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Most asked Idioms & Phrases in SSC exams

From RBE's database of SSC English questions 2018–2026 – sorted by how many times each was asked.

Idioms & PhrasesOne Word SubstitutionSynonymsAntonymsSpelling
#Idiom / phraseMeaningAskedLatest exam
1spill the beansTo reveal secret information unintentionally or carelessly. (भेद खोलना)22×SSC CGL 2024 T-1
2blessing in disguiseSomething that seems bad at first but results in good later. (आपदा में अवसर)15×SSC Selection Post Ph-14 2026 (Higher Secondary Level)
3under the weatherFeeling slightly ill or unwell. (थोड़ा अस्वस्थ)15×SSC MTS 2025
4hit the nail on the headTo describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem. (ठीक निशाने पर लगाना)14×SSC Selection Post Ph-14 2026 (Graduate Level)
5hit the sackTo go to bed or go to sleep. (सोने जाना)14×SSC Steno 2026 T-1
6bite the bulletTo face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage. (कठिनाई का सामना करना)13×SSC CHSL 2025 T-1
7call it a dayTo stop working on something, usually for the rest of the day. (काम समाप्त करना)13×SSC CPO 2025 T-1
8gift of the gabThe natural ability to speak easily and confidently in a persuasive way. (वाक्पटुता)13×SSC CGL 2024 T-1
9bury the hatchetTo end a conflict and become friendly again. (समझौता करना)12×SSC Steno 2026 T-1
10once in a blue moonVery rarely; almost never. (कभी-कभार)12×SSC CGL 2024 T-1
11piece of cakeA task that is very easy to do. (बहुत आसान काम)12×SSC CPO 2024 T-1
12on cloud nineExtremely happy or elated. (अत्यंत प्रसन्न)11×SSC CGL 2024 T-1
13break a legUsed to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance. (शुभकामनाएं)10×SSC CHSL 2025 T-1
14beat around the bushTo avoid talking directly about something; to delay. (इधर-उधर की बातें करना)10×SSC CHSL 2025 T-1
15throw caution to the windTo act recklessly without worrying about risk. (सावधानी छोड़ना)10×SSC CHSL 2025 T-1
16read between the linesTo understand the hidden meaning behind words or actions. (गूढ़ार्थ समझना)10×SSC CGL 2024 T-1
17fish out of waterA person who feels awkward or out of place in a situation. (असहज व्यक्ति)9×SSC Selection Post Ph-14 2026 (Higher Secondary Level)
18through thick and thinUnder all circumstances, no matter how difficult. (हर परिस्थिति में)9×SSC Steno 2026 T-1
19by leaps and boundsWith very fast progress; rapidly. (तेज़ी से)9×SSC Selection Post Ph-14 2026 (Matriculation Level)
20bolt from the blueA sudden and unexpected event, usually unpleasant. (अप्रत्याशित घटना)9×SSC Selection Post Ph-14 2026 (Matriculation Level)
21face the musicTo accept criticism or punishment for one's actions (परिणाम भुगतना)9×SSC Selection Post Ph-14 2026 (Matriculation Level)
22hold your horsesTo wait patiently and not act too hastily (धैर्य रखना / जल्दबाजी न करना)9×SSC Steno 2026 T-1
23cost an arm and a legTo be very expensive (बहुत महंगा होना)9×SSC CPO 2024 T-1
24storm in a teacupA lot of unnecessary fuss over a trivial matter (बात का बतंगड़ बनाना)8×SSC Selection Post Ph-14 2026 (Matriculation Level)
25burn the midnight oilTo work or study late into the night (देर रात तक मेहनत करना)8×SSC Selection Post Ph-14 2026 (Higher Secondary Level)
26go the extra mileTo make a special effort to achieve something (अतिरिक्त प्रयास करना)8×SSC Steno 2026 T-1
27fair-weather friendA person who is friendly only during good times (मतलबी दोस्त)8×SSC CGL 2024 T-1
28hard nut to crackA difficult problem or person to deal with (मुश्किल काम या व्यक्ति)8×SSC Selection Post Ph-12 2024 ML
29at the eleventh hourAt the last possible moment (अंतिम समय पर)8×SSC CPO 2024 T-1
30straight from the horse's mouthInformation obtained directly from the original source (सीधे प्रमाणिक स्रोत से)7×SSC Steno 2026 T-1
31lion's shareThe largest part of something (सबसे बड़ा हिस्सा)7×SSC Steno 2026 T-1
32blow one's own trumpetTo boast about one's own achievements (अपनी प्रशंसा खुद करना)7×SSC Steno 2026 T-1
33get out of handTo become difficult to control (काबू से बाहर हो जाना)7×SSC Steno 2026 T-1
34dime a dozenVery common and of little value (बहुत सामान्य, आसानी से मिलने वाला)7×SSC Selection Post Ph-13 2025
35sit on the fenceTo avoid making a decision or choosing a side (तटस्थ रहना)7×SSC CHSL 2025 T-1
36raining cats and dogsRaining very heavily (मूसलाधार बारिश होना)7×SSC MTS 2024
37apple of one's eyeA person who is cherished above all others (अत्यंत प्रिय व्यक्ति)7×SSC MTS 2024
38out of the blueSuddenly and unexpectedly (अचानक)7×SSC CGL 2023 T-1
39pull yourself togetherTo regain control of one's emotions (खुद को संभालना)7×SSC CPO 2023 T-1
40on the ballAlert, competent, and quick to understand (सतर्क और सक्षम)6×SSC Steno 2026 T-1
41bird's eye viewA general view from above or an overview of a situation. (पक्षी दृष्टि, समग्र दृष्टिकोण)6×SSC Steno 2026 T-1
42cheerfulNoticeably happy and optimistic. (प्रसन्नचित्त, हर्षित)6×SSC MTS 2025
43leave no stone unturnedTo try every possible way to achieve something. (कोई कसर न छोड़ना)6×SSC Steno 2026 T-1
44eat humble pieTo admit one's mistake and apologize humbly. (अपनी गलती स्वीकार करना, माफी मांगना)6×SSC Steno 2026 T-1
45wild goose chaseA futile pursuit of something unattainable or pointless. (व्यर्थ का प्रयास, निरर्थक खोज)6×SSC CHSL 2025 T-1
46break the iceTo do or say something to relieve tension or initiate conversation. (बातचीत की शुरुआत करना)6×SSC CGL 2024 T-1
47miss the boatTo lose an opportunity by being too slow to act. (मौका चूक जाना)6×SSC Selection Post Ph-12 2024 HSL
48snake in the grassA treacherous or deceitful person hiding their true intentions. (छिपा हुआ दुश्मन)6×SSC Selection Post Ph-12 2024 ML
49bring to bookTo punish or make someone answer for their wrongdoing. (जवाबदेह ठहराना)6×SSC CPO 2024 T-1
50fit as a fiddleIn very good health and physical condition. (पूरी तरह स्वस्थ)6×SSC CPO 2024 T-1
51hit below the belt5×SSC Steno 2026 T-1
52in hot water5×SSC Steno 2026 T-1
53on tenterhooks5×SSC Selection Post Ph-14 2026 (Matriculation Level)
54smell a rat5×SSC Steno 2026 T-1
55go to the dogs5×SSC Steno 2026 T-1
56jump the gun5×SSC CPO 2025 T-1
57white elephant5×SSC CHSL 2025 T-1
58slap on the wrist5×SSC Selection Post Ph-13 2025
59in the same boat5×SSC Selection Post Ph-13 2025
60jump on the bandwagon5×SSC Selection Post Ph-13 2025
61hue and cry5×SSC Selection Post Ph-12 2024 HSL
62apple of discord5×SSC Selection Post Ph-12 2024 ML
63black sheep5×SSC CPO 2024 T-1
64chip off the old block5×SSC CPO 2024 T-1
65best of both worlds5×SSC CPO 2024 T-1
66sitting on the fence5×SSC CPO 2024 T-2
67make up one's mind5×SSC CHSL 2024 T-1
68let the cat out of the bag5×SSC MTS 2024
69crocodile tears5×SSC MTS 2024
70in a nutshell5×SSC MTS 2024
71get cold feet5×SSC CGL 2024 T-2
72enmity5×SSC MTS 2024
73cool as a cucumber5×SSC CPO 2023 T-2
74ins and outs5×SSC MTS 2023
75child's play5×SSC MTS 2023
76full of beans5×SSC Selection Post Ph-9 2021 ML
77call a spade a spade4×SSC Selection Post Ph-14 2026 (Graduate Level)
78at sixes and sevens4×SSC Selection Post Ph-14 2026 (Matriculation Level)
79keep an eye onto watch carefully or monitor (नज़र रखना)4×SSC Steno 2026 T-1
80uncomfortable4×SSC MTS 2025
81take the bull by the horns4×SSC Selection Post Ph-14 2026 (Matriculation Level)
82bell the cat4×SSC Selection Post Ph-14 2026 (Matriculation Level)
83in the doldrums4×SSC Selection Post Ph-14 2026 (Matriculation Level)
84hobson's choice4×SSC Selection Post Ph-14 2026 (Higher Secondary Level)
85cock and bull story4×SSC Selection Post Ph-14 2026 (Higher Secondary Level)
86fight tooth and nail4×SSC Steno 2026 T-1
87have an axe to grind4×SSC Steno 2026 T-1
88hit the books4×SSC CPO 2025 T-1
89hornet's nest4×SSC CPO 2025 T-1
90barking up the wrong tree4×SSC Selection Post Ph-13 2025
91by the skin of one's teeth4×SSC CGL 2025 T-1
92pain in the neck4×SSC CHSL 2025 T-1
93wear your heart on your sleeve4×SSC Selection Post Ph-13 2025
94kick the bucket4×SSC CPO 2025 T-1
95bigger fish to fry4×SSC CGL 2024 T-1
96cut corners4×SSC CGL 2024 T-1
97when pigs fly4×SSC CPO 2024 T-1
98head in the clouds4×SSC CPO 2024 T-1
99on thin ice4×SSC CPO 2024 T-1
100bread and butter4×SSC CPO 2024 T-1
101bite off more than one can chew4×SSC CPO 2024 T-1
102elephant in the room4×SSC CPO 2024 T-1
103get your act together4×SSC Steno 2024 T-1
104apple-pie order4×SSC CPO 2024 T-2
105pull someone's leg4×SSC CPO 2024 T-2
106sell like hot cakes4×SSC CHSL 2024 T-1
107keep at arm's length4×SSC CHSL 2024 T-1
108feel the pinch4×SSC CHSL 2024 T-1
109all ears4×SSC MTS 2024
110eat like a horse4×SSC MTS 2024
111forty winks4×SSC CPO 2023 T-2
112bad blood4×SSC CPO 2023 T-2
113take stock of4×SSC GD 2022 T-1
114hang in there4×SSC CPO 2022 T-1
115herculean task4×SSC GD 2022 T-1
116play with fire4×SSC CHSL 2022 T-1
117take pains4×SSC Selection Post Ph-9 2021 ML
118move heaven and earth3×SSC Selection Post Ph-14 2026 (Matriculation Level)
119cut no ice3×SSC Steno 2026 T-1
120flog a dead horse3×SSC Steno 2026 T-1
121get wind of3×SSC Steno 2026 T-1
122chew the fat3×SSC Steno 2026 T-1
123nine days' wonder3×SSC Selection Post Ph-14 2026 (Higher Secondary Level)
124ivory tower3×SSC Selection Post Ph-14 2026 (Higher Secondary Level)
125steal a march3×SSC Steno 2026 T-1
126throw cold water on3×SSC Steno 2026 T-1
127flash in the pan3×SSC Selection Post Ph-14 2026 (Higher Secondary Level)
128play second fiddle3×SSC Selection Post Ph-14 2026 (Matriculation Level)
129pass the buck3×SSC Selection Post Ph-14 2026 (Graduate Level)
130at loggerheads3×SSC Steno 2026 T-1
131turn over a new leaf3×SSC Steno 2026 T-1
132momenta very short period of time (क्षण)3×SSC CHSL 2025 T-1
133see eye to eye3×SSC CHSL 2025 T-1
134leave in the lurch3×SSC Selection Post Ph-13 2025
135where the shoe pinches3×SSC CPO 2025 T-1
136chapter and verse3×SSC CGL 2025 T-1
137axe to grind3×SSC CPO 2025 T-1
138part and parcel3×SSC CHSL 2025 T-1
139let sleeping dogs lie3×SSC Selection Post Ph-13 2025
140hoist with one's own petard3×SSC Selection Post Ph-13 2025
141toe the line3×SSC Selection Post Ph-13 2025
142go through fire and water3×SSC Selection Post Ph-13 2025
143leave someone in the lurch3×SSC Selection Post Ph-13 2025
144win laurels3×SSC CGL 2025 T-1
145hand and glove3×SSC CGL 2025 T-1
146at sea3×SSC CGL 2025 T-1
147off and on3×SSC CGL 2024 T-1
148high and dry3×SSC CGL 2024 T-1
149vicious cycle3×SSC CGL 2024 T-1
150snowed under3×SSC Selection Post Ph-12 2024 HSL
151it takes two to tango3×SSC Selection Post Ph-12 2024 HSL
152make both ends meet3×SSC Selection Post Ph-12 2024 HSL
153all greek to me3×SSC Selection Post Ph-12 2024 ML
154blue blood3×SSC CPO 2024 T-1
155at the drop of a hat3×SSC CPO 2024 T-1
156nip in the bud3×SSC CPO 2024 T-1
157build castles in the air3×SSC CPO 2024 T-1
158fair and square3×SSC CPO 2024 T-1
159in seventh heaven3×SSC CPO 2024 T-1
160armed to the teeth3×SSC Steno 2024 T-1
161make one's mark3×SSC Steno 2024 T-1
162all eyes and ears3×SSC Steno 2024 T-1
163turn a deaf ear3×SSC Steno 2024 T-1
164reduceकम करना (कम करना)3×SSC CPO 2024 T-2
165bag and baggage3×SSC CHSL 2024 T-1
166once bitten, twice shy3×SSC CHSL 2024 T-1
167easier said than done3×SSC MTS 2024
168wet blanket3×SSC MTS 2024
169bear fruit3×SSC MTS 2024
170ball is in your court3×SSC MTS 2024
171add fuel to the fire3×SSC MTS 2024
172grease someone's palm3×SSC MTS 2024
173cry over spilt milk3×SSC MTS 2024
174lose your marbles3×SSC CPO 2023 T-2
175play devil's advocate3×SSC Steno 2023 T-1
176call the shots3×SSC MTS 2023
177pipe dream3×SSC CGL 2023 T-1
178back to square one3×SSC CPO 2023 T-1
179arm and a leg3×SSC CPO 2023 T-1
180elbow grease3×SSC CPO 2023 T-1
181in dire straits3×SSC CPO 2023 T-1
182by the skin of your teeth3×SSC MTS 2023
183once bitten twice shy3×SSC Steno 2023 T-1
184up in arms3×SSC Steno 2023 T-1
185cakewalk3×SSC MTS 2023
186whole nine yards3×SSC MTS 2023
187keep someone at arm's length3×SSC MTS 2023
188better late than never3×IB ACIO 2023 T-1
189get into hot water3×SSC CPO 2022 T-2
190water under the bridge3×SSC CGL 2022 T-2
191heart and soul3×SSC CPO 2022 T-1
192give someone the cold shoulder3×SSC CPO 2022 T-1
193bear the palm3×SSC Steno 2022 T-1
194greenhorn3×SSC CGL 2022 T-1
195spick and span3×SSC GD 2022 T-1
196prevent3×SSC Selection Post Ph-10 2022 HSL
197pay lip service3×SSC CHSL 2021 T-1
198tip of the iceberg2×SSC Selection Post Ph-14 2026 (Matriculation Level)
199crow over2×SSC Selection Post Ph-14 2026 (Graduate Level)
200throw in the towel2×SSC Steno 2026 T-1
201cast the first stone2×SSC MTS 2025
202tide someone over2×SSC MTS 2025
203have a whale of a time2×SSC MTS 2025
204upset the apple cart2×SSC Steno 2026 T-1
205bitter pill to swallow2×SSC MTS 2025
206squeaky wheel gets the grease2×SSC MTS 2025
207be under a cloud2×SSC MTS 2025
208tickled pink2×SSC MTS 2025
209give the cold shoulder2×SSC Steno 2026 T-1
210go against the grain2×SSC Steno 2026 T-1
211carry coals to newcastle2×SSC Selection Post Ph-14 2026 (Matriculation Level)
212sail close to the wind2×SSC Steno 2026 T-1
213cut the gordian knot2×SSC Steno 2026 T-1
214cook the books2×SSC Selection Post Ph-14 2026 (Graduate Level)
215pyrrhic victory2×SSC Selection Post Ph-14 2026 (Graduate Level)
216bone of contention2×SSC Selection Post Ph-14 2026 (Higher Secondary Level)
217castle in the air2×SSC Selection Post Ph-14 2026 (Higher Secondary Level)
218up in the air2×SSC Selection Post Ph-14 2026 (Matriculation Level)
219chew someone out2×SSC Steno 2026 T-1
220cry for the moon2×SSC Steno 2026 T-1
221want to curl up and die2×SSC Steno 2026 T-1
222on the back burner2×SSC Steno 2026 T-1
223weather the storm2×SSC Steno 2026 T-1
224too many irons in the fire2×SSC Steno 2026 T-1
225cook someone's goose2×SSC CGL 2025 T-1
226keep the wolf from the door2×SSC Selection Post Ph-13 2025
227take with a grain of salt2×SSC CPO 2025 T-1
228fly off the handle2×SSC CGL 2025 T-1
229in deep water2×SSC Selection Post Ph-13 2025
230red herring2×SSC CHSL 2025 T-1
231show the white feather2×SSC CGL 2025 T-1
232chew the cud2×SSC CGL 2025 T-1
233hit the ground running2×SSC CPO 2025 T-1
234achilles' heel2×SSC CHSL 2025 T-1
235look before you leap2×SSC CHSL 2025 T-1
236against the clock2×SSC CHSL 2025 T-1
237chalk and cheese2×SSC CHSL 2025 T-1
238below the belt2×SSC CHSL 2025 T-1
239midas touch2×SSC CHSL 2025 T-1
240tick all the boxes2×SSC MTS 2025
241thorn in the flesh2×SSC Selection Post Ph-13 2025
242throw down the gauntlet2×SSC Selection Post Ph-13 2025
243couch potato2×SSC Selection Post Ph-13 2025
244fall foul of2×SSC Selection Post Ph-13 2025
245red tape2×SSC Selection Post Ph-13 2025
246know which way the wind blows2×SSC Selection Post Ph-13 2025
247blow one's own horn2×SSC CPO 2025 T-1
248play it by ear2×SSC CPO 2025 T-1
249blow hot and cold2×SSC CGL 2025 T-1
250tooth and nail2×SSC CGL 2025 T-1
251come of age2×SSC CGL 2025 T-1
252sword of damocles2×SSC CGL 2025 T-1
253keep a good table2×SSC CGL 2025 T-1
254stitch in time saves nine2×SSC CGL 2025 T-2
255start from scratch2×SSC CGL 2024 T-1
256left out in the cold2×SSC CGL 2024 T-1
257hit the roof2×SSC CGL 2024 T-1
258maiden speech2×SSC CGL 2024 T-1
259pull a long face2×SSC CGL 2024 T-1
260bring to light2×SSC CGL 2024 T-1
261make a beeline2×SSC CGL 2024 T-1
262five-finger discount2×SSC CGL 2024 T-1
263penelope's web2×SSC CGL 2024 T-1
264on the fence2×SSC CGL 2024 T-1
265pie in the sky2×SSC Selection Post Ph-12 2024 HSL
266jack of all trades2×SSC Selection Post Ph-12 2024 HSL
267green thumb2×SSC Selection Post Ph-12 2024 ML
268by far2×SSC Selection Post Ph-12 2024 ML
269counting down the days2×SSC Selection Post Ph-12 2024 ML
270tighten one's belt2×SSC CPO 2024 T-1
271bite off more than you can chew2×SSC CPO 2024 T-1
272keep your pants on2×SSC CPO 2024 T-1
273back to back2×SSC CPO 2024 T-1
274make waves2×SSC CPO 2024 T-1
275kith and kin2×SSC CPO 2024 T-1
276in a tight corner2×SSC CPO 2024 T-1
277go down in flames2×SSC CPO 2024 T-1
278man of letters2×SSC CPO 2024 T-1
279perplexed2×SSC CPO 2024 T-1
280up a creek without a paddle2×SSC CPO 2024 T-1
281stumbling block2×SSC Steno 2024 T-1
282weal and woe2×SSC Steno 2024 T-1
283sticky fingers2×SSC Steno 2024 T-1
284keep body and soul together2×SSC Steno 2024 T-1
285be on the same page2×SSC CPO 2024 T-2
286split one's sides2×SSC CPO 2024 T-2
287cut from the same cloth2×SSC CPO 2024 T-2
288turn a blind eye2×SSC CPO 2024 T-2
289slip one's mind2×SSC CHSL 2024 T-1
290ace in the hole2×SSC CHSL 2024 T-1
291stick to one's guns2×SSC CHSL 2024 T-1
292best thing since sliced bread2×SSC CHSL 2024 T-1
293old head on young shoulders2×SSC CHSL 2024 T-1
294silver lining2×SSC CHSL 2024 T-1
295open book2×SSC MTS 2024
296out of spirits2×SSC MTS 2024
297up to the mark2×SSC MTS 2024
298baker's dozen2×SSC MTS 2024
299skeleton in the cupboard2×SSC MTS 2024
300neck of the woods2×SSC MTS 2024