In the following questions four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase italicised and underlined in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idiom/phrase.
The detective left no stone unturned to trace the culprit.
Answer: D
It means used all available means.
To leave no stone unturned is to try every possible expedient, from the oracle's advice to a Theban who was told to turn every stone to find the treasure.
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The authorities took him to task for his negligence.
Answer: C
It means reprimanded him.
To take someone to task is to call them to account and rebuke them.
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In spite of the pressure exerted by the militants, the government has decided not to give in.
Answer: B
It means yield.
To give in is to stop resisting and submit. Accede is close but means to agree to a proposal rather than to be worn down.
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Their business is now on its last legs.
Answer: B
It means about to perish.
To be on its last legs is to be worn out and near collapse.
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He went back on his promise to vote for me.
Answer: A
It means withdrew.
To go back on a promise is to fail to keep it.
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The old beggar ran amok and began to throw stones at the passers-by.
Answer: B
It means ran about wildly.
To run amok is to rush about in a frenzy, from the Malay amuk, describing a murderous rage.
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I cannot conceive of a time when I was without a refrigerator.
Answer: A
It means imagine.
To conceive of something is to form an idea of it in the mind.
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Some proverbs/idioms are given below together with their meanings. Choose the correct meaning of proverb/idiom, If there is no correct meaning given, E (i.e.) 'None of these' will be the answer.
To make clean breast of
Answer: C
It means to confess without reserve.
To make a clean breast of something is to admit it fully, the breast being the seat of what one conceals.
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To keep one's temper
Answer: B
It means to be in a good mood.
To keep one's temper is to stay calm and not give way to anger - the opposite of losing it.
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To catch a tartar
Answer: B
It means to catch a dangerous person.
To catch a Tartar is to tackle someone who proves too strong - from the story of a soldier who called out that he had caught a Tartar and, asked to bring him along, replied that the Tartar would not let him go.
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