CUET English - Vocabulary - Idioms | Free Questions - Page 2

Q1:

2026: 25 May Shift 1

Vocabulary

>

Idioms

Easy

Choose the correct option to fill in the blank in the following sentence:-

He is not a good lawyer, but he has the ------- so he manages to be much sought after.

gall and woodworm

high spirits

gift of the gab

axe to grind

Correct Answer

Option 3

Correct Answer

Explanation

Q2:

2026: 25 May Shift 1

Vocabulary

>

Idioms

Easy

Pick out the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom from the given options:-

If you want to be happy, cut your coat according to your cloth.

Be honest in your dealings.

Work according to your capacity.

Live within your means.

Don't be ambitious.

Correct Answer

Option 3

Correct Answer

Explanation

Q3:

2026: 24 May Shift 1

Vocabulary

>

Idioms

Easy

Match the Idioms given in List I with their meanings given in List-II

List I (Idioms)	List II (Meanings)
(A) One's Achilles' heel	(I) To make peace
(B) Bury the hatchet	(II) Unprofitable possession
(C) White elephant	(III) Raise controversy
(D) Hornet's nest	(IV) A weak point

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(A) - (I), (B) - (III), (C) - (II), (D) - (IV)

(A) - (IV), (B) - (I), (C) - (II), (D) - (III)

(A) - (II), (B) - (I), (C) - (IV), (D) - (III)

(A) - (III), (B) - (I), (C) - (IV), (D) - (II)

Correct Answer

Option 2

Correct Answer

Explanation

Q4:

2026: 24 May Shift 1

Vocabulary

>

Idioms

Medium

Match the idioms given in List I with their meanings given in List II :-

List I (Idioms)	List II (Meanings)
(A) In a brown study	(I) An offer of peace
(B) Swan song	(II) Lost in his thoughts
(C) An olive branch	(III) To suffer for one's foolish conduct
(D) To sow the wind and reap the whirlwind	(IV) Last piece of great work

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(A) - (I), (B) - (III), (C) - (II), (D) - (IV)

(A) - (IV), (B) - (II), (C) - (III), (D) - (I)

(A) - (II), (B) - (IV), (C) - (I), (D) - (III)

(A) - (III), (B) - (I), (C) - (IV), (D) - (II)

Correct Answer

Option 3

Correct Answer

Explanation

Q5:

2026: 24 May Shift 1

Vocabulary

>

Idioms

Medium

Select the correct option that expresses the meaning of the given idiom:

To cut both ends.

To create discord among friends

To engage in dishonest behavior

To deceive both parties

To argue in support of both sides.

Correct Answer

Option 4

Correct Answer

Explanation

Q6:

2026: 23 May Shift 2

Vocabulary

>

Idioms

Easy

Identify the meaning of the Idiom from the options given below:

To spill the beans

To break something

To create obstacles

To disobey someone

To reveal some secret

Correct Answer

Option 4

Correct Answer

Explanation

Q7:

2026: 23 May Shift 2

Vocabulary

>

Idioms

Easy

Match the idioms given in List-I with their appropriate meanings given in List-II :-

LIST-I (IDIOMS)		LIST-II (MEANING)
A.	Play second fiddle	I.	To take revenge
B.	An apple of discord	II.	Unexpected shock
C.	Bolt from the blue	III.	Cause of quarrel
D.	Pay off old scores	IV.	Be in an inferior place

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

A-II, B-IV, C-III, D-I

A-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I

A-I, B-II, C-IV, D-III

A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II

Correct Answer

Option 2

Correct Answer

Explanation

Q8:

2026: 23 May Shift 2

Vocabulary

>

Idioms

Easy

Choose the most appropriate option which best expresses the meaning of the given idiom:

Bury the hatchet

hide your weapons

start the issue all over again

forget your problems

to make peace

Correct Answer

Option 4

Correct Answer

Explanation

Q9:

2026: 22 May Shift 2

Vocabulary

>

Idioms

Easy

Which of the following options does not use the idiom/proverb appropriately?

She thought deeply about a possible solution since she believed that where there's a will, there's a way.
"A stitch in time saves nine", chimed the mother when she saw her daughter mend a hole in the sweater.
He carried a chip off the old block ever since the argument.
They broke the ice by warmly introducing the delegates attending the meeting.

1

2

3

4

Correct Answer

Option 3

Correct Answer

Explanation

Q10:

2026: 22 May Shift 2

Vocabulary

>

Idioms

Easy

Choose the option that best carries the meaning of the underlined idiom.

He decided to throw in the towel after several failed attempts.

to begin afresh

to ignore and move on

to give up after trying

to become careless

Correct Answer

Option 3

Correct Answer

Explanation

Q11:

2026: 22 May Shift 2

Vocabulary

>

Idioms

Easy

Choose the idiom that conveys the sense that someone is deliberately creating trouble.

hitting the jackpot

stirring the pot

hitting the hammer on its head

being on a sticky wicket

Correct Answer

Option 2

Correct Answer

Explanation

Q12:

2026: 21 May Shift 2

Vocabulary

>

Idioms

Medium

Match the idioms given in List-I with their meanings given in List-II.

LIST-I (Idioms)	LIST-II (Meaning)
A. Take something at face value	I. To take something as naturally expected
B. Take something in stride	II. Assessing all the aspects in order to form an opinion
C. Take something lying down	III. To accept something exactly the way it appears to be
D. Take stock of a situation	IV. To endure something unpleasant without fighting back

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

A-I, B-II, C-III, D-IV

A-I, B-III, C-II, D-IV

A-III, B-I, C-IV, D-II

A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I

Correct Answer

Option 3

Correct Answer

Explanation

Q13:

2026: 21 May Shift 2

Vocabulary

>

Idioms

Easy

Choose the correct meaning for the idiom To play to the gallery from the given options:

To play hard to impress the guest in the best way

To behave with the aim to appeal to popular taste

Use wrong means to achieve success

To be able to do work easily in the gallery

Correct Answer

Option 2

Correct Answer

Explanation

Q14:

2026: 21 May Shift 2

Vocabulary

>

Idioms

Easy

Choose the correct meaning of the idiom In doldrums from the given options:

to be impressed

To be jealous

To be depressed

To be judged

Correct Answer

Option 3

Correct Answer

Explanation

Q15:

2026: 21 May Shift 1

Vocabulary

>

Idioms

Easy

Fill in the blanks in the sentences given in List-I by choosing the appropriate idioms given in List-II.

List-I (Sentences)	List-II (Idioms)
(A) As soon as the thief saw the police, he _____.	(I) heart and soul
(B) Rakesh's dream of succeeding in Hollywood is like _____.	(II) cost an arm and leg
(C) He put his ___ in completing the task.	(III) took to his heels
(D) She was hesitant to buy the designer handbag as it would ___ to her.	(IV) chasing a rainbow

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(A) - (III), (B) - (IV), (C) - (I), (D) - (II)

(A) - (I), (B) - (III), (C) - (II), (D) - (IV)

(A) - (IV), (B) - (I), (C) - (II), (D) - (III)

(A) - (II), (B) - (IV), (C) - (I), (D) - (III)

Correct Answer

Option 1

Correct Answer

Explanation

Q16:

2026: 21 May Shift 1

Vocabulary

>

Idioms

Easy

Match the idioms given in List-I with the meanings in List-II.

List-I (Idioms)	List-II (Meanings)
(A) To take your hat off	(I) To be in a state of suspense
(B) To flog a dead horse	(II) Lost in one's own thoughts
(C) To be on tenterhooks	(III) To waste energy on a lost cause
(D) In a brown study	(IV) To state your admiration for someone

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(A) - (II), (B) - (III), (C) - (I), (D) - (IV)

(A) - (III), (B) - (I), (C) - (IV), (D) - (II)

(A) - (IV), (B) - (III), (C) - (I), (D) - (II)

(A) - (II), (B) - (IV), (C) - (I), (D) - (III)

Correct Answer

Option 3

Correct Answer

Explanation

Q17:

2026: 21 May Shift 1

Vocabulary

>

Idioms

Medium

Match the idioms used in sentences given in List-I with the meanings given in List-II.

List-I (Sentences with idioms)	List-II (Meanings)
(A) Mohan is really up in the creek without any support.	(I) people who desert you in difficult times
(B) The students should take time by the forelock.	(II) in serious difficulties
(C) Just get a wiggle on. Everything will be alright.	(III) seize opportunity
(D) Ashok had all fair-weather friends.	(IV) get moving

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(A) - (III), (B) - (IV), (C) - (I), (D) - (II)

(A) - (II), (B) - (III), (C) - (IV), (D) - (I)

(A) - (IV), (B) - (I), (C) - (II), (D) - (III)

(A) - (III), (B) - (I), (C) - (IV), (D) - (II)

Correct Answer

Option 2

Correct Answer

Explanation

Q18:

2026: 20 May Shift 2

Vocabulary

>

Idioms

Easy

Choose the appropriate option that conveys the correct meaning of the following idiom:

Every nook and cranny

Every nose and cheek

Everyone is equal

Everyone has equal rights

Every part or aspect of something

Correct Answer

Option 4

Correct Answer

Explanation

Q19:

2026: 20 May Shift 2

Vocabulary

>

Idioms

Easy

Choose the appropriate option that conveys the correct meaning of the underlined expression:

His avarice for making quick money proved to be his achilles' heel while playing in the stock market.

a person's strong point

a person's humbleness

a person's vulnerable spot

a person's choice of fashion

Correct Answer

Option 3

Correct Answer

Explanation

Q20:

2026: 20 May Shift 2

Vocabulary

>

Idioms

Easy

Choose the appropriate option that conveys the correct meaning of the given idiom:

Fools rush in where angels fear to tread

Foolish people pray to God to give them strength to tackle any difficult situation of their life.

Wise people can tackle any difficult situation in their life.

Wise people will have no hesitation in tackling a situation where angels travel.

People without good sense will have no hesitation in tackling a situation that even the wisest would avoid.

Correct Answer

Option 4

Correct Answer

Explanation

Q21:

2026: 20 May Shift 1

Vocabulary

>

Idioms

Easy

Choose the option that best describes the meaning of the underlined phrase from the options given below:-

Though it was his maiden speech, he brought down the house with his dry humour.

received overwhelming applause

received criticism

was embarrassed

was thanked profusely

Correct Answer

Option 1

Correct Answer

Explanation

Q22:

2026: 20 May Shift 1

Vocabulary

>

Idioms

Easy

Choose the correct option as the meaning of the given proverb:-

Handsome is as handsome does.

Man's goodness lies in his good deeds and not in the good looks.

Handsome looks are good indeed.

Good looks are very important.

Good looks are as important as good work.

Correct Answer

Option 1

Correct Answer

Explanation

Q23:

2026: 20 May Shift 1

Vocabulary

>

Idioms

Easy

Match the idioms/proverbs given in List-I with their meanings in List-II

List-I	List-II
(A) Lost in the clouds	(I) Ruined
(B) Go to the dogs	(II) Confused
(C) A fly in the ointment	(III) Share the cost
(D) To go Dutch	(IV) Something trifling that mars the whole

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:-

(A) - (IV), (B) - (II), (C) - (I), (D) - (III)

(A) - (III), (B) - (IV), (C) - (I), (D) - (II)

(A) - (II), (B) - (I), (C) - (IV), (D) - (III)

(A) - (I), (B) - (III), (C) - (II), (D) - (IV)

Correct Answer

Option 3

Correct Answer

Explanation

Q24:

2026: 19 May Shift 2

Vocabulary

>

Idioms

Easy

Match Idioms given in List-I with their correct meanings given in List-II

LIST-I (Idioms)		LIST-II (Meanings)
A.	Above board	I. Not deserving
B.	A hidden agenda	II. Insignificant or unimportant
C.	Not worth one's salt	III. Honest and legitimate
D.	Small potatoes	IV. Real but concealed aims

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV

A-I, B-IV, C-III, D-II

A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II

A-II, B-IV, C-I, D-III

Correct Answer

Option 3

Correct Answer

Explanation

Q25:

2026: 19 May Shift 2

Vocabulary

>

Idioms

Medium

Which of the following provides the correct meaning of the underlined idiom?

In calling her the best singer in the country, her fans draw the long bow.

recommend her.

motivate her.

make exaggerated claims.

celebrate her performance.

Correct Answer

Option 3

Correct Answer

Explanation

Q26:

2026: 19 May Shift 2

Vocabulary

>

Idioms

Medium

Match the Idioms given in List-I with their meanings given in List-II

LIST-I (Idioms)		LIST-II (Meanings)
A.	Nail your colours to mast	I. Performing well or confidently
B.	A shot in the dark	II. Declare openly and firmly what you believe
C.	Take your cue from	III. An attempt to guess something
D.	In the groove	IV. Follow the example or advice of

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

A-I, B-III, C-II, D-IV

A-I, B-IV, C-III, D-II

A-III, B-II, C-IV, D-I

A-II, B-III, C-IV, D-I

Correct Answer

Option 4

Correct Answer

Explanation

Q27:

2026: 19 May Shift 1

Vocabulary

>

Idioms

Medium

Which of the following sentences show the correct use of idioms:

(A) Don't try and cut corners. Your product will be rejected.

(B) Ram and Mohan fought over something but now they have decided to burn the candle at both ends.

(C) The teacher's presence at the end-of-term party was like a wild goose chase.

(D) The young man was too green not to be cheated by his shrewd employer.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(A) and (D) only

(B) and (D) only

(A) and (C) only

(B) and (C) only

Correct Answer

Option 1

Correct Answer

Explanation

Q28:

2026: 19 May Shift 1

Vocabulary

>

Idioms

Medium

Match the idioms given in List-I with the meanings given in List-II.

List-I (Idioms)	List-II (Meanings)
(A) Blow your own trumpet	(I) Very early in the morning
(B) Labour of Hercules	(II) Talk boastfully about yourself
(C) Beggar belief	(III) Task requiring enormous strength
(D) Up with the lark	(IV) Be too extraordinary to be believed

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(A) - (IV), (B) - (I), (C) - (II), (D) - (III)

(A) - (II), (B) - (IV), (C) - (III), (D) - (I)

(A) - (II), (B) - (III), (C) - (IV), (D) - (I)

(A) - (III), (B) - (IV), (C) - (I), (D) - (II)

Correct Answer

Option 3

Correct Answer

Explanation

Q29:

2026: 19 May Shift 1

Vocabulary

>

Idioms

Medium

Match the Idioms given in List-I with the meanings given in List-II.

List-I (Idioms)	List-II (Meanings)
(A) Man of letters	(I) Be victorious or successful
(B) Carry the day	(II) Partial success
(C) Flash in the pan	(III) Happier times
(D) Halcyon Days	(IV) Learned

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(A) - (IV), (B) - (I), (C) - (II), (D) - (III)

(A) - (I), (B) - (III), (C) - (II), (D) - (IV)

(A) - (III), (B) - (IV) (C) - (I), (D) - (II)

(A) - (III), (B) - (I), (C) - (IV), (D) - (II)

Correct Answer

Option 1

Correct Answer

Explanation

Q30:

2026: 18 May Shift 2

Vocabulary

>

Idioms

Medium

Choose the most appropriate idiom to complete the sentence:

The demand of inquiry into his conduct is just a ____ as there is no truth in it.

red-herring

red-tapism

pell-mell

mare's nest

Correct Answer

Option 1

Correct Answer

Explanation

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