Most Important 35 MCQs of Idioms starting with O – English Exam Guide
1. “Of the first water” means:
Correct Answer: C. Of the highest quality
Explanation: The phrase “of the first water” describes something of the finest, most superior quality, originally referring to the purest water from a spring.
2. “Off and on” means:
Correct Answer: D. From time to time
Explanation: “Off and on” describes something that occurs intermittently, happening now and then rather than continuously.
3. “Oily tongue” refers to:
Correct Answer: C. Smooth and flattering speech
Explanation: An “oily tongue” is a metaphor for someone who speaks in a slick, persuasive, often insincere manner to win favor.
4. “Old head on young shoulders” refers to:
Correct Answer: C. A young person with surprising wisdom
Explanation: The idiom describes a youngster who displays maturity, insight, or judgment beyond their years.
5. “On tenterhooks” means:
Correct Answer: C. In great suspense or anxiety
Explanation: To be “on tenterhooks” is to be in a state of nervous anticipation, waiting anxiously for an outcome.
6. “On the face of it” means:
Correct Answer: C. True by appearance
Explanation: The phrase indicates that something appears correct or valid at first glance, though deeper scrutiny may reveal otherwise.
7. “On the sly” means:
Correct Answer: B. Secretly
Explanation: Doing something “on the sly” means performing it in a hidden or covert manner, without others noticing.
8. “On the spur of the moment” means:
Correct Answer: C. Without any delay
Explanation: This idiom describes an action taken impulsively, immediately, and without prior planning.
9. “Order of the Garter” is:
Correct Answer: C. A top British honour
Explanation: The Order of the Garter is the highest order of chivalry in the United Kingdom, awarded by the monarch for exceptional service.
10. “On the tiptoe” means:
Correct Answer: C. In eager expectation
Explanation: To be “on the tiptoe” suggests waiting or watching with anticipation, often ready to act the moment something happens.
11. “Once for all” means:
Correct Answer: D. Finally and clearly
Explanation: “Once for all” indicates that something is done definitively, ending any further occurrence.
12. “Out at elbows” describes someone who is:
Correct Answer: A. Poor and shabby
Explanation: “Out at elbows” is an idiom meaning extremely poor or in a state of destitution.
13. “Out and out” means:
Correct Answer: C. Completely or fully
Explanation: “Out and out” emphasizes something being total or absolute.
14. “Once in a way” means:
Correct Answer: C. Very rarely
Explanation: The phrase indicates something occurs extremely infrequently.
15. “One good turn deserves another” means:
Correct Answer: C. Good deeds should be rewarded
Explanation: It expresses that kindness should be reciprocated with another act of kindness.
16. “Over and above” means:
Correct Answer: C. In addition to
Explanation: It denotes something extra beyond what is already considered.
17. “Over and over again” means:
Correct Answer: D. Again and again
Explanation: It describes repetition of an action many times.
18. “Out of sight, out of mind” means:
Correct Answer: B. What is not seen is soon forgotten
Explanation: When something is not visible, it is easily forgotten.
19. “Take one’s time” means:
Correct Answer: D. Do something without rushing
Explanation: It advises to proceed at a relaxed pace.
20. “An open secret” refers to:
Correct Answer: C. A known fact everyone pretends not to know
Explanation: An “open secret” is something widely known yet publicly unacknowledged.