English for Competitive Exam

Idiom & Phrase

1.A mare’s nest –( a false invention
Example: the involvement of teachers in the scheme proved to be a mare’s nest.

2.At odds  – ( in dispute) 
Example: The members of the group were at odds over the selection procedure. 

3.No love lost  – ( intense dislike) 
Example: There is no love lost between the two neighbours. 

4.Rub one the wrong way  – (annoy) 
Example: If you rub him the wrong way, he is bound to react. 

5.Turn the corner  – ( pass the crisis) 
Example:- The doctor says that the patient has turned the corner. 

6.Sow wild oats – (irresponsible pleasure seeking) 
Example: After sowing his wild oats Ram has decided to stick to the straight 
and narrow path in future. 

7.With a high hand – ( oppressively) 
Example: He was a king who ruled his subjects with a high hand. 

8.A good turn – ( an act of kindness) 
Example: He did me a good turn by recommending me for the post of Vice – 
president. 

9.A moot point – ( undecided) 
Example: The question of abolition of property is still a moot point. 

10.  Hole and corner – (secret ) 
Example: I have come to know of your hole and corner method of dealing with 
people.