Idioms and Phrases for CUET 2027 English with Practice Examples

Idioms and Phrases

2–7

10–35

High

Common Question Formats

Meaning-based MCQs, Match the Following, Fill in the Blanks, Sentence Usage

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High

Banana Republic

A politically unstable country ruled by corrupt leaders

The nation was criticised for becoming a banana republic.

Dark Horse

An unexpected winner

She emerged as the dark horse of the competition.

As Clear as Mud

Extremely confusing

His explanation was as clear as mud.

Spill the Beans

Reveal a secret

Rahul accidentally spilled the beans about the surprise party.

Bury the Hatchet

End a quarrel

The two friends finally buried the hatchet.

Hit the Sack

Go to bed

I am tired. I will hit the sack early tonight.

Halcyon Days

Happy and peaceful times

He often remembers his halcyon days at school.

Herculean Task

A very difficult job

Cleaning the entire warehouse was a Herculean task.

Flash in the Pan

Temporary success

Many viral celebrities are just a flash in the pan.

Wild Goose Chase

A pointless search

Looking for the missing file turned into a wild goose chase.

Burn the Candle at Both Ends

Work continuously without enough rest

She burned the candle at both ends before the examination.

Chip on One's Shoulder

Holding resentment

He has had a chip on his shoulder since losing the competition.

Pink Slip

Notice of dismissal from employment

Several employees received a pink slip during restructuring.

Waterloo

A final defeat

The election proved to be his Waterloo.

Black and Blue

Badly bruised

He fell from the bicycle and was black and blue.

Pale and Yellow Face

Looking sick or frightened

After hearing the news, her face became pale and yellow.

Once in a Blue Moon

Very rarely

Break the Ice

Start a conversation

A Piece of Cake

Very easy

Beat Around the Bush

Avoid the main point

Barking up the Wrong Tree

Accusing the wrong person

Cost an Arm and a Leg

Very expensive

Cry over Spilt Milk

Regret something that cannot be changed

Under the Weather

Feeling ill

On Cloud Nine

Extremely happy

Kill Two Birds with One Stone

Achieve two objectives together

Let the Cat out of the Bag

Reveal a secret accidentally

Hit the Nail on the Head

Be exactly correct

Bite the Bullet

Face a difficult situation bravely

Call it a Day

Stop working

Burn the Midnight Oil

Study or work late into the night

Pull Someone's Leg

Tease someone

A Blessing in Disguise

Something good that initially seemed bad

Back to Square One

Start again

In Hot Water

In trouble

Through Thick and Thin

During good and bad times

By Hook or by Crook

By any means

The Ball is in Your Court

It is your decision now

Rain Cats and Dogs

Rain heavily

Keep an Eye On

Watch carefully

Add Fuel to the Fire

Worsen a situation

A Storm in a Teacup

Make a small issue appear important

Burn Bridges

End relationships permanently

At Sixes and Sevens

In confusion

Jump the Gun

Act too early

The Last Straw

Final problem after many others

Throw in the Towel

Admit defeat

In the Same Boat

Facing the same difficulty

On the Same Page

Sharing the same understanding

Turn a Blind Eye

Ignore deliberately

Dark Horse

Unexpected winner

Hit the Sack

Go to sleep

Bury the Hatchet

End a quarrel

Halcyon Days

Happy memories

CUET 2027 Idioms and Phrases PDF

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