Idioms and Phrases

5 practice questions on Idioms and Phrases for NDA, with answers

Shishya's practice questions, written with AI. Each answer was checked by an automated second pass, not by a person.

1. 1.Choose the option that best explains the meaning of the idiom: "He decided to call it a day after working for ten hours straight." What does 'call it a day' mean?

   • (A)To start a new task
   • (B)To stop working and rest
   • (C)To celebrate an achievement
   • (D)To work through the night
   Show the answer and solution

   Answer: (B) To stop working and rest

   Solution: Step 1: Identify the idiom 'call it a day' in the sentence. Step 2: The context shows that after working for ten hours, he decided to do something. The idiom suggests ending the activity. Step 3: 'Call it a day' is a common English idiom meaning to stop working for the day, to finish one's work and rest. Step 4: Option A (start a new task) is opposite to stopping. Option C (celebrate) is not the meaning. Option D (work through the night) contradicts stopping. Step 5: Option B correctly states that 'call it a day' means to stop working and rest. Answer: B

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2. 2.Choose the correct meaning of the idiom: 'To burn the midnight oil'.

   • (A)To waste resources
   • (B)To work late into the night
   • (C)To celebrate excessively
   • (D)To be angry at someone
   Show the answer and solution

   Answer: (B) To work late into the night

   Solution: The idiom 'To burn the midnight oil' means to work late into the night, typically studying or completing tasks.

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3. 3.Choose the correct meaning of the underlined idiom/phrase: The new recruit had to face the music when his mistakes were discovered by the commanding officer.

   • (A)To enjoy music
   • (B)To accept criticism or punishment
   • (C)To perform well
   • (D)To escape consequences
   Show the answer and solution

   Answer: (B) To accept criticism or punishment

   Solution: The idiom 'face the music' means to confront the consequences of one's actions or accept criticism or punishment.

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4. 4.Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom: The commanding officer asked the new recruits to PULL UP THEIR SOCKS before the final evaluation.

   • (A)To dress properly
   • (B)To improve one's performance
   • (C)To prepare for sports
   • (D)To wake up early
   Show the answer and solution

   Answer: (B) To improve one's performance

   Solution: 'Pull up one's socks' means to make an effort to improve one's work or behavior, especially after criticism or poor performance.

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5. 5.Select the option that best explains the meaning of the underlined phrase: "The manager told him to pull his socks up if he wanted to keep his job." What does 'pull his socks up' mean?

   • (A)To dress formally
   • (B)To improve his performance
   • (C)To prepare for a journey
   • (D)To exercise regularly
   Show the answer and solution

   Answer: (B) To improve his performance

   Solution: Step 1: Examine the phrase 'pull his socks up' in context. The manager is warning about job security. Step 2: The phrase is used when someone needs to do better or face consequences. Step 3: 'Pull your socks up' is an idiom meaning to make an effort to improve your work or behaviour, especially when it has been unsatisfactory. Step 4: Option A (dress formally) is a literal interpretation but not the idiomatic meaning. Option C (prepare for a journey) is unrelated. Option D (exercise) is not relevant. Step 5: Option B (improve his performance) correctly captures the meaning of making an effort to do better at work. Answer: B

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