Kerala SSLC · English · Class 10
Grammar – Phrasal Verbs and Idioms: Important Questions with Answers
These are 10 important multiple-choice questions from the Kerala SSLC English chapter “Grammar – Phrasal Verbs and Idioms” (Kerala SCERT syllabus). Each one shows the correct answer and a short explanation of why it is right. Try answering before you read the answer. ExamSummary has 10 practice questions on this chapter in total.
Q1.We decided to _______ the meeting until next Friday because of the heavy rain.
- A)call off
- B)call up
- C)call on
- D)call back
Answer: A) call off
"Call off" means to cancel an event, which fits the context of postponing a meeting due to rain. The other options mean to telephone or visit someone, which does not fit the situation.
Q2.It was difficult to start a conversation with the strangers, so he told a joke to _______.
- A)break the ice
- B)break the bank
- C)break the law
- D)break even
Answer: A) break the ice
"Break the ice" is an idiom used to describe relieving tension or awkwardness in a social situation. The other options relate to financial loss, illegal acts, or balancing accounts.
Q3.My brother _______ his father in every way, especially in his love for cricket.
- A)takes after
- B)takes off
- C)takes up
- D)takes over
Answer: A) takes after
"Takes after" means to resemble a parent or older relative in appearance or character. "Takes off" refers to removing clothing or an aircraft flying, which does not fit the context.
Q4.That designer handbag is far too expensive; it will _______ you.
- A)cost an arm and a leg
- B)cost a penny
- C)cost nothing
- D)cost time
Answer: A) cost an arm and a leg
The idiom "cost an arm and a leg" means something is extremely expensive. The other options suggest low cost or non-monetary value, contradicting the description.
Q5.She managed to _______ an old photograph of her grandparents while cleaning the drawer.
- A)come across
- B)come about
- C)come down
- D)come out
Answer: A) come across
"Come across" means to find something accidentally or unexpectedly. "Come about" means to happen, while the others refer to movement or emergence.
Q6.Please stop _______ and tell me exactly what you saw at the scene.
- A)beating around the bush
- B)beating the drums
- C)beating the air
- D)beating the path
Answer: A) beating around the bush
"Beat around the bush" means to avoid speaking directly about a topic. In this context, the speaker wants a direct answer rather than evasion.
Q7.If you want to learn guitar, you must decide to _______ it seriously.
- A)take up
- B)take off
- C)take away
- D)take in
Answer: A) take up
"Take up" is a phrasal verb meaning to start a new hobby or activity. The other options imply removal or deception, which do not fit learning an instrument.
Q8.Cooking this meal is very simple for her; it is _______.
- A)a piece of cake
- B)a hard nut to crack
- C)a red herring
- D)a white elephant
Answer: A) a piece of cake
"A piece of cake" is an idiom describing something very easy to do. The other idioms refer to difficult tasks, distractions, or useless possessions.
Q9.We need to buy more water immediately, or we will _______ of it soon.
- A)run out
- B)run away
- C)run over
- D)run into
Answer: A) run out
"Run out of" means to exhaust the supply of something. "Run away" implies fleeing, and "run over" means hitting with a vehicle.
Q10.He promised to _______ smoking completely to improve his health.
- A)give up
- B)give in
- C)give away
- D)give out
Answer: A) give up
"Give up" means to stop doing a habit or activity permanently. "Give in" means to surrender, while the others mean to donate or distribute.