If you are preparing for SSC exams like CGL, CHSL, CPO, MTS, or even Selection Post, you might already be working hard on vocabulary, synonyms, antonyms, and grammar. But many candidates often ignore idioms and phrases for SSC CGL or any other exam. Even though they are a fixed part of the English section.
Every year, SSC asks compulsory questions on idioms, usually around 2 to 6 depending on the exam. For example, in SSC CGL, about 4–5 idiom questions were asked in 2024. While in SSC CPO, as many as 5–6 was seen in 2023. CHSL and MTS also regularly include at least 1–4 idioms every year. This shows how important idioms are, not only for scoring better in exams but also for improving your overall English. Once you master them, idioms stay with you for life and make your language sound more natural.
Don’t forget to check out our complete A-Z Idioms list, well-crafted for all exams.
Here we have made some practice questions and answers of Idioms and Phrases for SSC papers. Let’s see how many of them you know already. Try to solve them first, and then check the correct answers given below each question.
Practice Idioms and Phrases for SSC Papers
Q1. Choose the appropriate meaning of the Idiom – Pig in a poke
A) Buying something without knowing its value
B) Running away in fear
C) Pretending to be busy
D) Acting foolishly
A) Buying something without knowing its value.
Q2. Choose the appropriate meaning of the Idiom – Beat around the bush
A) Waste time in gardening
B) Avoid the main topic
C) Talk in circles for fun
D) Complain about small things
B) Avoid the main topic
Q3. Choose the appropriate meaning of the below Idiom – Crocodile tears
A) Real grief
B) False display of sorrow
C) A joyful laugh
D) Deep anger
B) False display of sorrow
Q4. Choose the appropriate meaning of the below Idiom – At the eleventh hour
A) Very early
B) Exactly on time
C) At the last possible moment
D) After the deadline
C) At the last possible moment
Q5. Choose the appropriate meaning of the below Idiom – Once in a blue moon
A) Frequently
B) Occasionally
C) Very rarely
D) Daily
C) Very rarely
Q6. Choose the appropriate meaning of the below Idiom – Make a mountain out of a molehill
A) To exaggerate a small problem
B) To solve a difficult task
C) To climb mountains
D) To avoid work
A) To exaggerate a small problem
Q7. Choose the appropriate meaning of the below Idiom – Spill the beans
A) Waste food
B) Reveal a secret
C) Show anger
D) Drop something
B) Reveal a secret
Q8. Choose the appropriate meaning of the below Idiom – Burn the midnight oil
A) Sleep very late
B) Work hard late at night
C) Waste electricity
D) Party till morning
B) Work hard late at night
Q9. Choose the appropriate meaning of the below Idiom – The ball is in your court
A) It’s your responsibility to decide
B) You are playing a game
C) Someone is blaming you
D) Wait for your turn
A) It’s your responsibility to decide
Q10. Choose the appropriate meaning of the below Idiom – Hit the nail on the head
A) Damage something
B) Say exactly the right thing
C) Miss the target
D) Argue strongly
B) Say exactly the right thing
Q11. Choose the appropriate meaning of the below Idiom – Throw in the towel
A) Start a new job
B) Accept defeat
C) Get angry
D) Become rich
Answer: B) Accept defeat
Q12. Choose the appropriate meaning of the below Idiom – Keep an eye on
A) To take care of something
B) To spy on someone
C) To paint a picture
D) To close your eyes
A) To take care of something
Q13. Choose the appropriate meaning of the below Idiom – Cut corners
A) Work cheaply or carelessly
B) Take a shortcut road
C) Design a building
D) Stop doing work
A) Work cheaply or carelessly
Q14. Choose the appropriate meaning of the below Idiom – Under the weather
A) Feeling unwell
B) Stuck in rain
C) Very happy
D) Lost in thoughts
A) Feeling unwell
Q15. Choose the appropriate meaning of the below Idiom – A blessing in disguise
A) A curse
B) A hidden advantage
C) An open opportunity
D) A good friend
B) A hidden advantage
Q16. Choose the appropriate meaning of the below Idiom – Pull someone’s leg
A) To trip someone
B) To make fun of someone
C) To support someone
D) To drag a person
B) To make fun of someone
Q17. Choose the appropriate meaning of the below Idiom – Miss the boat
A) To lose an opportunity
B) To travel late
C) To fail in exams
D) To get into trouble
A) To lose an opportunity
Q18. Choose the appropriate meaning of the below Idiom – On cloud nine
A) Very confused
B) Extremely happy
C) Daydreaming
D) Uncertain
B) Extremely happy
Q19. Choose the appropriate meaning of the below Idiom – Call a spade a spade
A) To speak honestly and directly
B) To insult someone
C) To do gardening
D) To hide the truth
A) To speak honestly and directly
Q20. Choose the appropriate meaning of the below Idiom – A piece of cake
A) A bakery item
B) Something very easy
C) A big problem
D) A false promise
B) Something very easy
If you are an IELTS aspirant, Idioms plays a crucial part there also. You can check out this Popular and commonly used American idioms list explained. And if you are preparing for SSC, here is the practice paper for SSC error detection questions.
FAQs on Idioms in SSC Exams
Q1. What are idioms in English?
Idioms are phrases or expressions whose meanings are different from the literal meanings of the words. For example, “Break the ice” means to start a conversation, not actually breaking ice.
Q2. Why are idioms important in SSC exams?
Idioms are an important part of the English section in SSC exams like CGL, CHSL, CPO, and MTS. They test a candidate’s knowledge of vocabulary and understanding of figurative language.
Q3. How many idioms should I prepare for SSC exams?
There is no fixed number, but students are usually advised to prepare at least 300–400 common idioms and phrases, as SSC often repeats questions from previous years.
Q4. What is the best way to learn idioms for SSC?
The best way is to learn with examples and sentences. Make short notes, revise regularly, and practice with previous year’s SSC papers to understand how idioms are asked.
Q5. Do idioms repeat in SSC exams?
Yes, SSC frequently repeats idioms in different exams. Learning past year idioms gives you a high chance of scoring well in this section.