Boost your competitive exam preparation with this comprehensive guide of the top 100Idioms and Phrases for Competitive Exams. Get English-Gujarati meanings, examples, and a free downloadable PDF for easy learning. Perfect for exam success!
Idioms and phrases are an essential part of the English language and hold a special place in competitive exams. They are expressions whose meaning cannot be directly deduced from the individual words, making them difficult to learn, but interesting. Mastering idioms can help candidates improve their vocabulary, enhance their ability to understand complex sentences, and perform better in the English section of exams like SSC, UPSC, IBPS.
This blog is a complete guide to the top 100 idioms and phrases, including their English and Gujarati meanings, as well as practical examples. Whether you are a beginner or looking to brush up on your skills, this post is designed to provide you with all the tools you need to excel.
Additionally, to make your learning journey more convenient, we are providing a free PDF containing the complete list of idioms and phrases discussed in this post. By the end of this article, you will feel more confident about handling idioms and phrases in your competitive exams.
Importance of for Competitive Exams with English Gujarati Meaning and Example
Idioms and phrases are often tested in competitive exams as they assess a candidate’s grasp of the English language beyond basic vocabulary and grammar. These expressions reflect a deep understanding of the language and its cultural nuances, making them an important component in evaluating language proficiency.
Why Are Idioms and Phrases Important?
- Improves language skills: Learning idioms helps candidates express ideas more effectively and understand the nuances of language.
- Increases exam scores: Many exams have sections focused on idioms and phrases, either as part of multiple-choice questions or comprehension pieces.
- Real-life applications: Beyond exams, idioms are widely used in conversations, newspapers, and other forms of communication, making them a valuable skill in personal and professional settings.
Idioms and Competitive Exams
Questions on idioms in SSC, UPSC, IBPS and state level exams generally involve:
- Choosing the correct meaning of an idiom from multiple options.
- Identifying the idiom and its context in a sentence.
- Using idioms appropriately in writing tasks such as essays and letters.
Mastering idioms helps candidates improve their ability to understand complex sentences quickly and correctly, which is crucial in timed exams.
This guide not only provides the most frequently asked idioms but also provides practical tips and exercises to ensure that you are fully prepared for any question related to idioms in your competitive exams.
Top 100 Idioms and Phrases for Competitive Exams with English Gujarati Meaning and Example
001. To keep well
Meaning:- To be in good health
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− સ્વસ્થ હોવું
Example:- I am keeping well in winter’s days.
002. A wet blanket
Meaning:- A person who often dampens the excitement, excitement, or enjoyment of others by being pessimistic, negative, or overly critical.
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− એવી વ્યક્તિ જે અન્ય લોકોના ઉત્સાહ, ઉત્તેજના અથવા આનંદને ઘટાડે છે, આવી વ્યક્તિ નિરાશાવાદી, નકારાત્મક હોય છે તે વધુ પડતી ટીકા કરીને આવું કરે છે. .
Example:- Don’t invite Yogesh to the party; he’s such a wet blanket and always complains about everything.
003. A hot potato
Meaning:- A controversial issue or difficult topic that people avoid discussing because it is sensitive, divisive, or might cause disagreement.
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− વિષમ પરિસ્થિતિ, ભયંકર સ્થિતિ/ વસ્તુ
Example:- The topic of raising taxes has become a hot potato for the government.
004. A stag party
Meaning:- A party were only men are allowed to be present
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− ફક્ત પુરૂષોની ગોષ્ઠી/ મીલન
Example:- We are going to have a stag party this weekend.
005. A hen party
Meaning:- A party where only women are allowed to be present
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− ફત સ્ત્રીઓની ગોષ્ઠી, મીલન
Example:- Sudha is going to Sneha’s hen party.
006. To give up
Meaning:- To stop trying to achieve something, to admit defeat, or to give in. It can also mean to abandon an effort, activity, or pursuit.
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− કંઈક હાંસલ કરવાનો પ્રયાસ કરવાનું બંધ કરવું, છોડી દેવું . તેનો અર્થ એવો પણ થઈ શકે છે કે કોઈ પ્રયાસ, પ્રવૃત્તિ અથવા ધંધો છોડી દેવો.
Example:- After several failed attempts, Radhika decided to give up on solving the puzzle.
007. Hit the nail on the head
Meaning:- Describe or state something precisely or point out the most accurate or relevant point in a discussion or situation.
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− કોઈ વસ્તુનું બરાબર વર્ણન કરવું અથવા ચર્ચા કે પરિસ્થિતિમાં સૌથી સચોટ અથવા સંબંધિત મુદ્દાને સૂચવવા.
Example:- When Radhika said the project failed because of poor planning, she hit the nail on the head.
008. Hit the sack
Meaning:- Going to bed or falling asleep. This is an informal way of saying that someone is going to rest for the night.
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− સુઇ જવું
Example:- Radhika decided to hit the sack early to prepare for his meeting in the morning.
009. It takes two to tango
Meaning:- Both people involved in a bad situation or argument, and both are responsible
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− એક હાથે તાળી વાગતી નથી. કોઇ પણ ખરાબ સ્થિતિ કે ઘટના માટે બંને વ્યક્તિ જવાબદાર હોવા.
Example:- Mehul blames to Rahul for their fight at play ground, but it generally takes two to tango.
010. A penny for your thoughts
Meaning:- Way of asking what someone is thinking
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− મનની વાત જાણવી/ વિચારો રજૂ કરવા કહેવું
Example:- You seemed pretty pleased, a penny for your thoughts.
011. A willing horse
Meaning:- Someone who is hardworking, eager, and willing to take on tasks or responsibilities, often so much so that they are willing to shoulder a heavy burden.
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− કોઇના માટે સખત મહેનત કરનાર, વિપરીત પરિસ્થિતિમાં સ્વેચ્છાએ સાથ આપનાર
Example:- Radhika is a willing horse who never complains, even when given extra work.
012. Cost an arm and leg
Meaning:- Very expensive, a very large and exorbitant sum of money
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− ખુબ જ ખર્ચાળ
Example:- I would very like to have a new car, but it may cost me an arm and leg.
013. A wild goose chase
Meaning:- A search for something which has no chance to being successful
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− નિરર્થક શોધખોળ કરવી. સફળતા મળવાની શયતા ન હોવા છતા મથ્યા કરવું
Example:- Rambabu is looking for his lost mobile phone may be on a wild goose chase.
014. To breakdown
Meaning:- To collapse
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− પડી ભાંગવું
Example:- There has been a breakdown of relation with China that resulted in the loss of several million dollars.
015. To break out
Meaning:- To erupt suddenly
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− એકાએક ફાટી નીકળવું
Example:- Last night, fire broke out in the factory.
016. To look into
Meaning:- To investigation
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− તપાસ શરૂ કરવી
Example:- The very intelligent police officer Shri Rav is looking into the matter.
017. A sweeping statement
Meaning:- A statement which is not careful or correct on its details, a generalisation
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− કાળજી વગરનું નિવેદન, અતિશયોક્તિપૂર્ણ નિવેદન, તથ્ય વગરનું સામાન્યીકરણ
Example:- Making a generalised and sweeping statement on caste is an irresponsible act.
018. At someone’s beck and call
Meaning:- Ready to do something for someone any time.
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− કોઇ પણ સમયે મદદ કરવા હમેંશા તૈયાર રહેવું
Example:- Grandmother was confined to a wheel chair but had a private nurse at her beck and call.
019. At the drop of hat
Meaning:- To do something immediately, without hesitation, or without prompting. It conveys a sense of eagerness or readiness to do the job quickly.
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− તરત જ કંઈક કરવું, ખચકાટ વિના. ઝડપથી કામ કરવાની આતુરતા અથવા તત્પરતાની ભાવના વ્યક્ત કરવી.
Example:- Radhika is always ready to help at the drop of a hat whenever someone needs her.
020. A toll order
Meaning:- A request which is unreasonably difficult to grant or carry out.
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− ગેર વ્યાજબી કે સંતોષી ન શકાય તેવી માગણી/ જરૂરીયાત
Example:- To score four goals in this game is a tall order, even for Hemraj.
021. To take off
Meaning:- To begin a flight
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− ઉપર ઉડવાનું ચાલું કરવું
Example:- The plan was able to take off despite the rain.
022. To stand by
Meaning:- To support
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− મદદ કરવી, પડખે રહેવું
Example:- We should stand by to one another in the time of natural calamity.
023. To put off
Meaning:- To postpone
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− મુલતવી રાખવું
Example:- We have to put off our tour due to bad climate.
024. At a snail’s pace
Meaning:- Moving or progressing very slowly, often frustratingly. It is used to describe anything that lacks speed or efficiency.
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− ખૂબ જ ધીરે ધીરે આગળ વધવું અથવા પ્રગતિ કરવી, ઘણી વખત નિરાશાજનક રીતે પ્રગતિ માટે વપરાય છે. ઝડપ અથવા કાર્યક્ષમતાનો અભાવ હોય તેવી કોઈપણ વસ્તુનું વર્ણન કરવા માટે તેનો ઉપયોગ થાય છે. ગોકળગાયની ઝડપ.
Example:- The project is progressing at a snail’s pace because of the constant delays.
025. Back to the drawing board
Meaning:- Start something all over again
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− કોઇ કાર્યની ફરીવાર પહેલેથી જ શરૂઆત કરવી
Example:- If my proposal is not accepted, I will go to back to the drawing board.
026. To call on
Meaning:- To meet
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− મળવું
Example:- We should call on to our manager for this issue.
027. To drop in
Meaning:- To play sudden visit
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− અચાનક મુલાકાત લેવી
Example:- The CEO of the company dropped in to branch office.
028. To bring up
Meaning:- To educate or to rear
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− શિક્ષણ આપવું અથવા ઉછેર કરવો
Example:- Neha is struggling to bring up two children alone.
029. To carry on
Meaning:- To manage or continue
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− વ્યવસ્થા કરવી અથવા ચાલુ રાખવું
Example:- Surekha carried on her business after accident.
030. To cast off
Meaning:- To drive away
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− દૂર કરવું
Example:- We must cast off the evils of the society.
031. A sore point
Meaning:- A matter which irritate or hurts or angry or uncomfortable when it is mentioned
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− એવી બાબત કે જે દુઃખી કરનારી હોય, ગુસ્સો અપાવનારી અથવા બેચેની લાવનારી હોય
Example:- Don’t ask Rajesh about the job search, it is a bit of a sore point.
032. Hush Money
Meaning:- Money paid as s bribe to keep a matter secret from the public
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− કોઇ બાબતને જાહેરમાં નહી લાવવા માટે આપવામાં આવતી લાંચ પેટેની રકમ
Example:- There are some businessmen are paying hush money to the ruling party.
033. Ball in your court
Meaning:- The moment when someone has the responsibility of taking the next action or making the next decision
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− હવે પછીનું પગલું કે નિર્ણય લેવાની કોઇ વ્યક્તિની જવાબદારી
Example:- I sent the proposal to Nitin Patel for partnership in business, so the ball is in his court now.
034. A fish story
Meaning:- An untrue tale, an unlikely story
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− અસત્ય, નિરર્થક વાત
Example:- This is fish story that storm is coming tonight.
035. To get through
Meaning:- To pass
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− ઉત્તિર્ણ થવું
Example:- Hemraj worked hard to get through the GPSC examination.
036. To keep back
Meaning:- To conceal or hide
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− છુપાવવું
Example:- I shall keep back nothing from you.
037. To pass through
Meaning:- To undergo
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− પસાર થવું
Example:- Alichacha passed through many ups and downs in his life.
038. To turn a deaf ear to
Meaning:- To ignore
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− અવગણના કરવી
Example:- The owner of company turned a deaf ear to all demands of employees.
039. Half-hearted
Meaning:- Having no enthusiasm or energy for a particular task
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− કોઇ કાર્ય કરવા માટે ઉત્સાહ, જોશ કે સ્ફુર્તિનો અભાવ હોવો
Example:- John made a rather half-hearted attempt to clear GPSC examination.
040. Barking up the wrong tree
Meaning:- To take wrong or misguided action, especially to try or accuse the wrong person or thing.
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− ખોટી દિશામાં કરવામાં આવતી શોધખોળ, ખોટી વ્યક્તિ પર લગાવવામાં આવતો આરોપ
Example:- Our advocate suggested that the investigation might be barking up the wrong tree.
041. An iron will
Meaning:- A very strong will
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− મક્કમ મનોબળ
Example:- Nirupa’s iron will and unswerving commitment put her on the top.
042. In hot water
Meaning:- Being in trouble, having a difficult situation, or often facing criticism for your actions or decisions.
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− એવી ખરાબ પરિસ્થિતિ, મુશ્કેલી કે સમસ્યામાં ફસાઇ જવું કે જેની સજા મળવાની શક્યતા હોય
Example:- Prashant found himself in hot water over his comments about migration policy.
043. Beat around the bush
Meaning:- Avoiding talking about a topic directly or delaying getting to the main point, often because it is uncomfortable or sensitive.
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− કોઈ વિષય વિશે સીધી વાત કરવાનું ટાળવું અથવા મુખ્ય મુદ્દા પર પહોંચવામાં વિલંબ કરવો. કારણ કે તે બાબત અસુવિધાજનક અથવા સંવેદનશીલ હોય છે.
Example:- Instead of beating around the bush, he should have addressed the issue directly.
044. A light-fingered person
Meaning:- A person who has a tendency to steal, especially by stealing or stealing. This is a sweet way of calling someone a thief.
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− નાની વસ્તુઓ ચોરવાની આદત વાળો વ્યક્તિ
Example:- Be careful with your belongings around him; he’s known to be a light-fingered person.
045. Pin money
Meaning:- A wife’s allowance for her personal needs
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− પત્નીના અંગત ખર્ચ માટેની રકમ
Example:- Manoj gave a little pin money to his wife.
046. Best thing since sliced bread
Meaning:- Something is outstanding, innovative, or extremely useful, often regarded as one of the greatest improvements or inventions ever made.
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− સારામાં સારી યુક્તિ અથવા આયોજન, ઉત્તમ શોધ
Example:- The new software update is the best thing since sliced bread; it has made everything so much easier and faster!
047. Plain sailing
Meaning:- A plan or action that is simple and free from trouble
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− અત્યંત સરળ કે મુશ્કેલી વગરનું કાર્ય કે આયોજન
Example:- There is plain sailing for Hemraj to win in chess tournament.
048. A pep talk
Meaning:- A short, encouraging speech intended to boost someone’s morale, confidence, or enthusiasm, especially before a challenging task or situation.
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− કોઇ વ્યક્તિનો ઉત્સાહ કે જુસ્સો વધારવા માટે કહેવામાં આવતી વાત
Example:- Yesterday I met Geeta for a pep talk, because I had my interview the very next day.
049. A passing fancy
Meaning:- A temporary liking for something or someone
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− થોડા સમય માટે જ ગમાડવું/ પસંદ કરવું
Example:- I played few sports during collage, but they all were just passing fancies.
050. To draw a blank
Meaning:- To fail
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− નિષ્ફળ જવું
Example:- Sanjay drew a blank in the lottery of life.
051. Burn the midnight oil
Meaning:- Working late into the night, often studying, reading or completing a task that requires a lot of effort and time.
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− મોડી રાત સુધી અભ્યાસ કરવો, અભ્યાસ વિષયક પ્રવૃતિ કરવી
Example:- Radhika had to burn the midnight oil to prepare for her final exams.
052. Cry over spilled milk
Meaning:- Wasting time worrying or complaining about something that has already happened and cannot be changed.
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− બની ગયેલી ઘટના પાછળ દુઃખી થવું
Example:- Neeta was unable to accept the reality of her divorce. She was crying over spilled milk.
053. Curiosity killed the cat
Meaning:- Being to curious can get you into trouble
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− અતિ ઉત્સુકતા મુશ્કેલીમાં મુકે છે.
Example:- I know curiosity killed the cat, but I can’t stop the investigation until I know where the donation are really going.
054. Cut corners
Meaning:- To take shortcuts, when something is done badly to save money
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− કઇ કરવા માટે ટુંકો રસ્તો અપનાવવો, ખાસ કરીને પૈસાની બચત કરવા માટે
Example:- The government was criticized to cut the corners in construction of public building.
055. Cut the mustard
Meaning:- Perform satisfactorily, to succeed
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− સંતોષકારક દેખાવ કરવો, સફળ થવું
Example:- My friend Jayesh has applied for the post of architect in a big project, and he did cut the mustard.
056. Devil’s advocate
Meaning:- To present a counter argument
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− સતત દલીલબાજી કરવી
Example:- The plan is good, but I will play devil’s advocate so that we know what the opposition can say.
057. Elvis has left the building
Meaning:- The show has come to an end, it is all over
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− કાર્યક્રમ પૂરો થવાના આરે હોવો, કાર્યક્રમનો અંત હોવો
Example:- The event manager said, “I am sorry, Mr. Hemraj, you are late, Elvis has left the building.
058. Far cry from
Meaning:- Something is very different from something else or not at all similar. It highlights a significant contrast or disparity.
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− કોઇ વસ્તુની સાપેક્ષમાં તદ્દન ભિન્ન હોવું, અલગ હોવું
Example:- Hemant’s current lifestyle is a far cry from the one he had growing up in a small town.
059. Feel a bit under the weather
Meaning:- Feeling sick or unhealthy
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− બીમાર અથવા અસ્વસ્થ હોવાનું અનુભવવું
Example:- I am feeling a bit under the weather, I think I am getting a cold.
060. Give the benefit of doubt
Meaning:- Believe someone’s statement without proof.
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− કોઇની રજૂઆત પૂરાવાઓ વગર માની લેવી
Example:- Even though Hiral was late, I decided to give her the benefit of the doubt and not assume she was being careless.
061. To take to task
Meaning:- Criticizing or reprimanding someone for their actions, behavior, or mistakes. This includes pointing out mistakes or shortcomings in a direct and severe way.
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− વ્યક્તિની તેની ક્રિયાઓ, વર્તન અથવા ભૂલો માટે તેની ટીકા કરવી અથવા ઠપકો આપવો. આમાં સીધી કે ગંભીર રીતે ભૂલો કે ખામીઓ દર્શાવવાનો સમાવેશ થાય છે.
Example:- The teacher took him to task for not completing his assignment on time.
062. To call for
Meaning:- To require
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− જરૂરી હોવું, ધ્યાન આપવા લાયક
Example:- The situation calls for considerable tact.
063. To cut down
Meaning:- To decrease
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− ઘટાડવું
Example:- We must cut down our expenses.
064. Hobson’s choice
Meaning:- A choice in which only one thing is offered and for that two options for choice- Accept or leave the offer.
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− પસંદગી માટે કોઇ એક જ વિકલ્પ આપવો, અને તેનો ફરજીયાતપણે સ્વીકાર કરવો પડે અથવા જતું કરવું પડે
Example:- It is Hobson’s choice for Rahul, if he doesn’t accept new policy of company he will have to resign from the job.
065. To crave for
Meaning:- To yearn for
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− ઝંખના કરવી
Example:- The old man in sorrow craves for sympathy.
066. A storm in a teacup
Meaning:- Exaggeration An exaggeration of a small problem or situation that is blown out of proportion. This means making a big fuss about something that is not important.
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− મહત્વની ન હોય તેવી બાબતના લીધે અતિ ઉશ્કેરાઇ જવું, બિન જરૂરી ગુસ્સે થવું અને ચિંતા કરવી. તેનો અર્થ એ છે કે મહત્વની ન હોય તેવી કોઈ બાબત પર ભારે હોબાળો કરવો.
Example:- Hiral will not be angry for long, it is only a storm in teacup.
067. To get rid of
Meaning:- To get free from
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− છુટકારો મેળવવો
Example:- The daughter in law wanted to get rid of the joint family.
068. The pros and cons
Meaning:- The advantages and disadvantages of something, or the positive and negative aspects. This is used when considering the merits and demerits of a situation, decision, or choice.
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− કોઇપણ બાબતના હકારાત્મક અને નકારાત્મક પાસાઓ અથવા લાભ−ગેરલાભ
Example:- Before sign this agreement we will discuss the pros and cons.
069. To bear in mind
Meaning:- To Remember
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− યાદ રાખવું
Example:- Students should always bear in mind the advice of their Teacher.
070. Hear through the grapevine
Meaning:- Learning something from rumors, gossip, or unofficial sources rather than from an official or direct source.
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− હવામાં ઊડતા સમાચાર સાંભળવા, સત્તાવાર અથવા સીધા સ્ત્રોતને બદલે અફવા, ગપસપ અથવા બિનસત્તાવાર સ્ત્રોતોમાંથી કંઈક શીખવું.
Example:- I hear through the grapevine that Hardik was looking for work.
071. Jump on the bandwagon
Meaning:- Join a popular trend or activity
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− લોકપ્રિય પ્રવાહ અથવા પ્રવૃતિમાં જોડાવું
Example:- After a politician won election by promising to reduce the inflation, most of others jumped on the bandwagon.
072. Keep something at bay
Meaning:- Keep something away
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− સમસ્યારૂપ બાબતને પોતાનાથી દૂર રાખવી
Example:- The China was hit by a serious epidemic, but luckily Nirupa could keep himself at bay.
073. Last straw
Meaning:- The final problem or difficulty that causes a person to lose patience or finally give up after a number of problems or troubles. This is a turning point in a situation.
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− સતત આવતી સમસ્યાઓમાં છેલ્લી સમસ્યા હોવી.
Example:- The constant delays were frustrating, but the last straw was when the meeting was canceled at the last minute.
074. Let sleeping dogs lie
Meaning:- Avoid stirring up trouble or reviving an old issue that could cause problems or conflict, especially when it might be better left unaddressed.
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− દુઃખ કે મુશ્કેલી આપનાર બાબતને જતી કરવી, છોડી દેવી.
Example:- It’s best to let sleeping dogs lie and not mention the old rumors at the meeting.
075. Rain cats and dogs
Meaning:- Too much heavy rain, raining tremendously
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− મુશળધાર કે અતિ ભારે વરસાદ પડવો
Example:- We had to cancel the picnic because it started to rain cats and dogs.
076. Harp on the same string
Meaning:- Talking about the same topic or issue over and over again, often to the point of irritation, without considering that other people may be tired of hearing about it.
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− એક જ વાતનું રટણ કર્યા કરવું, ગાણું ગાયા કરવું
Example:- She kept harping on the same string about her problems at work, and it became exhausting to listen to.
077. Let the cat out of the bag
Meaning:- To reveal a secret, to share information that was previously concealed
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− પહેલાથી છુંપાવેલું રહસ્ય છતું કરવું, બહાર પાડવું
Example:- Our MD did not let the cat out of the bag about deal until all the relevant contracts were signed.
078. In black and white
Meaning:- In writing, especially an agreement, contract or other format document
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− લેખિતમાં
Example:- This is good for both us to have the agreement in black and white.
079. In full swing
Meaning:- Something is at its peak or most active state, usually referring to an event, activity, or process that is ongoing with full energy and intensity.
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− પુરજોશમાં
Example:- When we got at Nilambaug, the party was in full swing.
080. In good books
Meaning:- Regarded favorably by one, thought of kindly or approvingly by one
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− કોઇની કૃપા દ્રષ્ટિમાં હોવું
Example:- If you want to get in the teacher’s good book, try to participate more in class.
081. Leave no stone unturned
Meaning:- To make every effort to achieve something, or to thoroughly explore or investigate every option without neglecting any detail.
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− બનતું બધું જ કરી છુંટવું, કોઇ પ્રયત્ન બાકી ન રાખવો. કંઈક હાંસલ કરવા માટે દરેક શક્ય પ્રયત્નો કરવા, અથવા કોઈપણ વિગતોની અવગણના કર્યા વિના દરેક વિકલ્પની સંપૂર્ણ શોધ અથવા તપાસ કરવી.
Example:- Radhika will leave no stone unturned in her efforts to get the project completed on time.
082. Live from hand to mouth
Meaning:- Living with very little money or resources, typically struggling to make ends meet and not having enough to save or plan for the future. This refers to a situation where people can only afford to meet their basic needs and are often in financial difficulty.
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− ગરીબીમાં જીવવું, માંડ માંડ ગુજરાન ચલાવવું, ખૂબ ઓછા પૈસા અથવા સંસાધનો સાથે જીવવું, સામાન્ય રીતે જીવન જરૂરીયાતો પૂરી કરવા માટે સંઘર્ષ કરવો અને ભવિષ્ય માટે બચત યોજના બનાવવા માટે નાણાકિય અસમર્થતા હોવી.
Example:- Many workers in low-paying jobs are forced to live from hand to mouth, with little left over for savings.
083. Nip in the bud
Meaning:- To stop, or prevent something at the beginning or early phase, before it becomes too difficult or unmanageable
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− ઉગતું જ ડામી દેવું
Example:- Many serious illness can be nipped in the bud if they are detected early enough.
084. Off the cuff
Meaning:- Without preparation, spontaneous
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− કોઇ પણ તૈયારી વગર, સ્વયંભુ, સ્વયંસ્ફુરિત
Example:- A good politician is always able to speak off the cuff about government policy.
085. On and off
Meaning:- Occasionally, erratically, now and again
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− થોડી થોડી વારે
Example:- I have had headache on and off since last night.
086. See eye to eye with
Meaning:- To agree with someone or have the same opinion or point of view on a particular matter.
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− કોઈની સાથે સંમત થવું અથવા કોઈ ચોક્કસ બાબતે સમાન અભિપ્રાય અથવા દૃષ્ટિકોણ ધરાવવો.
Example:- I completely see eye to eye with you on this decision; it’s the best choice.
087. Smell a rat
Meaning:- Suspect that something wrong is happening, realize that something is not as supposed to be
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− શંકા આવવી/ હોવી
Example:- When Pravin made that offer, I smelt a rat. It sounded too good to be true.
088. The ins and outs
Meaning:- The detailed or complicated facts of something
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− પુરેપુરી માહિતી
Example:- Akhilesh knows the ins and outs of that matter.
089. The order of the day
Meaning:- Something that is very common or important.
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− રોજિંદી વાત કે સ્થિતિ, સામાન્ય બાબત
Example:- Hot strong tea is the order of the day here, but coffee is becoming more and more popular.
091. Through thick and thin
Meaning:- To support someone through good and bad time, to stay by someone’s side over a long period of time, even when time is tough
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− સારી કે ખરાબ પરિસ્થિતિમાં સાથ આપવો
Example:- Rajan has supported me through thick and thin.
091. Tooth and nail
Meaning:- To fight or struggle with great intensity, effort, or determination, often in a very fierce or aggressive way.
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− ખુબ જ તીવ્ર પ્રયાસ, દ્રઢ સંકલ્પ સાથે લડવું અથવા સંઘર્ષ કરવો. પુરી તાકાતથી સામનો કરવો
Example:- Radhika fought tooth and nail to keep her business running during the difficult times.
092. Once in a blue moon
Meaning:- Very rarely, something that happens very seldom
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− ભાગ્યે જ જોવા મળતું
Example:- My friend Amrat live in Canada, so I only see him once in a blue moon.
093. To turn over a new leaf
Meaning:- Making a fresh start or changing your behavior, usually for the better. This often refers to improving yourself or adopting a more positive attitude or lifestyle.
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− જૂની આદતો કે વર્તનને બદલી હકારાત્મક આદત કે વર્તન અપનાવવું.
Example:- After the difficult year, he decided to turn over a new leaf and focus on his health and career.
094. A bone of contention
Meaning:- A topic, issue, or argument that causes disagreement, conflict, or dispute between people. It is something that causes ongoing conflict or tension.
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− એક વિષય, મુદ્દો અથવા દલીલ જે લોકો વચ્ચે મતભેદ, સંઘર્ષ અથવા વિવાદનું કારણ બને છે. આ એવી બાબત હોય છે જે સતત સંઘર્ષ અથવા તણાવનું કારણ બને છે.
Example:- The division of assets was a bone of contention during the family meeting.
095. A hard nut to crack
Meaning:- A person, thing, situation or problem that is particularly difficult to understand, solve or deal with.
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− ખુબ મુશ્કેલ બાબત.
Example:- Climbing Mount Everest is a hard nut to crack.
096. To make up one’s mind
Meaning:- To make a final decision after a period of consideration.
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− લાંબી વિચારણાનાં અંતે નિર્ણય કરવો.
Example:- Rajesh made up his mind to pass UPSC examination.
097. Open the floodgates
Meaning:- Allow something to happen a lot or allows many people to do something that was not previously allowed.
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− કોઇ મોટી બાબત શક્ય બનાવવી અથવા પહેલા મનાઇ કરેલ બાબત કરવાની પરવાનગી આપવી
Example:- Ruling government are worried that allowing refugees into the country will open the floodgates to thousands more.
098. To pull down
Meaning:- To deliberately destroy
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− તોડી પાડવું, નાશ કરવો
Example:- A big crowed attempted to pull down the statue of famous political leader.
099. Deal with
Meaning:- To occupy oneself or itself, to handle verbally or in some form of artistic.
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− કોઇ વ્યક્તિની સાથે કામ પાડવું
Example:- It is very difficult to deal with a lazy man.
100. To wrangle over an ass’s shadow
Meaning:- To quarrel over trivial and insignificant matters.
ગુજરાતી અર્થઃ− સાવ મામુલી કે તુચ્છ બાબતમાં ઝઘડો કરવો
Example:- Only foolish people wrangle over an ass’s shadow.
Watch Video of 100 Common Idioms and Phrases with English-Gujarati Meaning and Examples
To complement this blog, we have created a detailed video that covers all the 100 idioms and phrases discussed here. This video provides a clear explanation of each idiom, along with their English and Gujarati meanings and practical examples to help you understand and remember them better.
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