiom | Phrases can be literal, idioms always figurative |
What Are the Types of Idiom and Phrases Questions in English?
Competitive exams usually ask:
- Meaning-Based: Choose the correct meaning of the idiom
- Fill in the Blanks: Use the right idiom in the sentence
- Error Spotting: Identify misuse of idioms/phrases
- Synonyms/Antonyms: Find similar or opposite expressions
- Match the Following: Match idioms to meanings
Idiom and Phrases Question Patterns in English
To save time and improve accuracy, use these mental templates:
- Identify key words in the sentence context
- Recall common idioms associated with keywords
- Eliminate options that don’t fit contextually
- Check for figurative vs literal meanings before selecting answers
Idiom and Phrases Tricks for SSC CGL and Other Exams
Tricks to solve questions on this topic are as follows:
- Memorize the most frequently asked idioms and their meanings.
- Visualize the scenario behind the idiom to recall meaning easily.
- Focus on the context words in the sentence to identify the right idiom.
- Avoid literal interpretation; think figurative or symbolic.
- Practice error spotting questions to avoid common usage mistakes.
Solved Idiom and Phrases Questions from 2024–25 Exams
1. SSC CGL 2024 Tier 1
Question: What does the idiom “spill the beans” mean?
Options:
a) To keep a secret
b) To reveal a secret
c) To make a mess
d) To be silent
Answer: b) To reveal a secret
Explanation: “Spill the beans” is used when someone reveals confidential information.
(Source: SSC PDF 2024 Tier 1 Shift 3)
2. IBPS PO Prelims 2024
Question: Fill in the blank: He decided to _____ and accept the job offer despite the risks.
Options:
a) Bite the bullet
b) Break the ice
c) Cut corners
d) Let the cat out of the bag
Answer: a) Bite the bullet
Explanation: ‘Bite the bullet’ means to face a difficult or unpleasant situation bravely.
(Source: BankersAdda Mock Test 2024)
3. RRB NTPC 2024
Question: Choose the correct meaning of “Once in a blue moon.”
Answer: Very rarely
Explanation: It refers to something that happens infrequently.
(Source: Based on memory from recent shift)
Common Mistakes to Avoid while Solving Idiom and Phrases
Common mistakes to avoid while solving idioms and phrases questions are as follows:
- Taking idioms literally rather than figuratively.
- Ignoring the sentence context before choosing the meaning.
- Confusing similar idioms with different meanings.
- Overlooking common idioms tested frequently.
- Neglecting to practice error spotting with idioms.
FAQs
They test understanding of natural, contextual English beyond grammar.
Use flashcards and associate idioms with vivid mental images.
Yes, idioms have fixed wording; changing words alters meaning.
Meaning-based, fill in the blanks, error spotting, and matching.
Mostly yes, but sometimes appear in reading comprehension too.
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