Idioms and Phrases, Study Notes

An idiom is a group of words or phrases used to define an expression. It’s an expression made by grouping words together to mean something different from the literal meaning of the phrase. Phrases can be taken literally while idioms are not literal in their meaning but figurative. Idioms can be used poetically in the sentence to show the meaning of the expression. Idioms and Phrases in English are used to represent the expression of a sentence whose meaning is not the same but can be understood due to their popular uses.

Learning these expressions is valuable because they appear frequently in competitive examinations, everyday language and books. Knowing idioms and phrases helps improve overall English comprehension and allows for more natural speaking and writing. Many competitive examination like SSC, Railway, Defence and Banking include questions about idioms and phrases in their English sections. Typically, there are one or two questions related to this topic in every examination. By familiarizing yourself with common idioms and phrases, that repetitively asked in examination will help candidates to enhance their scores.

What are Idioms and Phrases?

Idioms are fixed expressions that cannot be understood literally. For example, the phrase “a blessing in disguise” doesn’t mean that something is literally a blessing that is hidden or disguised. Instead, it refers to a situation that seems bad at first but ultimately turns out to be a good thing.

Phrases, on the other hand, are groups of words that work together to convey a specific meaning. They are more flexible than idioms and can be modified or expanded upon. For instance, the phrase “actions speak louder than words” emphasizes that what someone does is more important than what they say.

Important Tricks to Remember Idiom and Phrases

Preparing for the idioms and phrases section of the SSC CGL exam can be made easier with some smart study techniques.

• Start by creating flashcards, either physical or digital, featuring the idiom, its meaning, and an example sentence. This allows for quick and frequent revision.
• Organizing idioms into groups based on similar meanings can help with memory and understanding. For instance, you might group together idioms related to success, failure, or relationships.
• Get creative by making up stories or jokes that incorporate idioms – the more memorable, the better for retention. Practice using idioms in your own sentences to get comfortable with their application.
• Don’t forget to engage with idioms in real-life contexts, such as social media posts and comments.
  This exposure helps reinforce their usage and meaning. Finally, try to learn the opposite meanings of idioms where possible, as contrasting information can strengthen your memory of both. By using these varied approaches, you can build a solid foundation in idioms and phrases for the SSC CGL exam.

Important Idioms with Meaning & Usage

For the ease of candidates we have provided some most frequently asked idiom in examinations with their meaning and usage. Candidates preparing for competitive examinations like SSC, Railways or Banking must memorise these idioms.