Idioms and Phrases — IBPS PO Prelims Study Notes

Overview

Idioms and Phrases form a recurring scoring area in IBPS PO Prelims, typically appearing within Reading Comprehension passages, Cloze Tests, or as standalone vocabulary questions. Unlike straightforward vocabulary, idioms carry meanings that cannot be deduced from their individual words—"kick the bucket" has nothing to do with buckets or kicking.

For IBPS PO, you need to master approximately 100–150 commonly tested idioms. Questions test whether you understand the figurative meaning and can identify correct usage in context. This is pure memorisation territory, but smart grouping by theme (money, time, failure, success, conflict) makes recall faster. Since 2–4 marks per exam hinge on idiom knowledge, this is high-return revision for minimal effort.

Key Concepts

• **Idiom vs. Phrase**: An idiom has a figurative meaning different from its literal words ("break the ice" = start conversation, not shatter frozen water). A phrase is any meaningful word group, which may or may not be idiomatic.

• **Phrasal Verbs**: Verbs combined with prepositions/adverbs that create new meanings. "Look after" (care for) differs entirely from "look" alone. IBPS frequently tests these within fill-in-the-blanks.

• **Context determines correctness**: Many idioms sound similar but mean opposite things. "In the red" (debt) vs. "in the black" (profit). Always check surrounding sentence tone.

• **Fixed structure**: Idioms rarely allow word changes. "A piece of cake" cannot become "a slice of cake" and retain meaning. Spotting wrong variations is a test strategy.

• **Formal vs. informal register**: Banking exams prefer idioms suitable for professional writing. "Beat around the bush" is acceptable; slang idioms rarely appear.

• **Negative idioms often confuse**: "Leave no stone unturned" (try everything) sounds negative but is positive. Read carefully.

Key Facts — Must-Know Idioms by Category

**Success and Achievement**

• Hit the nail on the head — say exactly the right thing
• Turn over a new leaf — make a fresh start
• Make headway — achieve progress
• Come off with flying colours — succeed brilliantly
• Burn the midnight oil — work late into the night

**Failure and Problems**

• Bite the dust — fail or be defeated
• Go down the drain — be wasted completely
• Be in hot water — be in trouble
• Miss the boat — lose an opportunity
• Back to square one — start again from the beginning