EK DUM BASIC

1 A red letter day (महत्वपूर्ण दिन)

EK DUM BASIC
An important day/ a day that is
pleasantly noteworthy or
memorable/ happy and
significant day/ a very special
day

11
 (जिव्हा पर सरस्वती का
2 Gift of the gab
वास)

EK DUM BASIC
Ability to speak eloquently// talk well and
persuasively

Meena is not highly qualified but she has gift of the gab
11
 3
(लोहे के चने चबाना,
A hard nut to crack मुजककल काम)

EK DUM BASIC
Difficult task/ a difficult
problem to solve/ a tough
challenge/a difficult person
Eg: The last question in the
exam was a hard nut to
crack.

10
 4 A wild goose chase (ननरर्णक खोि)
Futile search// unprofitable adventure// a

EK DUM BASIC
worthless hunt or chase

All the efforts of the government to remove

illiteracy in India is like a wild goose chase.
10
 5 Face the music (ककये का पररर्ाम
भगु तना)

EK DUM BASIC
Get reprimanded// be punished// to bear the
consequences// accept the blame

Eg: Mary broke a dining-room window and had to

10 face the music when her father got home.
 6 Once in a blue moon (कभी कभार)

Rarely and infrequently

EK DUM BASIC
He is not a alcoholic but he takes once in a blue moon.
10
 7
To be under the weather (बीमार होना)

EK DUM BASIC
To not feel well// to feel sick or unhealthy// to be in low spirits

10
 (िाल में काला होना,
8 To smell a rat संिेह होना)
Suspect a trick or deceit// detected something

EK DUM BASIC
wrong// have a reason to suspect something
The idiom smell a rat dates back to one of the oldest
methods of controlling the rat population–a cat. The
idiom to smell a rat is a reference to a cat's sense of smell.
The earliest uses of this phrase involves not only a rat, but a
cat.

10
 9 A bolt from the blue (आकजस्मक घटना)
Something unexpected and unpleasant/ a

EK DUM BASIC
complete surprise/ a sudden calamity/ an
unexpected disaster

The news of his friend’s death came to him as a bolt from blue.
9
 (घम
ु ा किराकर
10 Beat around the bush बात करना)

EK DUM BASIC
Avoiding the main topic// speak in a round about manner

9
 (खिु की तारीि
11 Blow one’s own trumpet खिु करना)
Praise oneself // to boast about their achievements

EK DUM BASIC
9
 12 By fits and starts (अननयममत रूप से)

Unsteady// irregularly

EK DUM BASIC
She has been working on this project fits and starts,
there is need to work consistently.
9
 (दिन िग
ु नी रात
13 By leaps and bounds चौगनु ी, बहुत तेिी
से)
Very quickly// rapidly

EK DUM BASIC
Online learning is progressing leaps and bounds.
9
 14 Through thick and thin (हर हाल में )

EK DUM BASIC
Support under all circumstances// in
times of good and bad fortune
Origin

My partner has supported me through thick and thin.

9
 To turn a deaf ear (कान पर िूँू
तक न रें गना)
15

EK DUM BASIC
Disregard // refused to obey // to be
indifferent/ to pay no heed // neglected

9
She turned a deaf ear to all appeals.
 16 At the eleventh hour (आखखरी मौके पर)
At the very last moment

EK DUM BASIC
8
 17 Break the ice (चुप्पी तोड़ना)
Initiate something// to start a conversation// to

EK DUM BASIC
make someone comfortable

8
 18 Bury the hatchet (झग़ड़ा खत्म करना)
To make peace// forget past quarrels

EK DUM BASIC
Eg: Let’s stop arguing and bury the hatchet.
8
 (बे-मसरपैर की या
19 Cock and bull story ऊट-पटांग बात)

EK DUM BASIC
An implausible story used as an explanation
or excuse // absurd story // improbable story

Mindy was late again. When I asked why, she gave me some
cock and bull story about her toaster exploding
8
 20 Get out of hand (हार् से ननकलना)

EK DUM BASIC
To become uncontrollable //get out of control

It was the end of term and the

children were getting a little
out of hand.

8
 (उसी कदिन पररजस्र्नत
21 In the same boat में होना)

EK DUM BASIC
Being in the same difficult situation

8
 (खन ू पसीना एक
22
Leave no stone unturned करना, हर मम ु ककन
प्रयास करना)
Try every possible course of action in order to

EK DUM BASIC
achieve something// to make all possible efforts

He left no stone unturned in his search for

8 his natural mother.
 23 See eye to eye (पूर्त
ण ः सहमत होना)
Be in full agreement// agree with each other

EK DUM BASIC
8
 (अनिाने में भेि
24 Spill the beans खोल िे ना)

EK DUM BASIC
To leak the secret // reveal a secret// give away a secret
This is likely drawn from
the ancient Greek process
of voting, where votes
were cast by placing one
of two different colored
beans in a vase

My husband was afraid of spilling the beans about his

purchases.
8
25 A fish out of water (असहि पररजस्र्नत

EK DUM BASIC
An uncomfortable position/ in unfamiliar circumstances

When he moved to big city first time, he was feeling like fish
7 out of water.
 EK DUM BASIC
They felt he was neither fish nor fowl—not qualified to lead the department, yet not
appropriate to work as a staff member either.
26 A snake in the grass (आस्तीन का साूँप)
A treacherous person// an unreliable and deceitful

EK DUM BASIC
person // a secret enemy

7
27 A stone’s throw away (र्ोडी िरू ी पर)

EK DUM BASIC
At a short distance

My friend’s house is at a stone’s throw from mine.

7
 (समस्याओं से इतना चचंनतत
28 At one’s wit’s end होना कक पता नहीं आगे क्या
करना है )

EK DUM BASIC
To be puzzled // not knowing what to do // quite perplexed//
be overwhelmed

Can you help me to solve this problem, I am at my wit’s end.

7
 29 At the drop of a hat (तुरन्त)
Without any hesitation// instantly // without

EK DUM BASIC
having planned beforehand

7
 30 Be all ears (गौर से सुनना)

EK DUM BASIC
Listening intently// very attentive// to be ready and
eager to listen

7
 31 Cost an arm and a leg (बहुत महं गा
पड़ना)
Very expensive

EK DUM BASIC
My new car cost me an arm and a leg.
7
 (अब पछताए होत क्या िब
32
Cry over spilt milk चचडडया चग
ु गई खेत)

EK DUM BASIC
To complain about a loss from the past// to regret about
that which cannot be rectified// feeling sorry over a
mistake that cannot be changed

7
 33 Feather one’s own (बेईमानी करके
धनी होना)
nest

EK DUM BASIC
Make money in an improper way// to profit in
a dishonest way// promote their own interest

7
 34 Spick and span (साि सुर्रा)

Clean and tidy

EK DUM BASIC
as neat as a new pin

7
 (नाक रगड़ना,
35 To eat a humble pie हार मानना)
To accept defeat// suffer humiliation// had to

EK DUM BASIC
yield under pressure// admit that your are wrong
to eat humble pie (1830) is from umble
pie (1640s), pie made
from umbles "edible inner parts of an
animal" (especially deer), considered a
low-class food. The similar sense of
similar-sounding words (the "h"
of humble (adj.) was not then
pronounced) converged to make the
pun. Umbles is Middle
English numbles "offal," with loss
of n- through assimilation into
preceding article.

After boasting that his company could outperform

the industry's best, he's been forced to eat humble
7 pie.
 To end in smoke (धव
ु ें में उडना, कोई
पररर्ाम न ननकलना)
36

To come to nothing// end without any

EK DUM BASIC
practical result// yielded no result

The company's efforts to break into the smartphone market ended

in smoke, and they quietly discontinued the service after a year.
7
 (मि
ु े में िान डालने की
37
To flog a dead horse कोमिि करना, असंभव
काम करना)

EK DUM BASIC
To attempt to do the impossible // waste
energy in an unalterable situation

It is just flogging a dead horse to ask for another recount of the votes?

7
 (अनकहे भाव को
38 Read between the line समझना)

EK DUM BASIC
Understand what is implied but not stated directly

7
 A blessing in disguise (िखु के भेष में
39
सखु )
An apparent misfortune that eventually has good results/ a hidden

EK DUM BASIC
favour/ something that seems bad turns out to be good
When a breakup is a blessing in disguise

Eg: COVID-19 was a blessing in disguise for many people.

6
40 A dark horse (अप्रत्यामित वविेता)
An unexpected winner/someone who unexpectedly

EK DUM BASIC
succeeds/an unknown entry/ a competitor of unknown
capabilities

The movie was a dark horse for the award.

6
 41 Barking up the wrong tree (ननरर्णक प्रयास)
Trying to do something in a way that will not work

EK DUM BASIC
She thinks it'll solve the problem, but
6
I think she's barking up the wrong tree.
 42 Catch red handed (रं गे हार् अपराध
करते हुए पकडना)

EK DUM BASIC
To catch someone doing something illegal //
caught in the act of committing the crime

6
 43 Full of beans (िोि से भरा हुआ)

EK DUM BASIC
Lively and energetic// full of energy

6
 44 Give a piece of one’s mind (डाूँटना)
To rebuke someone strongly// speaking

EK DUM BASIC
sharply// scolding// to reprimand

That is the fourth time this week my

neighbour's barking dog has woken me up. I'm
6 going to give her a piece of my mind about it.
 45 In a nutshell (संक्षेप)

Briefly and concisely// express very briefly

EK DUM BASIC
6
 46 Sit on the fence (िवु वधा में होना)

EK DUM BASIC
Not to take sides in a dispute// halting between
tow opinions// remain undecided and unsure

6
 47 To add fuel to the fire (आग में घी डालना)

EK DUM BASIC
Make things worse// worsened the difficult situation

Shouting at a crying child is just adding fuel to the fire.

6
 To keep the wolf away (भुखमरी से
बचना)
48

from the door

EK DUM BASIC
To keep off starvation// avoid starvation

In India millions of people struggle hard to keep wolf from the door.
6
 49 To take to task (बुरी तरह से
िटकारना
Punished// to rebuke // to scold

EK DUM BASIC
someone// get an official reprimand

When child doesn’t work, mother takes them to task.

6
 50 Under a cloud (िक के िायरे में )

Under suspicion // in disgrace

EK DUM BASIC
The origins of the phrase can be traced
back to the dark medieval times (around
early 14th and 15th century) where dark
clouds represented ominous misfortune
and hard / bad luck. This phrase
figuratively means that a black cloud is
hanging over someone.

6
 EXERCISE – 1

COMPLETE IDIOMS PACKAGE

(1-50)
1. Gift of the gab is a gift from unknown person. YES NO

EK DUM BASIC
2. A hard nut to crack is a tough challenge. YES NO

3. Under the weather is to face criticism. YES NO

4. To show signs of cowardice is called smell a rat . YES NO

5. By fits and starts is a regular activity. YES NO

ANS: 1-N , 2-Y, 3-N , 4-N, 5-N

6. Chintu has supported Pintu under all circumstances.
Did Chintu supported pintu through thick and thin? YES NO

EK DUM BASIC
7. Break the ice is to end conversation? YES NO

8. Cock and bull story is a plausible story used as

an excuse. YES NO
9. Leave no stone unturned is not to try every possible
action in order to achieve something? YES NO

10. Spill the beans is to get energy. YES NO

ANS: 6- Y , 7- N, 8- N , 9- N, 10- N
1. At one’s wit’s end (A) Instantly

2. Drop of a hat (B) Clean and tidy

3. Cost an arm and a leg (C) Waste energy

4. Spick and span

(D) Perplexed

5. Flog a dead horse

(E) Very expensive

ANS: 1-D , 2-A , 3-E , 4-B , 5-C

6. Dark horse (A) Rebuke

7. Full of beans (B) Energetic

8. In a nutshell (C) Suspicios

9. To take to task
(D) Briefly

10. Under a cloud

(E) Unexpected one

ANS: 6-E , 7-B , 8-D , 9-A , 10- C

51 A bone of contention (झगड़े की िड़)
Cause of dispute/ cause for quarrel

EK DUM BASIC
Seema was a bone of contention between two friends.
5
 52 A close shave (बाल बाल बचना)
Narrow escape from danger

EK DUM BASIC
The axe almost hit ant, it was just a close shave.
5
 53 Add insult to injury (िले पर नमक
नछड़कना)

EK DUM BASIC
To further a loss with mockery to worsen an unfavourable
situation// make a bad situation even worse

5
 54 Apple of one’s eye (आंखों का तारा,
बहुत प्यारा)

EK DUM BASIC
Someone very precious or dear

5
 55 At snail’s pace (बहुत धीरे धीरे )

Do something very slowly

EK DUM BASIC
5
 56 Bad blood (आपसी िकु मनी)

Angry feeling// enmity// ill feeling

EK DUM BASIC
I know there is bad blood between both of
you , but please stop fighting for a moment.
5
 57 Be wet behind the ears (अनभ
ु वहीन)
Young and inexperienced

EK DUM BASIC
5
 (िोनों हार्ों में
58 Best of both worlds लड्डू)

EK DUM BASIC
A situation wherein someone has the privilege of
enjoying two different opportunities // all the
advantages

5
 (अपनी क्षमता से
59
Bite off more than one can chew अचधक काम लेना)

EK DUM BASIC
To take more than one can deal with// to take on a task
too big for oneself

5
 60 Call it a day (संन्यास लेना)

EK DUM BASIC
Decide or agree to stop doing something//
to give up and go back to home

5
 61 Chicken hearted (डरपोक)
Timid// cowardly

EK DUM BASIC
He's too chicken-hearted to do adventurous activities.

5
 62 Fair weather friends (स्वार्ी ममत्र)

EK DUM BASIC
Friends in good times// supports only when easy and convenient// a
friend who deserts you in difficulties // an unreliable friend

5
63 For good (सिा के मलए)

Permanently// forever

EK DUM BASIC
5
 (मठ्
ु िी गरम करना,
64 Grease the palm ररकवत िे ना)
Bribe

EK DUM BASIC
The only way to get a govt. contract here is by
5 greasing the palm of officials.
 65 Hand in glove (घननष्ि संबंध)
In close association// in partnership for

EK DUM BASIC
something dishonest

It was rumored at the time that some of the gangs were

working hand in glove with the police
5
 66 Herculean task (मुजककल काम)

Very difficult task

EK DUM BASIC
I have a herculean task in trying to paint a picture of
these tremendous industries in half an hour.

5
 67 In black and white (मलखखत रूप)

In writing

EK DUM BASIC
5 I need contract in black and white.
 68 In high spirits (उत्साह से भरपूर)

EK DUM BASIC
Full of hope and enthusiasm // joyful

5 All the children were in high spirits on the last day of school.
 69 In the long run (आखखरकार)

EK DUM BASIC
Eventually // ultimately

5
 70 Ins and outs (पूरा वववरर्)

Full details

EK DUM BASIC
The servants are generally familiar with the ins
5 and outs of the family.
 (बीच मझधार में
71
Leaves you in the lurch छोड िे ना)

EK DUM BASIC
Leave someone in a helpless condition//
desert someone in his difficulties

His advisers left him in the lurch when he

5 needed them the most.
 72 Live from hand to mouth (िैसे तैसे गि
ु ारा
करना)

EK DUM BASIC
To have enough money to live on and nothing extra //
miserable// consuming daily what little is earned

The family is living from hand to mouth

5 ever since their father lost his job.
 73 Maiden speech (पहला भाषर्)

EK DUM BASIC
First speech

I am most grateful for the opportunity to make

my maiden speech in this debate.
5
 74 Off and on// on and off (कभी कभी)

Occasionally// periodically

EK DUM BASIC
It's been raining off and on for the past few days but it's
supposed to be beautiful this weekend.
5
 (िांत होना, भावनाओं पर
75 Pull yourself together ननयंत्रर् रखकर काम
करना)
To calm oneself down and begin to think or act

EK DUM BASIC
appropriately// to keep working constantly with
attention// regain composure

5
 (दृढतापव
ू क
ण ववरोध करना,
76 Put one’s foot down अपने अचधकार का िावा करना)

EK DUM BASIC
Take a firm stand// asserted his authority // not
to yield // refuse very firmly to do something

When she started borrowing my clothes without asking, I

had to put my foot down.
5
 (मस
ू लाधार बाररि
77 Raining cats and dogs होना)
Raining extremely heavily

EK DUM BASIC
5
 78 To be all at sea (असमंिस की जस्र्नत)

EK DUM BASIC
Puzzled// state of confusion// lost and confused

5 I'm all at sea with our new spreadsheet software.

 79 To be on cloud nine (अत्यंत प्रसन्न होना)

To be extremely happy

EK DUM BASIC
In September, 1896,
cumulonimbus, the greatest
cloud in the world, was listed
as Cloud 9 in a new cloud
classification, and so to be
on cloud nine became like
floating on the tallest cloud
on Earth. The story began
with Sir Ralph Abercromby,
who became fascinated by
meteorology while serving in
the British Army.

5
 80 To bring to light (उिागर करना)

To reveal clearly

EK DUM BASIC
These problems should have been brought to light much earlier.
5
 81
To fight tooth and nail (िी िान से लडना)

EK DUM BASIC
To make every possible effort// with
strength and fury// fight very fiercely

We fought tooth and nail to get the route of the new road changed.
5
 82 To get into hot water (मुसीबत में पडना)
To get into trouble

EK DUM BASIC
I got into hot water when my teacher caught me cheating.
5
 83 To make both ends meet (ककसी तरह से गिु ारा करना)
To live within one’s income// live within means //

EK DUM BASIC
manage expenses with just enough funds

5
 84 To pay through the nose (भारी कीमत िे ना)

Pay an extremely high price

EK DUM BASIC
They paid through the nose for one-to-one intensive tuition.
5
 (ककसी की टांग
85 To pull one’s leg खींचना, मिाक उड़ाना)
To make fool of// playing a joke with someone

EK DUM BASIC
I panicked when he said the test was
tomorrow, but then I realized he was just
5 pulling my leg.
 (ककसी की प्रिंसा
86 To take one’s hat off करना)
To admire someone// congratulations to

EK DUM BASIC
5
 (िमु िबाकर भागना,
87 To take to one’s heels डर कार भाग िाना)
To run away// ran away in feat// ran off

EK DUM BASIC
5 On seeing the police, the thief took to his heels.
 88
A chip of the old block (िैसा बाप वैसा बेटा)

EK DUM BASIC
Reminds them of one’s father// someone similar
in character to one’s father/ resembling parents

My friend is quite helpful like her father , so she is a chip of the old block.
4
 89 (कंिूस आिमी)
A close fisted person

EK DUM BASIC
A miser

It is hard to take money from rakesh, he is a close fisted person.

4
90 A dime a dozen (कौड़ी के भाव, बेहि सस्ते)

EK DUM BASIC
Very common and of no particular value

New York camera stores are a dime a dozen.

4
 (हवाई महल, संभाववत परे िानी नहीं
91 A fool’s paradise िानने पर खि
ु ी की जस्र्नत)
Being happy for foolish reasons// a state of happiness

EK DUM BASIC
based on a person’s not knowing about potential trouble

He was living in a fool’s paradise, refusing to accept that

4 his girlfriend was cheating him.
92 A man of straw (कमिोर व्यजक्त)

A man of no substance/ a weak person

EK DUM BASIC
Eg: The king being a
man of straw, his orders
were often disobeyed.

4
93 A needle in a haystack
(घास के ढे र में सईू , ऐसी चीि जिसे ढूंढने में परे िानी हो)

EK DUM BASIC
Something that is very difficult to locate //
Attempting something impossible

Finding a piece of paper in this huge pile of documents is

4 like trying to find a needle in haystack.
94 A piece of cake (आसान खेल)

EK DUM BASIC
A very easy task

4
 95 A storm in a teacup (बात का बतंगड़)
Big fuss over a small matter

EK DUM BASIC
It would seem that the process has come a long
way forward and this is probably a storm in a
teacup.
4
 (महं गा और परे िानी
96 A white elephant का स्त्रोत)
Costly and troublesome possession

EK DUM BASIC
4 My old car is a white elephant for me now.
 97 Achilles’ heel (कमिोरी)

EK DUM BASIC
A weakness or vulnerable point

Though he is a good person but short temper is his

4 Achilles heel.
 98 All moonshine (दिखावटी)

Far from reality//concocted// nonsense

EK DUM BASIC
The promises made by the politicians are
all moonshines.
4
 99 An axe to grind (ननिी स्वार्ण)
A private interest to serve// have a selfish interest

EK DUM BASIC
Simi is very rude but the way she is being polite with
everyone gives expression that she is having an axe to
4 grind
100 Back to the drawing board
(नये मसरे से बनाना)

EK DUM BASIC
Used to indicate that an idea has been unsuccessful and
that a new one must be devised // plan it all over again

4
 EXERCISE – 2

COMPLETE IDIOMS PACKAGE

(51-100)
1. Adding insult to injury is telling someone bitter truth. YES NO

2. At snail’s pace is to do something very fast. YES NO

3. Be wet behind the ears is related to inexperienced. YES NO

4. Call it a day is to stop the work. YES NO

5. He greased the hostess’ palm to get a table without

reservation. Did he give money to hostess? YES NO

ANS: 1-N , 2- N, 3-Y , 4- Y, 5-Y

6. Hand in glove is the partnership for something honest? YES NO

7. Can we handle Herculean task through cakewalk? YES NO

8. Ins and outs is going in and out. YES NO

9. To leave cigarette for good means to leave permanently ? YES NO

10. A chicken hearted person is really a brave person. YES NO

ANS: 6- N , 7- N, 8- N , 9- Y, 10- N
1. Maiden speech (A) Heavy raining

2. Pull yourself together (B) On Seventh Heaven

3. Cats and Dogs (C) First

4. On cloud nine
(D) Make fool of

5. Pull one’s leg

(E) Calm down

ANS: 1-C , 2 –E , 3-A , 4-B , 5 –D

6. Take to one’s heels (A) Far from reality

7. A dime a dozen (B) Troublesome possession

8. A storm in a teacup (C) Run away

9. A white elephant
(D) Very common

10. All moonshine

(E) Big fuss over a small matter

ANS: 6-C , 7-D , 8-E , 9-B , 10- A

101 Ball is in your court (जिम्मेिार होना)
It is up to you to make the next decision or step// to

EK DUM BASIC
be responsible for further action

I have done my part of project, now ball is

4 in your court.
 Be glad to see the (व्यजक्त के िाने से
खि ु होना)
102

back of

EK DUM BASIC
Be happy when a person leaves

After my boss made my life difficult for 2 years, he finally

left the company. I was glad to see the back of him.
4
 (हवाई ककले बनाना,
103 Build castles in air कोरी कल्पना करना)

EK DUM BASIC
Daydream// have unrealistic ideas// to create
impossible dreams or hopes

Don't build castles in the air, just find some work to earn money
4
104 Carry the day (िीत हामसल करना)

Win / Victory

EK DUM BASIC
1. Dhoni hit a six on last ball and carried the day.
2. They had a bad start, but the home team managed to carry
4 the day in the end.
 105 Couch potato (आलसी व्यजक्त)

EK DUM BASIC
A lazy person// a person who watches too much television

4
 (सबसे आसान, सस्ता या
106 Cut corners तेि/गलत तरीके से करना)

EK DUM BASIC
Do something perfunctorily so as to save time or money // saving
money// not do a thing well in order to save money or effort

4
107 Fall flat (असिल होना)

EK DUM BASIC
To fail to produce intended effect// to have no effect

4
 (ककसी का दिमाग
108 Get on somebody’s nerves
खराब करना)

EK DUM BASIC
To be an irritant// annoys me

He's not done a bloody thing and it's getting on my nerves.

4
109 Go to the dogs (बबाणि हो िाना)

EK DUM BASIC
To be ruined// deteriorate shockingly

4
110 (सटीक िवाब िे ना)
Hit the nail on the head

EK DUM BASIC
Say or do something exactly right// to find
exactly the right answer

When my car didn’t start, my friend took one look and said that it’s due
to a dead battery. Seems like he hit the nail on the head.
4
111 In the nick of time (सही समय पर)

Just in time// at the last possible moment

EK DUM BASIC
4
112 Kick the bucket (ननधन होना)

To die

EK DUM BASIC
All the money goes to her when the old
4 man kicks the bucket.
 Kill two birds with (एक तीर से िो
मिकार करना)
113

one stone

EK DUM BASIC
To serve two purposes at one time// to
achieve two results with a single effort

We can kill two birds with one stone by dropping off the
4 mail when we go to the grocery store.
114 Make a beeline for (बबलकुल सीधा िाना)
Go straight to

EK DUM BASIC
4 He made a beeline for the food, when arrived in party.
 115 On tenterhooks (चचंता में )

In suspense and anxiety// anxious

EK DUM BASIC
We were on tenterhooks all morning waiting for the phone to ring.
4
116 Once and for all (हमेिा के मलये)

Bring to an end// finally

EK DUM BASIC
4
117 Rule the roost (हावी होना)

EK DUM BASIC
To dominate// to make all the decisions //
in complete control

4
 (खन
ू पसीना
118 Strain every nerve एक करना)
Work very hard// to make utmost efforts

EK DUM BASIC
She's straining every nerve to get the work finished on time.
4
 119 Takes after (एक िैसा)

To resemble // similar to

EK DUM BASIC
1. Most of my children take after my husband.
4 2. He takes after his father in his fishing skills.
 120 The last straw (जस्र्नत को सहनीय बनाने
वाली आखखरी परे िानी)

EK DUM BASIC
Final problem in the series // a minor difficulty
but coming on top of a series of unbearable

The rowlett act was the last straw on the camel’s

back and the whole india rose in protest against the
4 british rule.
 121 Throw in the towel (हार मान लेना)

EK DUM BASIC
Acknowledge defeat// to admit defeat or failure
THROW THE SPONGE

Three of the original five candidates for the Democratic

4 presidential nomination have now thrown in the towel.
 122 To be taken aback (हक्का बक्का होना)
To be surprised// shocked

EK DUM BASIC
4
 123 To get cold feet (घबराहट होना)

EK DUM BASIC
To experience nervousness or anxiety//
before one attempts to do something// fear

I was going to try bungee jumping but I got

4 cold feet.
 (बहती गंगा में हार्
124 To jump on the bandwagon धोना)
To follow popular trends// get involved in

EK DUM BASIC
an activity because it is likely to succeed

After a couple of politicians won elections by promising to cut

taxes, most of the others jumped on the bandwagon.
4
 125 To keep someone (िरू से सलाम
करना, िरू ी बनाना)
at arm’s length

EK DUM BASIC
To be at a distance with someone// to avoid
someone// avoiding too much closeness

Manager doesn’t trust him and now keeping him at

an arm’s length.
4
 126 To make up one’s mind (ननकचय करना)
To decide what to do// decide firmly

EK DUM BASIC
1. I can't make up my mind where to take my vacation.
4 2. He's thinking about going, but he still hasn't made up his mind.
 127 To miss the boat/bus (मौका गूँवा बैिना)
To miss an opportunity// lose an opportunity

EK DUM BASIC
There were tickets available last week, but he
4 missed the boat by waiting till today.
 128 To put up with (बिाणकत करना)
Tolerate

EK DUM BASIC
1. I can put up with the house being messy, but I hate it if it's not clean.
2. He's so moody - I don't know why she puts up with him.
4 3. I'm too tired to put up with any nonsense.
 129 To take to heart (दिल पर लेना)
To grieve over// to be greatly affected// to

EK DUM BASIC
consider something very seriously

4 He really took it to heart when I asked him to reconsider.

 Turn a blind eye (अूँधा बन िाना,
अनिे खा करना)
130

EK DUM BASIC
To ignore a situation, facts or reality

4
 131 Vanish into thin air (गायब होना)

Completely disappear

EK DUM BASIC
The police was chasing the man down the road and he
somehow vanished into thin air.
4
 132 A bird’s eye view (ऊंचाई से ववस्तत
ृ
दृकय)
A general view from above

EK DUM BASIC
Could someone give us a bird's-eye view of the plan before we discuss
the specific details?
3
133 A cakewalk (अत्यंत सरल)
Something very easy/ an easy

EK DUM BASIC
achievement/ extremely easy

Competitive exams are not a cake walk these days.

3
 134 A laughing stock (हं सी का पात्र)
An object of laughter/ an object of ridicule

EK DUM BASIC
Eg: The host made
a mistake in saying
name of the winner
and instantly
become a laughing
stock.

3
135 A live wire (जिन्िादिल व्यजक्त)

EK DUM BASIC
Lively and active
Eg: She is a
wonderful girl, a real
live wire and full of
fun.

3
136 A man of letters (ववद्वान)

Proficient in literary art

EK DUM BASIC
Eg: BR. Ambedkar is
known as a man of
letters.

3
 137 A sea change (पूर्ण पररवतणन)

EK DUM BASIC
A profound or notable transformation/
complete transformation

3
 138 Above board (ईमानिार)
Honest and frank// without any secret

EK DUM BASIC
3 Their actions are all above board.
139 Actions speak (कर्नी से अचधक
करनी बोलती है )
louder than words

EK DUM BASIC
What you do is more
important than what you
say// what you do reveals
the real you// intentions
can be judged by
people’s actions

3
140 Alive and kicking (अच्छे स्वास््य में )

In good health

EK DUM BASIC
3
141 All and sundry (हर कोई बबना भेि के)

Everybody without distinction// all included

EK DUM BASIC
Only those participating in the event have to come
tomorrow. All and sundry need not to come.
3 I made tea for all and sundry in the office.
142 An iron will (मिबूत दृढ़ संकल्प)

A firm opinion// strong determination

EK DUM BASIC
He cleared exam after failing three times in
3 written exam , he is really a person of iron will.
 (खल
ु ी ककताब, बबना
143 An open book ककसी रहस्य का)

EK DUM BASIC
One that held no secrets // one about whom it is easy to
know everything

3
EK DUM BASIC
144 As hard as a nail (भावनाहीन)
Emotionless // unrelenting// to have no feelings

EK DUM BASIC
She is a warm and friendly person, but she
3 is also as tough as nails at work.
145 At a stretch (लगातार)
Continuously

EK DUM BASIC
3 She can do 100 push ups in a stretch.
 (इिारे पर नाचने वाला,
146 At beck and call िसू रों के संकेत पर चलना)

EK DUM BASIC
At his disposal// to be dominated by someone

India was on beck and call of Britain before 1947.

3
147 At daggers drawn (िकु मनी)
Enemies// hostile

EK DUM BASIC
Both brothers are at dagger’s drawn now a days.
3
 (असहमनत के कारर्
148 At loggerheads दहंसक वववाि)

EK DUM BASIC
In conflict with someone// to disagree strongly

3
149 At sea (परे िान)

At a loss// perplexed// confused

EK DUM BASIC
3 MY SISTER IS QUITE AT SEA IN MATH.
 (बबना ज्ञान के मामलों
150 Back seat driver में िखल िे ना)

EK DUM BASIC
Interfering in affairs without having knowledge

3
 EXERCISE – 3

COMPLETE IDIOMS PACKAGE

(101-150)
1. Be glad to see the back of is waiting for a person’s
return. YES NO

EK DUM BASIC
2. Couch potato indicates a person who is extremely active. YES NO

3. (Principal’s speech motivated the Students)

Did this “speech” Fell flat. YES NO

4. Get on somebody’s nerves is to be an irritant. YES NO

5. In the nick of time is to reach within time. YES NO

ANS: 1-N , 2- N, 3- N , 4- Y, 5-Y

6. He was on tenterhooks till the result came, Was he anxious? YES NO

EK DUM BASIC
7. Rule the roost is unable to make decisions completely. YES NO

8. Strain every nerve is to make utmost efforts. YES NO

9. To jump on the bandwagon is to get involved in an

unpopular activity. YES NO

10. To put up with indicates tolerate. YES NO

ANS: 6- Y , 7- N, 8- Y , 9- N, 10- Y
1. To take to heart (A) Honest

2. Vanish into thin air (B) Healthy

3. A man of letters (C) Greatly affected

4. Above board
(D) Disappear

5. Alive and kicking

(E) Proficient

ANS: 1-C , 2 –D , 3-E , 4-A , 5 –B

6. Iron will (A) Emotionless

7. As hard as a nail (B) Strong determination

8. At beck and call (C) Hostile

9. At loggerheads (D) To Dominate

10. At daggers drawn (E) Conflict

ANS: 6-B , 7-A , 8-D , 9-E , 10- C

151 Be/up in the air (ववचाराधीन)
When an emotion or idea is on everyone’s

EK DUM BASIC
mind// under consideration// still to be settled

Eg: The whole future of

project is still up in the air.

3
152 Bend over backwards (हर संभव प्रयास
करना)
Make every effort to achieve something, especially to be fair or

EK DUM BASIC
helpful// to exert a lot of efforts towards some end// try to
accommodate and please someone

3
153 Bite the bullet (मिबूरी में स्वीकार करना)

EK DUM BASIC
To force yourself to do something unpleasant

Decisions have to be taken and as director you

have got to bite the bullet
3
154 Butterflies in the stomach (घबराना)
To be anxious and nervous

EK DUM BASIC
3
 (बहुत कम
155 By the skin of his teeth अंतर से)

EK DUM BASIC
By the narrowest margin// having a narrow escape

3
He escaped death in accident by the skin of teeth.
 (ननर्णय लेने का
156 Calls for shots अचधकार होना)

EK DUM BASIC
To be in control // to be the person in charge

3
157 Come to light (पता चलना)

EK DUM BASIC
Been revealed// to be known publicly

She was angry when it came to light that some

3 people were being promoted unfairly.
158 Cool as a cucumber (धैयव
ण ान)

Not nervous or emotional// to be calm

EK DUM BASIC
My boss is as cool as a cucumber even when he
speaks in front of hundreds of people.
3
159 Cross that bridge (समस्या का समाधान)

EK DUM BASIC
Solve the problem

3
160 Cut to the chase (मुद्िे पर आना)

EK DUM BASIC
To start talking about the important aspects of
something// come to the point

I didn't have long to talk so I cut to the chase and

3 asked whether he was still married.
 (सेवा में रहते हुए मर
161 Died in harness िाना)

EK DUM BASIC
Died while working // to die while in service

I want to retire now because I don’t want to die in harness.

3
162 Do a good turn (ककसी की सहायता करना)

To help someone// render a service

EK DUM BASIC
3 A good turn never goes unrewarded.
163 Drag one’s feet (टाल मटोल करना)

EK DUM BASIC
Be reluctant to act// do something deliberately
at a slow pace

3
164 Draw a blank (भल
ू िाना)
Unable to remember

EK DUM BASIC
3
165 Draw a line (सीमा ननधाणररत करना)

EK DUM BASIC
To fix a limit// accept something up to a
particular point

3
 Every dark cloud (ननरािा में भी आिा
की झलक होती है )
166

has a silver lining

EK DUM BASIC
Every unpleasant situation has a positive side// difficult times will lead
to better days// something promising is there in any difficult situation

3
 167 Eye wash (आूँखों में धल
ू झोंकना, धोखा िे ना)

A deception

EK DUM BASIC
The investigation on the issue by the authority is
an eye-wash.
3
168 Feather in one’s cap (चार चाूँि लगाना)
A new and additional distinction// an achievement

EK DUM BASIC
// an accomplishment to be proud of

3 Yes, it's a feather in your cap to win international tournaments.

 169 Fit as a fiddle (पूर्त
ण ः स्वस्र्)

EK DUM BASIC
In a perfectly healthy condition// healthy and strong

He has recovered from illness and now as fit as fiddle.

3
 (ककसी पर भडास
170 Gave vent to something ननकालना)

EK DUM BASIC
Expressed forcefully

1. He gave vent to his annoyance.

3 2. She didn't want to give full vent to her feelings.
 (हवा लगना,
171
Get wind of something खबर लगना)

EK DUM BASIC
Hear about something secret// Come to know

3
172 Give someone the (िान बझ
ु कर
निरअंिाि करना)
cold shoulder

EK DUM BASIC
Deliberately ignore someone

It originated with the 19th-

century practice of serving
of a cold shoulder of meat
to tiresome guests.

I thought she really liked me, but the next

3 day she gave me the cold shoulder.
173 Hang up one’s boots (संन्यास लेना)

EK DUM BASIC
To take retirement from a sport

After suffering so many injuries on the field, I

3 think it's time for him to hang up his boots
174 Hard and fast (अपररवतणनीय)

EK DUM BASIC
That cannot be altered// strict// fixed

3
 Have a finger in (एक से अचधक
काम में िंसा होना)
175

every pie

EK DUM BASIC
To be meddlesome// to be involved in a large and
varied number of activities or enterprise
This old saying presumably
originated with kitchen visitors
who couldn't resist testing the
food by sticking a finger into it,
and licking said finger.

3 He's a man with fingers in a lot of pies.

176 Hobson’s choice (कोई ववकल्प नहीं)

EK DUM BASIC
No real choice at all// an apparently free
choice where there is no real alternative

It's a case of Hobson's choice, because if I don't

3 agree to their terms, I'll lose my job.
 (िबान पर लगाम
177 Hold one’s tongue लगाना)

EK DUM BASIC
Be silent // to keep quiet

He held his tongue in front of teacher

3 to avoid punishment.
178 Hold your horses (धैयण रखना)

Be patient

EK DUM BASIC
3
179 In a pickle (कदिन पररजस्र्नत)

EK DUM BASIC
Experiencing a difficult situation// in trouble

3 I'm going to be in a pickle if I don't get paid on Friday.

 (मस
ु ीबतों के
180 In the eye of a storm बीच होना)

EK DUM BASIC
Deeply involved in a difficult or controversial situation
which affects or interests a lot of people// be in the middle
of a difficult situation

3 Ukraine is in the eye of storm these days.

Eg:
 181 In the good books (पक्ष में होना)

EK DUM BASIC
In favour with

He's trying to get back in his boss's good books by offering to

work overtime.
3
 182 In the teeth of (प्रत्यक्ष ववरोध में होना)

EK DUM BASIC
In spite of something // directly against //
in direct opposition to

GST bill was passed in the teeth of various parties.

3
 (आसमान मसर पर
183 Kicked up a row उिाना, हंगामा करना)
Made a great fuss// created a

EK DUM BASIC
fuss// cause a disturbance

He kicked up a tremendous fuss about having to wait.

3
 (कान लगाकर सन ु ना,
184 Lend me your ear ध्यान से सनना)
ु

EK DUM BASIC
To politely ask for someone’s full
attention // to pay attention to

As a teacher, I often warn my students to

3 lend me their ears in the lesson.
185 Let the grass grow (ननजष्िय रहना)
under one’s feet

EK DUM BASIC
To remain idle

He has never been one to let the grass grow

under his feet. He always does his work on time.
3
186 Lose one’s head (आपा खोना, गुस्सा होना)
To lose self control// panic

EK DUM BASIC
“Be careful not to lose your head. This situation
calls for steady nerves!”
3
187 Made a clean breast of (अपराध स्वीकार करना)

Confessed without reserve// confessed his crime

EK DUM BASIC
Ramesh finally cleaned his breast by
telling all of us that he has stolen money.
3
 (िरा भी नहीं
188 Make no bones about दहचककचाना)

EK DUM BASIC
Did not have any hesitation in // to state
something clearly

3
 Move heaven and earth (िमीन आसमान
एक करना)
189

Make every effort to achieve something

EK DUM BASIC
He vowed that he would move heaven and
3 earth to finish the project on schedule.
190 No love lost between (बहुत निरत)

Not on good terms// intense dislike

EK DUM BASIC
They were polite with each other, but it was clear that there
was no love lost between them.
3
 (बस की बात न
191 Not one’s cup of tea होना)
Not one’s choice or preference

EK DUM BASIC
3
192 Off the hook (परे िानी से बाहर)
No longer in difficulty or trouble// allowed to

EK DUM BASIC
escape from blame

3
193 Out of the blue (बबल्कुल अचानक)

Suddenly and Unexpectedly

EK DUM BASIC
3
194 Out of the question (असंभव)

Uncertain/ Impossible

EK DUM BASIC
3
195 Over head and ears (पूरी तरह)

Completely

EK DUM BASIC
3 They were over head and ears in debt.
196 Part and parcel (अननवायण अंग)

Essential element// important part

EK DUM BASIC
Discipline is part and parcel of defence services .
3
197 Pass the buck (पल्ला झाडना)

EK DUM BASIC
Refuse to accept responsibility // blame
someone for what you did wrong

Don't try to pass the buck - this is your

3 responsibility, not mine.
 (दिखावटी प्रेम या
198 Play lip service समर्णन)

EK DUM BASIC
Pretend to regard // to be insincere// saying
they agree although they do not support it

Talking about safe environment is just a

3
lip service by people.
 (आवकयकता से
199 Play ducks and drakes अचधक खचण)

EK DUM BASIC
Spent lavishly// squandered// to behave recklessly

After death of his father he got into heavy debt by

3 playing ducks and drakes.
200 Playing with fire (गंभीर िोखखम उिाना)

To act in a dangerous and risky way

EK DUM BASIC
3
 EXERCISE – 4

COMPLETE IDIOMS PACKAGE

(151-200)
1. He made every effort to complete important project.
Did he bend over backwards? YES NO

EK DUM BASIC
2. He escaped death in an accident by the skin of teeth.
Was he escaped by broad margin? YES NO

3. Mr. Papaya is the boss here. Does he call for shots? YES NO

4. He remains calm in difficult situations. Is he as cool as a cucumber?

YES NO
5. Drag one’s feet indicates to do something deliberately
at a slow pace. YES NO

ANS: 1-Y , 2- N, 3- Y , 4-Y, 5 – Y

6. Mr. Billu became blank at the time of extempore speech.
Was his speech good? YES NO

EK DUM BASIC
7. Every dark cloud has a silver lining means every
unpleasant situation has a positive side? YES NO
8. Feather in one’s cap promotes one’s own interest. YES NO

9. Give someone the cold shoulder is deliberately ignore

someone. YES NO
10. It is not hard and fast to wear mask these days, Does it means
wearing mask is mandatory? YES NO

ANS: 6- N , 7- Y, 8- N , 9- Y, 10- N
1. Hobson’s choice (A) No other option

2. In a pickle (B) Confession

3. Lend me your ear (C) Remain idle

4. Grass grow under one’s feet (D) In trouble

5. Made a clean breast of

(E) Pay attention

ANS: 1-A , 2 –D , 3-E , 4-C , 5 –B

6. Make no bones about (A) Uncertain

7. Out of the question (B) Important part

8. Over head and ears (C) Admit something readily

9. Part and parcel

(D) Squandered

10. Play ducks and drakes

(E) Completely

ANS: 6-C , 7-A , 8-E , 9-B , 10- D

 INSTALL EK DUM BASIC APP FOR

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