Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

English

Chapter

Grammar: Idioms

Question:

Match the Idioms in List - I with with their meanings in List - II.

List - I

List - II

Idioms

Meanings

 (A) 

 By hook or by crook 

 (I)

 just at the right moment

 (B)

 In the nick of time

 (II)

 hesitating to choose a side 

 (C)

 Sitting on the fence 

 (III) 

 by fair means or foul

 (D)

 An axe to grind

 (IV) 

 a personal interest to serve 

Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

Options:

(A)-(IV), (B)-(I), (C)-(II), (D)-(III)

(A)-(III), (B)-(I), (C)-(II), (D)-(IV)

(A)-(III), (B)-(II), (C)-(IV), (D)-(I)

(A)-(I), (B)-(II), (C)-(IV), (D)-(III)

Correct Answer:

(A)-(III), (B)-(I), (C)-(II), (D)-(IV)

Explanation:

(A) By hook or by crook - (III) by fair means or foul

  • "By hook or by crook" means by any means necessary, whether they are fair or unfair. The phrase suggests a willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve a goal.

(B) In the nick of time - (I) just at the right moment

  • "In the nick of time" means just in time or at the last possible moment. It implies that something happened or was completed at a critical or crucial moment.

(C) Sitting on the fence - (II) hesitating to choose a side

  • "Sitting on the fence" means being undecided or neutral in a situation where a decision or choice is required. It describes someone who is hesitant to take a clear position.

(D) An axe to grind - (IV) a personal interest to serve

  • "An axe to grind" means having a hidden personal agenda or a self-serving motive. It suggests that someone has a specific, often selfish, reason for being involved in a particular situation.

Therefore, the pairs are appropriately matched:

Option 3: (A)-(III), (B)-(I), (C)-(II), (D)-(IV)