The topic of Idioms and Phrases is an essential part of the English section in competitive exams such as NDA, CDS, and AFCAT. These exams often test candidates on their understanding of commonly used idiomatic expressions, phrasal verbs, and their meanings. A solid grasp of idioms and phrases is necessary to answer these questions accurately.
Why Focus on Idioms & Phrases?
- Cultural Relevance: Idioms and phrases reflect cultural contexts and are commonly used in both written and spoken English. Understanding them not only improves a candidate’s language proficiency but also their comprehension of real-world English usage.
- Phrasal Verbs Mastery: Phrasal verbs, which are formed by combining a verb with a preposition or adverb, are an integral part of idioms. These combinations often have meanings that cannot be inferred from the individual words, making their understanding essential for sentence correction, comprehension, and error detection questions.
- Enhanced Communication: Knowledge of idioms and phrases enriches vocabulary and boosts communication skills. Candidates with a strong command of idiomatic expressions are more adept at understanding and using nuanced language, which is critical for reading comprehension and precise expression in written exams.
MCQ Sessions and Practice
In Idioms & Phrases Class 1, I conducted an MCQ session where candidates practiced solving important questions from the topic. These sessions are designed to:
- Expose students to frequently used idioms and their meanings.
- Help candidates understand the context in which idiomatic expressions are used.
- Build speed and accuracy in identifying the correct meaning or usage of idioms and phrases under exam conditions.
Directions: Given below are some idioms/phrases followed by four alternative meanings to each. Choose the response (a), (b), (c), (d) which is the most appropriate expression and mark your response to the answer sheet accordingly.
Q) To put a spoke in one’s wheel
(a) To annoy
(b) To create hindrance
(c) To understand the hidden meaning
(d) To dismiss
Ans. (b)
Q) To play ducks and drakes
(a) Being reckless
(b) To play something
(c) To be absent without permission
(d) To risk it all
Ans. (a)
Q) To make one’s pile
(a) To make a house
(b) To make a lot of money
(c) To say rubbish
(d) To hit one’s target
Ans. (b)
Q) To pour oil in troubled water
(a) Thoroughly
(b) Feel bold
(c) To rectify the matter
(d) Being at the wrong side
Ans. (c)
Q) To face the music
(a) To prepare to give a musical performance
(b) To suffer evil consequences
(c) To suffer hardships
(d) To change the things
Ans. (b)
For more questions, check out NDA-CDS-AFCAT 1 2025 Exam English Live – Idioms & Phrases – Class 1
Through regular practice and exposure to idioms and phrasal verbs, candidates can significantly improve their chances of success in the English sections of NDA, CDS, and AFCAT 1 2025 exams.
In conclusion, mastering Idioms and Phrases requires consistent practice and a keen understanding of language nuances. With a strong vocabulary and contextual knowledge of idiomatic expressions, candidates can tackle questions from this topic confidently, thereby boosting their overall exam performance.
