SSC CGL Exam is one of the most important exams in India. The examination is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission to hire students for vacancies lying with central government ministries. SSC CGL 2021 will be conducted soon and we have come up with a list of 50 Idioms that are helpful for the upcoming exams.

Around 5 to 6 questions are asked from the Idioms topic and the candidates need to be prepared to score high marks in the exams. Idioms asked in SSC CGL Exam are not easy and the candidates find it tough while solving it. Hence we ask our candidates to be fully prepared with the list of 50 Idioms asked in the SSC CGL Exam.

50 Idioms You Must Know for SSC CGL


The candidates can find the list of 50 Idioms that candidates must know for SSC CGL exam below:

Acid Test
The acid test proves the effectiveness of something.

Cut the ground from under feet
When you cut the ground from under someone's feet, you do something which weakens their position.

Chase your tail
Spending a lot of time and energy doing a lot of things but actually achieving too little.

A whole bag of tricks 
Means trying all the clever means to achieve something.

Deliver the goods 
Do what is expected or promised.

Fine Tooth comb 
Examining something carefully to not miss out on any details.

Explore all avenues
Trying out every possibility to get a result.

Fast track something 
Rating something higher on your priority list to achieve the desired result.

Get ducks in a row 
Getting your things well organized.

Get the show on the road 
Putting up a plan or idea into action.

Keep your fingers on the pulse 
Being constantly aware of the most recent developments.

Mean business 
Being serious about what you announce.

Think on your feet 
Adjusting quickly to changes and making fast decisions.

Sail through something 
Being successful in doing something without difficulty.

Tricks of the trade
Clever or expert way of doing something.

Not let grass grow under feet 
Don't delay in getting something done.

Work like a charm 
Works very well or has the desired effect.

Backroom boys 
People who perform important work but have no contact with the public. 

Deadwood 
People or things that are no longer useful or necessary.

Get the axe 
Lose the job.

Plum job 
A desirable position that is well paid and considered relatively easy.

Shape up or ship out 
This expression is used to warn someone that if they do not improve their ways, they will have to leave their job.

Golden handshake 
 A big sum of money given to a person when they leave a company or retire.  

Separate sheep from goats 
 Examining a group of people and deciding their suitability

Waiting in the wings 
 Waiting for an opportunity to take action, mostly to replace someone else in their job.

Eat, sleep and breathe something 
Being so enthusiastic and passionate about something that you think about it all the time.

With bells on 
When you are delighted and eager to go somewhere, you are said to go with bells on.

Fever pitch 
When a feeling is very intense and exciting, it is said to be at a fever pitch.

Blood, sweat and tears 
Something that requires a lot of effort and hard work.

Have on the brain 
Thinking or talking about it all day long.

Fling yourself into 
Doing something with a lot of energy and enthusiasm.

Raring to go 
 Being very eager and enthusiastic about the idea of doing something.

Xerox subsidy 
 Using the office photocopier for personal use. 

Get a grip on yourself 
Controlling your feelings to deal with a situation.

Hang on by fingernails 
Continuing to do something in a very difficult situation.

Pull out all the stops 
Doing everything you can to make something successful.

Buckle down 
Doing some hard work with determination and full attention.

First out of the gate 
Being the first one to make a start at something.

Going Places 
Exhibiting talent and ability that will lead to a successful future.

Have one's heart set on 
Possessing a determination to obtain something.

Make headway 
Progress in what you are trying to achieve.

Punch above one's weight
Performing beyond your ability.

Sink your teeth into 
Doing something with a lot of energy and enthusiasm.

Stand one's ground 
Maintaining your position.

Close to home 
A comment which is true and makes you uncomfortable is close to home.

Carry the torch for 
Having strong feelings for someone who cannot be yours.

Cork up something 
Failing to express your emotions.

Cut to the quick 
Hurting someone deeply or offending them.

Fish out of water 
Feeling uncomfortable in unfamiliar surroundings.

Bee in one's bonnet 
Carrying an idea that constantly occupies your thoughts.

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