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
