Top 20 Idioms And Phrases for SSC MTS 2025 You Must Not Skip

Looking for the most exam-relevant idioms for SSC MTS 2025? Here, you will find a compilation of the top 20 idioms frequently asked in SSC exams, explained in simple language to help you prepare for upcoming exams.

20 Most Repeated Idioms for SSC MTS 2025

If you are prepping for SSC MTS 2025, mastering exam-relevant idioms can be a score-boosting shortcut. Here are 20 hand-picked idioms with accurate meanings based on real exam patterns.

Sentence: "The only fly in the ointment was the poor lighting at the event."

Options: 

A) Major disaster 

B) Small flaw 

C) Beautiful setting 

D) Clean start

Answer: The correct meaning of the idiom "The only fly in the ointment" is B) Small flaw.

Sentence: "The minister fiddled while Rome burned."

Options: 

A) Solved the problem 

B) Stayed calm 

C) Wasted time during crisis 

D) Played music

Answer: The idiom "fiddled while Rome burned" means to waste time on trivial matters when a serious crisis is happening. The correct option is C) Wasted time during crisis.

Sentence: "I had to either lie or get punished – I was between the devil and the deep blue sea."

Options: 

A) Confused 

B) Happy 

C) In dilemma with two bad choices 

D) Lucky

Answer: The idiom "between the devil and the deep blue sea" means to be in a difficult situation where the choice between two alternatives is equally undesirable or unpleasant. The correct option is: C) In dilemma with two bad choices

Sentence: "They threw him to the wolves after the scam."

Options: 

A) Helped him 

B) Blamed him and abandoned 

C) Protected him 

D) Ignored the issue

Answer: The idiom "threw him to the wolves" means to abandon someone to the mercy of harsh critics or enemies; to sacrifice one person to save the rest. The correct option is: B) Blamed him and abandoned

Idiom: By fits and starts

Options: 

a. Randomly 

b. Carefully 

c. Enthusiastically 

d. Intentionally

Answer: The idiom "By fits and starts" means irregularly, spasmodically, or intermittently. The best match among the options is: a. Randomly

Idiom: Gets on my nerves.

Options: 

a) shakes my self-confidence 

b) annoys me 

c) makes me uncomfortable 

d) makes me nervous

Answer: The idiom "Gets on my nerves" means to irritate or exasperate someone. The correct option is: b) annoys me

Idiom: No ifs no buts

Options: 

a. Inferior 

b. Excuses 

c. No doubts 

d. Complain against

Answer: The phrase "No ifs, ands, or buts" (often shortened to "No ifs no buts") is used to express that no excuses or arguments are allowed, meaning something must be done immediately or without question. The correct option is: b. Excuses

Idiom: New kid on the block

Options: 

a. A newborn happy 

b. Novice to a place 

c. An imaginary character 

d. A new tenant

Answer: The idiom "New kid on the block" means a newcomer, especially one who is inexperienced or has recently arrived in a neighbourhood, school, or organisation. The correct option is: b. Novice to a place

Idiom: Trick of the trade

Options: 

a. Don't delay b. 

To take some other way 

c. Clever way of doing something 

d. None of these

Answer: The phrase "Trick of the trade" refers to a special, ingenious, or quick method or technique used in a specific occupation or craft. The correct option is: c. Clever way of doing something

Phrase: Cry for the moon

Options:

a. To remember the beloved

b. To wish for something impossible

c. To miss someone badly

d. To be emotional

Answer: b. To wish for something impossible

Sentence: Dig the grave

Options: 

a. Fearless 

b. Die while working 

c. To tarnish 

d. To do the hard work

Answer: The common idiom related to digging a grave is usually "dig one's own grave," which means to do something that will cause one's own ruin. Given the simple phrase "Dig the grave" and the options provided, the options seem slightly unusual for standard idiom meanings, but "To tarnish" or ruin/destroy (Option c) is the most plausible intended meaning related to causing ruin or damage.

Idiom: Clean hands

Options: 

a. Purified 

b. Domestic Helper 

c. Helper 

d. Innocent

Answer: The idiom "Clean hands" means to be innocent or not involved in illegal or dishonest activities. The correct option is: d. Innocent

Idiom: Catch 22

Options: 

a. Unable to decide 

b. Double the efficiency 

c. Having two orders 

d. In proper order

Answer: The idiom "Catch-22" refers to a difficult situation from which there is no escape because of mutually conflicting or dependent conditions; a paradoxical dilemma. Among the given options, the closest meaning, especially in a simplified context, is: a. Unable to decide (because all options lead to a negative outcome or are locked in a loop).

Idiom: Get ducks in a row

Options: 

a. Putting something aside 

b. To get something properly arranged 

c. To give some idea 

d. Try something constantly

Answer: The idiom "Get ducks in a row" means to organize or prepare everything thoroughly for an upcoming event or task. The correct option is: b. To get something properly arranged.

Idiom: In high spirits

Options: 

a) under the influence of liquor 

b) under tremendous stress 

c) mentally deranged 

d) full of hope and enthusiasm

Answer: The phrase "In high spirits" means to be cheerful, lively, or joyful. The correct option is: d) full of hope and enthusiasm

Idiom: Dare devil

Options: 

a. Fearless person 

b. Devil like 

c. Bravery but under threat 

d. Persistent in struggle

Answer: A "daredevil" is a recklessly bold person; one who loves excitement and danger. The correct option is: a. Fearless person

Idiom: To give a wide berth

Options: 

a. To avoid 

b. To be devastated 

c. To bribe 

d. To succeed slowly

Answer: The idiom "To give a wide berth" means to keep a safe distance from someone or something; to stay clear of or to avoid. The correct option is: a. To avoid

Idiom: Learn the ropes

Options: 

a. Learn to do particular jobs

b. To memorise something

c. To be ignores

d. Learn Something for your Exam

Answer:  a. Learn to do particular jobs

Idiom: Part and parcel

Options: 

a. unavoidable luxury

b. important part

C. showy part

D. status symbol

Answer:  b important part