Question 1

Choose the idiom/phrase most SIMILAR in meaning to: 'To BREAK THE ICE'

Accepted Answer

The idiom 'break the ice' means to initiate conversation or create a comfortable atmosphere in an awkward social situation. It originates from the literal act of breaking frozen ice to allow passage, metaphorically applied to removing social barriers. The correct answer 'start a conversation' directly captures this meaning.

Question 2

Choose the idiom/phrase most SIMILAR in meaning to: 'TO BEAT AROUND THE BUSH'

Accepted Answer

'To beat around the bush' means to avoid discussing the main point directly; to speak indirectly or evasively. The phrase likely originates from hunting, where beaters would strike bushes to flush out game rather than going directly to the target. In banking exams, this tests understanding of communication idioms.

Question 3

Choose the idiom/phrase most SIMILAR in meaning to: 'TO CALL IT A DAY'

Accepted Answer

'To call it a day' means to stop work or activity and end the day, typically because one is tired or the task is complete. This phrase is commonly used in professional and banking contexts. The correct answer captures the essence of stopping or concluding activities.

Question 4

Choose the idiom/phrase most SIMILAR in meaning to: 'TO SPILL THE BEANS'

Accepted Answer

'To spill the beans' means to reveal a secret or disclose confidential information unintentionally or prematurely. The origin is unclear but may relate to ancient Greek voting methods using beans. This idiom is commonly tested in IBPS verbal sections for its figurative meaning.

Question 5

Choose the idiom/phrase most SIMILAR in meaning to: 'TO HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD'

Accepted Answer

'To hit the nail on the head' means to identify the exact problem or say something that is precisely correct. The phrase originates from carpentry, where hitting a nail accurately is essential for proper construction. This idiom is frequently tested in IBPS banking exams.

Question 6

Choose the idiom/phrase most SIMILAR in meaning to: 'To BITE OFF MORE THAN ONE CAN CHEW'

Accepted Answer

The idiom 'to bite off more than one can chew' means to take on more responsibility or work than one is capable of handling. It originates from the literal image of putting too much food in one's mouth at once, making it impossible to chew properly. In context: 'He bit off more than he could chew by accepting three projects simultaneously.' The correct answer is 'to undertake more than one can manage,' which captures the exact meaning of overcommitting oneself.

Question 7

Choose the idiom/phrase most OPPOSITE in meaning to: 'To HAVE AN AXE TO GRIND'

Accepted Answer

The idiom 'have an axe to grind' means to have a hidden motive or personal interest in something, often a selfish or ulterior one. Choose the option that represents the opposite—having no hidden agenda or selfish motive.

Question 8

Choose the idiom/phrase that best matches the meaning of: 'TO BEAT A DEAD HORSE'

Accepted Answer

'To beat a dead horse' is an idiom meaning to waste effort on something that is already finished, hopeless, or no longer relevant. Origin: 19th-century American phrase. Context: 'Stop bringing up that old argument—you're just beating a dead horse.' The correct answer is 'to waste effort on a hopeless cause' because it captures the core meaning. 'To win decisively' is the opposite. 'To punish someone unfairly' is a literal misreading. 'To delay an inevitable outcome' is partially related but misses the 'hopelessness' element.

Question 9

Choose the idiom/phrase that best matches the meaning of: 'TO HAVE AN AXE TO GRIND'

Accepted Answer

'To have an axe to grind' means to have a personal grievance, hidden agenda, or selfish motive. Origin: 18th-century American phrase (possibly from Benjamin Franklin anecdote). Context: 'I don't trust his opinion on this matter—he has an axe to grind with the manager.' The correct answer is 'to have a hidden personal motive or grievance' because it captures the core meaning. 'To be prepared for conflict' is literal misreading. 'To sharpen one's skills' is a literal interpretation. 'To seek revenge immediately' misses the 'hidden' element.

Question 10

Choose the idiom/phrase most SIMILAR in meaning to: 'To BITE THE DUST'

A) To suffer a minor setback
B) To meet with complete failure or death
C) To taste something unpleasant
D) To chew food slowly

Accepted Answer

The idiom 'bite the dust' means to fail completely, be defeated, or die. It originated from 19th-century American frontier literature, where gunshot victims would fall to the ground and literally bite dust. In modern usage, it applies to any total failure or end of something. Example: 'After the scandal, his political career bit the dust.' Option B captures the core meaning of complete failure or demise. Options A (minor setback), C (literal taste), and D (literal chewing) are distractors that exploit the word 'bite' and 'dust' in their literal senses, which is a common learner error when encountering idioms for the first time.

IBPS Clerk Idioms & Phrases

Idioms & Phrases— Rules & Concept

Key Points to Remember

Exam-Specific Tips

Idioms & Phrases — Practice Questions

60-Second Revision — Idioms & Phrases