IBPS PO – English Language
Idioms & Phrases – Study Notes
1. Simple Explanation
- Idioms are fixed expressions whose meaning is not deducible from the literal meanings of the words.
- Phrases are groups of words that function as a single grammatical unit (e.g., in the long run, by and large).
- In exams, idioms help you gauge lexical richness, comprehension, and sentence‑reconstruction skills.
- Knowing idioms aids in:
- Reading Comprehension – understanding author’s tone and implied meaning.
- Fill‑in‑the‑blanks / Cloze – choosing the right idiom for a context.
- Paragraph writing – enriching vocabulary and style.
2. Key Points
| # | Aspect | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Definition & Example | “Break the ice” – to initiate conversation in a tense situation. |
| 2 | Categories | 1. Common Idioms (e.g., hit the books) 2. Phrasal Verbs (e.g., give up, carry out) 3. Fixed Expressions (e.g., in spite of, to a large extent) |
| 3 | Usage | • Idioms often appear after a noun or verb. • They can be literal or figurative. • Pay attention to prepositions: in spite of, at the expense of |
| 4 | Common Idioms for IBPS PO | • A blessing in disguise • At the drop of a hat • Bite off more than one can chew • Cost an arm and a leg • In the blink of an eye • Make a long story short • Out of the blue • Under the weather |
| 5 | Common Phrases | • To the best of my knowledge • In the long run • By and large • On the whole • For the time being |
| 6 | Practice Tips | • Group: Memorize in thematic groups (e.g., money, health, time). • Context: Write a sentence or paragraph using each idiom. • Quiz: Self‑test with cloze exercises. • Flashcards: Front – idiom; Back – meaning + usage. |
| 7 | Common Mistakes | • Literal interpretation (e.g., “cost an arm and a leg” → price). • Missing prepositions (e.g., “in spite of” mis‑written as “in spite”). • Over‑use – idioms should fit naturally, not forced. |
| 8 | Exam Strategy | • For multiple‑choice: eliminate options that are literal. • For fill‑in‑the‑blanks: look for idiomatic patterns – e.g., to + verb + of + noun. |
| 9 | Beyond Idioms | Master phrasal verbs (e.g., turn down, look after) – often appear in reading passages. |
3. Worked Example
Cloze Question (IBPS PO style)
When the unexpected meeting was called, I was __________, so I had to cancel all my plans.
| Option A | Option B | Option C | Option D |
|---|---|---|---|
| a) in the long run | b) out of the blue | c) at the drop of a hat | d) in spite of |
Step‑by‑Step Solution
- Identify the Context – “the unexpected meeting was called” → something sudden.
- Look for an idiom that indicates suddenness – out of the blue.
- Check grammar – The idiom must fit the sentence: I was out of the blue, so I had to cancel all my plans.
- Answer – b) out of the blue
Why the other options fail
- In the long run – refers to future consequences, not suddenness.
- At the drop of a hat – means “without delay” (immediate action), doesn’t fit context.
- In spite of – a prepositional phrase, not an idiom.
4. Quick Revision Summary
| Topic | Key Take‑Away |
|---|---|
| Definition | Idioms = fixed figurative expressions; Phrases = grammatical units. |
| Common Idioms | Blessing in disguise, cost an arm and a leg, etc. |
| Common Phrases | To the best of my knowledge, in the long run, etc. |
| Usage Tips | Memorize by theme, use in sentences, avoid literal reading. |
| Exam Strategy | Identify context, eliminate literal options, remember prepositions. |
| Practice | Flashcards, cloze drills, write paragraphs with idioms. |
Pro‑Tip: During the exam, if you’re unsure, look for keywords that hint at common idiomatic patterns (e.g., “sudden”, “expensive”, “healthy”) and match them with your memorized idioms.
Final Thought
Idioms & phrases enrich your English and are frequent in IBPS PO tests. Treat them like mini‑stories—each one carries a hidden meaning that, once understood, can unlock passages and answer questions with confidence. Happy studying!