Idioms and Phrases for SSC CGL
If an option makes sense of the idiom word by word, it is probably wrong.
An idiom is a group of words whose meaning is different from the meaning of its words. "Spill the beans" has nothing to do with beans; it means to reveal a secret. SSC names "Idioms & Phrases" in the CGL English syllabus, and the same question type appears in other SSC papers with an English section.
You cannot work an idiom out from grammar. You have to know it. The good news is that a few hundred common idioms cover a lot of ground, and learning them in themes makes them stick.
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Idioms Grouped by Meaning
Learning idioms by what they mean, rather than alphabetically, helps you spot the right option faster.
| Idiom | Meaning |
|---|---|
| A bolt from the blue | A complete surprise |
| Once in a blue moon | Very rarely |
| At sixes and sevens | In confusion or disorder |
| In hot water | In trouble |
| Under a cloud | Under suspicion |
| Let the cat out of the bag | To reveal a secret by mistake |
| Spill the beans | To reveal a secret |
| Beat about the bush | To avoid the main point |
| Call a spade a spade | To speak plainly and honestly |
| Hit the nail on the head | To say exactly the right thing |
| Break the ice | To start a conversation in an awkward situation |
| Bite the bullet | To face something unpleasant with courage |
| Throw in the towel | To give up |
| Turn a deaf ear | To ignore a request or advice |
| Cry over spilt milk | To regret something that cannot be undone |
| A white elephant | A costly possession that is of little use |
| By hook or by crook | By any means, fair or unfair |
| A red-letter day | A specially memorable day |
| The apple of one's eye | A person who is dearly loved |
| Does not hold water | Is not logical or believable |
Two Ways the Question Is Asked
- check_circleMeaning of the idiom: the idiom is given on its own, and you choose its meaning from four options.
- check_circleIdiom in a sentence: a sentence carries the idiom, often in bold or underlined, and you choose the meaning that fits that sentence. The sentence is a clue, so read it.
- check_circleIdioms can also show up inside a cloze passage or as a blank to fill, where you must pick the idiom that fits the context.
Practice Questions
Original practice questions written for this page.
- 1
Practice question 1: "The new flyover has turned out to be a white elephant for the town." (a) a symbol of pride (b) a costly thing of little use (c) a tourist attraction (d) a very large structure
Answer: (b). Option (d) is the literal trap: "elephant" suggests size, but the idiom is about cost and uselessness.
- 2
Practice question 2: "After three failed attempts, he refused to throw in the towel." (a) to clean up (b) to give up (c) to lose his temper (d) to change his plans
Answer: (b) to give up. The phrase comes from boxing, where a trainer throws a towel into the ring to stop the fight.
- 3
Practice question 3: "The officer asked him to stop beating about the bush." (a) to stop wandering around (b) to stop wasting time on work (c) to come to the point (d) to stop hiding
Answer: (c). The idiom means avoiding the main point, so being asked to stop means being asked to come to the point. Watch for questions that use the idiom in the negative.
- 4
Practice question 4: "His story does not hold water." (a) is not believable (b) is very short (c) is not interesting (d) is not finished
Answer: (a). An argument that "holds water" stands up to checking; one that does not, falls apart.
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The Literal-Meaning Trap
Idiom questions often include an option that is the literal meaning of the words: a big structure for "white elephant", cleaning for "throw in the towel", walking around for "beating about the bush". It looks right because it matches the words, and that is exactly why it is there.
A simple rule: if an option makes sense of the idiom word by word, it is probably wrong. Idioms are tested for their fixed, figurative meaning.
How to Learn Idioms for SSC
- checkLearn 10-15 idioms a day, grouped by meaning (surprise, secrets, trouble, giving up)
- checkWrite one sentence of your own for each idiom
- checkWhen you learn an idiom, note what its literal trap option would be
- checkRead an English newspaper; idioms you meet in real sentences are easier to recall
- checkRevise the whole list weekly; idioms fade fast without repetition
FAQs
Are idioms and phrases asked in SSC exams?expand_more
Yes. SSC lists "Idioms & Phrases" in the CGL Tier 2 English syllabus, and the question type also appears in other SSC exams with an English section.
How many idioms should I learn for SSC?expand_more
SSC publishes no list. A few hundred common idioms, learned with their meaning and one example sentence each, is a sensible base.
What is the difference between an idiom and a phrase?expand_more
A phrase is any group of words. An idiom is a phrase whose meaning cannot be guessed from its words, such as "spill the beans". SSC tests both under one heading.
How do I avoid mistakes in idiom questions?expand_more
Rule out the literal option first, then use the sentence for context. If you have never seen the idiom, guess only if you can rule out two options.
Next steps
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