1. What is the meaning of the idiom 'a bone of contention'?
- A. A delicious meal for dogs
- D. A secret that is kept between two people
- B. A subject or issue over which there is continuing disagreement
- C. A point of mutual agreement
व्याख्या: A 'bone of contention' refers to a matter that causes a dispute or argument, much like two dogs fighting over a single bone.
2. Choose the correct meaning for the phrase 'to bite the bullet'.
- D. To miss a great opportunity
- A. To eat something very hard
- B. To finally make a decision or to face a difficult situation with courage
- C. To get injured in a conflict
व्याख्या: This idiom originates from the practice of having patients bite on a bullet during surgery without anesthesia. It means to endure a painful or unpleasant situation with resolve.
3. What does it mean 'to spill the beans'?
- B. To waste food
- D. To plant seeds for the future
- A. To be clumsy and drop something
- C. To reveal secret information unintentionally or indiscreetly
व्याख्या: 'To spill the beans' means to let out a secret. The origin is thought to be from an ancient Greek voting system where beans were used to cast votes.
4. If someone has 'a chip on their shoulder', what does it imply?
- D. They are displaying a symbol of high rank
- B. They have a minor injury on their shoulder
- C. They are holding a grudge or feel resentful about something
- A. They are carrying a heavy load
व्याख्या: This phrase means that a person is angry about something that happened in the past and is looking for a fight or an argument.
5. What does the idiom 'to be at loggerheads' mean?
- A. To be in violent disagreement
- D. To be confused and lost
- C. To be physically stuck between logs
- B. To be working together in harmony
व्याख्या: 'To be at loggerheads' means to be involved in a strong dispute or conflict with no sign of agreement.
6. A 'red-letter day' signifies:
- C. A day that is pleasantly noteworthy or memorable
- B. A day of sorrow and mourning
- A. A day of warning or danger
- D. A day when one receives a threatening letter
व्याख्या: The term comes from the practice of marking holy days and festivals in red ink on calendars. It signifies a day of great importance or joy.
7. What is the meaning of 'to throw in the towel'?
- B. To get ready for a shower
- D. To clean up a mess
- C. To signal surrender or admit defeat
- A. To start a fight
व्याख्या: This idiom comes from boxing, where a fighter's corner would throw a towel into the ring to concede the match.
8. When you 'pull someone's leg', you are:
- A. Causing them physical harm
- C. Deceiving someone playfully; teasing them
- D. Forcing them to do something
- B. Helping them to stand up
व्याख्या: 'Pulling someone's leg' is a form of good-natured teasing or joking.
9. What does it mean 'to be on cloud nine'?
- A. To be in a state of extreme happiness and elation
- C. To be confused and disoriented
- B. To be in a very high altitude
- D. To be caught in a difficult situation
व्याख्या: This expression is used to describe a feeling of immense joy or euphoria.
10. A 'fly in the ointment' refers to:
- C. An unexpected piece of good luck
- A. A major disaster that ruins everything
- B. A small, irritating flaw that spoils an otherwise good situation
- D. A medicinal remedy using insects
व्याख्या: It refers to a minor detail or problem that detracts from the overall value or enjoyment of something.
