1. While the ladies continued their small talk in the drawing room, I felt bored.
a) whispering
b) backbiting
c) gossip
d) light conversation
Explanation: small talk: polite conversation about unimportant or uncontroversial matters, especially as engaged in on social occasions.
2. My car broke down on way to the railway station.
a) stopped
b) met with an accident
c) ran out of petrol
d) failed to work
Explanation: broke down: to stop working or not be successful.
3. My father strained every nerve to enable me to get settled in life.
a) worked very hard
b) spent a huge amount
c) tried all tricks
d) bribed several persons
Explanation:strained every nerve: to make the greatest possible effort.
4. He is always picking holes in every project.
a) creating problems in
b) finding fault with
c) suggesting improvement in
d) asking irrelevant questions on
Explanation: picking holes in: to point out the flaws and faults.
5. The die is cast and now let us hope for the best.
a) project is over
b) decision is made
c) death is inevitable
d) cloth has been dyed
Explanation:die is cast: said when a situation is certain to develop in a particular way because decisions have been taken that cannot be changed.
6. He resigned the post of his own accord.
a) which he liked
b) according to his convenience
c) voluntarily and willingly
d) according to his judgement
Explanation: of his own accord: used to indicate that someone does something because he or she wants to, not because someone has asked the person or forced him or her to do it.
7. As a politician he is used to being in the limelight all the time.
a) giving speeches
b) the object of admiration
c) the centre of attraction
d) an object of public notice
Explanation: in the limelight: the center of public attention.
8. I ran out of money on my European tour.
a) exhausted my stock of
b) did not have enough
c) lost
d) carried a lot
Explanation: ran out: to use something completely so that nothing is left.
9. Madhuri might scream blue murder, but I feel Deepali should get the promotion since she is better qualified for the job.
a) Someone has been murdered with some blue liquid
b) Someone is being murdered and has become blue
c) Suffer from persecution complex
d) Make a great deal of noise and object vehemently
Explanation: scream blue murder: to scream, yell, or complain in a very loud or angry way.
10.Having sold off his factory, he is now a gentleman at large
a) Has no serious occupation
b) Is living comfortably
c) Is respected by everybody
d) Is held in high esteem
Explanation: gentleman at large: someone who has lots of wealth as well as time.