APTET 2026 - English Paper 2A - Idioms and Phrases Quiz
APTET 2026 - English Paper 2A
Interactive Quiz: Vocabulary - Idioms and Phrases
Identification of Meanings (50 Questions)
✏️ C. RASOOL BAVAJI, S.A.(P.S.), ZPHS, MADANAPALLE, ANNMAYYA DISTRICT
📝 Reviewed by P. NAZEEMA BEE, M.A., B.Ed.
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APTET 2026 - English Paper 2A - Vocabulary: Idioms and Phrases
APTET 2026 - English Paper 2A
Main Topic: Vocabulary
Sub-Topic: Idioms and Phrases
Strata of Testing: Identification of Meanings
Based on Class 6-10 Andhra Pradesh State Board Textbooks
✏️ C. RASOOL BAVAJI, S.A.(P.S.), ZPHS, MADANAPALLE, ANNMAYYA DISTRICT
📝 Reviewed by P. NAZEEMA BEE, M.A., B.Ed.
Introduction to Idioms and Phrases
What is an Idiom?
An idiom is a phrase, saying, or expression that has a meaning different from the literal meaning of the individual words. Idioms are culturally specific and often cannot be understood by simply knowing the meaning of each word in the phrase.
What is a Phrase?
A phrase is a group of words that work together but don't form a complete sentence. Phrases often have figurative meanings that make language more colorful and expressive.
75 Essential Idioms and Phrases for APTET 2026
Section 1: Time and Opportunity
1. A Stitch in Time Saves Nine
Solving a problem early prevents larger problems later; taking action promptly is better than waiting.
📌 Example: "I fixed the leak in my roof today. A stitch in time saves nine."
Formal and Informal - emphasizes the importance of timely action
2. Beat Around the Bush
To avoid talking about the main point; to speak in a roundabout way.
📌 Example: "Please don't beat around the bush—just tell me what happened."
Informal - commonly used to urge direct communication
3. Better Late Than Never
It's better to do something late than not do it at all.
📌 Example: "He apologized for his behavior after ten years. Better late than never."
Formal and Informal - encourages patience and acceptance
4. Break the Ice
To initiate conversation; to make the first move in a difficult situation.
📌 Example: "I decided to break the ice by introducing myself at the party."
Formal and Informal - used in social contexts
5. Catch Up
To reach the same level as someone else; to get up to date with news or gossip.
📌 Example: "I missed the first episode, but I'll catch up this weekend."
Informal - commonly used in daily conversation
6. Get the Ball Rolling
To start something; to initiate a project or process.
📌 Example: "Let's get the ball rolling on this new project."
Informal - used in work and project contexts
7. Hit the Nail on the Head
To do something exactly right; to identify the exact point of the problem.
📌 Example: "You hit the nail on the head with your suggestion."
Formal and Informal - used to praise accuracy
8. In the Long Run
Over a long period of time; eventually; in the end.
📌 Example: "Regular exercise might seem difficult now, but it's worth it in the long run."
Formal and Informal - used to discuss long-term consequences
9. In the Nick of Time
At the last possible moment; just before it's too late.
📌 Example: "The ambulance arrived in the nick of time to save his life."
Formal and Informal - used in urgent situations
10. Jump on the Bandwagon
To join a popular trend or group that many people are supporting.
📌 Example: "Everyone is buying smartphones, so I jumped on the bandwagon too."
Informal - used to describe following trends
11. Keep Your Chin Up
To stay positive; to remain hopeful in difficult times.
📌 Example: "Keep your chin up! Things will get better soon."
Informal - used to encourage and support
12. Last but Not Least
Finally; an introduction to the last item in a series that is equally important.
📌 Example: "We should thank the teachers, the students, and last but not least, the parents."
Formal - used in speeches and presentations
13. Missed the Boat
To miss an opportunity; to be too late to participate in something.
📌 Example: "If you don't register today, you'll have missed the boat for the discount."
Informal - used to describe lost opportunities
14. On the Ball
Competent and well-informed; attentive to details; quick to understand.
📌 Example: "Sarah is always on the ball in meetings; she knows everything about the project."
Informal - used to compliment someone's efficiency
15. Once in a Blue Moon
Very rarely; almost never; extremely infrequently.
📌 Example: "I eat ice cream once in a blue moon because I'm on a diet."
Informal - used to express rarity
Section 2: Body, Action, and Emotion
16. A Piece of Cake
Something that is very easy to do.
📌 Example: "The math test was a piece of cake for him."
Informal - used to describe ease
17. Back Against the Wall
In a difficult situation with no way out; desperate.
📌 Example: "With no money left, he was back against the wall."
Informal - describes difficult circumstances
18. Back to Square One
To return to the beginning; to start over again.
📌 Example: "The plan failed, so we're back to square one."
Informal - used when progress is reset
19. Bend Over Backwards
To make a great effort; to go out of one's way to help someone.
📌 Example: "She bent over backwards to make sure her guests were comfortable."
Informal - expresses great effort
20. Blood is Thicker Than Water
Family bonds are stronger than other relationships; family comes first.
📌 Example: "Even though they fought, blood is thicker than water and they reconciled."
Formal and Informal - discusses family loyalty
21. Blow Off Steam
To release stress or anger; to relax and have fun.
📌 Example: "After the exam, students went to the playground to blow off steam."
Informal - describes stress relief
22. Break a Leg
Good luck; a wish for success (especially used in theatre and performances).
📌 Example: "Before the concert, I told my friend, 'Break a leg!'"
Informal - used before performances
23. Bring Home the Bacon
To earn money for the family; to provide financial support; to succeed.
📌 Example: "My father works hard to bring home the bacon for our family."
Informal - describes earning livelihood
24. Burn the Midnight Oil
To work very hard, especially late into the night; to study intensely.
📌 Example: "Students burn the midnight oil before their board exams."
Formal and Informal - describes hard work
25. Burst Your Bubble
To destroy someone's hopes or illusions; to deliver disappointing news.
📌 Example: "I don't want to burst your bubble, but the project has been cancelled."
Informal - used before bad news
26. Call It a Day
To stop working for the day; to end an activity.
📌 Example: "It's getting late. Let's call it a day and go home."
Informal - used to suggest stopping work
27. Cost an Arm and a Leg
To be very expensive; to cost a lot of money.
📌 Example: "That designer watch costs an arm and a leg!"
Informal - describes high prices
28. Cry Over Spilled Milk
To waste time regretting something that cannot be changed; futile regret.
📌 Example: "Stop crying over spilled milk. Let's focus on future improvements."
Informal - advises against futile regret
29. Cut to the Chase
To get to the main point; to skip unnecessary details.
📌 Example: "Let's cut to the chase—what do you actually want from me?"
Informal - used to speed up communication
30. Dive Into
To start something enthusiastically; to engage deeply in an activity.
📌 Example: "She dove into the project with great enthusiasm."
Informal - describes enthusiastic involvement
Section 3: Challenges, Problems, and Solutions
31. Down in the Dumps
Feeling sad or depressed; in a bad mood or situation.
📌 Example: "She's been down in the dumps since she failed the exam."
Informal - describes sadness
32. Down to Earth
Practical; realistic; humble and sensible.
📌 Example: "Despite his wealth, he is very down to earth."
Formal and Informal - describes practical attitude
33. Draw the Line
To set a limit; to establish boundaries beyond which something is not acceptable.
📌 Example: "I don't mind helping, but I draw the line at doing all your work."
Formal and Informal - sets boundaries
34. Dull Moment
A boring time; a moment without excitement (often used in negative: "never a dull moment").
📌 Example: "Life with my siblings is never a dull moment!"
Informal - describes excitement or boredom
35. Earn Your Stripes
To prove your ability and gain respect through hard work; to show your competence.
📌 Example: "She earned her stripes by leading successful projects."
Formal and Informal - describes proving ability
36. Easy as Pie
Something very easy to do; simple and straightforward.
📌 Example: "For her, the competition was easy as pie."
Informal - describes simplicity
37. Face the Music
To accept the consequences of one's actions; to confront a difficult situation.
📌 Example: "He had to face the music for breaking the window."
Formal and Informal - describes accepting consequences
38. Fall Behind
To fall back; to not keep up with others; to be slower than expected.
📌 Example: "He fell behind in his studies due to illness."
Informal - describes being slower
39. Fall Through
To fail; to not happen; to not be completed as planned.
📌 Example: "The plan fell through when the sponsor withdrew."
Informal - describes failure
40. Feel Blue
To feel sad or depressed; to be in a bad mood.
📌 Example: "She felt blue after her friend moved away."
Informal - describes sadness
41. Few and Far Between
Rare; not often occurring; uncommon.
📌 Example: "Good teachers are few and far between."
Formal and Informal - describes rarity
42. Fill in the Blanks
To provide missing information; to complete something incomplete.
📌 Example: "Can you fill in the blanks in this form?"
Informal - used in writing contexts
43. Finally Got It
To understand something after struggling; to achieve success after difficulty.
📌 Example: "After studying for hours, I finally got it!"
Informal - describes understanding
44. Fish Out of Water
A person who is uncomfortable in a new environment; someone not in their element.
📌 Example: "In the city, the village boy felt like a fish out of water."
Informal - describes discomfort
45. Fit as a Fiddle
In good health; physically fit and strong.
📌 Example: "Despite his age, grandfather is fit as a fiddle."
Informal - describes good health
Section 4: Success, Achievement, and Failure
46. Fly by Night
Something unreliable or temporary; a business that disappears suddenly.
📌 Example: "Be careful—that shop looks like a fly by night operation."
Informal - describes unreliability
47. Go the Extra Mile
To make an extra effort; to do more than is required.
📌 Example: "She always goes the extra mile to help her students."
Formal and Informal - describes extra effort
48. Go with the Flow
To be flexible; to adapt to circumstances; to not resist change.
📌 Example: "When plans change, just go with the flow."
Informal - describes flexibility
49. Good as Gold
Reliable; trustworthy; of high quality; well-behaved.
📌 Example: "He's as good as gold—you can trust him completely."
Informal - praises reliability
50. Grass is Always Greener
People always think other things are better than what they have; dissatisfaction with one's own situation.
📌 Example: "She left the job thinking the grass was greener elsewhere, but she was wrong."
Informal - describes dissatisfaction
51. Hang in There
To persist; to not give up; to continue despite difficulties.
📌 Example: "Things are tough now, but hang in there—it will get better."
Informal - encourages persistence
52. Have a Nice Day
A polite closing expression wishing someone well; a common goodbye.
📌 Example: "Thanks for shopping with us. Have a nice day!"
Formal and Informal - polite farewell
53. Have Your Cake and Eat It Too
To want to have benefits of two different things; to have everything one wants (often impossible).
📌 Example: "You can't have your cake and eat it too—choose one job or the other."
Informal - describes unrealistic desires
54. Head and Shoulders Above
Significantly better than others; far superior; outstanding.
📌 Example: "She is head and shoulders above her competitors."
Formal and Informal - praises superiority
55. Head Over Heels
Completely; deeply (often used for love); in a somersault position.
📌 Example: "He is head over heels in love with her."
Informal - describes deep emotion
56. Heart and Soul
With complete devotion; with all one's energy and emotion; completely.
📌 Example: "She put her heart and soul into her art."
Formal and Informal - describes complete devotion
57. Heavy Heart
A feeling of sadness or sorrow; emotional burden.
📌 Example: "With a heavy heart, she said goodbye to her old friend."
Formal and Informal - describes sadness
58. Heavy on the Pocket
Expensive; costly; a burden on one's budget.
📌 Example: "Education is heavy on the pocket for poor families."
Informal - describes financial burden
59. Hit the Sack
To go to bed; to go to sleep.
📌 Example: "I'm tired. Let's hit the sack."
Informal - describes going to bed
60. Hold Your Horses
To wait; to be patient; to slow down.
📌 Example: "Hold your horses! We need to plan before we start."
Informal - urges patience
Section 5: Knowledge, Learning, and Communication
61. Hold Your Tongue
To be silent; to refrain from speaking; to keep quiet.
📌 Example: "I wanted to complain, but I held my tongue."
Formal and Informal - advises silence
62. How About You
A polite way to ask someone's opinion or experience on the same topic.
📌 Example: "I loved the movie. How about you?"
Informal - encourages conversation
63. I Beg Your Pardon
A polite expression of apology; asking for forgiveness.
📌 Example: "I beg your pardon. I didn't mean to hurt you."
Formal - polite apology
64. In Good Faith
With honest intentions; with sincerity; genuinely.
📌 Example: "He gave me the advice in good faith."
Formal - describes honesty
65. In the Blink of an Eye
Very quickly; in a very short time; instantly.
📌 Example: "The accident happened in the blink of an eye."
Informal - describes speed
66. It Goes Without Saying
It is obvious; it is understood; it doesn't need to be stated.
📌 Example: "It goes without saying that honesty is important."
Formal - describes obviousness
67. It Slipped My Mind
To forget something; to accidentally forget an appointment or task.
📌 Example: "Your birthday was yesterday? It slipped my mind!"
Informal - explains forgetfulness
68. Jack of All Trades
A person who can do many different things; someone skilled in various areas.
📌 Example: "He is a jack of all trades—he can teach, repair, and cook."
Informal - describes versatility
69. Jog Your Memory
To help someone remember; to remind someone of something forgotten.
📌 Example: "Let me jog your memory—we met at the conference."
Informal - helps with memory
70. Jump to Conclusions
To make a quick judgment without all the facts; to decide hastily.
📌 Example: "Don't jump to conclusions—hear the full story first."
Informal - advises against hasty judgment
71. Keep Your Fingers Crossed
To hope for something good to happen; to wish for luck.
📌 Example: "I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I get the job."
Informal - expresses hope
72. Kick the Habit
To break a bad habit; to stop doing something negative.
📌 Example: "He is trying to kick the habit of smoking."
Informal - describes breaking habits
73. Kick up Your Heels
To relax; to have fun; to enjoy oneself.
📌 Example: "After the exam, let's kick up our heels and celebrate."
Informal - describes enjoying oneself
74. Kick Your Feet Up
To relax; to take a break; to stop working.
📌 Example: "It's time to kick your feet up and enjoy the weekend."
Informal - describes relaxation
75. Knock on Wood
To hope for good luck; a superstition that involves touching wood to ward off bad luck.
📌 Example: "We haven't had any accidents this year, knock on wood!"
Informal - expresses hope for luck
📋 Summary: Key Points to Remember
Idioms are figurative: Their meaning differs from literal word meanings
Context matters: Understanding surrounding words helps identify correct meanings
Formal vs. Informal: Some idioms suit formal situations; others are casual
Regional variations: Some idioms are specific to certain English-speaking regions
Memorization through examples: Learning idioms with examples helps retention
Test technique: In APTET, look for synonymous meanings, not exact word matches
Common confusions: Similar-looking idioms may have different meanings—pay attention to nuances
Practice with sentences: Understanding how idioms function in sentences improves comprehension
📊 Classification of Idioms by Category
Category
Examples
Common Meaning Pattern
Time & Opportunity
In the Nick of Time, Once in a Blue Moon, Missed the Boat
Related to timing, frequency, and seizing chances
Difficulty & Struggle
Back Against the Wall, Fish Out of Water, Cut to the Chase
Challenging situations and pressure
Emotions & Feelings
Feel Blue, Heavy Heart, Keep Your Chin Up
Expressing emotional states
Money & Value
Cost an Arm and a Leg, Bring Home the Bacon
Related to financial matters
Success & Achievement
Hit the Nail on the Head, Earn Your Stripes
Accomplishment and recognition
Effort & Energy
Burn the Midnight Oil, Bend Over Backwards, Go the Extra Mile
Hard work and dedication
Communication
Beat Around the Bush, Hold Your Tongue, Cut to the Chase
Ways of speaking and listening
Relationships
Blood is Thicker Than Water, Head Over Heels
Interpersonal connections
🎯 Tips for APTET 2026 Exam
Read the complete sentence/context before identifying meaning
Eliminate obviously wrong answers first
Look for answers that capture the figurative, not literal, meaning
Pay attention to whether the idiom has positive or negative connotation
Note the tone—formal idioms won't match with informal contexts and vice versa
Use process of elimination if unsure
Practice with sample papers to get comfortable with idiom identification questions
Create flashcards for quick revision before the exam
✏️ C. RASOOL BAVAJI, S.A.(P.S.), ZPHS, MADANAPALLE, ANNMAYYA DISTRICT
