Overview: Mastering idioms and phrases for CUET can help you improve your English scores! Learn why these expressions are important, analyze regularly used scenarios, and discover how to perform well. Are you prepared to ace the CUET with improved english skills?

The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is currently an obligatory requirement for admission to Central Universities in India.

Mastering idioms and phrases is an important element of the CUET English language section, as it not only improves your language skills but also increases your overall test score.

This article goes into the purpose of idioms and phrases in CUET, explaining their significance, presenting a list of commonly tested expressions, and offering advice on how to use them effectively for the CUET entrance exam.

Check your preparation with a CUET General Test Sample Paper NOW!

Understanding Idioms and Phrases for CUET Exam 2025

Idioms and phrases are expressions that cannot be understood only from the meanings of the constituent words.

They are used figuratively, often to represent culturally and contextually understood meanings.

• For example, "to smell a rat" does not involve actual rats, but rather an intuition that something is wrong.

Why Idioms and Phrases are Important for CUET?

In the CUET, idioms and phrases are essential for two main reasons:

• Contextual Understanding: These expressions enrich a student's ability to understand and interpret English passages where idioms might be used to convey specific attitudes or emotions.
• Expressive Precision: They allow for concise and impactful expression, which is invaluable in both spoken and written communication.

Check: CUET English Syllabus

Common Idioms and Phrases to Know for CUET 

Here are some phrases and idioms that have previously featured in CUET examinations, along with their definitions:

Common Idioms for CUET

Below are some idioms that frequently appear in CUET exam, along with their meanings and usage examples.

Idiom	Meaning	Example
To smell a rat	To suspect a trick or deceit	She didn't trust his sudden generosity and smelled a rat.
To take a leap in the dark	To do something without being certain of the outcome	Investing in that start-up was like taking a leap in the dark.
To pull one's socks up	To make an effort to improve performance	If you want to pass the exam, you'll need to pull your socks up.
To lose face	To lose respect from others	He lost face when his mistake was revealed publicly.

Common Phrases for CUET

Below are some phrases that usually appear in CUET exam, along with their meanings and usage examples.

Phrase	Meaning	Example
Crocodile Tears	Insincere tears	The politician's crocodile tears did not fool the public.
Bed of Roses	A pleasant or easy situation	Life is not always a bed of roses.
Go off at a Tangent	To change the subject immediately	He tends to go off at a tangent during conversations.
No Love Lost	Intense dislike	There's no love lost between the two rivals.

Learn more: How to Prepare Vocabulary for CUET 2025?

Practice Questions for CUET Idioms and Phrases

These questions aim to replicate the pattern and type of questions that may appear on the CUET 2025 exam, allowing students to become comfortable with the exam format and the use of idioms and phrases for CUET exam.

Question 1: What does the idiom "Bite the bullet" mean?

• A) To get a toothache
• B) To decide to do something difficult or unpleasant that one has been putting off
• C) To bite into a hard object
• D) To start a fight

Correct Answer: B

Question 2: If someone is "feeling under the weather," they are:

• A) Feeling very healthy
• B) Feeling indifferent
• C) Feeling slightly unwell
• D) Enjoying the weather

Correct Answer: C

Question 3: What does "Spill the beans" mean?

• A) To cook beans
• B) To throw beans away
• C) To reveal a secret
• D) To lose something

Correct Answer: C

Question 4: If you are told to "keep your chin up," you should:

• A) Stay positive and not get discouraged
• B) Look up at the sky
• C) Protect your face
• D) Speak louder

Correct Answer: A

Question 5: The phrase "Add fuel to the fire" means:

• A) To make a situation worse
• B) To start a fire
• C) To add fuel to an engine
• D) To cook over an open flame

Correct Answer: A

Question 6: What does "Hit the nail on the head" mean?

• A) To do something with precision
• B) To hammer a nail correctly
• C) To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem
• D) Both A and C

Correct Answer: D

Question 7: If someone "lets the cat out of the bag," they:

• A) Release a cat
• B) Reveal a secret unintentionally
• C) Pack their belongings
• D) Begin a new hobby

Correct Answer: B

Question 8: The expression "Cut corners" means:

• A) To take shortcuts and find an easier way to do something, often sacrificing quality
• B) To reduce expenses
• C) To decorate the edges of a fabric
• D) To divide a piece of land into smaller parts

Correct Answer: A

Question 9: "Break the ice" is best described as:

• A) To cool down a heated situation
• B) To start a conversation in a social setting
• C) To physically break ice
• D) To terminate a relationship

Correct Answer: B

Question 10: The idiom "The last straw" refers to:

• A) The final act that makes a situation unbearable
• B) The last piece of straw in a basket
• C) The last chance given to someone
• D) A type of dry grass

Correct Answer: A

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Tips for Preparing Idioms and Phrases for CUET 2025

Effective Learning Techniques

• Flashcards: Create flashcards with idioms on one side and their meanings on the other. Regular review can help reinforce your memory.
• Mnemonic Devices: Use mnemonic devices to help remember the meanings of idioms and phrases.
• Regular Reading: Read books, newspapers, and articles that use idiomatic expressions in context. This helps in understanding their usage and nuances.

Preparation Resources for Idioms and Phrases for CUET

• Recommended Books: Use CUET preparation books specifically designed for idiom and phrase practice, such as those focusing on competitive exams.
• Online Resources: Utilize online platforms and mock tests that offer idiom and phrase questions.
• Sample Questions: Practice with previous year CUET questions to understand the types of idioms and phrases that appear in the exam.

Refer: CUET Preparation Books 2025

Practical Application of Idioms and Phrases

Incorporating Idioms and Phrases

• In Writing: Use idioms and phrases to enhance your essays and written responses.
• In Speaking: Apply idiomatic expressions in discussions and interviews to demonstrate language proficiency.

Real-World Examples

Understanding the cultural significance and variations of idioms and phrases can provide deeper insights and improve your ability to use them correctly.

Idioms and phrases are necessary for scoring high on the CUET's English paper. You may increase your performance greatly by knowing their meanings, practicing them on a regular basis, and implementing them in real-life situations.

Continuous learning and application will boost your confidence and language skills, ensuring you're fully prepared for the exam and beyond.

By incorporating these idioms into your study plan and understanding their varied meanings, you will not only prepare for the CUET, but also improve your overall English skills.

Key Takeaways:

• Importance of Idioms and Phrases: Understanding idioms and phrases is crucial for excelling in the CUET English section, as they enhance both comprehension and expressive precision.
• Commonly Tested Expressions: Familiarize yourself with frequently appearing idioms and phrases in CUET exams to better prepare and increase your chances of scoring higher.
• Effective Learning Techniques: Utilize flashcards, mnemonic devices, and regular reading of idiomatic expressions to reinforce your memory and understanding.
• Practice Resources: Leverage books, online platforms, and previous year CUET questions to practice idioms and phrases, ensuring you are well-prepared for the exam.
• Practical Application: Incorporate idioms and phrases in your writing and speaking to demonstrate language proficiency, making your communication more impactful and effective.

Prepare with: CUET Mock Tests