Question 1

Choose the option that correctly completes the sentence: 'The CEO's decision to downsize the workforce was a bitter pill to swallow _____ the employees.' Which preposition correctly completes the phrase?

Accepted Answer

The idiom 'a bitter pill to swallow' means something unpleasant or difficult to accept. When expressing who finds it difficult, the preposition 'for' is used: 'a bitter pill to swallow for [someone]'. This indicates the person who must accept the unpleasant situation.

Question 2

Select the option that best replaces the underlined phrase.

The manager decided to **put all his eggs in one basket** by investing the entire company fund into a single project.

A) distribute resources across multiple ventures
B) concentrate all resources into one risky venture
C) save money for future emergencies
D) diversify the investment portfolio wisely

Accepted Answer

The phrase 'put all one's eggs in one basket' is an idiom meaning to risk everything on a single outcome or venture, which is generally considered unwise. In the given sentence, the manager is doing exactly this—investing the entire fund into one project. Option B correctly captures this meaning of concentrating all resources into one risky venture, which matches the context. Option A suggests the opposite (diversification), Option C is unrelated to the phrase's meaning, and Option D also contradicts the idiom's negative connotation.

Question 3

Identify the error in the sentence: 'The team have worked tirelessly to achieve their goals, and they are confident that they will succeed.' Which correction is needed?

Accepted Answer

In British English, collective nouns like 'team' can take either singular or plural verbs depending on whether the group is viewed as a unit or as individuals. Here, 'have worked' treats 'team' as plural (individuals), which is acceptable in British English. However, the sentence is grammatically correct as written. If this were American English, 'has worked' would be preferred. The sentence contains no error in standard British English usage.

Question 4

Select the sentence where the phrase 'beat around the bush' is used CORRECTLY:

A) The HR manager beat around the bush and directly informed the employee about the promotion.
B) The auditor beat around the bush, avoiding a direct answer about the financial discrepancies.
C) The team beat around the bush and completed the project on schedule.
D) The director beat around the bush by making a clear and concise announcement.

Accepted Answer

The phrase 'beat around the bush' means to avoid speaking directly about something; to use indirect or evasive language. This question tests contextual appropriateness and semantic consistency.

Question 5

Which sentence correctly uses the phrase 'at loggerheads'?

Accepted Answer

The phrase 'at loggerheads' means in a state of disagreement or deadlock. This question tests whether you can identify correct contextual usage.

Question 6

Select the option that best replaces the underlined phrase in the sentence:

The manager decided to **put all his eggs in one basket** by investing the entire company fund into a single project, which proved to be a risky decision.

A) diversify his investments across multiple ventures
B) concentrate all resources into one venture
C) spread the financial burden equally
D) delegate responsibilities to his team members

Accepted Answer

The phrase 'put all eggs in one basket' is an idiom meaning to risk everything on a single outcome or venture. In the given sentence, the context clearly indicates a risky decision involving concentration of resources. Option B correctly captures this meaning—concentrating all resources into one venture. The sentence structure and the word 'risky' confirm that the manager made a dangerous choice by not diversifying. Option A contradicts the original meaning (diversify is the opposite). Option C misinterprets the idiom as financial distribution rather than resource concentration. Option D shifts focus to delegation, which is unrelated to the idiom's meaning.

Question 7

Identify the sentence with correct phrase replacement:

Original: 'The manager decided to put off the meeting because of unforeseen circumstances.'

Which option BEST replaces 'put off'?

Accepted Answer

The phrase 'put off' means to postpone or delay. In this context, it is correctly used. However, the question tests whether you can identify a suitable replacement that maintains the same meaning and register appropriate for formal business communication.

Question 8

Select the sentence where the underlined phrase is used INCORRECTLY:

A) The employee's poor performance was a thorn in the flesh for the entire department.
B) After years of struggle, she finally came into her own as a senior executive.
C) The new policy was a hard pill to swallow for the junior staff.
D) His constant complaints were water under the bridge for the team.

Accepted Answer

This question tests the correct contextual usage of idiomatic phrases commonly appearing in banking and competitive exams.

Question 9

Identify the INCORRECT phrase replacement in the sentence:

'The project manager decided to nip the problem in the bud before it escalated further.'

Which option INCORRECTLY replaces 'nip in the bud'?

Accepted Answer

The phrase 'nip in the bud' means to stop something at an early stage before it becomes serious. This question tests whether you can distinguish between similar-sounding phrases with different meanings.

Question 10

Select the option that BEST replaces the phrase in bold:

'After years of struggle, the entrepreneur finally **saw the light** and decided to pivot his business model.'

Which replacement is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

The phrase 'see the light' is an idiom meaning to understand something suddenly or to have a revelation/realisation. The replacement must convey sudden understanding or insight.

Question 11

Which option CORRECTLY replaces the underlined phrase?

'The politician's speech was full of empty promises; he was clearly **barking up the wrong tree** with his campaign strategy.'

Identify the best replacement:

Accepted Answer

The phrase 'bark up the wrong tree' means to pursue a mistaken course of action or to focus effort on the wrong target. The replacement must convey misguided effort or strategy.

Question 12

Select the option that best replaces the underlined phrase to correct the sentence:

"The manager's decision to overlook the employee's misconduct has set a dangerous precedent, and now everyone is trying to take him for granted."

A) take him for granted
B) take advantage of him
C) take him at his word
D) take him to task

Accepted Answer

The sentence describes a negative consequence of the manager's lenient decision. The phrase 'take him for granted' means to assume someone will always be available or helpful without appreciation—but this doesn't logically follow from 'overlooking misconduct.' The correct idiom is 'take advantage of him,' which means to exploit someone's weakness or kindness for personal benefit. This directly reflects the consequence of the manager's permissive stance: employees now exploit his leniency.

Question 13

Identify the sentence with correct phrase replacement:

Original: 'The manager decided to take the bull by the horns and address the issue head-on.'

Which option BEST replaces the underlined phrase while maintaining the meaning?

Accepted Answer

The phrase 'take the bull by the horns' is an idiom meaning to confront a difficult situation directly and courageously. The replacement must preserve this sense of bold, direct action.

Question 14

Which option CORRECTLY replaces the underlined phrase?

'The junior employee was asked to **put up with** the senior's demanding behaviour, but she eventually resigned.'

Identify the best replacement:

Accepted Answer

The phrase 'put up with' means to tolerate or endure something unpleasant. The replacement must convey reluctant acceptance of an undesirable situation.

SBI PO Phrase Replacement

Phrase Replacement— Rules & Concept

Key Points to Remember

Exam-Specific Tips

Phrase Replacement — Practice Questions

60-Second Revision — Phrase Replacement