Idioms and Phrases Questions for SBI PO Exam

The SBI PO 2024 Notification has been released, and candidates should begin focusing on key areas for a stronger preparation strategy. One such area is the Idioms and Phrases section, which tests your understanding of figurative language and its proper usage. To aid in your preparation, we have curated a set of Idioms and Phrases questions that will help you perform well in both the Prelims and Mains stages of the exam.

Idioms and Phrases Questions for SBI PO  Exam

In the SBI PO 2025 exam, the Idioms and Phrases section plays a crucial role in testing your knowledge of commonly used expressions and their meanings. Based on previous years’ trends, this section typically includes several questions that challenge your ability to interpret and apply idiomatic phrases correctly. To aid your preparation, we have compiled a series of Idioms and Phrases questions with detailed solutions, helping you enhance your understanding and accuracy.

Q1. Instructions: In each of the questions given below, a/an idiom/phrase is given in bold which is then followed by five options which try to decipher its meaning. Choose the option which gives the correct meaning of the phrases.

Looking to your laurels

(a) To immediately start training
(b) To plan a victory celebration
(c) To scout for new talent immediately
(d) To disregard the achievements
(e) To rest on past achievements

Q2. Instructions: In each of the questions given below, a/an idiom/phrase is given in bold which is then followed by five options which try to decipher its meaning. Choose the option which gives the correct meaning of the phrases.

Bear a grudge
(a) To forget past conflicts
(b) To hold onto resentment or ill feelings
(c) To make amends with ease
(d) To celebrate their shared history
(e) To lose contact without reason

Q3. Instructions: In each of the questions given below, a/an idiom/phrase is given in bold which is then followed by five options which try to decipher its meaning. Choose the option which gives the correct meaning of the phrases.

By the skin of your teeth
(a) With high marks and accolades
(b) Without any preparation
(c) After multiple attempts
(d) By a very narrow margin
(e) By collaborating with peers

Q4. Instructions: In each of the questions given below, a/an idiom/phrase is given in bold which is then followed by five options which try to decipher its meaning. Choose the option which gives the correct meaning of the phrases.

Down for the count
(a) Energized and more productive than ever
(b) Temporarily incapacitated or defeated
(c) Ready to take on new challenges
(d) Waiting for their turn to present ideas
(e) Taking a short break for relaxation

Q5. Instructions: In each of the questions given below, a/an idiom/phrase is given in bold which is then followed by five options which try to decipher its meaning. Choose the option which gives the correct meaning of the phrases.

Draw the line
(a) To request more responsibilities
(b) To extend working hours voluntarily
(c) To set a clear boundary or limit
(d) To erase previous agreements
(e) To initiate negotiations for a raise

Q6. Instructions: In each of the questions given below, a/an idiom/phrase is given in bold which is then followed by five options which try to decipher its meaning. Choose the option which gives the correct meaning of the phrases.

Easier said than done
(a) Easy to plan but hard to disregard
(b) Quick to finish and easy to start
(c) Difficult to explain but easy to understand
(d) Fast to approve but slow to reject
(e) Simple to state but difficult to implement

Q7. Instructions: In each of the questions given below, a/an idiom/phrase is given in bold which is then followed by five options which try to decipher its meaning. Choose the option which gives the correct meaning of the phrases.

Break a leg
(a) To literally fracture a limb
(b) To perform poorly on purpose
(c) To wish someone good luck in a performance
(d) To exit the stage in disgrace
(e) To change the choreography last minute

Q8. Instructions: In each of the questions given below, a/an idiom/phrase is given in bold which is then followed by five options which try to decipher its meaning. Choose the option which gives the correct meaning of the phrases.

Up a creek without a paddle
(a) In an ideal situation to relax
(b) In a difficult situation without help
(c) With many options to choose from
(d) In a convenient place to find assistance
(e) Surrounded by supportive friends

Q9. Instructions: In each of the questions given below, a/an idiom/phrase is given in bold which is then followed by five options which try to decipher its meaning. Choose the option which gives the correct meaning of the phrases.

Give it a whirl
(a) To completely ignore it
(b) To review it critically
(c) To try something out
(d) To dismantle it completely
(e) To recommend it widely

Q10. Instructions: In each of the questions given below, a/an idiom/phrase is given in bold which is then followed by five options which try to decipher its meaning. Choose the option which gives the correct meaning of the phrases.

Fish out of water
(a) Completely in his element
(b) Naturally adept at navigating complexity
(c) Eager to return to familiar settings
(d) Uncomfortable or out of place
(e) Skilled in adapting to new environments

Q11. Instructions: In each of the questions given below, a/an idiom/phrase is given in bold which is then followed by five options which try to decipher its meaning. Choose the option which gives the correct meaning of the phrases.

Living in the fast lane
(a) Leading a slow and steady lifestyle
(b) Leading a high-risk, fast-paced lifestyle
(c) Following traditional pathways to success
(d) Taking the safest routes in travel
(e) Preferring public transportation options

Q12. Instructions: In each of the questions given below, a/an idiom/phrase is given in bold which is then followed by five options which try to decipher its meaning. Choose the option which gives the correct meaning of the phrases.

Go the extra mile
(a) Does the bare minimum required
(b) Exerts a minimal amount of effort
(c) Exceeds expectations with additional effort
(d) Strictly adheres to job descriptions
(e) Avoids taking on more responsibilities

Q13. Instructions: In each of the questions given below, a/an idiom/phrase is given in bold which is then followed by five options which try to decipher its meaning. Choose the option which gives the correct meaning of the phrases.

Snug as a bug in a rug
(a) Uncomfortable and restless
(b) Anxious about the encroaching cold
(c) Eager to go outside and explore
(d) Perfectly warm and comfortable
(e) Dissatisfied with the room’s decor

Q14. Instructions: In each of the questions given below, a/an idiom/phrase is given in bold which is then followed by five options which try to decipher its meaning. Choose the option which gives the correct meaning of the phrases.

Step up your game
(a) Reduce efforts in career advancement
(b) Focus solely on past achievements
(c) Withdraw from challenging projects
(d) Maintain current levels of productivity
(e) Increase efforts to improve performance

Q15. Instructions: In each of the questions given below, a/an idiom/phrase is given in bold which is then followed by five options which try to decipher its meaning. Choose the option which gives the correct meaning of the phrases.

Not see the wood for the trees
(a) To overlook the general situation due to focus on details
(b) To enhance focus on minor details deliberately
(c) To ignore all details in favor of a general overview
(d) To cut down on excessive information processing
(e) To prioritize environmental concerns over data analysis

Q16. Instructions: In each of the questions given below, a/an idiom/phrase is given in bold which is then followed by five options which try to decipher its meaning. Choose the option which gives the correct meaning of the phrases.

Look before you leap
(a) To make decisions impulsively
(b) To ignore advice and act independently
(c) To consider possible outcomes carefully
(d) To follow others’ decisions blindly
(e) To invest without researching

Q17. Instructions: In each of the questions given below, a/an idiom/phrase is given in bold which is then followed by five options which try to decipher its meaning. Choose the option which gives the correct meaning of the phrases.

On thin ice
(a) In a stable and secure position
(b) In a precarious or risky situation
(c) On a path to rapid promotion
(d) Under no scrutiny at work
(e) Completely trusted by all

Q18. Instructions: In each of the questions given below, a/an idiom/phrase is given in bold which is then followed by five options which try to decipher its meaning. Choose the option which gives the correct meaning of the phrases.

Play devil’s advocate
(a) To agree with all suggestions made
(b) To systematically reject all proposals
(c) To purposefully argue a contrary position
(d) To document the meeting impartially
(e) To support the most popular ideas

Q19. Instructions: In each of the questions given below, a/an idiom/phrase is given in bold which is then followed by five options which try to decipher its meaning. Choose the option which gives the correct meaning of the phrases.

Rain on someone’s parade
(a) Enhanced the joy of her announcement
(b) Organized a surprise party in her honor
(c) Celebrated the news with great enthusiasm
(d) Spoiled her special moment with negativity
(e) Recorded the event for family archives

Q20. Instructions: In each of the questions given below, a/an idiom/phrase is given in bold which is then followed by five options which try to decipher its meaning. Choose the option which gives the correct meaning of the phrases.

Take a rain check
(a) Decline the invitation permanently
(b) Accept the invitation enthusiastically
(c) Postpone the acceptance temporarily
(d) Forget about the event altogether
(e) Attend the event despite difficulties

Solutions

S1.
Correct Answer: (e) To rest on past achievements
Explanation: “Looking to your laurels” refers to resting on or being satisfied with one’s past achievements rather than striving for new ones.

S2.
Correct Answer: (b) To hold onto resentment or ill feelings
Explanation: “Bear a grudge” means to continue holding negative feelings or resentment towards someone because of a past event.

S3.
Correct Answer: (d) By a very narrow margin
Explanation: “By the skin of your teeth” means to narrowly escape failure or succeed in something by a very small margin.

S4.
Correct Answer: (b) Temporarily incapacitated or defeated
Explanation: “Down for the count” refers to being knocked out or temporarily incapacitated, typically used in the context of a defeat or feeling weak.

S5.
Correct Answer: (c) To set a clear boundary or limit
Explanation: “Draw the line” means to establish a limit or boundary that should not be crossed, often in terms of behavior or expectations.

S6.
Correct Answer: (e) Simple to state but difficult to implement
Explanation: “Easier said than done” refers to something that may sound simple when discussed, but is actually difficult to achieve in practice.

S7.
Correct Answer: (c) To wish someone good luck in a performance
Explanation: “Break a leg” is a way of wishing someone good luck, especially before a performance, such as in theatre or music.

S8.
Correct Answer: (b) In a difficult situation without help
Explanation: “Up a creek without a paddle” means being in a difficult or troublesome situation without any means of resolving it or getting help.

S9.
Correct Answer: (c) To try something out
Explanation: “Give it a whirl” means to give something a try or experiment with it, typically something new or unfamiliar.

S10.
Correct Answer: (d) Uncomfortable or out of place
Explanation: “Fish out of water” describes someone who is uncomfortable or not suited to their current surroundings or situation.

S11.
Correct Answer: (b) Leading a high-risk, fast-paced lifestyle
Explanation: “Living in the fast lane” refers to living a lifestyle that is fast-paced and full of excitement, often associated with risk-taking or constant action.

S12.
Correct Answer: (c) Exceeds expectations with additional effort
Explanation: “Go the extra mile” means to put in extra effort or do more than what is expected in order to achieve something.

S13.
Correct Answer: (d) Perfectly warm and comfortable
Explanation: “Snug as a bug in a rug” describes a state of being very comfortable and warm, like being in a cozy, protected environment.

S14.
Correct Answer: (e) Increase efforts to improve performance
Explanation: “Step up your game” means to improve your performance or efforts, usually to meet higher standards or to compete more effectively.

S15.
Correct Answer: (a) To overlook the general situation due to focus on details
Explanation: “Not see the wood for the trees” refers to being so focused on small details that you fail to see the bigger picture or overall situation.

S16.
Correct Answer: (c) To consider possible outcomes carefully
Explanation: “Look before you leap” means to think carefully and consider all possible consequences before making a decision or taking action.

S17.
Correct Answer: (b) In a precarious or risky situation
Explanation: “On thin ice” means being in a dangerous or risky situation, where things could go wrong easily.

S18.
Correct Answer: (c) To purposefully argue a contrary position
Explanation: “Play devil’s advocate” means to deliberately take an opposing position or argument, even if you do not necessarily agree with it, often to stimulate discussion.

S19.
Correct Answer: (d) Spoiled her special moment with negativity
Explanation: “Rain on someone’s parade” means to spoil or ruin someone’s enjoyment or happiness, usually by introducing negative elements or problems.

S20.
Correct Answer: (c) Postpone the acceptance temporarily
Explanation: “Take a rain check” means to decline an offer or invitation, but suggest doing it at a later time.