Question 1

Choose the idiom/phrase that best matches the meaning of the underlined expression: 'After months of hard work, the team finally saw the light at the end of the tunnel when they received funding approval.'

Accepted Answer

The idiom 'light at the end of the tunnel' means a sign of hope or indication that a difficult situation will soon end. It suggests that after a long period of struggle or uncertainty, there is finally a prospect of success or relief. The phrase originates from the literal image of a tunnel—when you see light ahead, it means you're approaching the exit and the ordeal is nearly over. This is a commonly used idiom in SSC and banking exams to test contextual understanding of figurative language.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

'Break the ice' means to initiate conversation or interaction in a social situation where people are initially uncomfortable or formal. The phrase originated from literal ice-breaking in frozen waters to allow ships to pass.

Question 3

Choose the idiom/phrase most SIMILAR in meaning to: 'TO PULL SOMEONE'S LEG'

Accepted Answer

'To pull someone's leg' means to tease someone in a playful way or to joke with them; to say something that is not true as a joke. The phrase originates from the physical act of pulling someone's leg as a prank. It is frequently tested in SSC CHSL vocabulary sections and implies humorous deception without malicious intent.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

'Call it a day' means to stop working or cease an activity, typically because you've accomplished enough or are tired. The phrase likely originated from workers in the 19th century signalling the end of the working day.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

The idiom 'beat around the bush' means to avoid discussing the main point directly; to speak indirectly or evasively. It originates from hunting practices where beaters would strike bushes to flush out game, rather than going straight to the target.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

'Spill the beans' means to reveal a secret or disclose confidential information unintentionally or prematurely. The origin is uncertain but may relate to ancient Greek voting methods using beans, or simply the image of accidentally spilling something precious.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

'Bite the dust' means to fail, be defeated, or die. The phrase likely originated from the image of someone falling to the ground during battle or conflict, their mouth touching the dust.

Question 8

Choose the idiom/phrase most SIMILAR in meaning to: 'TO HAVE A SOFT CORNER FOR SOMEONE'

Accepted Answer

'To have a soft corner for someone' means to have a special fondness, affection, or weakness for a particular person. The 'soft corner' metaphor suggests a tender, vulnerable place in one's heart. This idiom is particularly common in Indian English and appears in SSC/IBPS exams.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

'Bite off more than one can chew' means to take on more responsibility or work than one is capable of handling; to overcommit oneself.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

'To have an axe to grind' means to have a hidden motive or personal interest in something. Choose the option that represents the opposite — having no hidden agenda or ulterior motive.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

This idiom means to have a personal grievance, hidden agenda, or selfish motive. It appears in SSC passages discussing motivation, conflict, or hidden intentions. Origin: possibly from Benjamin Franklin's anecdote about a man who asked to use Franklin's whetstone to sharpen an axe—a metaphor for using someone for personal gain.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

'Have an axe to grind' means to have a hidden motive or personal interest in something; to have a grudge or complaint against someone. The phrase likely originates from a fable where someone asks another to turn a grindstone while secretly sharpening their own axe.

Question 13

Choose the idiom/phrase that best matches the meaning of: 'To CALL A SPADE A SPADE'

Accepted Answer

This idiom means to speak plainly and honestly; to name something by its true name without euphemism or evasion. It appears in SSC passages about honesty, directness, and truth-telling. Origin: from Greek/Latin tradition of calling things by their true names; 'spade' is a straightforward, common tool—hence 'a spade is a spade' (a thing is what it is).

Question 14

Choose the idiom/phrase most SIMILAR in meaning to: 'To BURN THE MIDNIGHT OIL'

Accepted Answer

'Burn the midnight oil' means to work late into the night; to work very hard and for extended hours. The phrase originates from the era before electric lighting, when oil lamps were used and 'burning oil' literally meant working after dark.

Question 15

Choose the idiom/phrase that best matches the meaning of: 'To BEAT AROUND THE BUSH'

Accepted Answer

This idiom means to avoid discussing the main point; to speak indirectly or evasively. It appears frequently in SSC comprehension passages and communication-themed questions. Origin: likely from medieval hunting—beating bushes to flush out game rather than going directly to the target.

SSC CHSL Idioms & Phrases

SSC CHSL Idioms & Phrases — Past Exam Questions

Idioms & Phrases— Rules & Concept

Key Points to Remember

Exam-Specific Tips

Idioms & Phrases — Practice Questions

60-Second Revision — Idioms & Phrases