What are idioms and phrases? 400 Most Important Idioms And Phrases
इनकी परिभाषा बहुत ज्यादा समझने या याद करने की जरूरत नहीं है। आगे जो इनकी लिस्ट दी गई है उसे बार-बार पढ़ना है वही हमें काम आएगी।
What is a phrase?
A sequence of two or more words arranged in a grammatical construction acting as a unit in a sentence.
वाक्यांश (Phrase) में दो या दो से अधिक शब्दों का एक क्रम होता है और यह वाक्य में एक इकाई के रूप में कार्य करता है।
Examples:
Drive carefully.
In first place.
Made of gold.
Very cold and dark.
What is an idiom?
An idiom is a figurative expression, used while writing or speaking and it is formed by the combination of a verb and a preposition. Idioms are mostly used to express an Idea or what has happened or is happening.
मुहावरा एक अलंकारिक अभिव्यक्ति है, जो बोलते या लिखते समय उपयोग किया जाता है और इसे क्रिया और पूर्व निर्धारित शब्द के संयोजन द्वारा गठित किया जाता है। मुहावरे का उपयोग ज्यादातर किसी विचार को व्यक्त करने अर्थात क्या हुआ या क्या हो रहा है, बताने के लिए किया जाता है। 400 Most Important Idioms And Phrases
Examples:
Learn Spoken English Easily
She lived up to the expectations of her mother.
He gets into problems often.
List of different phrases, phrasal verbs and idioms.
Positional phrases- 400 Most Important Idioms And Phrases
01. At the end of one’s tether (अंतिम साधन पर-at one’s last resource)
Raju readily agreed to help ramu seeing him at the end of his tether.
02. At sea (घबराया हुआ-puzzled)
Seeing some questions out of course, many students were at sea and shouted for a walkout.
03. At one’s wit’s end (सिट्टी पिट्टी गुम-in a perplexed state)
Having lost his entire property in gambling, Raju was at his wit’s end.
04. At one’s finger’s end (अच्छे से याद होना-to remember by heart)
Raju has the rules of English grammar at his finger’s end.
05. At stake (दांव पर-in danger)
His honour is at stake in the college.
06. At arm’s length (थोड़ी दूरी पर-at some distance)
Keep the culprit at arm’s length.
07. At the eleventh hour (अंतिम समय-when almost too late)
Raju gave up his idea of joining the army at the eleventh hour.
08. At random (बगैर लक्ष्य के-without aim)
Wise men never work at random.
09. At a snail’s pace (धीमी गति से-very slowly)
If you want to reach the station in tune, do not walk at a snail’s pace.
10. At large (आजाद -not arrested, not punished)
The murder is still at large.
11. At daggers drawn (लड़ने को तैयार-on the point of fighting)
Both the brothers are at daggers drawn with each other.
12. At a stone’s throw (बहुत पास-very near)
My college is at a stone’s throw from the railway station.
13. At a stretch (निरंतर-without stopping)
I can read for 10 hours at a stretch.
14. At length (अंत में-at last)
The thief at length, confessed his theft.
15. At one with (एकमत-of one opinion)
I am at one with you on this matter.
16. At issue (विवाद पर-under discussion)
Barley’s case remained at issue for quite a long time.
17. At elbow (समीप में-nearby)
Kalidas was one of the 9 ratnas of Vikramaditya’s court and was always at his elbow.
18. At the bottom of (जड़ में-secret cause of)
Mr Raju is at the bottom of all this mischief.
400 Most Important Idioms And Phrases
19. At the beck and call of (सेवा में-at one’s disposal)
The peon, in the college is at the back and call of the head of the institution.
20. At the conclusion of (समाप्ति पर-at the end of)
We were served with tea at the conclusion of the meeting.
21. At the mercy of (दया पर-in the power of; without defences against)
The ship was at the mercy of the waves.
22. At sixes and sevens (बिखरी हुई-in disorder)
His books were lying in the room at sixes and sevens.
23. At any rate (किसी भी मूल्य पर-by all means)
At any rate I will have it.
24. At the top of (सबसे ऊंचा-as loud as possible)
The drowning man shouted at the top of his voice for help.
25. At the point of (निकट-near)
Raju was at the point of death when his son left him.
26. At the risk of (खतरे में डाल कर-with the possibility of loss)
Raju saved the drowning man at the risk of his own life.
27. At home in (परीचित-familiar with)
Monu is quite at home in English.
28. At a loss (असमंजस में होना-unable to think what to do)
Seeing the labourers marching towards the factory to win their rights, the manager was at a loss as to how to stop them.
29. At a loose end (बिना कार्य के-without work)
Having lost her job, she is at a loose end these days.
30. Against the grain (इच्छा के विरुद्ध-against one’s desire)
Raju is dead honest. It is against his grain to accept bribes.
31. Against a rainy day (विपत्ति के समय-for times of need)
You should not spend all that you have. Save something against a rainy day.
32. In recognition of (के आदर में-in honour of)
Raju was given a check of 30,000 in recognition of his services.
33. In unison with (से मेल खाना-in agreement with)
The principal was well pleased with me for my arguments were in unison with his.
34. In vogue (प्रथा होना-in fashion)
The sati is still in vogue in some villages in India.
400 Most Important Idioms And Phrases
35. In tota (पूर्ण रूप से-completely)
The leader agreed with the suggestions of the group in tota.
36. Into the bargain (मुफ्त में-for nothing)
I bought a watch and got this pen into the bargain.
37. In the prime of one’s youth (जवानी में-quite young)
Milton died in the prime of his youth.
38. In the guise of (भेष में-in the dress of)
Netaji left India for good in the guise of a musalman.
39. In the teeth of (विरोध में-in spite of opposition or difficulty)
The firm has expanded its building contracting division in the teeth of recession.
40. In the heat of (के जोश में-intense feeling)
In the heat of discussion Raju forgot all his points.
41. In the quagmire (संकट में-in trouble)
The complete loss of health has left him in the quagmire.
42. In a nutshell (संक्षेप में)
After the meeting the secretary of the teachers association put the proceedings before the group in a nutshell.
43. In broad daylight (दिन दहाड़े-openly in the day)
People are being robbed nowadays in broad daylight.
44. In black and white (लिखित में-in writing)
Besides submitting a CD, you must submit a copy of your article in black and white.
45. In lieu of (के स्थान पर-instead of, in place of)
Please give me an Idea credit card in lieu of an Airtel one.
46. In a blue moon (बहुत कम अवसरों पर-very rarely)
He goes to meet his relatives once in a blue moon.
47. In spite of (के होते हुए भी, के बावजूद-not to be prevented by, notwithstanding)
They went out in spite of the rain.
48. From head to foot (सिर से पैर तक-altogether)
Raju was dressed in pure khadi from head to foot.
49. From hand to mouth (कठिनता से निर्वाह करना-precariously, spending money as soon as it is received)
Teachers generally live from hand to mouth.
50. By leaps and bounds (दिन दूनी रात चौगुनी-rapidly)
Shila is progressing by leaps and bounds.
51. By hook or by crook (भले या बुरे साधनों से-by fair or foul means)
People want to be wealthy by hook or by crook nowadays.
52. By fits and starts (अनियमित रूप से-not steadily)
Mohan takes exercise by fits and starts.
400 Most Important Idioms And Phrases
53. Between the sheets (बिस्तर में-in bed)
It is quarter past nine, still she is between the sheets.
54. Behind the scenes (गुप्त रूप से-secretly)
Caesar’s murder was planned behind the scenes.
55. On the eve of (पूर्व संध्या पर-just before)
On the eve of his retirement our principal was feted by us.
56. On the ground (score) of (के कारण-because of)
Raju was dismissed on the ground of gross negligence of duty.
57. On the part of (की ओर से-of, by)
There is no objection on the part of the owner of the land.
58. On the point of (के निकट-be about to)
I was on the point of leaving for my hometown when the wire from the university arrived.
400 Most Important Idioms And Phrases
59. On behalf of (की ओर से-for someone)
I attended the meeting on behalf of my wife.
60. On the brink (verge) of (किनारे पर-on the edge of)
The country is on the brink (verge) of disaster.
61. On the spur of the moment (ऐन वक्त पर-at once)
You should have asked me earlier. How can I help you on the spur of the moment?
62. With a silver spoon in one’s mouth (अमीर घराने में-in a rich family)
Geeta’s son was born with a silver spoon in his mouth.
63. With a view to (की आशा में-for the purpose of)
The principal granted Raju long leave with a view to facilitating his research work.
64. With an eye to (के उद्देश्य से-with a view to)
Businessman tell life with an eye to getting profits.
65. With the intention of (के इरादे से-with the purpose of)
Ram came to Shyam with the intention of insulting him.
66. With the exception (को छोड़कर-except)
All had reached in time with the exception of the principal.
67. With reference to (के संबंध में-concerning about)
With reference to your letter, I am to clarify my position.
68. With regard to; with respect to (संबंध में-concerning)
I have nothing to say with regard to this subject.
69. Over and above (के अतिरिक्त-in addition to)
Over and above being careless, the new officer is dishonest.
70. Out of harmony with) सहमत नहीं-in disagreement with)
Some members of the staff were out of harmony with the principal on the matters of admission and fee concession.
71. Through thick and thin (आपत्ति काल में-in miseries)
Mahatma Gandhi served India through thick and thin.
72. Out of the frying pan into the fire (आकाश से गिरा खजूर में अटका-To fall from one difficulty into the other)
My brother broke his leg after he recovered from long sickness. Actually he was out of the frying pan into the fire.
Adverbial phrases-400 Most Important Idioms And Phrases
73. By no means (किसी प्रकार भी नहीं-in no way)
He can by no means take away my book by force.
74. By far (नि:संदेह-in a very great degree, by a great difference)
It is by far the largest playground.
75. By the by or by the way (ऐसे ही-incidentally)
By the by or by the way I have some news to tell you.
76. By and by (थोड़े समय बाद-after a time, little by little)
By and by the agitation will subside.
77. Before long (अति शीघ्र-in a short time)
Before long the child will return.
78. At all events (किसी भी स्थिति में-in any case)
He was a pedlar or, at all events a hawker of small wares.
79. At any rate (चाहे कुछ भी हो-in any possible case)
I shall come at any rate, rain or storm.
80. As a matter of fact (वास्तव में-in reality)
She does not look more than 20; as a matter of fact, she is more than 30.
81. For the present (इस समय-just now)
For the present I am postponing my trip to Kashmir.
82. All of a sudden (अचानक-suddenly)
All of a sudden the building collapsed.
83. All the same (फिर भी-nevertheless)
He does not appear to be very bright, all the same, we may admit him.
84. Again and again or over and over again or time and again (बार-बार)
Good books should be read again and again or over and over again or time and again.
85. After all (फिर भी-whatever may be a against if)
After all you were wrong.
86. Above board (खुल्लम खुल्ला-honest and unconcealed)
Ram’s conduct has been entirely above board and your criticism of him is quite unjust.
400 Most Important Idioms And Phrases
87. Above all (सबसे महत्वपूर्ण-most important of all)
The new DM is dutiful and punctual, but above all he is honest.
88. Off and on (अनियमित रूप से-irregularly)
I have been learning French off and on for some time.
89. Now and then (कभी-कभी)
He writes to me now and then.
90. Hither and thither (इधर उधर)
We walked hither and thither in the exhibition.
91. From time to time (समय-समय पर)
He comes from time to time to see how we are.
92. For better or for worse (बुरा भला चाहे कुछ भी हो-whatever be)
I have accepted his job for better or for worse.
93. For long (देर तक, बहुत समय तक)
He was imprisoned for long.
94. First and foremost (सबसे प्रथम-before anything else)
First and foremost, speak the truth.
95. Far and wide (देश देशांतर से-everywhere)
People come from far and white to hear the famous singer.
96. Far and near (दूर-दूर से)
He shought for his missing son far and near.
97. Far and away; out and away; out and out (सभी तुलनाओं से आगे-beyond all comparison)
he is far and away the best batsman in our country.
98. Without fail (निश्चित रूप से-positively, certainly)
I will meet you there on Sunday at twelve without fail.
99. With one voice (एकमत से-unanimously)
His proposal was rejected with one voice by the people.
100. To the contrary (इसके विरुद्ध-against what has been said)
I have nothing to say to the contrary.
101. To thick and thin (सभी कठिनाइयों में-under all difficulties)
Both the friends decided to stand by each other through thick and thin.
102. To and fro (इधर उधर-backward and forward)
The child walked to and fro in the room.
103. Then and there (वहीं पर-on the spot)
The murderer was caught then and there.
104. Through and through (संपूर्णत:-entirely, completely)
He has the read the holy Geeta through and through.
105. So far as or as far as (जहां तक-in my experience)
So far as I know, it never rains in November.
400 Most Important Idioms And Phrases
106. In the long run or sooner or later (अंत में-eventually)
In the long run or sooner or later the cheat will be caught.
107. Over and above (अतिरिक्त-besides)
Over and above being honest, he is humble.
108. On the whole (साधारण रूप से-generally speaking)
On the whole my paper was considered superior to that of his.
109. Once again (एक बार फिर)
Read this passage once again.
110. On the one hand; on the other hand (एक हो तो यह और दूसरी ओर वह)
On the one hand you are anxious to go home, on the other hand you are afraid of inconvenience on the way.
111. Once and again ( समय-समय पर बारंबार-occasionally)
I have told you once and again not to read hate stories.
112. On the contrary (उल्टे, विरुद्ध-contradiction)
He does not love her; on the contrary, he hates her.
Conjunctional Phrases-400 Most Important Idioms And Phrases
113. In so much that. (इतना कि)
The riots in the city continued all day, in so much that it was dangerous to leave the house.
114. In as much as (क्योंकि-because, as)
The general yield to the enemy in as much as his men were short of ammunition and food.
115. As sure as (जब तक की)
As sure as you stay here, you will have to do this work.
116. At the same time (परंतु फिर भी-वाक्य के आरंभ में)
There seems to be much force in what you say, at the same time they adhere to their own opinion.
117. All the same (फिर भी-वाक्य के अंत में)
There seems to be much force in what you say, they adhere to their own opinion all the same.
118. Indeed but (निसंदेह फिर भी)
The thieves indeed were caught but nothing that they had stolen could be recovered.
119. In order that (इसलिए कि)
We work in order that we may earn a living.
120. As long as (जब तक की)
as long as it rains we must not step out of the house.
121. Scarcely……before (कठिनता से-hardly……before)
He had scarcely heard of the death of his friend before he wept aloud.
122. No sooner…..than (ज्यों ही की)
No sooner did he step out of the room than the door was closed.
123. A bird of passage (एक स्थान से दूसरे स्थान पर घूमने वाला-migratory bird, a person who does not stick to any place)
Like a bird of passage he is always shifting from place to place.
124. A bed of thorns (कांटो का बिछोना-uncomfortable position)
Life is a bed of thorns.
125. A bed of roses (फूलों की शैया-A comfortable thing)
Life is not a bed of roses.
126. A beast of prey (शिकारी जानवर-beast which kills and eats other animals)
The lion is a beast of prey.
127. Beast of burden (भार ढोने वाला जानवर-a beast used for carrying heavy loads)
128. The Apple of one’s eye (आंख का तारा-very dear)
Her son is the Apple of her eye.
129. An Apple of discord or bone of contention (झगड़े का कारण-a cause for strife)
This piece of land is an apple of discord between the two brothers.
130. Apple pie order (अच्छी व्यवस्था-perfect order)
Raju’s mother keeps the apple pie order in her house.
131. Alma Mater (अपना विद्यालय-mother institution)
Now Doctor Kalam is the head of his alma mater.
132. Adam’s ale (पानी -water)
The soldier died for want of a glass of Adam’s ale.
133. Flesh and blood (मानवीय स्वभाव-human nature)
Flesh and blood cannot bear this insult.
134. Ins and outs (सारे भेद-full details)
You have not given me ins and outs of the matter.
135. Fish out of water (जल बिन मछली-not at ease)
Being a French, he is feeling like a fish out of water in India.
136. Escape literature (हल्का साहित्य-light literature)
Raju is not interested in reading escape literature.
137. Elixir of Life (अमृत-nectar)
Sound health proved to be the Elixir of life for him.
138. Doom’s Day (कयामत का दिन-the last day of the creation)
11 September was as if a Doom’s Day for the US.
400 Most Important Idioms And Phrases
139. A dog in the manger (स्वार्थी-a selfish person)
I had thought Mrs Riya to be a philanthropic woman but she turned out to be a dog in the manger.
140. Debt of nature (मृत्यु-death)
Everyone has to pay the debt of nature one day or the other.
141. D-Day (सफलता का दिवस-the day of success)
After its success in the final, the Indian team is celebrating its D-day today.
142. The daughter of Eve (स्त्री-woman)
Who can escape the spell of the daughters of Eve.
143. A cry for the moon (आकाश पुष्प-in impossible thing)
Swaraj, which was a cry for the moon one day, turned out to be a reality for India.
144. To cross one’s t’s and dot one’s i’s (अंतिम पॉलिश-to give finishing touch)
Her project work is almost over, she has just to cross one’s t’s and dot one’s i’s.
145. Close-fisted man (कंजूस-a great miser)
Do not expect my monetary gain from him; he is a close-fisted man.
146. Castles in the air (हवाई किले-imaginary plans)
What use is there of building castles in the air?
147. A cat and dog life (झगड़ों से भरा जीवन-a life full of quarrels)
Their family is leading a cat and dog life.
148. Cap in hand (विनम्रता पूर्वक-humbly)
The peon went to the officer cap in hand.
149. Bolt from the blue (आकस्मिक दुखद संदेश-a sad and an unexpected news)
The news of my grandfather’s death was a bolt from the blue.
150. Birds of a feather (एक जैसे स्वभाव के-people with the same interests)
Birds of a feather flock together.
151. A nine day’s wonder (4 दिन की चांदनी-short time sensation)
She left her husband and ran away with a young man. It was a nine day’s wonder for her.
152. A man of straw (साधारण इंसान-easily overcome person
He is only a man of straw.
153. A man of letters (पढ़ा लिखा व्यक्ति-a literary man)
Dr Kalam was a man of letters.
154. A man of parts (योग्य व्यक्ति-an able man)
Our vice-chancellor is a man of parts.
155. A man in the thousand (अनोखा मनुष्य-a wonderful man)
Our Prime minister is a man in a thousand.
156. The man in the street (साधारण मनुष्य-an ordinary uneducated man)
Even the man in the street knows this.
157. The long and short of a thing (संक्षेप में-the whole of it briefly stated)
The long and short of the matter is that we must set to work as early as possible.
158. The lion’s share (सबसे बड़ा भाग-unduly large share)
He always gets the lion’s share of the profits.
159. A leap in the dark (जोखिम का कार्य- a risk)
Your resignation letter is a leap in the dark.
400 Most Important Idioms And Phrases
160. A ladies’ man (स्त्रियों की संगति का प्रेमी-A man fond of female society)
Rahim works for the upliftment of women and is popularly known as ladies’ man.
161. A jack of all trades (हरफनमौला-having a little knowledge about so many things)
One should be a master of one thing instead of a jack of all trades.
162. A hard nut to crack (कठिन कार्य-difficult work)
It was a hard nut to crack- to win the test match against the West Indies.
163. Handsome is that handsome does (सुंदर वही जो सुंदर कार्य करें-beautiful is he who does beautiful acts)
He does not rely on physical charms. For him, handsome is that handsome does.
164. To be Greek (समझ से परे-unintelligible)
Science and Maths are Greek to him.
165. French leave (बिना स्वीकृति का अवकाश-leave without permission)
Mr Raju is on French leave today.
166. Sine die ( अनिश्चित अवधि के लिए-indefinite)
The curfew in the city has been imposed sine die.
167. A red letter day (आनंद और महत्व का दिन-a day of rejoicing and importance)
Independence Day is celebrated as a red letter day in our country.
168. The pros and cons of (लाभ तथा हानि-the arguments for and against)
We should study the pros and cons of the matter.
169. A pin-pricks policy (सताने की नीति-a tendency of finding fault and troubling every moment)
He left the job as the principal was regularly adopting a pin-pricks policy.
170. Petticoat government (नारी प्रभुत्व-the management of ladies)
In Akbar’s tenure there was a petticoat government’s time.
171. Penelope’s web (द्रौपदी का चीर-an unfinishable task)
If you do not pay heed to your project, it will become penelope’s web for you.
172. An olive branch (शांति एवं संधि का प्रस्ताव-offer of peace)
Shri Krishna went with an olive branch in the court of Dhritarashtra.
173. A slip of the pen (लिखने में अशुद्धि-a mistake in writing)
Although it appears to be a slip of the pen, it has caused him dear.
174. Tit for tat (जैसे को तैसा-evil for evil)
Mahatma Gandhi was opposed to tit for tat policy.
175. A slip of the tongue (गलत बात मुंह से निकल जाना-a slight mistake in speaking)
I am sorry, it is a mere slip of the tongue.
176. Yeoman’s service (-good service)
Mrs Gupta has rendered yeoman’s service in her office.
177. The ups and downs of life (उतार चढ़ाव-the changes of life)
I have seen many ups and downs of life.
178. Summun bonum (सर्वोत्तम वस्तु-highest good)
Truth was the summun bonum of life for Raja Harishchandra.
179. The sum and substance (सार तत्व-gist)
Give me the sum and substance of his speech.
180. The sinews of war (युद्ध के लिए धन-money required to carry on war)
We lack the sinews of war.
181. A snake in the grass (छिपा दुश्मन-a secret enemy)
His only son turned out to be a snake in the grass.
182. Yes-man (हां में हां मिलाने वाला व्यक्ति-who he ditta)
My father does not like to talk to Mr Pathak. He is a yes man.
Nouns that go in pairs-400 Most Important Idioms And Phrases
183. Through the length and breadth of (सब जगह-all over)
Gandhi went travelling through the length and width of the country.
184. Neck and neck (साथ साथ-side by side)
The sheep are grazing neck and neck.
185. Measure for measure (जैसे को तैसा-tit for tat)
He is very humble and modest. He does not believe in measure for measure policy.
186. Wear and tear (उपयोग से क्षति-wastage buy use)
The company is making allowance for the wear and tear of the vehicles manufactured by them.
187. Kith and kin (संबंधी, रिश्तेदार-blood relations)
His kith and kin deserted him in adversity.
188. To all intents and purposes (व्यावहारिक रूप से-practically)
He is to all intents and purposes, the leader of his party.
189. Heart and hand (पूर्ण उत्साह के साथ-with great zeal)
The politicians of early days worked heart and hand to gain independence of India.
190. Hue and cry (शोर-noise)
There was great hue and cry over the new budget passed by the parliament.
191. Heart and soul (गंभीरता पूर्वक-earnestly)
He threw himself heart and soul into his studies.
192. Over head and ears (बहुत अधिक-deeply)
He is over head and ears in debt.
400 Most Important Idioms And Phrases
193. Heart to heart (स्पष्ट-Frank)
The candidates at the meeting had a heart to heart talk with the vice-chancellor.
194. Hand to hand (हाथों हाथ-at close quarters)
They had a hand to hand fight with the robbers.
195. Fits and starts (अनियमित रूप से-irregularly)
My nephew could not attend school regularly during the last month due to indisposition. He went in fits and starts.
196. Cock and Bull story (झूठी कहानी-an absurd story)
Your narration of the incident seems to be a sheer cock and Bull story.
197. Bread and butter (रोजी रोटी-livelihood)
The poor earn their bread and butter daily and live from hand to mouth.
198. Bag and baggage (बोरिया बिस्तर-with all one’s belongings)
The poor man was turned out bag and baggage.
199. Airs and graces (बाहरी दिखावा-external show)
He has recently been promoted to the post of general manager. That is why he is assuming airs and graces.
200. The loaves and fishes (आर्थिक लाभ-material gain)
He is eager for the loaves and fishes of the office.
201. Hand and globe with (घी खिचड़ी होना-very intimate terms with)
He is hand and glow with Raju.
202. Under lock and key (ताले में बंद-locked up)
She keeps all her ornaments under lock and key.
203. Time and tide (समय-time)
Time and tide wait for no man.
204. Wind and weather (मौसम-weather)
Wind and weather permitting I shall go there.
205. Weal and woe (सुख दु:ख-joy and sorrow)
I shall be with you in weal and woe.
206. Wear and tear (घिसाई-injury caused by use)
This car will stand a wear and tear of 5 years.
207. Sum and substance (सारांश-Central idea)
The sum and substance of his speech is that one cannot progress without hard work.
208. Sheep and goat (अच्छाई और बुराई-good and evil)
One who takes sheep and goat with an equal mind is a balanced man.
209. Rack and ruin (संपूर्ण नष्ट होना-utter destruction)
The whole building has gone to rack and ruin.
210. Ways and means (उपाय-साधन-methods, ways of raising money)
Consider the ways and means for carrying out the plan.
211. Root and branch (जड़ से-completely)
Our leaders are bent upon eradicating communalism root and branch.
212. Without rhyme or reason (बिना कारण-without valid reason)
He quarrelled with me without rhyme and reason.
213. The rank and file (सामान्य जन-common people)
The rank and file cannot understand these changes.
214. Part and parcel (आवश्यक अंग-an essential part)
We are part and parcel of our country.
215. Odds and ends (छोटी मोटी वस्तुएं-stray articles)
Various odds and ends were lying on the floor.
216. With might and main (पूर्ण शक्ति से-with all one’s power)
They tugged at the rope with might and main.
Adjectives that go in pairs
217. Willy Milly (मर्जी से या बिना मर्जी के-willingly or unwillingly)
You have to study this subject, Willy Milly, as it is a compulsory one.
400 Most Important Idioms And Phrases
218. All and sundry (जनसाधारण-everybody and anybody)
All and sundry were invited to the party.
219. Right and left (चारों ओर-on all sides)
The police beat the mob right and left.
220. Hard and fast (सख्त नियम-rigid)
There is no hard and fast rule to satisfy every case.
221. Spick and span (नवीन-new)
His dress is spick and span and is appreciated by one and all.
222. Slow and steady (लगातार करते रहना-persevering)
Slow and steady wins the race.
223. Null and void (निरस्त और शून्य-without legal effect, invalid)
This agreement has become null and void.
224. High and low (प्रत्येक स्थान पर-everywhere)
He searched for his lost ring high and low.
225. Hard and fast (कठोर-strict)
There is no hard and fast rule that you should complete your project in a year. You can devote more time to it.
226. Hale and hearty (स्वस्थ-healthy)
His grandmother is quite hale and hearty even at the age of 80.
227. Fair and square (ईमानदार-honest)
He is fair and square in his dealings.
228. Ever and anon (बहुधा-often)
Raju could be seen ever and anon resting beneath the shade of the tree.
229. Cut and dry (पहले से ही तैयार-prepared beforehand)
He put forward cut and try proposals.
230. All in all (सर्वशक्तिमान-all powerful)
The principal is all in all in this school.
Idiomatic phrases composed of an adjective and a noun-400 Most Important Idioms And Phrases
231. Beauty sleep (अर्ध रात्रि-sleep taken before midnight)
One who has the beauty sleep, gets up fresh in the morning.
232. Bad blood (दुश्मनी-active enmity)
This favoritism is bound to create bad blood among the staff.
233. Argus-eyed (जागृत-vigilant)
Swami Vivekananda was an argus-eyed man.
234. A wild goose chase (व्यर्थ परिश्रम-a useless adventure)
To try to find a true friend is a wild goose chase.
235. A warm reception (जोशीला स्वागत-a reception full of love)
We gave him a warm reception.
236. A curtain lecture (स्त्री का पुरुष को-a lecture given by a wife to her husband)
Raju fled from his house because he was tired of curtain lectures.
237. A cold reception (नीरस स्वागत-a reception wanting in love)
He was displeased at his cold reception.
238. Cold blooded murder (बुरी तरह से हत्या-an unprovoked murder)
His cold blooded murder made my hair stand on end.
239. A chicken hearted fellow (डरपोक -a timid fellow)
Your younger brother is a chicken hearted fellow.
240. Casting vote (निर्णय करने वाला मत-the president’s additional vote when both sides have equal votes)
The resolution was passed by the casting vote of the President.
241. A capital crime (ऐसा अपराध जिसकी सजा मौत हो-a crime punishable with death)
Murder is a capital crime.
242. Bull in a China shop (स्वभाव के विरुद्ध वातावरण में-round peg in a square hole)
Raju is a bull in a China shop among the urbans as he comes from a rural background.
400 Most Important Idioms And Phrases
243. Capital error (महान त्रुटि-great mistake)
He suffered owing to his capital error.
244. A burning question (ज्वलंत प्रश्न-a matter requiring urgent settlement)
The abolition of capitalism is the burning question of the day.
245. A bosom friend (मित्र-a chum)
Ram is my friend.
246. Black diamond (कोयला-coal)
Black diamond was used in the beginning to run steam-engines.
247. Black art (जादू-magic)
My cousin has gone to see black art in the exhibition.
248. A black sheep (बुरे चरित्र वाला-a person with a bad reputation)
270. A white elephant (ऐसी चीज जिस पर बहुत अधिक खर्च हो-a dignity hard to support)
A European wife is generally a white elephant for an Indian husband.
271. A white lie (सफेद झूठ-a harmless falsehood)
His white lie did me no harm.
272. Virgin soil (बगैर जूती हुई भूमि-soil which has never been tilled)
Overpopulation in India is one of the major factors for the reduction in the lands of virgin soil.
273. Utopian scheme (जो व्यहारिक ना हो-impracticable)
This is a utopian scheme. I am afraid if this can lead to our profit.
274. The three R’s (पढ़ना, लिखना, अंकगणित-reading writing and arithmetic)
He knows nothing except the 3 R’s.
275. Tall talk (शेखी बघारना-vain language)
Do not indulge in tall talk.
276. The turning point (जीवन में मोड लाने वाली घटना-the deciding factor)
His friend’s death was a turning point in his life.
277. A stiffnecked man (जिद्दी व्यक्ति-an obstinate person)
Mr Rohit is a stiffnecked man, it is very difficult to make him agree to this plan.
278. A silver lining (उजला पहलू-bright side)
Every cloud has a silver lining.
279. A sleeping partner (क्रियात्मक भाग न लेने वाला साथी-a partner who performs no active duty)
He is a sleeping partner in this business.
280. A rainy day (कठिनाई का समय-a time of adversity)
We must keep some money for a rainy day.
281. Red tape or Taoism (लालफीताशाही-excessive official formality)
In every office you are faced with red tapism.
282. A red letter day (महत्वपूर्ण दिवस-a fortunate day, an important day)
26th January is a red letter day in the history of India.
283. Quixotic project (मूर्खता पूर्ण कार्य-in nonsense plan)
No quixotic project can make you successful in life.
284. A narrow escape (बाल बाल बचना-a hair breadth escape)
He had a narrow escape from the bull which was chasing him.
285. An open secret (खुला भेद-a secret known to many persons)
It is an open secret that he will soon desert his party.
286. Ostrich policy (आत्म धोखा-policy of self deception)
He suffered great loss in life owing to ostrich policy.
287. A maiden speech (प्रथम भाषण-a speech made for the first time)
In his maiden speech he worked wonders.
288. A laughing stock (उपहास का केंद्र-target or object of ridicule)
Raju is a laughing stock of his office.
289. A promising youth (होनहार नौजवान-a young man who is expected to become great)
My friend is a promising youth.
290. Ready money (नकद-cash in hand)
At present I have no ready money to buy a car.
291. The primrose path (सरल पथ-an easy and flowery path)
Success in life demands hard work; there is no primrose path to it.
292. To do one’s best (पूरा प्रयत्न करना-to try once utmost)
The fox tried its best to get at the grapes but all in vain.
293. To do one a good turn (भलाई करना-to do an act of kindness)
We should try to do good turn to others.
294. To cut a sorry figure (बुरा प्रभाव डालना-to make a poor show)
He cut a sorry figure when he stood up for the speech.
400 Most Important Idioms And Phrases
295. To catch red handed (जुर्म करते पकड़ा जाना-to catch at the time of committing some bad deed)
The murderer was caught red handed.
296. To catch at straw (डूबते को तिनके का सहारा-to avail of the least help)
A drowning man catches at a straw.
297. To carry the day (जीतना-to win)
Maharana Pratap fought so bravely that he carried the day.
298. To call a spade a spade (खरी बात कहना-speak plainly)
Raju is frank and straightforward and calls a spade a spade.
299. To burn candle at both ends (दोनों हाथ धन लुटाना-to spend lavishly)
He burnt the candle at both ends and soon became a bankerupt.
300. To breathe one’s last (मृत्यु हो जाना-to pass away)
Raju’s father breathed his last yesterday.
301. To blow one’s own trumpet (अपने मुंह मियां मिट्ठू बनना-to talk highly of one’s own self)
Rahul Gandhi has the habit of blowing his own trumpet.
302. To blow hot and cold (कभी अपनाना कभी ठुकराना-to prepare at one time and discard at another)
Tell me if you really want to own this land. Do not blow hot and cold.
303. To beggar description (अवर्णनीय-undescribable)
The beauty of the snow covered Himalayas beggars description.
304. To beat about the bush (इधर उधर की बातों में उलझना-to stray away)
Come to the main point. Why are you beating about the bush?
305. To beat a retreat (भाग जाना-to run off)
As soon as he saw the cheetah, he beat a retreat.
306. To bear the brunt of (भार उठाना-to shoulder the burden)
After the demise of his father, he is bearing the brunt of his family.
307. To beat black and blue (बुरी तरह पीटना-to beat severely)
The police beat the thief black and blue.
308. To bay at the moon (किसी असंभव वस्तु को प्राप्त करने हेतु प्रयत्न-to try to attain something impossible)
Being a weak student, his trying to get first division in the class seems to be like baying at the moon.
309. To be at one’s wit’s end (बुद्धि चकरा जाना-quite puzzled)
He was at his wit’s end to know of his dismissal.
310. To be at one’s finger’s end (बिल्कुल अच्छी तरह याद होना-to know thoroughly)
All the points of his speech are at my finger’s end.
311. To be at a loss to understand (समझ से बाहर-to be puzzled)
I am at a loss to understand what to do now.
312. To add fuel to the fire (flames) (जलते पर तेल डालना-make passions stronger)
Her remarks during the discussion added fuel to the flames.
313. To leave no stone unturned (कोई कसर नहीं छोड़ना-to endeavour all efforts)
I shall leave no stone unturned to give you every satisfaction in the discharge of my duties.
314. To kill two birds with one stone (एक साधन से दो कार्य करना-to do two jobs)
Ram is running a college of commerce where he types on wages also, thus he kills two birds with one stone.
315. To keep in touch with (संपर्क रखना)
Keep in touch with your old friends.
316. To have too many irons in the fire (एक साथ बहुत से कार्य करना-to be engaged in too many enterprises)
One who has too many irons in the fire succeeds in none.
317. To hold one’s tongue (चुप होना-to be silent)
Hold your tongue, please.
318. To gird up one’s loins (कमर कसना-exert whole heartedly)
Gird up your loins to corruption.
319. To get wind off (सूचना मिल जाना-to get information)
The police got wind off the terrorist and arrested them.
320. To get off scot free (साफ मुक्त होना-to escape unpunished)
The real culprit got off scot free.
321. To grind one’s own axe (अपना उल्लू सीधा करना-to work with a selfish motive)
In the assembly every member tries to grind his own axe.
400 Most Important Idioms And Phrases
322. To hit the nail on the head (ठीक समय पर कार्य करना-to do exactly the right thing)
In making the appointment of a peon the principal has hit the nail on the head.
323. To feet out of sorts (तबीयत खराब होना-to feel indisposed)
I am feeling out of sorts today and cannot attend the meeting.
324. To find fault with others (दोष निकालना)
Some people are in the habit of finding faults with others.
325. To follow suit (पीछा करना-to do the same)
If one ant goes to one side others follow suit.
326. To end in smoke (व्यर्थ सिद्ध होना-without effect)
All his efforts to become a minister ended in smoke.
327. To end in a draw (किसी भी दल की जीत ना होना-to end with neither party winning)
The match between England and India was ended in a draw.
328. To wreak vengeance upon (बदला लेना-to take revenge)
He is determined to wreak vengeance upon his father’s murderers.
329. To win laurels (आदर मान सम्मान प्राप्त करना-to win honour)
He won laurels at various occasions in the display of his game.
330. To stand by (साथ देना-to support)
He stands by me in need.
331. To spread like wildfire (जंगली आग की भांति फैलना-of reports, rumours, spreading very fast)
The news of Sridevi’s death spread like wildfire.
332. To see eye to eye with (सहमत होना-to agree)
I cannot see eye to eye with you in this matter.
333. To sell like hot cakes (हाथों हाथ बिकना-to have a very good sale)
This book is selling like hot cakes.
334. To strain every nerve (पूरा प्रयत्न करना-to try one’s utmost)
She is strained every nerve to pass the examination but in vain.
335. To smell a rat (दाल में काला-to suspect a foul dealing)
I smell a rat in keeping the proceedings of the meeting secret.
336. To pocket an insult (निरादर सहन कर लेना-bear insult)
A self-respecting man cannot pocket such an insult.
337. To rise to the occasion (अवसर के अनुसार कार्य करना-to prove equal to a crisis)
He rose to the occasion and got over the instigated mob.
338. To rain cats and dogs (मूसलाधार वर्षा होना-to rain in torrents)
I had hardly stepped out when it began to rain cats and dogs.
339. To pay one false (धोखा देना-deceive)
One who pays you false cannot be a true friend.
400 Most Important Idioms And Phrases
340. To pay one back in one’s own coin (ईट का जवाब पत्थर से देना)
No sooner did Ram give Shyam a slap than he paid him back in his own coin.
341. To move heaven and earth (आकाश पाताल एक करना-to make every effort)
We should move heaven and earth to eradicate corruption from our country.
342. To make one’s hair stand on end (भयभीत करना-terrify)
His adventures made our hair stand on end.
343. To make the most of (पूरा लाभ उठाना-to make the best use of)
Hard working people make the most of their time.
344. To live in glass houses (दोषपूर्ण होना-to be open to criticism)
Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones on others.
400 Most Important Idioms And Phrases
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What are idioms and phrases? 400 Most Important Idioms And Phrases
इनकी परिभाषा बहुत ज्यादा समझने या याद करने की जरूरत नहीं है। आगे जो इनकी लिस्ट दी गई है उसे बार-बार पढ़ना है वही हमें काम आएगी।
What is a phrase?
A sequence of two or more words arranged in a grammatical construction acting as a unit in a sentence.
वाक्यांश (Phrase) में दो या दो से अधिक शब्दों का एक क्रम होता है और यह वाक्य में एक इकाई के रूप में कार्य करता है।
Examples:
Drive carefully.
In first place.
Made of gold.
Very cold and dark.
What is an idiom?
An idiom is a figurative expression, used while writing or speaking and it is formed by the combination of a verb and a preposition. Idioms are mostly used to express an Idea or what has happened or is happening.
मुहावरा एक अलंकारिक अभिव्यक्ति है, जो बोलते या लिखते समय उपयोग किया जाता है और इसे क्रिया और पूर्व निर्धारित शब्द के संयोजन द्वारा गठित किया जाता है। मुहावरे का उपयोग ज्यादातर किसी विचार को व्यक्त करने अर्थात क्या हुआ या क्या हो रहा है, बताने के लिए किया जाता है। 400 Most Important Idioms And Phrases
Examples:
She lived up to the expectations of her mother.
He gets into problems often.
List of different phrases, phrasal verbs and idioms.
Positional phrases- 400 Most Important Idioms And Phrases
01. At the end of one’s tether (अंतिम साधन पर-at one’s last resource)
Raju readily agreed to help ramu seeing him at the end of his tether.
02. At sea (घबराया हुआ-puzzled)
Seeing some questions out of course, many students were at sea and shouted for a walkout.
03. At one’s wit’s end (सिट्टी पिट्टी गुम-in a perplexed state)
Having lost his entire property in gambling, Raju was at his wit’s end.
04. At one’s finger’s end (अच्छे से याद होना-to remember by heart)
Raju has the rules of English grammar at his finger’s end.
05. At stake (दांव पर-in danger)
His honour is at stake in the college.
06. At arm’s length (थोड़ी दूरी पर-at some distance)
Keep the culprit at arm’s length.
07. At the eleventh hour (अंतिम समय-when almost too late)
Raju gave up his idea of joining the army at the eleventh hour.
08. At random (बगैर लक्ष्य के-without aim)
Wise men never work at random.
09. At a snail’s pace (धीमी गति से-very slowly)
If you want to reach the station in tune, do not walk at a snail’s pace.
10. At large (आजाद -not arrested, not punished)
The murder is still at large.
11. At daggers drawn (लड़ने को तैयार-on the point of fighting)
Both the brothers are at daggers drawn with each other.
12. At a stone’s throw (बहुत पास-very near)
My college is at a stone’s throw from the railway station.
13. At a stretch (निरंतर-without stopping)
I can read for 10 hours at a stretch.
14. At length (अंत में-at last)
The thief at length, confessed his theft.
15. At one with (एकमत-of one opinion)
I am at one with you on this matter.
16. At issue (विवाद पर-under discussion)
Barley’s case remained at issue for quite a long time.
17. At elbow (समीप में-nearby)
Kalidas was one of the 9 ratnas of Vikramaditya’s court and was always at his elbow.
18. At the bottom of (जड़ में-secret cause of)
Mr Raju is at the bottom of all this mischief.
400 Most Important Idioms And Phrases
19. At the beck and call of (सेवा में-at one’s disposal)
The peon, in the college is at the back and call of the head of the institution.
20. At the conclusion of (समाप्ति पर-at the end of)
We were served with tea at the conclusion of the meeting.
21. At the mercy of (दया पर-in the power of; without defences against)
The ship was at the mercy of the waves.
22. At sixes and sevens (बिखरी हुई-in disorder)
His books were lying in the room at sixes and sevens.
23. At any rate (किसी भी मूल्य पर-by all means)
At any rate I will have it.
24. At the top of (सबसे ऊंचा-as loud as possible)
The drowning man shouted at the top of his voice for help.
25. At the point of (निकट-near)
Raju was at the point of death when his son left him.
26. At the risk of (खतरे में डाल कर-with the possibility of loss)
Raju saved the drowning man at the risk of his own life.
27. At home in (परीचित-familiar with)
Monu is quite at home in English.
28. At a loss (असमंजस में होना-unable to think what to do)
Seeing the labourers marching towards the factory to win their rights, the manager was at a loss as to how to stop them.
29. At a loose end (बिना कार्य के-without work)
Having lost her job, she is at a loose end these days.
30. Against the grain (इच्छा के विरुद्ध-against one’s desire)
Raju is dead honest. It is against his grain to accept bribes.
31. Against a rainy day (विपत्ति के समय-for times of need)
You should not spend all that you have. Save something against a rainy day.
32. In recognition of (के आदर में-in honour of)
Raju was given a check of 30,000 in recognition of his services.
33. In unison with (से मेल खाना-in agreement with)
The principal was well pleased with me for my arguments were in unison with his.
34. In vogue (प्रथा होना-in fashion)
The sati is still in vogue in some villages in India.
400 Most Important Idioms And Phrases
35. In tota (पूर्ण रूप से-completely)
The leader agreed with the suggestions of the group in tota.
36. Into the bargain (मुफ्त में-for nothing)
I bought a watch and got this pen into the bargain.
37. In the prime of one’s youth (जवानी में-quite young)
Milton died in the prime of his youth.
38. In the guise of (भेष में-in the dress of)
Netaji left India for good in the guise of a musalman.
39. In the teeth of (विरोध में-in spite of opposition or difficulty)
The firm has expanded its building contracting division in the teeth of recession.
40. In the heat of (के जोश में-intense feeling)
In the heat of discussion Raju forgot all his points.
41. In the quagmire (संकट में-in trouble)
The complete loss of health has left him in the quagmire.
42. In a nutshell (संक्षेप में)
After the meeting the secretary of the teachers association put the proceedings before the group in a nutshell.
43. In broad daylight (दिन दहाड़े-openly in the day)
People are being robbed nowadays in broad daylight.
44. In black and white (लिखित में-in writing)
Besides submitting a CD, you must submit a copy of your article in black and white.
45. In lieu of (के स्थान पर-instead of, in place of)
Please give me an Idea credit card in lieu of an Airtel one.
46. In a blue moon (बहुत कम अवसरों पर-very rarely)
He goes to meet his relatives once in a blue moon.
47. In spite of (के होते हुए भी, के बावजूद-not to be prevented by, notwithstanding)
They went out in spite of the rain.
48. From head to foot (सिर से पैर तक-altogether)
Raju was dressed in pure khadi from head to foot.
49. From hand to mouth (कठिनता से निर्वाह करना-precariously, spending money as soon as it is received)
Teachers generally live from hand to mouth.
50. By leaps and bounds (दिन दूनी रात चौगुनी-rapidly)
Shila is progressing by leaps and bounds.
51. By hook or by crook (भले या बुरे साधनों से-by fair or foul means)
People want to be wealthy by hook or by crook nowadays.
52. By fits and starts (अनियमित रूप से-not steadily)
Mohan takes exercise by fits and starts.
400 Most Important Idioms And Phrases
53. Between the sheets (बिस्तर में-in bed)
It is quarter past nine, still she is between the sheets.
54. Behind the scenes (गुप्त रूप से-secretly)
Caesar’s murder was planned behind the scenes.
55. On the eve of (पूर्व संध्या पर-just before)
On the eve of his retirement our principal was feted by us.
56. On the ground (score) of (के कारण-because of)
Raju was dismissed on the ground of gross negligence of duty.
57. On the part of (की ओर से-of, by)
There is no objection on the part of the owner of the land.
58. On the point of (के निकट-be about to)
I was on the point of leaving for my hometown when the wire from the university arrived.
400 Most Important Idioms And Phrases
59. On behalf of (की ओर से-for someone)
I attended the meeting on behalf of my wife.
60. On the brink (verge) of (किनारे पर-on the edge of)
The country is on the brink (verge) of disaster.
61. On the spur of the moment (ऐन वक्त पर-at once)
You should have asked me earlier. How can I help you on the spur of the moment?
62. With a silver spoon in one’s mouth (अमीर घराने में-in a rich family)
Geeta’s son was born with a silver spoon in his mouth.
63. With a view to (की आशा में-for the purpose of)
The principal granted Raju long leave with a view to facilitating his research work.
64. With an eye to (के उद्देश्य से-with a view to)
Businessman tell life with an eye to getting profits.
65. With the intention of (के इरादे से-with the purpose of)
Ram came to Shyam with the intention of insulting him.
66. With the exception (को छोड़कर-except)
All had reached in time with the exception of the principal.
67. With reference to (के संबंध में-concerning about)
With reference to your letter, I am to clarify my position.
68. With regard to; with respect to (संबंध में-concerning)
I have nothing to say with regard to this subject.
69. Over and above (के अतिरिक्त-in addition to)
Over and above being careless, the new officer is dishonest.
70. Out of harmony with) सहमत नहीं-in disagreement with)
Some members of the staff were out of harmony with the principal on the matters of admission and fee concession.
71. Through thick and thin (आपत्ति काल में-in miseries)
Mahatma Gandhi served India through thick and thin.
72. Out of the frying pan into the fire (आकाश से गिरा खजूर में अटका-To fall from one difficulty into the other)
My brother broke his leg after he recovered from long sickness. Actually he was out of the frying pan into the fire.
Adverbial phrases-400 Most Important Idioms And Phrases
73. By no means (किसी प्रकार भी नहीं-in no way)
He can by no means take away my book by force.
74. By far (नि:संदेह-in a very great degree, by a great difference)
It is by far the largest playground.
75. By the by or by the way (ऐसे ही-incidentally)
By the by or by the way I have some news to tell you.
76. By and by (थोड़े समय बाद-after a time, little by little)
By and by the agitation will subside.
77. Before long (अति शीघ्र-in a short time)
Before long the child will return.
78. At all events (किसी भी स्थिति में-in any case)
He was a pedlar or, at all events a hawker of small wares.
79. At any rate (चाहे कुछ भी हो-in any possible case)
I shall come at any rate, rain or storm.
80. As a matter of fact (वास्तव में-in reality)
She does not look more than 20; as a matter of fact, she is more than 30.
81. For the present (इस समय-just now)
For the present I am postponing my trip to Kashmir.
82. All of a sudden (अचानक-suddenly)
All of a sudden the building collapsed.
83. All the same (फिर भी-nevertheless)
He does not appear to be very bright, all the same, we may admit him.
84. Again and again or over and over again or time and again (बार-बार)
Good books should be read again and again or over and over again or time and again.
85. After all (फिर भी-whatever may be a against if)
After all you were wrong.
86. Above board (खुल्लम खुल्ला-honest and unconcealed)
Ram’s conduct has been entirely above board and your criticism of him is quite unjust.
400 Most Important Idioms And Phrases
87. Above all (सबसे महत्वपूर्ण-most important of all)
The new DM is dutiful and punctual, but above all he is honest.
88. Off and on (अनियमित रूप से-irregularly)
I have been learning French off and on for some time.
89. Now and then (कभी-कभी)
He writes to me now and then.
90. Hither and thither (इधर उधर)
We walked hither and thither in the exhibition.
91. From time to time (समय-समय पर)
He comes from time to time to see how we are.
92. For better or for worse (बुरा भला चाहे कुछ भी हो-whatever be)
I have accepted his job for better or for worse.
93. For long (देर तक, बहुत समय तक)
He was imprisoned for long.
94. First and foremost (सबसे प्रथम-before anything else)
First and foremost, speak the truth.
95. Far and wide (देश देशांतर से-everywhere)
People come from far and white to hear the famous singer.
96. Far and near (दूर-दूर से)
He shought for his missing son far and near.
97. Far and away; out and away; out and out (सभी तुलनाओं से आगे-beyond all comparison)
he is far and away the best batsman in our country.
98. Without fail (निश्चित रूप से-positively, certainly)
I will meet you there on Sunday at twelve without fail.
99. With one voice (एकमत से-unanimously)
His proposal was rejected with one voice by the people.
100. To the contrary (इसके विरुद्ध-against what has been said)
I have nothing to say to the contrary.
101. To thick and thin (सभी कठिनाइयों में-under all difficulties)
Both the friends decided to stand by each other through thick and thin.
102. To and fro (इधर उधर-backward and forward)
The child walked to and fro in the room.
103. Then and there (वहीं पर-on the spot)
The murderer was caught then and there.
104. Through and through (संपूर्णत:-entirely, completely)
He has the read the holy Geeta through and through.
105. So far as or as far as (जहां तक-in my experience)
So far as I know, it never rains in November.
400 Most Important Idioms And Phrases
106. In the long run or sooner or later (अंत में-eventually)
In the long run or sooner or later the cheat will be caught.
107. Over and above (अतिरिक्त-besides)
Over and above being honest, he is humble.
108. On the whole (साधारण रूप से-generally speaking)
On the whole my paper was considered superior to that of his.
109. Once again (एक बार फिर)
Read this passage once again.
110. On the one hand; on the other hand (एक हो तो यह और दूसरी ओर वह)
On the one hand you are anxious to go home, on the other hand you are afraid of inconvenience on the way.
111. Once and again ( समय-समय पर बारंबार-occasionally)
I have told you once and again not to read hate stories.
112. On the contrary (उल्टे, विरुद्ध-contradiction)
He does not love her; on the contrary, he hates her.
Conjunctional Phrases-400 Most Important Idioms And Phrases
113. In so much that. (इतना कि)
The riots in the city continued all day, in so much that it was dangerous to leave the house.
114. In as much as (क्योंकि-because, as)
The general yield to the enemy in as much as his men were short of ammunition and food.
115. As sure as (जब तक की)
As sure as you stay here, you will have to do this work.
116. At the same time (परंतु फिर भी-वाक्य के आरंभ में)
There seems to be much force in what you say, at the same time they adhere to their own opinion.
117. All the same (फिर भी-वाक्य के अंत में)
There seems to be much force in what you say, they adhere to their own opinion all the same.
118. Indeed but (निसंदेह फिर भी)
The thieves indeed were caught but nothing that they had stolen could be recovered.
119. In order that (इसलिए कि)
We work in order that we may earn a living.
120. As long as (जब तक की)
as long as it rains we must not step out of the house.
121. Scarcely……before (कठिनता से-hardly……before)
He had scarcely heard of the death of his friend before he wept aloud.
122. No sooner…..than (ज्यों ही की)
No sooner did he step out of the room than the door was closed.
123. A bird of passage (एक स्थान से दूसरे स्थान पर घूमने वाला-migratory bird, a person who does not stick to any place)
Like a bird of passage he is always shifting from place to place.
124. A bed of thorns (कांटो का बिछोना-uncomfortable position)
Life is a bed of thorns.
125. A bed of roses (फूलों की शैया-A comfortable thing)
Life is not a bed of roses.
126. A beast of prey (शिकारी जानवर-beast which kills and eats other animals)
The lion is a beast of prey.
127. Beast of burden (भार ढोने वाला जानवर-a beast used for carrying heavy loads)
128. The Apple of one’s eye (आंख का तारा-very dear)
Her son is the Apple of her eye.
129. An Apple of discord or bone of contention (झगड़े का कारण-a cause for strife)
This piece of land is an apple of discord between the two brothers.
130. Apple pie order (अच्छी व्यवस्था-perfect order)
Raju’s mother keeps the apple pie order in her house.
131. Alma Mater (अपना विद्यालय-mother institution)
Now Doctor Kalam is the head of his alma mater.
132. Adam’s ale (पानी -water)
The soldier died for want of a glass of Adam’s ale.
133. Flesh and blood (मानवीय स्वभाव-human nature)
Flesh and blood cannot bear this insult.
134. Ins and outs (सारे भेद-full details)
You have not given me ins and outs of the matter.
135. Fish out of water (जल बिन मछली-not at ease)
Being a French, he is feeling like a fish out of water in India.
136. Escape literature (हल्का साहित्य-light literature)
Raju is not interested in reading escape literature.
137. Elixir of Life (अमृत-nectar)
Sound health proved to be the Elixir of life for him.
138. Doom’s Day (कयामत का दिन-the last day of the creation)
11 September was as if a Doom’s Day for the US.
400 Most Important Idioms And Phrases
139. A dog in the manger (स्वार्थी-a selfish person)
I had thought Mrs Riya to be a philanthropic woman but she turned out to be a dog in the manger.
140. Debt of nature (मृत्यु-death)
Everyone has to pay the debt of nature one day or the other.
141. D-Day (सफलता का दिवस-the day of success)
After its success in the final, the Indian team is celebrating its D-day today.
142. The daughter of Eve (स्त्री-woman)
Who can escape the spell of the daughters of Eve.
143. A cry for the moon (आकाश पुष्प-in impossible thing)
Swaraj, which was a cry for the moon one day, turned out to be a reality for India.
144. To cross one’s t’s and dot one’s i’s (अंतिम पॉलिश-to give finishing touch)
Her project work is almost over, she has just to cross one’s t’s and dot one’s i’s.
145. Close-fisted man (कंजूस-a great miser)
Do not expect my monetary gain from him; he is a close-fisted man.
146. Castles in the air (हवाई किले-imaginary plans)
What use is there of building castles in the air?
147. A cat and dog life (झगड़ों से भरा जीवन-a life full of quarrels)
Their family is leading a cat and dog life.
148. Cap in hand (विनम्रता पूर्वक-humbly)
The peon went to the officer cap in hand.
149. Bolt from the blue (आकस्मिक दुखद संदेश-a sad and an unexpected news)
The news of my grandfather’s death was a bolt from the blue.
150. Birds of a feather (एक जैसे स्वभाव के-people with the same interests)
Birds of a feather flock together.
151. A nine day’s wonder (4 दिन की चांदनी-short time sensation)
She left her husband and ran away with a young man. It was a nine day’s wonder for her.
152. A man of straw (साधारण इंसान-easily overcome person
He is only a man of straw.
153. A man of letters (पढ़ा लिखा व्यक्ति-a literary man)
Dr Kalam was a man of letters.
154. A man of parts (योग्य व्यक्ति-an able man)
Our vice-chancellor is a man of parts.
155. A man in the thousand (अनोखा मनुष्य-a wonderful man)
Our Prime minister is a man in a thousand.
156. The man in the street (साधारण मनुष्य-an ordinary uneducated man)
Even the man in the street knows this.
157. The long and short of a thing (संक्षेप में-the whole of it briefly stated)
The long and short of the matter is that we must set to work as early as possible.
158. The lion’s share (सबसे बड़ा भाग-unduly large share)
He always gets the lion’s share of the profits.
159. A leap in the dark (जोखिम का कार्य- a risk)
Your resignation letter is a leap in the dark.
400 Most Important Idioms And Phrases
160. A ladies’ man (स्त्रियों की संगति का प्रेमी-A man fond of female society)
Rahim works for the upliftment of women and is popularly known as ladies’ man.
161. A jack of all trades (हरफनमौला-having a little knowledge about so many things)
One should be a master of one thing instead of a jack of all trades.
162. A hard nut to crack (कठिन कार्य-difficult work)
It was a hard nut to crack- to win the test match against the West Indies.
163. Handsome is that handsome does (सुंदर वही जो सुंदर कार्य करें-beautiful is he who does beautiful acts)
He does not rely on physical charms. For him, handsome is that handsome does.
164. To be Greek (समझ से परे-unintelligible)
Science and Maths are Greek to him.
165. French leave (बिना स्वीकृति का अवकाश-leave without permission)
Mr Raju is on French leave today.
166. Sine die ( अनिश्चित अवधि के लिए-indefinite)
The curfew in the city has been imposed sine die.
167. A red letter day (आनंद और महत्व का दिन-a day of rejoicing and importance)
Independence Day is celebrated as a red letter day in our country.
168. The pros and cons of (लाभ तथा हानि-the arguments for and against)
We should study the pros and cons of the matter.
169. A pin-pricks policy (सताने की नीति-a tendency of finding fault and troubling every moment)
He left the job as the principal was regularly adopting a pin-pricks policy.
170. Petticoat government (नारी प्रभुत्व-the management of ladies)
In Akbar’s tenure there was a petticoat government’s time.
171. Penelope’s web (द्रौपदी का चीर-an unfinishable task)
If you do not pay heed to your project, it will become penelope’s web for you.
172. An olive branch (शांति एवं संधि का प्रस्ताव-offer of peace)
Shri Krishna went with an olive branch in the court of Dhritarashtra.
173. A slip of the pen (लिखने में अशुद्धि-a mistake in writing)
Although it appears to be a slip of the pen, it has caused him dear.
174. Tit for tat (जैसे को तैसा-evil for evil)
Mahatma Gandhi was opposed to tit for tat policy.
175. A slip of the tongue (गलत बात मुंह से निकल जाना-a slight mistake in speaking)
I am sorry, it is a mere slip of the tongue.
176. Yeoman’s service (-good service)
Mrs Gupta has rendered yeoman’s service in her office.
177. The ups and downs of life (उतार चढ़ाव-the changes of life)
I have seen many ups and downs of life.
178. Summun bonum (सर्वोत्तम वस्तु-highest good)
Truth was the summun bonum of life for Raja Harishchandra.
179. The sum and substance (सार तत्व-gist)
Give me the sum and substance of his speech.
180. The sinews of war (युद्ध के लिए धन-money required to carry on war)
We lack the sinews of war.
181. A snake in the grass (छिपा दुश्मन-a secret enemy)
His only son turned out to be a snake in the grass.
182. Yes-man (हां में हां मिलाने वाला व्यक्ति-who he ditta)
My father does not like to talk to Mr Pathak. He is a yes man.
Nouns that go in pairs-400 Most Important Idioms And Phrases
183. Through the length and breadth of (सब जगह-all over)
Gandhi went travelling through the length and width of the country.
184. Neck and neck (साथ साथ-side by side)
The sheep are grazing neck and neck.
185. Measure for measure (जैसे को तैसा-tit for tat)
He is very humble and modest. He does not believe in measure for measure policy.
186. Wear and tear (उपयोग से क्षति-wastage buy use)
The company is making allowance for the wear and tear of the vehicles manufactured by them.
187. Kith and kin (संबंधी, रिश्तेदार-blood relations)
His kith and kin deserted him in adversity.
188. To all intents and purposes (व्यावहारिक रूप से-practically)
He is to all intents and purposes, the leader of his party.
189. Heart and hand (पूर्ण उत्साह के साथ-with great zeal)
The politicians of early days worked heart and hand to gain independence of India.
190. Hue and cry (शोर-noise)
There was great hue and cry over the new budget passed by the parliament.
191. Heart and soul (गंभीरता पूर्वक-earnestly)
He threw himself heart and soul into his studies.
192. Over head and ears (बहुत अधिक-deeply)
He is over head and ears in debt.
400 Most Important Idioms And Phrases
193. Heart to heart (स्पष्ट-Frank)
The candidates at the meeting had a heart to heart talk with the vice-chancellor.
194. Hand to hand (हाथों हाथ-at close quarters)
They had a hand to hand fight with the robbers.
195. Fits and starts (अनियमित रूप से-irregularly)
My nephew could not attend school regularly during the last month due to indisposition. He went in fits and starts.
196. Cock and Bull story (झूठी कहानी-an absurd story)
Your narration of the incident seems to be a sheer cock and Bull story.
197. Bread and butter (रोजी रोटी-livelihood)
The poor earn their bread and butter daily and live from hand to mouth.
198. Bag and baggage (बोरिया बिस्तर-with all one’s belongings)
The poor man was turned out bag and baggage.
199. Airs and graces (बाहरी दिखावा-external show)
He has recently been promoted to the post of general manager. That is why he is assuming airs and graces.
200. The loaves and fishes (आर्थिक लाभ-material gain)
He is eager for the loaves and fishes of the office.
201. Hand and globe with (घी खिचड़ी होना-very intimate terms with)
He is hand and glow with Raju.
202. Under lock and key (ताले में बंद-locked up)
She keeps all her ornaments under lock and key.
203. Time and tide (समय-time)
Time and tide wait for no man.
204. Wind and weather (मौसम-weather)
Wind and weather permitting I shall go there.
205. Weal and woe (सुख दु:ख-joy and sorrow)
I shall be with you in weal and woe.
206. Wear and tear (घिसाई-injury caused by use)
This car will stand a wear and tear of 5 years.
207. Sum and substance (सारांश-Central idea)
The sum and substance of his speech is that one cannot progress without hard work.
208. Sheep and goat (अच्छाई और बुराई-good and evil)
One who takes sheep and goat with an equal mind is a balanced man.
209. Rack and ruin (संपूर्ण नष्ट होना-utter destruction)
The whole building has gone to rack and ruin.
210. Ways and means (उपाय-साधन-methods, ways of raising money)
Consider the ways and means for carrying out the plan.
211. Root and branch (जड़ से-completely)
Our leaders are bent upon eradicating communalism root and branch.
212. Without rhyme or reason (बिना कारण-without valid reason)
He quarrelled with me without rhyme and reason.
213. The rank and file (सामान्य जन-common people)
The rank and file cannot understand these changes.
214. Part and parcel (आवश्यक अंग-an essential part)
We are part and parcel of our country.
215. Odds and ends (छोटी मोटी वस्तुएं-stray articles)
Various odds and ends were lying on the floor.
216. With might and main (पूर्ण शक्ति से-with all one’s power)
They tugged at the rope with might and main.
Adjectives that go in pairs
217. Willy Milly (मर्जी से या बिना मर्जी के-willingly or unwillingly)
You have to study this subject, Willy Milly, as it is a compulsory one.
400 Most Important Idioms And Phrases
218. All and sundry (जनसाधारण-everybody and anybody)
All and sundry were invited to the party.
219. Right and left (चारों ओर-on all sides)
The police beat the mob right and left.
220. Hard and fast (सख्त नियम-rigid)
There is no hard and fast rule to satisfy every case.
221. Spick and span (नवीन-new)
His dress is spick and span and is appreciated by one and all.
222. Slow and steady (लगातार करते रहना-persevering)
Slow and steady wins the race.
223. Null and void (निरस्त और शून्य-without legal effect, invalid)
This agreement has become null and void.
224. High and low (प्रत्येक स्थान पर-everywhere)
He searched for his lost ring high and low.
225. Hard and fast (कठोर-strict)
There is no hard and fast rule that you should complete your project in a year. You can devote more time to it.
226. Hale and hearty (स्वस्थ-healthy)
His grandmother is quite hale and hearty even at the age of 80.
227. Fair and square (ईमानदार-honest)
He is fair and square in his dealings.
228. Ever and anon (बहुधा-often)
Raju could be seen ever and anon resting beneath the shade of the tree.
229. Cut and dry (पहले से ही तैयार-prepared beforehand)
He put forward cut and try proposals.
230. All in all (सर्वशक्तिमान-all powerful)
The principal is all in all in this school.
Idiomatic phrases composed of an adjective and a noun-400 Most Important Idioms And Phrases
231. Beauty sleep (अर्ध रात्रि-sleep taken before midnight)
One who has the beauty sleep, gets up fresh in the morning.
232. Bad blood (दुश्मनी-active enmity)
This favoritism is bound to create bad blood among the staff.
233. Argus-eyed (जागृत-vigilant)
Swami Vivekananda was an argus-eyed man.
234. A wild goose chase (व्यर्थ परिश्रम-a useless adventure)
To try to find a true friend is a wild goose chase.
235. A warm reception (जोशीला स्वागत-a reception full of love)
We gave him a warm reception.
236. A curtain lecture (स्त्री का पुरुष को-a lecture given by a wife to her husband)
Raju fled from his house because he was tired of curtain lectures.
237. A cold reception (नीरस स्वागत-a reception wanting in love)
He was displeased at his cold reception.
238. Cold blooded murder (बुरी तरह से हत्या-an unprovoked murder)
His cold blooded murder made my hair stand on end.
239. A chicken hearted fellow (डरपोक -a timid fellow)
Your younger brother is a chicken hearted fellow.
240. Casting vote (निर्णय करने वाला मत-the president’s additional vote when both sides have equal votes)
The resolution was passed by the casting vote of the President.
241. A capital crime (ऐसा अपराध जिसकी सजा मौत हो-a crime punishable with death)
Murder is a capital crime.
242. Bull in a China shop (स्वभाव के विरुद्ध वातावरण में-round peg in a square hole)
Raju is a bull in a China shop among the urbans as he comes from a rural background.
400 Most Important Idioms And Phrases
243. Capital error (महान त्रुटि-great mistake)
He suffered owing to his capital error.
244. A burning question (ज्वलंत प्रश्न-a matter requiring urgent settlement)
The abolition of capitalism is the burning question of the day.
245. A bosom friend (मित्र-a chum)
Ram is my friend.
246. Black diamond (कोयला-coal)
Black diamond was used in the beginning to run steam-engines.
247. Black art (जादू-magic)
My cousin has gone to see black art in the exhibition.
248. A black sheep (बुरे चरित्र वाला-a person with a bad reputation)
He is a black sheep of our colony.
249. A man’s better half (पत्नी-wife)
His better half is out of sorts today.
250. Bird’s eye view (सूक्ष्म दृष्टि डालना-a cursory survey)
The inspection committee had a bird’s eye view of the library.
251. A big gun (महत्वपूर्ण व्यक्ति-an important person)
You need to fix an appointment with him as he is a big gun.
252. A laconic speech (विषय के तथ्य मात्र-mere narration of facts)
Raju’s laconic speech reveals his ignorance of the rules of oratory.
253. A Judas kiss (विश्वासघात-betrayal)
His leakage of the secret to the enemy is a Judas kiss.
254. A jaundiced eye (पक्षपात की दृष्टि-partial look)
While doing evaluation of the examination copies, the examiners should not have a jaundiced eye.
255. Iron hand (अत्यंत कठोर-great strictness)
The principal dealt with the students with an iron hand.
256. In iron will (दृढ़ निश्चय-unbending will)
Sardar Patel was a man of iron will.
257. A henpecked husband (जोरू का गुलाम-ruled by his wife)
My friend is a henpecked husband.
258. A hair breadth escape (बाल बाल बचना-a narrow escape)
He had a hair breadth escape from being run over by a bus.
259. A hard nut to crack (कठिन कार्य-something difficult to deal with)
To pass the IAS examination is a hard nut to crack.
260. A good hand at (निपुण-claver in)
He is a good hand at cricket.
261. A green horn (अनुभवहीन व्यक्ति-an inexperienced to person)
You cannot be given this job because you are still a green horn.
262. The gift of the gab (बोलने की कला-power of talking)
The secretary of the students union has the gift of the gab.
263. A gala day (खुशी से भरपूर दिन-a happy or festive occasion)
The 15th August is a Gala Day in India.
264. Fair weather friend (स्वार्थी मित्र-a false friend)
Don’t trust him, he is a fair weather friend.
265. Fiddlesticks (व्यर्थ बाद-nonsense)
Though he is well educated, yet he talks fiddlesticks.
266. By fair means or foul (उचित अनुचित सभी प्रकार से-by any means)
Leaders try to gain their objects by fair means or foul.
267. Eagle eyed man (ध्यान पूर्वक देखने वाला-keen observer)
My master is an eagle eyed man. Nobody can deceive him.
268. A drawn game or battle (बगैर निर्णय का खेल-in which neither party wins)
We played a drawn game of football.
400 Most Important Idioms And Phrases
269. Crocodile tears (घड़ियाली आंसू-insincere sorrow)
You crocodile tears cannot move anybody to pity.
270. A white elephant (ऐसी चीज जिस पर बहुत अधिक खर्च हो-a dignity hard to support)
A European wife is generally a white elephant for an Indian husband.
271. A white lie (सफेद झूठ-a harmless falsehood)
His white lie did me no harm.
272. Virgin soil (बगैर जूती हुई भूमि-soil which has never been tilled)
Overpopulation in India is one of the major factors for the reduction in the lands of virgin soil.
273. Utopian scheme (जो व्यहारिक ना हो-impracticable)
This is a utopian scheme. I am afraid if this can lead to our profit.
274. The three R’s (पढ़ना, लिखना, अंकगणित-reading writing and arithmetic)
He knows nothing except the 3 R’s.
275. Tall talk (शेखी बघारना-vain language)
Do not indulge in tall talk.
276. The turning point (जीवन में मोड लाने वाली घटना-the deciding factor)
His friend’s death was a turning point in his life.
277. A stiffnecked man (जिद्दी व्यक्ति-an obstinate person)
Mr Rohit is a stiffnecked man, it is very difficult to make him agree to this plan.
278. A silver lining (उजला पहलू-bright side)
Every cloud has a silver lining.
279. A sleeping partner (क्रियात्मक भाग न लेने वाला साथी-a partner who performs no active duty)
He is a sleeping partner in this business.
280. A rainy day (कठिनाई का समय-a time of adversity)
We must keep some money for a rainy day.
281. Red tape or Taoism (लालफीताशाही-excessive official formality)
In every office you are faced with red tapism.
282. A red letter day (महत्वपूर्ण दिवस-a fortunate day, an important day)
26th January is a red letter day in the history of India.
283. Quixotic project (मूर्खता पूर्ण कार्य-in nonsense plan)
No quixotic project can make you successful in life.
284. A narrow escape (बाल बाल बचना-a hair breadth escape)
He had a narrow escape from the bull which was chasing him.
285. An open secret (खुला भेद-a secret known to many persons)
It is an open secret that he will soon desert his party.
286. Ostrich policy (आत्म धोखा-policy of self deception)
He suffered great loss in life owing to ostrich policy.
287. A maiden speech (प्रथम भाषण-a speech made for the first time)
In his maiden speech he worked wonders.
288. A laughing stock (उपहास का केंद्र-target or object of ridicule)
Raju is a laughing stock of his office.
289. A promising youth (होनहार नौजवान-a young man who is expected to become great)
My friend is a promising youth.
290. Ready money (नकद-cash in hand)
At present I have no ready money to buy a car.
291. The primrose path (सरल पथ-an easy and flowery path)
Success in life demands hard work; there is no primrose path to it.
292. To do one’s best (पूरा प्रयत्न करना-to try once utmost)
The fox tried its best to get at the grapes but all in vain.
293. To do one a good turn (भलाई करना-to do an act of kindness)
We should try to do good turn to others.
294. To cut a sorry figure (बुरा प्रभाव डालना-to make a poor show)
He cut a sorry figure when he stood up for the speech.
400 Most Important Idioms And Phrases
295. To catch red handed (जुर्म करते पकड़ा जाना-to catch at the time of committing some bad deed)
The murderer was caught red handed.
296. To catch at straw (डूबते को तिनके का सहारा-to avail of the least help)
A drowning man catches at a straw.
297. To carry the day (जीतना-to win)
Maharana Pratap fought so bravely that he carried the day.
298. To call a spade a spade (खरी बात कहना-speak plainly)
Raju is frank and straightforward and calls a spade a spade.
299. To burn candle at both ends (दोनों हाथ धन लुटाना-to spend lavishly)
He burnt the candle at both ends and soon became a bankerupt.
300. To breathe one’s last (मृत्यु हो जाना-to pass away)
Raju’s father breathed his last yesterday.
301. To blow one’s own trumpet (अपने मुंह मियां मिट्ठू बनना-to talk highly of one’s own self)
Rahul Gandhi has the habit of blowing his own trumpet.
302. To blow hot and cold (कभी अपनाना कभी ठुकराना-to prepare at one time and discard at another)
Tell me if you really want to own this land. Do not blow hot and cold.
303. To beggar description (अवर्णनीय-undescribable)
The beauty of the snow covered Himalayas beggars description.
304. To beat about the bush (इधर उधर की बातों में उलझना-to stray away)
Come to the main point. Why are you beating about the bush?
305. To beat a retreat (भाग जाना-to run off)
As soon as he saw the cheetah, he beat a retreat.
306. To bear the brunt of (भार उठाना-to shoulder the burden)
After the demise of his father, he is bearing the brunt of his family.
307. To beat black and blue (बुरी तरह पीटना-to beat severely)
The police beat the thief black and blue.
308. To bay at the moon (किसी असंभव वस्तु को प्राप्त करने हेतु प्रयत्न-to try to attain something impossible)
Being a weak student, his trying to get first division in the class seems to be like baying at the moon.
309. To be at one’s wit’s end (बुद्धि चकरा जाना-quite puzzled)
He was at his wit’s end to know of his dismissal.
310. To be at one’s finger’s end (बिल्कुल अच्छी तरह याद होना-to know thoroughly)
All the points of his speech are at my finger’s end.
311. To be at a loss to understand (समझ से बाहर-to be puzzled)
I am at a loss to understand what to do now.
312. To add fuel to the fire (flames) (जलते पर तेल डालना-make passions stronger)
Her remarks during the discussion added fuel to the flames.
313. To leave no stone unturned (कोई कसर नहीं छोड़ना-to endeavour all efforts)
I shall leave no stone unturned to give you every satisfaction in the discharge of my duties.
314. To kill two birds with one stone (एक साधन से दो कार्य करना-to do two jobs)
Ram is running a college of commerce where he types on wages also, thus he kills two birds with one stone.
315. To keep in touch with (संपर्क रखना)
Keep in touch with your old friends.
316. To have too many irons in the fire (एक साथ बहुत से कार्य करना-to be engaged in too many enterprises)
One who has too many irons in the fire succeeds in none.
317. To hold one’s tongue (चुप होना-to be silent)
Hold your tongue, please.
318. To gird up one’s loins (कमर कसना-exert whole heartedly)
Gird up your loins to corruption.
319. To get wind off (सूचना मिल जाना-to get information)
The police got wind off the terrorist and arrested them.
320. To get off scot free (साफ मुक्त होना-to escape unpunished)
The real culprit got off scot free.
321. To grind one’s own axe (अपना उल्लू सीधा करना-to work with a selfish motive)
In the assembly every member tries to grind his own axe.
400 Most Important Idioms And Phrases
322. To hit the nail on the head (ठीक समय पर कार्य करना-to do exactly the right thing)
In making the appointment of a peon the principal has hit the nail on the head.
323. To feet out of sorts (तबीयत खराब होना-to feel indisposed)
I am feeling out of sorts today and cannot attend the meeting.
324. To find fault with others (दोष निकालना)
Some people are in the habit of finding faults with others.
325. To follow suit (पीछा करना-to do the same)
If one ant goes to one side others follow suit.
326. To end in smoke (व्यर्थ सिद्ध होना-without effect)
All his efforts to become a minister ended in smoke.
327. To end in a draw (किसी भी दल की जीत ना होना-to end with neither party winning)
The match between England and India was ended in a draw.
328. To wreak vengeance upon (बदला लेना-to take revenge)
He is determined to wreak vengeance upon his father’s murderers.
329. To win laurels (आदर मान सम्मान प्राप्त करना-to win honour)
He won laurels at various occasions in the display of his game.
330. To stand by (साथ देना-to support)
He stands by me in need.
331. To spread like wildfire (जंगली आग की भांति फैलना-of reports, rumours, spreading very fast)
The news of Sridevi’s death spread like wildfire.
332. To see eye to eye with (सहमत होना-to agree)
I cannot see eye to eye with you in this matter.
333. To sell like hot cakes (हाथों हाथ बिकना-to have a very good sale)
This book is selling like hot cakes.
334. To strain every nerve (पूरा प्रयत्न करना-to try one’s utmost)
She is strained every nerve to pass the examination but in vain.
335. To smell a rat (दाल में काला-to suspect a foul dealing)
I smell a rat in keeping the proceedings of the meeting secret.
336. To pocket an insult (निरादर सहन कर लेना-bear insult)
A self-respecting man cannot pocket such an insult.
337. To rise to the occasion (अवसर के अनुसार कार्य करना-to prove equal to a crisis)
He rose to the occasion and got over the instigated mob.
338. To rain cats and dogs (मूसलाधार वर्षा होना-to rain in torrents)
I had hardly stepped out when it began to rain cats and dogs.
339. To pay one false (धोखा देना-deceive)
One who pays you false cannot be a true friend.
400 Most Important Idioms And Phrases
340. To pay one back in one’s own coin (ईट का जवाब पत्थर से देना)
No sooner did Ram give Shyam a slap than he paid him back in his own coin.
341. To move heaven and earth (आकाश पाताल एक करना-to make every effort)
We should move heaven and earth to eradicate corruption from our country.
342. To make one’s hair stand on end (भयभीत करना-terrify)
His adventures made our hair stand on end.
343. To make the most of (पूरा लाभ उठाना-to make the best use of)
Hard working people make the most of their time.
344. To live in glass houses (दोषपूर्ण होना-to be open to criticism)
Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones on others.
400 Most Important Idioms And Phrases
subhash
I am Subhash joshi. हर एक पोस्ट के पीछे मेरा सबसे बड़ा मोटिव होता है अपने Readers की life में value add करना। मैंने badisuccess.com/ kyon shuru kiya ? किसी ने कहा है कि यदि खुद को बड़ा बनाना है, तो औरों को बड़ा बनाना शुरू करो। यदि खुद को मदद चाहिए तो औरों की मदद करना शुरू करो और बस यही आधार बना badisuccess.com/ को शुरू करने का। MY CONTACT NO. 9753978693