CSS - PMS - Precis & Composition
Phrases
Choose the correct meaning of the idiomatic phrase "at daggers drawn".
A. offer something valuable to people unable to appreciate it
B. in the same difficult situation
C. in a state of bitter hostility
D. run away
Correct Answer: C
"at daggers drawn" is an idiomatic expression meaning in a state of bitter hostility.
CSS - PMS - Precis & Composition
Phrases
Choose the correct meaning of the idiomatic phrase "at a loss".
A. by any possible means
B. unable to know what to do or say
C. very cheerful
D. leave without permission
Correct Answer: B
"at a loss" is an idiomatic expression meaning unable to know what to do or say.
CSS - PMS - Precis & Composition
Phrases
Choose the correct meaning of the idiomatic phrase "apple of one's eye".
A. a person who is especially loved or valued
B. remain silent
C. deliberately and without emotion
D. take attention or credit away from someone
Correct Answer: A
"apple of one's eye" is an idiomatic expression meaning a person who is especially loved or valued.
CSS - PMS - Precis & Composition
Phrases
Choose the correct meaning of the idiomatic phrase "an axe to grind".
A. end a quarrel and make peace
B. in a few words
C. insist on formal behavior
D. a private reason or selfish motive for involvement
Correct Answer: D
"an axe to grind" is an idiomatic expression meaning a private reason or selfish motive for involvement.
CSS - PMS - Precis & Composition
Phrases
Choose the correct meaning of the idiomatic phrase "add fuel to the fire".
A. boast about one's own achievements
B. remain silent
C. make a bad situation worse
D. pretended dislike of something one cannot obtain
Correct Answer: C
"add fuel to the fire" is an idiomatic expression meaning make a bad situation worse.
CSS - PMS - Precis & Composition
Phrases
What does the fixed phrase "with the exception of" mean?
A. in conformity with a rule or request
B. excluding
C. concerning or with reference to
D. via or as a form of
Correct Answer: B
The fixed phrase "with the exception of" means excluding. It commonly appears in formal and competitive-exam English.
CSS - PMS - Precis & Composition
Phrases
What does the fixed phrase "on condition that" mean?
A. provided that
B. when compared with
C. while seeking or trying to achieve
D. because of or as a result of
Correct Answer: A
The fixed phrase "on condition that" means provided that. It commonly appears in formal and competitive-exam English.
CSS - PMS - Precis & Composition
Phrases
What does the fixed phrase "in search of" mean?
A. responsible for
B. instead of
C. using
D. trying to find
Correct Answer: D
The fixed phrase "in search of" means trying to find. It commonly appears in formal and competitive-exam English.
CSS - PMS - Precis & Composition
Phrases
What does the fixed phrase "in return for" mean?
A. if something happens
B. against
C. as compensation or exchange for
D. concerning or referring to
Correct Answer: C
The fixed phrase "in return for" means as compensation or exchange for. It commonly appears in formal and competitive-exam English.
CSS - PMS - Precis & Composition
Phrases
What does the fixed phrase "in keeping with" mean?
A. as a response to
B. consistent with
C. requiring
D. concerning
Correct Answer: B
The fixed phrase "in keeping with" means consistent with. It commonly appears in formal and competitive-exam English.
CSS - PMS - Precis & Composition
Phrases
What does the fixed phrase "by comparison with" mean?
A. when compared with
B. for the purpose of helping
C. consistent with
D. concerning
Correct Answer: A
The fixed phrase "by comparison with" means when compared with. It commonly appears in formal and competitive-exam English.
CSS - PMS - Precis & Composition
Phrases
What does the fixed phrase "as regards" mean?
A. before the expected time
B. instead of
C. with the intention of
D. concerning
Correct Answer: D
The fixed phrase "as regards" means concerning. It commonly appears in formal and competitive-exam English.
CSS - PMS - Precis & Composition
Phrases
What does the fixed phrase "as opposed to" mean?
A. as well as
B. as a mark of respect for
C. in contrast with
D. very close to experiencing or doing something
Correct Answer: C
The fixed phrase "as opposed to" means in contrast with. It commonly appears in formal and competitive-exam English.
CSS - PMS - Precis & Composition
Phrases
What does the fixed phrase "as a result of" mean?
A. in agreement with or according to
B. because of
C. ahead of or before in position
D. for the reason of
Correct Answer: B
The fixed phrase "as a result of" means because of. It commonly appears in formal and competitive-exam English.
CSS - PMS - Precis & Composition
Phrases
What does the fixed phrase "apart from" mean?
A. except for or in addition to
B. excluding
C. supporting
D. using something as the foundation for a judgment
Correct Answer: A
The fixed phrase "apart from" means except for or in addition to. It commonly appears in formal and competitive-exam English.
CSS - PMS - Precis & Composition
Phrases
What does the fixed phrase "beyond one's means" mean?
A. provided that
B. as a return for something given
C. as a representative of
D. too expensive for one's financial resources
Correct Answer: D
The fixed phrase "beyond one's means" means too expensive for one's financial resources. It commonly appears in formal and competitive-exam English.
CSS - PMS - Precis & Composition
Phrases
What does the fixed phrase "beyond recognition" mean?
A. trying to find
B. at risk of
C. changed so much that identification is difficult
D. because of
Correct Answer: C
The fixed phrase "beyond recognition" means changed so much that identification is difficult. It commonly appears in formal and competitive-exam English.
CSS - PMS - Precis & Composition
Phrases
What does the fixed phrase "beyond repair" mean?
A. as compensation or exchange for
B. too damaged to be repaired
C. showing a clear difference from
D. considering
Correct Answer: B
The fixed phrase "beyond repair" means too damaged to be repaired. It commonly appears in formal and competitive-exam English.
CSS - PMS - Precis & Composition
Phrases
What does the fixed phrase "beyond doubt" mean?
A. certainly
B. consistent with
C. concerning or related to
D. if a particular situation occurs
Correct Answer: A
The fixed phrase "beyond doubt" means certainly. It commonly appears in formal and competitive-exam English.
CSS - PMS - Precis & Composition
Phrases
What does the fixed phrase "without fail" mean?
A. when compared with
B. in conformity with a rule or request
C. when someone or something is not present
D. certainly or unfailingly
Correct Answer: D
The fixed phrase "without fail" means certainly or unfailingly. It commonly appears in formal and competitive-exam English.