Most important 70+ Idioms starting with S – English Exam Guide
1. Sail in the same boat means:
Correct Answer: B. Face the same problem or situation
Explanation: The idiom describes people sharing a common difficulty or circumstance.
2. The good Samaritan refers to:
Correct Answer: C. A helpful stranger in need
Explanation: Originating from a biblical parable, it denotes a compassionate person who aids others without obligation.
3. See the light of day means:
Correct Answer: C. Be born
Explanation: It refers to something becoming public or being created, often used for ideas or works appearing for the first time.
4. Self-made man is:
Correct Answer: C. Someone who succeeds by his own effort
Explanation: Describes a person who achieves success through personal hard work and determination.
5. Set the ball rolling means:
Correct Answer: A. Begin something
Explanation: To start an activity or process.
6. Set the teeth on edge means:
Correct Answer: B. Cause irritation or dislike
Explanation: Something that makes one feel uncomfortable or annoyed.
7. Set the Thames on fire means:
Correct Answer: B. Do something great or surprising
Explanation: To achieve something remarkable or extraordinary.
8. A square peg in a round hole refers to:
Correct Answer: C. A person who doesn’t fit in
Explanation: Describes someone who is unsuitable for a particular situation.
9. The scapegoat is:
Correct Answer: C. A person wrongly blamed
Explanation: Someone who is unfairly held responsible for others’ faults.
10. Schoolmaster is abroad means:
Correct Answer: A. The teacher is on leave
Explanation: The phrase indicates that the person in charge is absent.
11. Scoff at means:
Correct Answer: C. Laugh at or mock
Explanation: To express contempt or ridicule.
12. Screw loose means:
Correct Answer: B. Mentally unwell
Explanation: Describes someone who is eccentric or not thinking clearly.
13. Scylla and Charybdis means:
Correct Answer: B. Between two dangers
Explanation: Refers to a dilemma where both choices are risky.
14. Seasoned timber means:
Correct Answer: C. Well-dried wood
Explanation: Wood that has been properly aged and dried for durability.
15. See a thing through coloured spectacles means:
Correct Answer: B. Judge with prejudice
Explanation: To view something with bias or a distorted perspective.
16. Set one’s house in order means:
Correct Answer: C. Put one’s life or affairs in order
Explanation: To organize personal matters or improve one’s situation.
17. Shake in one’s shoes means:
Correct Answer: B. Be frightened
Explanation: To be extremely nervous or scared.
18. Sheet anchor means:
Correct Answer: C. A main support
Explanation: The principal or most important anchor holding something steady.
19. To give the cold shoulder to means:
Correct Answer: B. Ignore or show no interest
Explanation: To deliberately disregard someone.
20. The silken tie refers to:
Correct Answer: C. A bond of love and emotion
Explanation: Symbolizes a delicate yet strong emotional connection.