Most Important 50+ MCQs of Idioms starting with H – English Exam Guide
1. “Hair breadth escape” means:
Correct Answer: B. A very narrow escape from danger
Explanation: A “hair-breadth escape” is a very close call or an escape from danger by an extremely small margin.
2. “Half mast” refers to:
Correct Answer: C. A flag raised halfway as a sign of mourning
Explanation: Flying a flag at “half-mast” (or half-staff) is a traditional sign of respect for a dead person or a mark of national mourning.
3. “Hail mark” means:
Correct Answer: D. A mark of genuine excellence
Explanation: (Commonly “Hallmark”) A mark or indication of genuine quality, excellence, or authenticity.
4. “Hang by a thread” means:
Correct Answer: C. Be in danger of ending suddenly
Explanation: If something is “hanging by a thread,” it is in a very precarious or risky state and could fail or end at any moment.
5. “Hang fire” means:
Correct Answer: A. Delay action
Explanation: To “hang fire” means to delay taking action or to progress very slowly (originally used for guns that were slow to go off).
6. “Hang in the balance” means:
Correct Answer: B. Be undecided or uncertain
Explanation: If a situation “hangs in the balance,” its final outcome is not yet known or decided; it could go either way.
7. “Harp on the same string” means:
Correct Answer: C. Keep repeating the same point
Explanation: To “harp on” something means to talk about it repeatedly and tiresomely.
8. “Haunted house” refers to:
Correct Answer: C. A house believed to be visited by ghosts
Explanation: A house that is considered to be inhabited by restless spirits or ghosts.
9. “Have the upper hand” means:
Correct Answer: B. Be superior
Explanation: To “have the upper hand” means to be in a position of advantage or control over someone else.
10. “Halcyon days” are:
Correct Answer: C. Days of peace and happiness
Explanation: “Halcyon days” refers to a period of time in the past that was idyllically happy and peaceful.
11. Among the idioms starting with H, What is the meaning of ‘Henpecked husband’?
Correct Answer: C. A husband dominated by his wife
Explanation: A “henpecked” husband is one who is constantly nagged or dominated by his wife.
12. “Hang like a millstone round one’s neck” means:
Correct Answer: C. Be a heavy burden
Explanation: A “millstone round one’s neck” is a heavy burden or responsibility that is very difficult to deal with and which prevents progress.
13. “Have for the asking” means:
Correct Answer: C. Get something easily
Explanation: If something is yours “for the asking,” you can get it very easily just by requesting it.
14. “Herculean task” means:
Correct Answer: C. A task requiring great strength or effort
Explanation: Named after Hercules, this refers to a task that is extremely difficult to perform and requires enormous strength or effort.
15. “A high flier” is someone who:
Correct Answer: C. Is extravagant or overly ambitious
Explanation: A “high flier” (or high flyer) is a person who is very ambitious and successful, or someone who lives a very extravagant lifestyle.
16. “Head and shoulders” means:
Correct Answer: C. Far superior to others
Explanation: If someone is “head and shoulders” above others, they are significantly better or more talented than their peers.
17. “High water mark” means:
Correct Answer: D. Highest level of success
Explanation: The “high-water mark” is the highest level of achievement or success that has been reached in a particular field or period.
18. “High spirits” means:
Correct Answer: C. Good cheer and liveliness
Explanation: Being in “high spirits” means being very happy, lively, and energetic.
19. Among the idioms starting with H, the idiom “To hit the nail on the head” means:
Correct Answer: C. Guess exactly right
Explanation: To “hit the nail on the head” means to state exactly what the problem or the truth is.
20. Among the idioms starting with H, what is the meaning of ‘A lucky hit’?
Correct Answer: C. A successful attempt
Explanation: A “lucky hit” is a success achieved by chance rather than through skill or planning.