CET Idioms and Phrases Questions with Solutions

  • 43 questions from MBA CET 2025 (13) and 2026 (30)
  • Asked in 11 of 13 slots
  • Difficulty: 38 Easy / 5 Medium / 0 Hard
  • Question and answer free · detailed solution after free login · updated 6 Nov 2026

Idioms and Phrases questions give an idiom or a phrase and ask for its meaning, or the right idiom for a situation. These meanings are learnt, not worked out.

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CET 2026 Slot 1 · MBA CET 2026 Attempt 1 Slot 1 · Q171Easy

In the following question, an idiom is used in a sentence. Choose the option that shows the correct meaning of the idiom.

After weeks of negotiation, the lawyer decided to play hardball to get a better settlement.

A. The lawyer used aggressive tactics.
B. The lawyer was being lenient.
C. The lawyer avoided confrontation.
D. The lawyer postponed the negotiation.
E. The lawyer revealed all secrets.

  1. The lawyer used aggressive tactics.
  2. The lawyer was being lenient.
  3. The lawyer avoided confrontation.
  4. The lawyer postponed the negotiation.
  5. The lawyer revealed all secrets.
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Answer: A. The lawyer used aggressive tactics.

CET 2026 Slot 1 · MBA CET 2026 Attempt 1 Slot 1 · Q172Easy

In the following question, an idiom is used in a sentence. Choose the option that shows the correct meaning of the idiom.

Sentence:
He tried to beat around the bush instead of giving a straight answer to the manager’s question.

A. He avoided giving a direct answer.
B. He gave a clear and direct answer.
C. He played aggressively.
D. He revealed a secret.
E. He made a reckless decision.

  1. He avoided giving a direct answer.
  2. He gave a clear and direct answer.
  3. He played aggressively.
  4. He revealed a secret.
  5. He made a reckless decision.
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Answer: A. He avoided giving a direct answer.

CET 2026 Slot 1 · MBA CET 2026 Attempt 1 Slot 1 · Q173Easy

In the following question, a part of the sentence is highlighted. Choose the option that shows the correct meaning of the phrase.

Sentence:
The manager asked the team to PULL THEIR SOCKS UP before the deadline.

A. work harder
B. relax
C. slow down
D. take a break
E. quit

  1. work harder
  2. relax
  3. slow down
  4. take a break
  5. quit
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Answer: A. work harder

CET 2026 Slot 1 · MBA CET 2026 Attempt 1 Slot 1 · Q174Easy

In the following question, a part of the sentence is highlighted. Choose the option that shows the correct meaning of the phrase.

Sentence:
During the debate, he decided to TAKE THE BULL BY THE HORNS and address the controversial issue directly.

A. avoid the issue
B. confront the issue boldly
C. complain about the issue
D. delay taking action
E. ignore the problem

  1. avoid the issue
  2. confront the issue boldly
  3. complain about the issue
  4. delay taking action
  5. ignore the problem
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Answer: B. confront the issue boldly

CET 2026 Slot 1 · MBA CET 2026 Attempt 1 Slot 1 · Q175Easy

In the following question, a part of the sentence is highlighted. Choose the option that shows the correct meaning of the phrase.

Sentence:
The CEO warned the staff NOT TO REST ON THEIR LAURELS after the successful project.

A. avoid becoming complacent
B. stop working immediately
C. relax and enjoy success
D. compete with others
E. boast about achievements

  1. avoid becoming complacent
  2. stop working immediately
  3. relax and enjoy success
  4. compete with others
  5. boast about achievements
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Answer: A. avoid becoming complacent

Frequently asked questions

How many Idioms and Phrases questions came in MBA CET 2025 and 2026?

43 Idioms and Phrases questions were asked: 13 in MBA CET 2025 and 30 in MBA CET 2026. Every one is on this page with its answer (twin papers are not counted).

Which CET slots asked Idioms and Phrases? Which had the most?

Idioms and Phrases questions came in 11 of 13 slots. CET 2026 Slot 1 had the most (5 questions). Slot-wise lists: CET 2026 and CET 2025.

How difficult are CET Idioms and Phrases questions?

Of the 43 Idioms and Phrases questions that carry a difficulty rating, 38 are Easy, 5 Medium and 0 Hard.

Are the solutions free?

The question and its answer are free for everyone. The detailed Cetking solution opens after a free login with your mobile number (OTP).

Where can I practise more Idioms and Phrases?

Open all CET papers and topics for every slot, or the Arena to practise.

Mastering Idioms: The G Strategy

Stop rote memorization! The G Strategy transforms how you learn idioms by leveraging two powerful memory hooks: Genesis (Origins) and Grounding (Mother Tongue). First, knowing the history (e.g., why soldiers "bit the bullet") turns a random phrase into an unforgettable story. Second, translating idioms into Hindi (e.g., linking sour grapes to khatte angoor) anchors the concept in your native logic, making recall instant. The exercises above are critical because they force you to actively apply this strategy. By testing yourself on origins and cultural equivalents, you move beyond temporary memorization to permanent understanding, ensuring you score high in verbal ability sections.

MBA CET 2026: Idioms Mastery Quiz

MBA CET 2026: Actual Idioms Questions

Exam Context: Idioms often appear in the Verbal Ability section of the CET. Focus on the situational usage to eliminate incorrect options.
1. In a negotiation, the manager decided to play hardball with the suppliers to get the best deal. What does the phrase mean?
  • A) To behave politely
  • B) To act aggressively or firmly
  • C) To delay the discussion
  • D) To avoid confrontation
  • E) To compromise easily
Correct Option: B Rationale: "Play hardball" means to use ruthless or uncompromising methods in a situation, especially in business or politics, to achieve a goal.
2. Even after achieving success, many athletes rest on their laurels, which affects their future performance. What does the phrase imply?
  • A) Continue working harder
  • B) Celebrate briefly and move on
  • C) Become complacent after success
  • D) Plan for future goals
  • E) Compete more aggressively
Correct Option: C Rationale: To "rest on one's laurels" is to be so satisfied with what you have already achieved that you no longer try to improve or do better.
3. What is the meaning of the idiom take the bull by the horns?
  • A) Avoid a difficult situation
  • B) Face a problem boldly
  • C) Delay making decisions
  • D) Seek help from others
  • E) Ignore the issue
Correct Option: B Rationale: This idiom refers to dealing with a difficult situation directly and courageously.
4. What does the phrase beat around the bush mean?
  • A) Speak directly
  • B) Avoid the main topic
  • C) Solve a problem quickly
  • D) Argue loudly
  • E) Give clear instructions
Correct Option: B Rationale: To "beat around the bush" means to discuss a matter without coming to the point, usually to avoid an unpleasant topic.
5. What is the meaning of the idiom pull up your socks?
  • A) Relax and take rest
  • B) Prepare for a journey
  • C) Improve performance or work harder
  • D) Quit a task midway
  • E) Celebrate success
Correct Option: C Rationale: This phrase is used as a command or encouragement to make an effort to improve your work or behavior.
50 Fascinating Idioms - Interactive Learning

50 Fascinating Idioms

History, Meanings & Difficulty Levels

Interactive Learning Module

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