CSS - PMS - Precis & Composition
Phrases
Choose the correct meaning of the idiomatic phrase "bury the hatchet".
A. speak angrily and frankly to someone
B. occasionally or intermittently
C. end a quarrel and make peace
D. survive a difficult period
Correct Answer: C
"bury the hatchet" is an idiomatic expression meaning end a quarrel and make peace.
CSS - PMS - Precis & Composition
Phrases
Choose the correct meaning of the idiomatic phrase "blow one's own trumpet".
A. from one place or person to another without success
B. boast about one's own achievements
C. make every possible effort
D. a past matter that is no longer important
Correct Answer: B
"blow one's own trumpet" is an idiomatic expression meaning boast about one's own achievements.
CSS - PMS - Precis & Composition
Phrases
Choose the correct meaning of the idiomatic phrase "birds of a feather".
A. people of similar character or interests
B. an achievement to be proud of
C. make a compromise
D. discuss private disputes publicly
Correct Answer: A
"birds of a feather" is an idiomatic expression meaning people of similar character or interests.
CSS - PMS - Precis & Composition
Phrases
Choose the correct meaning of the idiomatic phrase "beside the point".
A. admit that something one said was wrong
B. confess fully
C. reverse a situation to gain advantage
D. irrelevant to the matter being discussed
Correct Answer: D
"beside the point" is an idiomatic expression meaning irrelevant to the matter being discussed.
CSS - PMS - Precis & Composition
Phrases
Choose the correct meaning of the idiomatic phrase "bed of roses".
A. a person who prevents others using something they do not use themselves
B. the largest part
C. an easy and pleasant situation
D. with all possible effort and determination
Correct Answer: C
"bed of roses" is an idiomatic expression meaning an easy and pleasant situation.
CSS - PMS - Precis & Composition
Phrases
Choose the correct meaning of the idiomatic phrase "bear the brunt of".
A. a rule or law that exists formally but is no longer enforced
B. suffer the main force or impact of something
C. understand the procedures or details of a task
D. admit defeat and stop trying
Correct Answer: B
"bear the brunt of" is an idiomatic expression meaning suffer the main force or impact of something.
CSS - PMS - Precis & Composition
Phrases
Choose the correct meaning of the idiomatic phrase "bag and baggage".
A. with all one's belongings
B. insincere expressions of sorrow
C. achieve two aims with one action
D. discourage enthusiasm
Correct Answer: A
"bag and baggage" is an idiomatic expression meaning with all one's belongings.
CSS - PMS - Precis & Composition
Phrases
Choose the correct meaning of the idiomatic phrase "at one's wits' end".
A. meet with disaster or failure
B. have enough money to avoid hunger or serious poverty
C. the advantages and disadvantages
D. completely puzzled or distressed about what to do
Correct Answer: D
"at one's wits' end" is an idiomatic expression meaning completely puzzled or distressed about what to do.
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.