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English Questions : Idioms for all banking exams – Set 21

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Welcome to Online English Section with explanation in AffairsCloud.com. Here we are providing here some important idioms and phrases, which is BASED ON IBPS PO/CLERK/LIC AAO/RRB & SSC CGL EXAM and other competitive exams.

1. Once in a blue moon

Meaning : Something that happens very rarely

Example :

  • The earthquakes hits once in a blue moon in this part of the earth, we never felt it.
  • Though, I trust in God very much, but I visit that famous temple only once in a blue moon.

2. Beating around the bush

Meaning : Avoiding the main topic

Example :

  • When I asked George whether he knew who had taken the files from my desk, he started beating around the bush and refused to give me a direct answer.
  • You will have to learn to speak clearly about what you want. You won’t get anywhere if you keep beating around the bush.

3. Cry over spilt milk

Meaning : Complaining about a loss or failure from the past

Example :

  • It was disappointing, to say the least, but there’s no point crying over spilt milk.
  • You’ve broken it now; it’s no use crying over spilt milk.

4. Spill the beans

Meaning : To disclose a secret

Example :

  • Trust her to spill the beans, she never could keep a secret.
  • Although they didn’t spill the beans, the principal already knew.

5. Piece of cake

Meaning : Something that is easy to understand or do

Example :

  • After climbing mountains in the Swiss Alps, going up English hills is a piece of cake.
  • Don’t think that this term’s work will be a piece of cake – you’ll have to study hard to get good grades.

6. Blessing in disguise

Meaning : Something good and useful that did not initially seem that way

Example :

  • Losing that job was a blessing in disguise really, and I ended up in a much more enjoyable career.
  • The loss of fertilizer proved to be a blessing in disguise. It forced us to use compost, which is better for the soil and crops.

7. Come hell or high water

Meaning : Possible obstacles in your path (will not stop you)

Example :

  • His boss said he wanted the project completed by the end of the week, come hell or high water.
  • I will be there for your wedding, come hell or high water.

8. Taste of your own medicine

Meaning : When someone receives the same treatment, usually negative, that he/she gives to others

Example :

  • Don’t be rude to others. You won’t like it when you get a taste of your own medicine.
  • If he doesn’t change his behaviour by reasoning, he’s going to get a taste of his own medicine.

9. Icing on the cake

Meaning : Something that turns good into great

Example :

  • Everyone expected him to do well in the exams. Getting first rank was the icing on the cake.
  • Winning the race was a feat in itself, creating a world record was the icing on the cake.

10. Cost an arm and a leg

Meaning : Be very expensive

Example :

  • I would have loved to go with my friends on a vacation, but it would have cost me an arm and a leg.
  • The show is excellent, but the tickets cost an arm and a leg