CDS OTA 2021

Select the correct meaning of the phrase

‘CAUGHT RED-HANDED’
A. caught by mistake B. caught with a red-handkerchief
C. found wounded D. discovered in the act of doing

Ans. D
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘GATE CRASHER ’
A. invader B. thief
C. uninvited guest D. children

Ans. C
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘FIT LIKE A GLOVE’
A. to fit snugly B. something tight and sticky
C. soft and easy to wear D. difficult to hold

Ans. C
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘PULL A LONG FACE’
A. to make fun B. to look sad
C. to irritate someone D. to pull someone’s face

Ans. B
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘CAT NAP’
A. take a long sleep B. sleep like a cat
C. make a snoring sound while sleeping D. to sleep briefly

Ans. D
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘TO FLOG A DEAD HORSE’
A. to act in a foolish way B. focus on irrelevant topic/issue

C. to revive interest in an old effort D. None of these

Ans. B
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘MEND YOUR WAYS’
A. happy with one’s behavior B. sad with one’s behaviour

C. destroy one’s behavior D. improve one’s behaviour

Ans. D
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘FOR KEEPS’
A. himself B. away

C. forever D. hid

Ans. A
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘WITH ONE VOICE’
A. by one man B. by one community

C. unanimously D. in disharmony

Ans. C
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘EVERY INCH A’
A. somewhat B. partly

C. entirely D. calculatively

Ans. C
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘TO ADD FUEL TO THE FIRE’
A. prevent fire from dying out B. make the fire burn brightly

C. make things worse D. waste fuel for no reason

Ans. C
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘TO TAKE TO HEART’
A. to be greatly affected
B. to take something heartily
C. to strike at the heart, out of enjoyment
D. to suffer from heart disease

Ans. A
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘TO BRING TO LIGHT’
A. to put on light B. to reveal
C. to bring a light D. to arrange light sufficiently

Ans. B
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘FISH OUT OF WATER’
A. dehydrated B. comfortable position
C. an uncomfortable position D. fish in an aquarium

Ans. C
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘BE DOWN WITH’
A. suffering from B. in grief with
C. in pain with D. dedicated to

Ans. A
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘FAIR–WEATHER FRIEND’
A. honest only when easy and convenient
B. truthful only when easy and convenient
C. supports only when easy and convenient
D. temporary only when easy and convenient

Ans. C
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘PULL TOGETHER’
A. become friends B. work harmoniously
C. be successful D. live happily

Ans. B
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘AT A STONE’S THROW’
A. at a short distance
B. at a place where quarrels take place
C. at a great distance
D. a quarry

Ans. A
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘BONE OF CONTENTION’
A. a delicious non-vegetarian item
B. an item which made them content
C. cause for quarrel
D. A link between them

Ans. C
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘TO EAT HUMBLE PIE’
A. to eat an unsavory pie
B. to be served food that is rotten
C. to yield under humiliating circumstances
D. to give in to political pressure

Ans. C
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘TO SPILL THE BEANS’
A. to reveal partial truth B. to be untidy
C. to reveal a secret D. to conceal a fact

Ans. C
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘CUT THE MUSTARD’
A. to get under expectations B. to score average
C. to perform well D. to underperform

Ans. C
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘A CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK’
A. reminds them of one’s father
B. to remind of one’s son
C. reminds them of someone’s child
D. reminds of previous memories

Ans. A
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘TO FISH IN TROUBLED WATERS’
A. to indulge in evil conspiracies
B. to make a profit out of disturbance
C. to aggravate the situation
D. to make the most of bad bargain

Ans. B
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘BARK IS WORSE THAN BITE’
A. threat is worse than the action taken.
B. temper cannot be controlled.
C. ferocious scolding hurt more than fake praise.
D. anger is always justified.

Ans. A
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘THROW CAUTION TO THE WINDS’
A. to be fearful B. to warn others not to travel
C. to behave recklessly D. to behave with care and caution

Ans. C
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘ILL AT EASE’
A. unwell B. irritated
C. uneasy D. confused

Ans. C
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘TO GET COLD FEET’
A. drenched B. fear
C. felicitate D. fever

Ans. B
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘BESIDE THE MARK’
A. perfect B. not to the point
C. relevant D. charming

Ans. B
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘ON TENTERHOOKS’
A. happy and excited B. in suspense and anxiety
C. angry and irritated D. surprised and shocked

Ans. B
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘BURN YOUR BOATS’
A. have a burning desire to win
B. become extremely tired after working very hard
C. do something that makes it impossible to return to the previous
situation
D. want to spend money as soon as you get it

Ans. C
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘DRESSING-DOWN’
A. apply bandage B. wear an expensive gown
C. give a scolding D. pretend

Ans. C
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘CATCH A TARTAR’
A. to catch a dangerous person
B. to deal with a person who is more than one’s match
C. to trap a wanted criminal with great difficulty
D. to live carefully and cautiously

Ans. B
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘CAP IN HAND’
A. defiant B. screaming
C. well explained D. in a respectful manner

Ans. D
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘STRAW IN THE WIND’
A. a light-weight object
B. a lucky charm
C. a game that kids play
D. an indication of what might happen

Ans. D
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘FACE THE MUSIC’
A. be applauded B. be ridiculed
C. be punished D. be dismissed

Ans. C
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘CURRY FAVOUR’
A. seek impartial judgement B. seek favourable attention
C. prepare a dish D. attract attention

Ans. B
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘TO KEEP IN ABEYANCE’
A. in a state of permanence B. in a state of emergency
C. in a state of suspension D. in a state of revision

Ans. C
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘TO BE IN A FIX’
A. in pain B. in distress
C. depressed D. in a difficult situation

Ans. D
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘TO BREAK THE ICE’
A. made people angry
B. made people laugh
C. made people excited
D. made people relaxed and comfortable

Ans. D
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘PUT TWO AND TWO TOGETHER’
A. bad at mathematics B. poor financial condition
C. infer something D. forget something

Ans. C
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘AN AXE TO GRIND’
A. attack aggressively B. suffer a lot
C. betray somebody D. have a selfish interest

Ans. D
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘PICK TO PIECES’
A. study something lethargically
B. complete a work entirely
C. analyze critically
D. select only what you need.

Ans. C
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘WET BEHIND THE EARS’
A. skillful
B. young and rich with experience
C. young and without much experience
D. hearing impaired

Ans. C
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘UNDER A CLOUD’
A. sheltered from the sun B. under suspicion
C. out in the open D. get wet

Ans. B
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘GET THE SACK’
A. look for a sack B. find a sack
C. get a call back D. be dismissed

Ans. D
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘TO NIP IN THE BUD’
A. to stop something at the start B. to trim the flowers
C. to pluck the flowers D. to steal from

Ans. A
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘TO PUT A SPOKE IN ONE’S WHEEL’
A. to repair one’s cycle B. to hinder
C. to trip a rider D. to add an extra wheel

Ans. B
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘TO CLIP ONE’S WINGS’
A. to stop one from flying B. to trim the leaves
C. to deprive one of power D. to hurt a bird

Ans. C
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘TAKE THE BULL BY THE HORNS’
A. crush something with a heavy hand
B. grapple the situation courageously
C. close your eyes and attack the bull
D. take defensive measures to deal with a crisis.

Ans. B
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘A GENTLEMAN AT LARGE’
A. a man in the crowd B. a man without a job
C. a man who runs around D. a man who is generous

Ans. B
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘LOSE FACE’
A. become embarrassed B. feel angry
C. get injured D. feel surprised

Ans. A
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘BUILD CASTLES IN THE AIR’
A. work tirelessly B. fly
C. dream D. film something

Ans. C
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘FALL BACK ON’
A. retreat B. overtaken
C. suffer an accident D. resort to something

Ans. D
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘GO TO RACK AND RUIN’
A. a state of utter chaos B. a state of gloomy
C. a condition of exhilaration D. become poor

Ans. A
 CDS OTA 2021
Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘BITE THE DUST’
A. eat poorly B. suffer a defeat
C. clean something D. attack and defeat somebody

Ans. B
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘HAVE A CHIP ON ONE’S SHOULDER’
A. nurse a grudge B. feel physically tall
C. suffer an ailment D. carry a burden

Ans. A
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘THE SEAMY SIDE’
A. on the right side B. unpleasant aspect
C. visible aspects D. on the left side of something

Ans. B
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘TOO MANY CHIEFS AND NOT ENOUGH INDIANS.’
A. a proud gathering B. an inefficient situation
C. an anti-national meeting D. not enough followers

Ans. D
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘MAKE ONE’S MARK’
A. distinguish oneself B. score high marks
C. highlight something in a page D. reveal something

Ans. A
 CDS OTA 2021
Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘THROW IN THE TOWEL’
A. fight with vigor B. acknowledge defeat
C. get success D. concentrate more

Ans. B
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘MARE’S NEST’
A. phenomenal discovery B. horrific memory
C. joyful event D. complicated situation

Ans. D
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘A STORM IN A TEACUP’
A. steam while having tea B. something which encourages
C. big fuss over a small matter D. special positions

Ans. C
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘BLUE- BLOODED’
A. inferior B. of noble birth
C. of unknown origin D. unhealthy

Ans. B
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘DO A ROARING TRADE’
A. in the animal business B. highly successful
C. in the habit of shouting at others D. extremely reluctant

Ans. B
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘WILL-O-THE-WISP’
A. smoky place B. marsh land
C. unreal imagining D. rumor whispered by many

Ans. C
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘CLOAK-AND-DAGGER’
A. an armored suit
B. a game of martial skill
C. an activity that involves mystery and secrecy
D. a wide coat without sleeves and a small sword

Ans. C
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘PALM OFF’
A. clearly visible B. uneasy with something
C. discard something unwanted D. conceal

Ans. C
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘SMOOTH RUFFLED FEATHERS’
A. Comb untidy hair B. Make people feel less offended
C. Tousle someone’s hair D. Stroke a pet animal

Ans. B
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘ASSUME AIRS’
A. Take tight B. Remain calm
C. Act innocent D. Pretend superiority

Ans. D
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘PLAY TRUANT’
A. Play a tyrant B. Stay away from duty
C. Be responsible D. Be alert

Ans. B
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘BEGGAR DESCRIPTION’
A. Cannot be described
B. Something described by a beggar
C. A poor account of something
D. A description of a beggar

Ans. A
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘DRAG ONE’S FEET’
A. Make something more complicated
B. Expedite
C. Be reluctant to act
D. Stop working

Ans. C
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘HOPE AGAINST HOPE’
A. Think wishfully from time to time
B. Hoped with good reason
C. Nurture an impossible hope
D. Pretend to hope

Ans. C
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘AT A SNAIL’S PACE’
A. Quietly B. Quickly
C. Continuously D. Slowly

Ans. D
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘A MONTH OF SUNDAYS’
A. a short period B. no time
C. a long time D. a special Sunday

Ans. C
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘SELLING LIKE HOT CAKES’
A. To have a good season B. To become as planned
C. To have a very slow sale D. To have a very good sale

Ans. D
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘SCOT FREE’
A. Unlimited B. Unpunished
C. To freedom D. Unrepentant

Ans. B
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘DRIVE HOME’
A. Find one’s roots B. Emphasize
C. Refer D. Draw

Ans. B
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘TO END IN SMOKE’
A. End without any practical result
B. End with positive result
C. Die in a burning house
D. Risk everything in a single venture

Ans. A
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘A LEFT HANDED COMPLIMENT’
A. A subtle appraisal B. Wholesome praise
C. An ambiguous compliment D. A mild compliment

Ans. C
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘HUSBAND OUR RESOURCES’
A. save B. support
C. sing D. concede

Ans. A
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘TO BEAT ABOUT THE BUSH’
A. To try to win favours
B. To talk well
C. To talk about relevant things
D. To talk about irrelevant things

Ans. D
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘MAIDEN SPEECH’
A. Bachelor’s speech B. First speech
C. Last speech D. Extempore speech

Ans. B
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘A CUCKOO IN THE NEST’
A. One who likes to stay at home
B. A view from a high place
C. An unwelcome intruder
D. One who is chosen as the leader of the group

Ans. C
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘A HOUSE OF CARDS’
A. An insecure scheme
B. A gambling house
C. A plan with high stakes
D. A place where cards are printed

Ans. A
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘TO SMELL A RAT’
A. To see signs of plague epidemic
B. To get the bad smell of a dead rat
C. To suspect foul dealings
D. To be in a bad mood

Ans. C
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘OLD HEAD ON YOUNG SHOULDERS’
A. To be intelligent when old
B. To be old and yet look young
C. To be wise beyond his years
D. To be smarter with age

Ans. C
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘A WILD–GOOSE CHASE’
A. A fruitful search B. A pointless search
C. To search for a wild-goose D. A hunting expedition

Ans. B
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘HARD OF HEARING’
A. To be disturbed B. To be confused
C. To be deaf D. To be dumb

Ans. C
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘GIVE VENT TO’
A. shared B. allowed
C. expressed D. enjoyed

Ans. C
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘THROW COLD WATER’
A. Encourage B. Discourage
C. Attack D. Drench

Ans. B
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘BUTT IN’
A. Record B. Impose
C. Improvise D. Interrupt

Ans. D
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘COUCH POTATO’
A. An old person who has old fashioned ideas.
B. A person who prefers to watch television.
C. A person who does not seem very friendly.
D. Someone who stays calm and does not show their emotions.

Ans. B
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘CARRY THE BALL’
A. Decorate the ball B. Be in charge
C. Take the decision D. Be the hostess

Ans. B
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘TURNED DOWN’
A. Subject B. Object
C. Reject D. Deject

Ans. C
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘CHEEK BY JOWL’
A. Very close together B. Arguing
C. Teasing one another D. Avoiding one another

Ans. A
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘BEYOND THE PALE’
A. Unreasonable or unacceptable B. Beyond redemption
C. Full of rhetoric D. Distasteful

Ans. A
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘STICK TO HIS GUNS’
A. Stand by his truth B. Maintain his own opinion
C. Maintain his weapons D. Maintain his anger

Ans. B
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Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘CALL IN QUESTION’
A. Summon as a witness B. Doubtful
C. Prove a theory D. Challenge

Ans. B
 CDS OTA 2021
Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘CALL IN QUESTION’
A. Summon as a witness B. Doubtful
C. Prove a theory D. Challenge

Ans. B
 CDS OTA 2021
Select the correct meaning of the phrase
‘CALL IN QUESTION’
A. Summon as a witness B. Doubtful
C. Prove a theory D. Challenge

Ans. B