📘 Chapter Contents
1. Classroom Explanation
Idioms and phrases are fixed expressions whose meanings are different from the literal meanings of the individual words. NDA often asks the meaning of the highlighted idiom in a sentence.
हिंदी: Idiom वो वाक्यांश है जिसका अर्थ शब्दों से अलग, एक तय अर्थ होता है (मुहावरे की तरह)।
2. High-Frequency Idioms (NDA Level)
- Break the ice – to start a friendly conversation (हिंदी: झिझक तोड़ना, बात शुरू करना)
- Hit the nail on the head – to be exactly right (बिलकुल सही बात कहना)
- Once in a blue moon – very rarely (बहुत कम / कभी-कभार)
- Back to square one – to start again from the beginning (फिर से शुरू करना)
- A piece of cake – very easy (बहुत आसान)
- Turn a deaf ear – to ignore (अनसुना करना)
3. Solved Examples
Sentence: For an NDA aspirant, waking up early should become a piece of cake.
Meaning: It should become very easy.
Sentence: The officer turned a deaf ear to their complaints.
Meaning: He ignored their complaints.
4. Practice Questions
Choose the correct meaning of the idiom:
1. Break the ice
a) break something b) start a conversation c) feel cold d) stop talking
2. Once in a blue moon
a) very often b) sometimes c) very rarely d) every day
3. Back to square one
a) win the game b) start again c) reach the end d) get confused
4. Hit the nail on the head
a) hurt someone b) speak angrily c) be exactly right d) make noise
5. Turn a deaf ear
a) listen carefully b) ignore c) shout loudly d) become worried
1. Break the ice
a) break something b) start a conversation c) feel cold d) stop talking
2. Once in a blue moon
a) very often b) sometimes c) very rarely d) every day
3. Back to square one
a) win the game b) start again c) reach the end d) get confused
4. Hit the nail on the head
a) hurt someone b) speak angrily c) be exactly right d) make noise
5. Turn a deaf ear
a) listen carefully b) ignore c) shout loudly d) become worried
Answers
1. b) start a conversation
2. c) very rarely
3. b) start again
4. c) be exactly right
5. b) ignore
2. c) very rarely
3. b) start again
4. c) be exactly right
5. b) ignore
Quick Recap | सार
Now you should be able to:
- Recall the most important ideas of this topic.
- Solve typical NDA-style questions from this chapter.
- Spot and avoid common traps used in competitive exams.
Self-check: 3–4 random questions उठा कर देखिए – अगर आसानी से हो रहे हैं, तो chapter strong है।
Common Exam Mistakes | आम गलतियाँ
- Concept ठीक से clear न करना और सीधे रटने की कोशिश करना।
- Question पूरी तरह पढ़े बिना answer mark कर देना।
- Figures, dates, या formulas को last step में verify न करना।
NDA में smart strategy यह है कि आसान वाले सवाल पहले, doubtful बाद में – और silly mistakes से बचना सबसे ज़रूरी है।