In most of the competitive exams, English grammar is one of the major part of syllabus. Frequently asked questions from the English part is Idioms and Phrases. First of all, understand what does an idiom or a phrase mean; an idiom is a phrase, saying or a group of words that has a metaphorical/symbolic (not literal) meaning, which has become accepted in common usage. This article provided the list of Idioms and Phrases for Competitive Exams 2023.
Idioms and Phrases for Competitive Exams 2024 PDF
The candidates who are preparing for several competitive exams can go through the list of idioms and phrases given below. The following are the phrases that are frequently asked in various competitive exams.
An idiom’s symbolic sense is quite different from the literal meaning or definition of the words of which it is made. There are a large number of Idioms and they are used very commonly in all languages. It has been estimated that there are at least 25,000 idiomatic expressions in the English language. They bring a spectacular illustration to everyday speech. They provide interesting insights into the use of words, languages and the thought processes of their speakers. They have a sense of mystery and fun about them.
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List of Idioms and Phrases
- A HOT POTATO
Speak of an issue which many people are talking about and which is usually disputed
- A PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS
A way of asking what someone is thinking
- ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS
People’s intentions can be judged better by what they do than what they say.
- ADD INSULT TO INJURY
To further a loss with mockery or indignity; to worsen an unfavorable situation.
- AN ARM AND A LEG
Very expensive or costly. A large amount of money.
- AT THE DROP OF A HAT
Meaning: without any hesitation; instantly.
- A CHIP ON YOUR SHOULDER
Being angry about something that happened in the past; a grudge.
- A DIME A DOZEN
When something is extremely common and simple to acquire
- A FOOL AND HIS MONEY ARE SOON PARTED
It’s easy for someone acting foolish to lose his/her money through carelessness or by being tricked.
- A PIECE OF CAKE
A task that is simple to complete; similar to the common phrase “as easy as pie.”
- AN ARM AND A LEG
Something that is extremely expensive; an idiom meaning the price paid was costly, excessively so.
- ALL GREEK TO ME
When something is incomprehensible due to complexity.
- A BIRD IN THE HAND IS WORTH TWO IN THE BUSH
The things we already have are more valuable than the things we only hope to get.
- A BLESSING IN DISGUISE
Something good that isn’t recognized by first
- A BULL IN CHINA SHOP
One who causes damage
- A CHIP ON YOUR SHOULDER
Being upset for something that happened in the past.
- A FOOL AND HIS MONEY ARE EASILY PARTED
It’s easy for a foolish person to lose his/ her money
- A GENTLEMAN AT LARGE
An unreliable person
- A GREEN HORN
Inexperienced
- A HOUSE DIVIDED AGAINST ITSELF CANNOT STAND
Everyone involved must unify and function together or it will not work out.
- A LEOPARD CAN’T CHANGE HIS SPOTS
You cannot change who you are.
- A LOST CAUSE
A hopeless case, a person or situation having no hope of positive change
- A MAN OF STRAW
A weak person
- A MARE’S NEST
A false invention
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- A PENNY SAVED IS A PENNY EARNED
By not spending money, you are saving money (little by little)
- A PICTURE PAINTS A THOUSAND WORDS
A visual presentation is far more descriptive than words
- A PIECE OF CAKE
A task that can be accomplished very easily
- A SLAP ON THE WRIST
A very mild punishment
- A STALKING HORSE
A person or thing that is used to conceal someone’s real intentions
- A STEAL
Very inexpensive, a bargain
- A TASTE OF YOUR OWN MEDICINE
When you are mistreated the same way you mistreat others
- A TOSS-UP
A result hat is still unclear and can go either way
- A WOLF IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING
A dangerous person pretending harmless.
- ADD FUEL TO THE FIRE
Whenever something is done to make a bad situation even worse than it is
- AGAINST THE CLOCK
Rushed and short on time
- ALL (DAY, WEEK, MONTH, YEAR) LONG
The entire day, week, month, year
- ALL ALONG
All the time, from the beginning (without change)
- ALL AND SUNDRY
Without making any distinction
- ALL BARK AND NO BITE
When someone is threatening and/ or aggressive but not willing to engage in a fight
- ALL GREEK TO ME
Meaningless and incomprehensible like someone who cannot read, speak
- APPLE TO MY EYE
Someone who is cherished above all others
- FAIR AND WIDE
Equal opportunity to all
- FAR AND WIDE
Every where
- FEW AND FAR BETWEEN
Not frequent, unusual, rare
- FIELD DAY
An enjoyable day or circumstance
- FIFTY- FIFTY
Divided into two equal parts
- FINDING YOUR FEET
To become more comfortable in whatever you are doing
- FINGER LICKING GOOD
To become more comfortable in whatever you are doing
- GRAVEYARD SHIFT
Working hours from about 12:00 am to 8.00
- LONG IN THE TOOTH
Old people (or horses)
- LOOSE CANNON
Someone who is unpredictable and can cause damage if not kept in
- MAKE NO BONES ABOUT
To state a fact so there are no doubts or objections
- METHOD TO MY MADNESS
Strange or crazy actions that appear meaningless but in the done for a good reason
- MIGHT AND MAIN
With all enthusiasm
- MILK AND WATER
Weak
- MORE OR LESS
Approximately, almost, somewhat, to a certain degree
- MUMBO JUMBO
Nonsense or meaningless speech
- MUM’S THE WORD
To keep quiet, To say nothing
- NARROW-MINDED
Not willing to accept the ideas of others
- LOCK AND KEY
In safe place
- IT TAKES TWO TO TANGO
A two person conflict where both people are at fault
- LATIN AND GREEK
Unable to understand
- ONCE IN A BLUE MOON
Something that happens very rarely
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- SPILL THE BEANS
To disclose the secrets
- CRY OVER SPILT MILK
Complaining about a loss or failure from the past
- MEAN BUSINESS
Being serious or dedicated
- ICING ON THE CAKE
Something that turns good into great
