Idioms & Phrase (A), Study Notes, Material - DSSSB exam

List of Important Idioms and Phrases beginning with Alphabet A 

1. Achilles heel

Meaning: vulnerable spot, a small fault or weakness in a person or system that can result in its failure.

Example: The corrupt minister is regarded as the government’s Achilles heel and is expected to resign.

2. A bone of contention

Meaning: if there is an issue that always causes tension and arguments

Example: A bone of contention between the husband and wife is that the husband always spends too much money.

3. A dead letter

Meaning: An argument or law not followed by anyone.

Example: The blue laws here are a dead letter; all the stores open on Sundays and holidays

4. At the eleventh hour

Example: She always turned her term papers in at the eleventh hour.

5. A queer fish

Meaning: a strange person

Example: I knew his father and he was a queer fish too.

6. A worm's eye view

Meaning:  having very little knowledge about something

Example: The novel provides us with a worm's eye view of society.

7. At (on) the heels of

Meaning: close behind or soon after something

Example: As in Mom's birthday comes on the heels of Mother's Day

8. Apple of someone's eyes

Meaning: someone loved very much.

Example: His youngest son was the apple of his eye.

9. Ask for the Moon

Meaning: to ask for too much.

Example: There's no point hoping for a feeling of permanent peace in the area. It's like asking for the moon.

10. Asleep at the switch

Meaning: not to be alert on the opportunity

Example: Health experts were asleep at the switch when the disease began to spread rapidly again.

11. At sixes and sevens

Meaning: to be lost and bewildered

Example: Riya is at sixes and sevens since the death of her husband.

12. At someone's beck and call

Meaning: to be always ready to serve

Example: Imagine what it's like to have a cook and a maid at your beck and call.

13. At an arm's length

Meaning: to keep at a distance

Example: Ram always keeps his friends at arm's length, so that no one gets close enough to hurt his feelings.

14. A red-letter day

Meaning: an important day

Example: A special occasion, as in When Ram comes home from his tour of duty, that'll be a red-letter day

15. A nine days wonder

Meaning: pleasure for a short time

Example: His music was derided by an older generation convinced that he was a nine-day wonder.

16. Alma Mater

Meaning: Institution where I got my education

Example: She has been offered the position of professor of international economic policy in Delhi, her alma mater.

17. At the drop of a hat

Meaning-Willingness to do something instantly

Example: She expects me to make dinner at the drop of a hat even if I am very busy with office work

18. A cold Fish

Meaning: A person devoid of emotions

Example: Ram isn't very demonstrative, but his mother was a cold fish so he probably gets it from her.

19. A cock and bull story

Meaning: An improbable excuse

Example: She told me some cock-and-bull story.

20. Aboveboard

Meaning: straight; without concealment, legitimate; open.

Example: No tricks, please. We want the deal to be above board completely.