1645778413.png&w=600&q=75)
1645778413.png&w=256&q=75)
Difference between Idiom and Proverb : English for CLAT
Updated On : March 31, 2022
CLAT Exam is the country's one of the most renowned exams where a good grasp of the English language is evaluated. It consists of five sections: English Language, Current Affairs, including General Knowledge, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques. Here, the English language section weighs 20% of the CLAT paper marks, which shows its significance.
Idioms and Phrases is one such part of the CLAT English section. knowledge of this topic is the part and parcel of the CLAT exam to give an upper hand among other law aspirants. 
Idioms and Phrases beautify the writing and make it more eye-catching to the reader.
This post will walk you through the definitions of idioms and phrases, as well as the differences between them and questions asked in various Law entrance exams.
To help you with the same, we have curated a list of the most important phrases and idioms that can help you crack the English Section of CLAT 2022.
What is an Idiom?
An idiom is defined as a phrase that has its own meaning. The meaning of an idiom is difficult to understand. Idiom has a non-literal meaning. Take a look at the below examples to understand better.
- We'll cross that bridge when we come to it - Let's not talk about that problem right now
- You can say that again - That's true, I agree
- to rub someone the wrong way - to irritate someone
- Wrap your head around something - Understand something complicated
- In a flutter- Excited
What is a Proverb?
A proverb is a short sentence generally given as a piece of advice. Proverbs are easy to understand. The literal meaning of a proverb makes sense on its own, but the real point of the proverb is understood when applied to the broader set of situations.
- Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise
- It's no use locking the stable door after the horse has bolted.
- Don’t cry over spilled milk
- A stitch in time saves nine
Download FREE Study Material for Law 2022 by LegalEdge
Difference between and Idiom and a Proverb
In Law entrance Exams like CLAT, IPMAT, AILET, JIPMAT, English Language section has a significant importance. Hence, it becomes crucial to understand to learn all the concepts.
Here is the list of basic differences between idioms and proverbs.
| IDIOMS | PROVERBS |
| An idiom is defined as a phrase that consists its own meaning but cannot be understood easily. | A proverb is defined as a short saying or sentence that is used to give advice to the other person. |
| An idiom has a non-literal meaning used in reading, writing, and speaking. | A proverb has a literal meaning that applies in various stages of life. |
| Idioms are majorly used in poetry. | Proverbs are used in daily lives. |
| Idioms are used to express an idea or thought. | Proverbs are used to give suggestions to other people. |
Also Check: CLAT English Including Comprehension 2022
Also Check: CLAT English Preparation Tips 2022
Most Commonly Asked Idioms and Proverbs in Entrance Exams
In most of the after 12th entrance exams or competitive exams, at least 2-3 questions are asked from Idioms and Proverbs section in English subject. Here are few most commonly known idioms and proverbs.
Further, you can go through Idioms and Proverbs asked I various entrance exams or competitive exams.
| LIST OF IDIOMS | MEANING |
| A Blessing in Disguise | A good thing that we thought is bad at first. |
| Beating around the Bush | Avoid saying what one actually means because it is uncomfortable. |
| Better Late Than Never | Coming a little late than not to arrive at all. |
| Getting out of hand | Things getting out of control. |
| Getting your act together | Work hard or better leave. |
| Break a Leg | Wishing one Good Luck. |
| Giving the benefit of doubt | Trusting someone |
| Miss the boat | It's too late |
| No pain, no gain | Work hard to get what you want. |
| Pulling someone's leg | To make fun of someone. |
| PROVERBS | MEANING |
| A cat has nine lives. | A cat can survive many fatal accidents. |
| Actions speak louder than words. | Actions are better representative of one's character than words. |
| Adversity and loss make a man wise | Wisdom is gained faster under challenging times. |
| A fool and his money are soon parted. | Foolish people do not know how to handle their money. |
| A journey of thousand miles begins with a single step. | No matter how much complicated a task is, it always starts with a single step. |
| All good things come to an end. | Good experiences often come to an end. |
| All's well that ends well. | As long as the result is good, the number of problems in the way doesn't matter. |
| All that glitters is not gold. | Things or people that look good on the outside might not be as valuable or good. |
| All is fair in love and war. | One can break the rules in love or war to achieve a good result. |
| Always put your best foot forward. | Give your best and try hard as you can. |
Also Check: Important English Language Questions for CLAT and AILET
Also Check: Important CLAT English Vocabulary Questions
Idioms asked in CLAT Exam
Here are a few idioms and phrases asked in the previous year's CLAT Exam.
- To break the ice - to put people at ease
- Stand to one's guns - to remain firm with something
- In the nick of the time - at the exact time
- To blow the gaff - to reveal the secret
- Play fast and loose - Behave immorally
- Come off with flying colors - To be successful
- Hand in glove - in close collusion
- To speak by the book - to tell with precision
- At one's beck and call - to be dominated by someone
- To beat the air - to make efforts that are useless or vain
- Nip in the bud- to destroy in the very beginning
- By fits and starts- irregularly
- Open and above board- very clear
- Every cloud has a silver lining-Good things come after bad things
- The devil is in the details-It looks good from a distance, but when you look closer, there are problems
Idioms asked in IPMAT Exam
Check out the list of idioms and phrases asked in the previous year's IPMAT Exam.
- To make clean breast of - To confess without of reserve
- To keep one's temper - To be in a good mood
- To catch tartar - To catch a dangerous person
- To have an axe to grind - A private end to serve
- To drive home - To emphasize
- To play second fiddle - To support the role and view of another person
- A black sheep - an odd or disreputable member of a group
- A man of straw - A man of no substance
- To smell a rat - To suspect foul dealings
- To hit the nail right on the head - To do the right thing
Frequently Asked Questions
What books to read in order to prepare the CLAT English Syllabus?
Is CLAT English Preparation possible in 1 month?
How to answer CLAT English Language Questions easily?
Which are the best books for IPM Verbal Ability?
Word Power Made Easy - Norman Lewis
English Grammar and Composition - Wren and Martin
What is the weightage of quantitative and verbal ability in IPMAT?
What are the important tips for IPM verbal section?
Solve previous year's papers to know the difficulty level of questions and type of questions asked.
Attempt mock tests to analyze your preparation levels.
Is solving AILET Previous Year Paper is really beneficial to score good marks in the English Section?
Can I complete the AILET English syllabus in 3 months?
