Idioms are a collection of words or phrases which have a figurative meaning that is generally well established and known. So these words can’t be taken at their literal meanings since they would sound farcical. Idioms, at times, seem grammatically unusual as well. Idioms are often used in stories, poems and even in the spoken words. A phrase is a small group of words that are like a unit. These units are a part of a bigger sentence or a clause. Phrases are unlike idioms, they are actually direct and to the point. They do not figurative meanings, the expression means what the words indicate. A phrase, unlike a complete sentence, does not have a subject and a verb. So it does not express a complete sentence, they are a unit of a complete sentence.

Verbal Ability

Idioms and Phrases-Idioms/ Phrases- Keynotes

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Idioms are expressions that usually cannot be understood by defining the separate words. Most idioms don't seem to make any sense because their origins are so old. Some of them come from ancient literature or even classic films. Learning the background of idioms can help you to remember them. . For example, if your host mother says, "I think it's time to hit the hay", she means, "I think it's bed-time"! You would not be able to understand her by looking up the words hit and hay. Like phrasal verbs, these expressions need to be memorized as a whole. Try visualizing them or drawing pictures when you study them.

Some examples are shown below

1. You want to know why I've got a bee in my bonnet.

a. a headache
b. a fly in my head
c. a problem on my mind
d. a difficulty with my hair
Ans: (c)

 

2. Yes, tell me about it. I'm all ears.

a. listening carefully
b. listening quietly
c. listening quickly
d. listening completely

Ans: (a)

 

3. You remember I told you about that car that cost me an arm and a leg?

a. a fair amount of money
b. a small amount of money
c. a good amount of money
d. a huge amount of money

Ans: (d)

 

4. The one you bought from the man you called the big cheese?

a. the man with big ears
b. the man with the important job
c. the man with the yellow teeth
d. the man with the big smile
Ans: (b)

 

5. Well, he's not that at all. He's a bird brain.

a. a fool
b. a criminal
c. a conman
d. a devil
Ans: (a)

Idioms are a collection of words or phrases which have a figurative meaning that is generally well established and known. So these words can’t be taken at their literal meanings since they would sound farcical. Idioms, at times, seem grammatically unusual as well. Idioms are often used in stories, poems and even in the spoken words. A phrase is a small group of words that are like a unit. These units are a part of a bigger sentence or a clause. Phrases are unlike idioms, they are actually direct and to the point. They do not figurative meanings, the expression means what the words indicate. A phrase, unlike a complete sentence, does not have a subject and a verb. So it does not express a complete sentence, they are a unit of a complete sentence. Freshersworld provides students or job seekers with the free online Idioms and phrases practice and preparation test. MCQ questions and answers for placement is also provided which would help candidates in getting jobs easily.
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