SSC CPO 2019 Idioms:- Total – 40 Q&A’s
Q.1:- Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom in the given sentence. [09 Dec. CPO 2019 Mor Shift]
Our PM is received with open arms wherever he goes.
1. Harmoniously
2. Promptly
3. Honourably
4. Warmly
Correct Answer:- Warmly
(with open arms – गर्मजोशी से, Warmly.
Example: – She smiled warmly when Priya walked in.
Q.2:- Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom in the given sentence. [09 Dec. CPO 2019 Mor Shift]
Off and on I take a break from my hectic schedule to refresh myself.
1. Rarely
2. Seldom
3. Immediately
4. Periodically
Correct Answer:- Periodically
(Off and on – कभी कभी, समय- समय पर) :-
Example :- The equipment should be tested periodically.
Q.3:- Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom in the given sentence. [09 Dec. CPO 2019 Mor Shift]
In spite of her severe accident she took heart and moved forward.
1. Gathered courage
2. Overcame problems
3. Felt depressed
4. Acted promptly
Correct Answer:- Gathered courage
(took heart :- हिम्मत जुटाना)
Example :- I told her to take heart and try again next time.
Q.4:- Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom in the given sentence. [09 Dec. CPO 2019 Mor Shift]
Trying to find my lost ring in the college is like looking for a needle in a haystack.
1. Doing something impossible
2. Doing something unimportant
3. Making a big deal of a small thing
4. Doing something secretly
Correct Answer:- Doing something impossible
(looking for a needle in a haystack :- असंभव कुछ करना)
Example :- To find a good job is like looking for a needle in a haystack.
Q.5:- Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom in the given sentence. [09 Dec. CPO 2019 Mor Shift]
Mrs. Arora has got the green light from the principal to organise a science conference in the college.
1. Got fired for doing something
2. Got permission to go ahead with something
3. Got the work started
4. Got energy and motivation to do something
Correct Answer:- Got permission to go ahead with something
(got the green light :- किसी चीज़ या काम के लिए आगे बढ़ने की अनुमति मिलना)
Example :- He got the green light to complete the project.
Q.6:- Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. [09 Dec. CPO 2019 Eve Shift]
Up in arms
1. to be nervous
2. to be rude
3. to be angry
4. to be defensive
Correct Answer:- to be angry
(Up in arms :- क्रोधित होना.)
Example- Teachers are up in arms about new school tests
Q.7:- Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. [09 Dec. CPO 2019 Eve Shift]
Left out in cold
1. to stand out
2. to be criticised
3. to be ignored
4. to be indecisive
Correct Answer:- to be ignored
(Left out in cold: – नज़र अँदाज़ कर देना)
Example: – The talks left the French out in the cold.
Q.8: – Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. [09 Dec. CPO 2019 Eve Shift]
Handle with kid gloves
1. to treat someone with extreme care
2. to accomplish something too ambitious
3. to show someone your creativity
4. to remove all hurdles to start something
Correct Answer: – to treat someone with extreme care
(Handle with kid gloves: – नाजुकपन से व्यवहार करना)
Example: – You really have to handle him with kid gloves.
Q.9: – Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. [09 Dec. CPO 2019 Eve Shift]
Run around in circles
1. to keep running to set a record
2. to keep doing something without achieving much
3. to work excessively hard by keeping two jobs
4. to remain busy with your work
Correct Answer:- to keep doing something without achieving much
(Run around in circles: – बिना बात या बिना किसी उपलब्धि के व्यस्त होना)
Example :- The committee just ran in circles all afternoon as they tried to agree on a solution to the budget issue.
Q.10: – Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. [09 Dec. CPO 2019 Eve Shift]
Work against the clock
1. work against all problems
2. work late in the night
3. work with concentration
4. work in great hurry
Correct Answer: – work in great hurry
(Work against the clock: – बहुत शीघ्रता से काम करना)
Example: – We’ll have to work against the clock to finish our presentation in time.
Q.11:- Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. [11 Dec. CPO 2019 Mor Shift]
Bed of roses
1. An unforgettable moment
2. A state of perplexity
3. An enjoyable state
4. A difficult situation
Correct Answer:- An enjoyable state
(Bed of roses:- आरामदायक अवस्था)
Example :- Farming is no bed of roses.
Q.12: – Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. [11 Dec. CPO 2019 Mor Shift]
At the drop of a hat
1. Usually
2. Frequently
3. Normally
4. Instantly
Correct Answer: – Instantly
(At the drop of a hat: – बिना सोंचे समझे, तुरन्त)
Example: – People will file lawsuits at the drop of a hat these days.
Q.13: – Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. [11 Dec. CPO 2019 Mor Shift]
Make a beeline for
1. Make a line for honey
2. Go for freebies
3. Stand in a queue
4. Go straight to
Correct Answer:- Go straight to
(Make a beeline for:- सीधे या बेधरक जाना)
Example :- The city commuters made a beeline for the bar.
Q.14:- Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. [11 Dec. CPO 2019 Mor Shift]
Till the cows come home
1. Till the work is finished
2. In the evening
3. For a long, long time
4. For a small part
Correct Answer:- For a long, long time
(Till the cows come home: – काफी लम्बे समय तक)
Example :- She can talk till the cows came home.
Q.15: – Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. [11 Dec. CPO 2019 Mor Shift]
Touch and go
1. Unchanging
2. Undoubted
3. Unimportant
4. Uncertain
Correct Answer: – Uncertain
(Touch and go: – संभव परन्तु बहुत ही अनिश्चित.)
Example: – It had been touch-and-go for him in the hospital, but he had eventually recovered.
Q.16: – Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom in the given sentence.
Unless you are above board in your dealings, you will not be able to win the trust of your
clients. [11 Dec. CPO 2019 Eve Shift]
1. bold and reckless
2. exceptionally talented
3. smart and deceptive
4. honest and frank
Correct Answer: – honest and frank
(above board: – खुल्लम्खुल्ला, निष्कपट)
Example: – She’s been totally open and above board about it.
Q.17:- Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom in the given sentence.
He is completely at sea about where to invest his hard-earned money. [11 Dec. CPO 2019 Eve Shift]
1. in shock
2. committed
3. sure
4. confused
Correct Answer:- confused
(at sea :- किंकर्तव्यविमूढ, उलझन में होना)
Example :- When she left, he felt all at sea.
Q.18:- Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom in the given sentence.
The thieves made off with all the cash and jewellery in the house. [11 Dec. CPO 2019 Eve Shift]
1. squandered
2. ran away with
3. transferred
4. discovered
Correct Answer:- ran away with
(made off with:- चुरा कर भागना)
Example :-
They made off with our television and our stereo.
Q.19: – Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom in the given sentence.
The abrogation of article 370 was achieved in the teeth of tough resistance. [11 Dec. CPO 2019 Eve Shift]
1. in a state of uncertainty
2. in collaboration with
3. in a short span of time
4. in direct opposition to
Correct Answer: – in direct opposition to
(in the teeth of: – की विपरीत दिशा में, के वाबजूद.)
Example: – The bill was passed in the teeth of strong opposition.
Q.20:- Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom in the given sentence.
As the flood waters hit the coastal village, several families had a close shave. [11 Dec. CPO 2019 Eve Shift]
1. nothing to eat
2. a narrow escape
3. to have no livelihood
4. to lose all possessions
Correct Answer:- a narrow escape
(a close shave :- बाल बाल बचना)
Example :- I had a close shave this morning when a tractor trailer unexpectedly swerved into my lane.
Q.21:- Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom in the sentence.
In spite of the high sounding words, his speech fell flat on the audience. [12 Dec. CPO 2019 Mor Shift]
1. impressed a lot
2. appealed to the sentiments of the audience
3. could not be heard clearly
4. failed to make an impact
Correct Answer:- failed to make an impact
(fell flat :- प्रभाव बनाने में असफल होना)
Example :- My attempt at a joke fell flat.
Q.22:- Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom in the sentence.
My brother has decided to settle in Mumbai for good. [12 Dec. CPO 2019 Mor Shift]
Ans 1. for new opportunities
2. for better income
3. for a while
4. forever
Correct Answer:- forever
(for good:- सदा के लिए)
Example :- It looks like Seema has left for good this time.
Q.23:- Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom in the sentence.
All those who carried the day in reality shows failed to make a mark later. [12 Dec. CPO 2019 Mor Shift]
1. won a victory
2. made a guest appearance
3. acted as hosts
4. participated
Correct Answer:- won a victory
(carried the day :- सफल होना)
Example :- It was Collingwood’s bowling that finally carried the day for England.
Q.24: – Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom in the sentence.
The aged man preferred to die in harness than lead a rusted life. [12 Dec. CPO 2019 Mor Shift]
1. to lead a life of comfort
2. to continue occupation till death
3. to keep one’s belongings safe
4. to live in perpetual slavery
Correct Answer: – to continue occupation till death
(to die in harness: – काम करते-करते मर जाना)
Example: – I want to retire now, I don’t want to die in harness.
Q.25:- Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom in the sentence.
Simran was under tremendous stress because she had too many irons in the fire. [12 Dec. CPO 2019 Mor Shift]
1. She had too many clothes to iron
2. She was involved in many activities
3. She had made a lot of risky investments
4. She was suffering from many ailments
Correct Answer: – She was involved in many activities
(too many irons in the fire: – एक साथ बहुत से कार्य करना)
Q.26: – Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom in the sentence.
The suspect made a clean breast of it during the enquiry. [12 Dec. CPO 2019 Eve Shift]
1. confessed his crime
2. asked for a fresh shirt
3. took off his shirt
4. blamed his companion
Correct Answer: – confessed his crime
(made a clean breast of it: – अपराध स्वीकार करना)
Example: – You’ll feel better if you make a clean breast of the incident.
Q.27: – Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom in the sentence.
“The situation is getting out of hand ” the manager said to us. [12 Dec. CPO 2019 Eve Shift]
1. not growing fast enough
2. not in control anymore
3. going to be handled soon
4. can be passed on to someone else
Correct Answer: – not in control anymore
(getting out of hand: – नियंत्रण के बाहर)
Example: – If your party gets out of hand, the neighbours will call the police.
Q.28: – Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. [12 Dec. CPO 2019 Eve Shift]
To be thrown in at the deep end
1. need to do one thing at a time
2. try to do too many things at the same time
3. unable to do the given work
4. learn to do the difficult things too soon
Correct Answer: – learn to do the difficult things too soon
(To be thrown in at the deep end: – एक कठिन समस्या का सामना करना या कम या बिना तैयारी या पूर्व अनुभव के काम करना।)
Example: – I had never worked in sales before, I was just thrown in the deep end!
Q.29: – Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. [12 Dec. CPO 2019 Eve Shift]
Come rain or shine
1. whatever happens
2. in bad weather
3. when it does not rain
4. in the monsoon
Correct Answer: – whatever happens
(Come rain or shine: – चाहे कुछ भी हो)
Example: – Don’t worry. I’ll be there come rain or shine.
Q.30:- Select the most appropriate idiom to fill in the blank. [12 Dec. CPO 2019 Eve Shift]
The festival expenses are bound to ______ in my pocket.
1. be out of the blue
2. give a clean chit
3. be upfront
4. make a dent
Correct Answer:- make a dent- धन या कार्य की मात्र को कम करना)
Example :- Buying a new car made a big dent in our savings.
Q.31:- Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. [13 Dec. CPO 2019 Mor Shift]
To read between the lines
1. to understand the implied meaning
2. to completely misunderstand the meaning
3. to read with great difficulty
4. to critically analyse a piece of writing
Correct Answer:- to understand the implied meaning
(To read between the lines:- गूढ़ अर्थ निकाल लेना)
Example :- He is able to read between the lines.
Q.32:- Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. [13 Dec. CPO 2019 Mor Shift]
To blaze a trail
1. to initiate something new
2. to act impulsively
3. to set fire to something
4. to complete a project
Correct Answer:- to initiate something new
(To blaze a trail:- नई राह दिखाना)
Example :- His research blazed a trail for new kinds of gene therapy.
Q.33:- Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. [13 Dec. CPO 2019 Mor Shift]
A dark horse
1. an expected outcome
2. an unknown genius
3. a well kept secret
4. a horse of a fine breed
Correct Answer:- an unknown genius
(A dark horse:- अप्रत्याशित विजेता)
Example :- The movie is a dark horse for the award.
Q.34:- Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. [13 Dec. CPO 2019 Mor Shift]
To make castles in the air
1. to be very ambitious
2. to accomplish difficult tasks
3. to show signs of cowardice
4. to create impossible dreams or hopes
Correct Answer:- to create impossible dreams or hopes
(To make castles in the air:- ख़याली पुलाव पकाना)
Example: – My brother just makes the castles in the air – he does nothing.
Q.35:- Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. [13 Dec. CPO 2019 Mor Shift]
Of the first water
1. of ancient origin
2. of favorable opinion
3. of no significance
4. of the best quality
Correct Answer:- of the best quality
(Of the first water:- बडे भाव का, अमूल्य, बेहतरीन.)
Example :- She had proved herself to be a leader of the first water.
Q.36:- Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.
Be left in the lurch. [13 Dec. CPO 2019 Eve Shift]
1. be tired of doing the same thing over and over again
2. be deserted when one is in trouble
3. keep repeating something till it is accepted
4. be sent to do work which one doesn’t enjoy
Correct Answer:- be deserted when one is in trouble
(Be left in the lurch:- मँझदार में छोड़ देना)
Example: – I’ll really be left in the lurch if the manager decides to quit before this project is finished.
Q.37:- Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom in the sentence.
It was the last straw; she decided to quit the job when she was blamed without reason. [13 Dec. CPO 2019 Eve Shift]
1. only one straw was available for drinking the juice
2. last straw available for anyone to pick up
3. she picked the last option available for her
4. final irritant that made the situation unbearable
Correct Answer:- final irritant that made the situation unbearable
(the last straw:- बोझ या कष्ट का इस समय तक पहूँच जाना कि तनिक भी और बढ़ने से असह्य हो जाय)
Example :- An increase in mortgage rates could be the last straw for thousands of borrowers.
Q.38:- Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom in the sentence.
Ria has tried hard not to steal her brother’s thunder but it was inevitable. [13 Dec. CPO 2019 Eve Shift]
1. get more recognition than her brother for their success
2. pick up her brother’s lucky charms to win prizes
3. take away her brother’s opportunities for jobs
4. get a big reward from her brother for her achievement
Correct Answer: – get more recognition than her brother for their success
(steal someone’s thunder: – दूसरे का श्रेय छीनना)
Example: – It’s too late for rivals to take advantage. They couldn’t steal our thunder.
Q.39:- Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom in the sentence.
His family has supported him through thick and thin. [13 Dec. CPO 2019 Eve Shift]
1. in times of good and bad fortune
2. even though he has put on weight
3. when there was a lot of work to be done
4. on occasions when he had a lot of money
Correct Answer:- in times of good and bad fortune
(through thick and thin:- सुख दुःख में)
Example :- She’s always been there for me through thick and thin.
Q.40:- Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.
Go down in flames. [13 Dec. CPO 2019 Eve Shift]
1. fail completely
2. get hit by a burning cracker
3. get completely burnt
4. crash land an aeroplane
Correct Answer:- fail completely
(Go down in flames: -पूरी तरह असफल हो जाना)
Example :- The whole team went down in flames.