English Idioms and Phrases

 English Idioms and Phrases

Meanings and Examples

1. A damp squib

Meaning: A complete failure or something that turns out to be much less exciting or effective than expected.

Example: The visit of our Foreign Minister to the USA proved to be a damp squib on the issue of terrorism.

2. ABC

Meaning: The most basic knowledge of a subject.

Example: He doesn’t know the ABC of Physics.

3. Alpha and Omega

Meaning: The beginning and the end; the most important part of something.

Example: The alpha and omega of British policy was to keep the Indians divided.

4. An eyewash

Meaning: A pretence intended to deceive; something done merely to create an appearance.

Example: He does nothing without self-interest; all his excuses are merely an eyewash.

5. At someone’s beck and call

Meaning: Always ready to serve or help someone.

Example: Don’t worry; I am at your beck and call.

6. Between the cup and the lip

Meaning: Even when success seems certain, something may still go wrong.

Example: Until I had the appointment letter in my hand, I was not sure about the posting, as there could still be many slips between the cup and the lip.

7. By fits and starts

Meaning: Irregularly; with pauses and interruptions.

Example: Work done by fits and starts is never completed on time.

8. Curtain lecture

Meaning: A private scolding or reprimand given by a wife to her husband.

Example: My younger brother never pays any attention to his wife’s curtain lectures.

9. Fire and brimstone

Meaning: Threats of severe punishment or terrible consequences.

Example: The USA threatened Iraq with fire and brimstone if it refused to follow the UN resolutions.

10. Gird up one’s loins

Meaning: To prepare oneself to face a difficult task.

Example: We should gird up our loins to fight poverty and the menace of dowry.

Important Idioms 1-10

 Important Idioms 1-10

1.  To be at one’s wit’s end: कुछ भी समझने में असमर्थ होना (not able to understand, confused, perplexed, confounded, puzzled): She was at her wit’s end to find the way to come out of that difficult situation in which she had been caught in.

2.   On the spur of the moment: बिना किसी योजना के अचानक कुछ कर देना (all of a sudden, without any planning): I decided on the spur of the moment to address the audience.

3.  At the eleventh hour: बिलकुल ऐन वक़्त पर (just in time): I reached the railway station at the eleventh hour but I was able to catch the train.

4.  Apple-pie order: तरतीब में, (....when you keep everything arranged in order, neat and clean): She keeps everything in her kitchen in apple-pie order.

5.  At loggerheads: तना-तनी, दुश्मनी की भावना रखते हुए  (to remain in the state of disagreement/enmity or hostility): Both the families are still at loggerheads.

6.  To be at one’s fingertips: कंठस्थ होना (...when you are able to use your knowledge or information easily): She has all the tenses and English grammar at her fingertips.

7.  Above board: ईमानदारी के साथ और क़ानूनी रूप से भी सही (anything done legally and honestly): His dealings are above board, so you need not worry.

8.  At random: बिना किसी योजना या सोचविचार के साथ (chosen or selected without any consideration, without any regular pattern): The selection committee took ten names at random from the list of the candidates and offered them job.

9.  The apple of one’s eye: बहुत ही प्रिय होना  (to be the most loved one): She is the apple of her father’s eye.

10.                   At a loss: ऐसी स्थिति जब कुछ भी समझ न आये  (not able to decide what to say or do): I was at a loss to decide in his favour.

What's the difference between:CENSORE and CENSOR?

 

Make two sentences using the pair of words CENSORE and CENSOR.

1.      The film board decided to censor certain scenes before the movie’s release.

2.      The strict censure of the official’s actions was reported in all major newspapers.

Note: Censor means to examine and remove objectionable content, while censure (often confused with “censore”) means to express strong disapproval.

Vocabulary Booster! Most Important Homophones for SSC, Banking, and All ...

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Improve Your Vocabulary (1 to 10 words)-Scintillating -Tacit-Sentience-Opulent-Morose-Savvy:Irk--Grotesque

Improve Your Vocabulary (1 to 10 words)

 1.Scintillating /ˈsɪn.tɪ.leɪ.tɪŋ/ "Scintillating" means sparkling or shining brightly, either literally, like a diamond, or figuratively, like a conversation that's very exciting or witty. It's often used to describe something that is exceptionally brilliant, lively, or stimulating.

 2.Tacit /ˈtæs.ɪt/ means already understood adjective 

 3.Sentience /ˈsen.ti.əns/ : ability to experience feelings

 4.:Opulent-/ˈɒp.jə.lənt/ : expensive and luxurious

 5.Morose:/məˈrəʊs/: sad, sullen, unhappy

 6.Savvy: /ˈsæv.i/: practical knowlwdge,

  7.Irk: /ɜːk/ : to annoy someone

  8.Grotesque: /ɡrəʊˈtesk/: comically silly, strange and unpleasant

 

9.Incorrigible /ɪnˈkɒr.ə.dʒə.bəl/ : it is used for the person whose behaviour is bad and impossible to change.

  

10. Bursar /ˈbɜː.sər/: person dealing with accounts at a college, university or in school

 

 

 

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