National Defence Academy (NDA), Combined Defence Services (CDS), and Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) are esteemed examinations that demand a multifaceted skill set from aspirants. Among the varied topics covered in the English section, the study of idioms and phrases emerges as a crucial component. This article aims to shed light on the importance of the idioms and phrases topic in these competitive examinations, elucidating how a comprehensive understanding of this linguistic facet can significantly elevate a candidate’s performance.
Q) Dive into
(a) To eagerly begin an activity
(b) To swim
(c) To go into the deep sea
(d) To fall down
Ans. (a)
Q) Crack down on
(a) To yell at someone
(b) To develop a crack
(c) To break into pieces
(d) To punish someone harshly
Ans. (d)
Q) Come up with
(a) To get invited
(b) To come with a friend
(c) To think of an idea
(d) To have fever
Ans. (c)
Q) Come down with
(a) To catch an illness
(b) To come downstairs
(c) To go to the basement
(d) To get a brilliant idea
Ans. (a)
Q) Clean up
(a) To be an extreme failure
(b) To be extremely successful in an endeavor
(c) To clean cars
(d) To look smart
Ans. (b)
Q) Blind man’s holiday
(a) Inability to work at night
(b) No longer young
(c) Being defective
(d) Costing little money
Ans. (a)
Q) Get the boot
(a) A situation in someone things become worse
(b) Do something that causes trouble
(c) Be dismissed from your job
(d) To feel an emotion so strongly
 Ans. (c)
Q) Die in harness
(a) Die with honour
(b) Die on a horseback
(c) Die while working
(d) Die in the battlefield
 Ans. (c)
Q) Wet behind the ears
(a) Don’t have much experience in life
(b) Very easy to do
(c) To sail to a country
(d) To be away
 Ans. (a)
Q) Feather his nest
(a) Decorate his home
(b) Provide his own needs
(c) Trap birds
(d) To be envy of others
Ans. (b)
For more questions, check out NDA-CDS-AFCAT 1 2024 Exam English Live – Idioms & Phrases – Class 2
- Cultural Understanding:
Idioms and phrases are often deeply rooted in the cultural and historical contexts of a language. In the context of defense service examinations like NDA, CDS, and AFCAT, which may involve interactions with people from diverse backgrounds, a nuanced understanding of idioms and phrases is invaluable. It allows candidates to navigate not only the linguistic intricacies but also the cultural nuances they may encounter during their service.
- Effective Communication:
Military professionals are required to communicate effectively in a variety of situations. Idioms and phrases, being expressions that carry meanings beyond their literal interpretation, contribute to the richness and nuance of language. A candidate well-versed in idioms and phrases is better equipped to convey ideas, instructions, and sentiments in a manner that transcends the ordinary, a skill particularly vital in leadership and team management roles.
- Enhancing Reading Comprehension:
The ability to comprehend written material swiftly and accurately is a crucial skill evaluated in these examinations. Idioms and phrases often appear in passages, and a candidate’s familiarity with these expressions can significantly enhance reading comprehension. This skill is not only beneficial in answering specific idiom-related questions but also in deciphering the overall meaning of complex texts.
- Navigating Descriptive and Narrative Sections:
Both the written and interview stages of these examinations may include descriptive and narrative sections where candidates are expected to showcase their linguistic prowess. Idioms and phrases provide a unique flair to one’s language, allowing candidates to express themselves in a manner that goes beyond the ordinary. This can set them apart in a competitive field, leaving a lasting impression on the evaluators.
- Mastery of Informal Language:
Military settings often involve informal communication, whether it be camaraderie among peers or relaying information in a succinct and efficient manner. Idioms and phrases are an integral part of informal language use, and a candidate well-versed in these expressions can seamlessly integrate into the informal communication style prevalent in defense services.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the significance of the idioms and phrases topic in NDA, CDS, and AFCAT examinations extends beyond its role as a linguistic aspect. It is a key element that contributes to cultural awareness, effective communication, and a distinctive language proficiency that sets candidates apart. Aspiring candidates should approach the study of idioms and phrases with diligence, recognizing its importance not just as a means to secure points in the English section but as a skill that enhances their overall readiness for a successful career in the armed forces.
