The English language section of the National Defense Academy (NDA) entrance exam assesses a candidate’s proficiency in understanding and using idioms and phrases. Idioms and phrases are expressions that carry a figurative meaning different from the literal interpretation of their individual words. A strong grasp of these idiomatic expressions is crucial to excel in the NDA English subject. In this article, we will present a list of important idioms and phrases that will help you enhance your language skills and perform well in the NDA entrance exam.
- A piece of cake: Meaning: Something that is very easy or simple to do. Example: The mathematics section of the exam was a piece of cake for him.
- Bite the bullet: Meaning: To face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage and determination. Example: Despite his fear, he had to bite the bullet and deliver the presentation.
- Break a leg: Meaning: A way to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance or an important event. Example: “Break a leg!” his friends cheered as he went on stage for his singing performance.
- Cut corners: Meaning: To do something quickly or cheaply, often sacrificing quality or safety. Example: He cut corners while preparing for the exam and ended up scoring poorly.
- Hit the nail on the head: Meaning: To accurately identify or state something. Example: The professor hit the nail on the head with his analysis of the economic situation.
- In the same boat: Meaning: In the same difficult or challenging situation as someone else. Example: We are all in the same boat when it comes to preparing for the NDA exam.
- Keep your fingers crossed: Meaning: To hope for good luck or a positive outcome. Example: She kept her fingers crossed as she waited for the exam results.
- On thin ice: Meaning: In a risky or precarious situation. Example: He knew he was on thin ice with his parents after breaking their trust.
- Piece of the pie: Meaning: A share or portion of something, typically referring to wealth, success, or opportunities. Example: He was determined to get his piece of the pie by working hard and seizing every opportunity.
- Steal the show: Meaning: To attract the most attention or praise in a performance or event. Example: Her stunning performance on the stage stole the show that evening.
Important Idioms and Phrases for NDA:-
Here is a table with 100 idioms and phrases along with their meanings:
| Idiom/Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| A piece of cake | Something very easy or simple |
| Bite the bullet | Face a difficult situation with courage |
| Break a leg | Wish someone good luck |
| Cut corners | Do something quickly, often sacrificing quality |
| Hit the nail on the head | Accurately identify or state something |
| In the same boat | In the same difficult situation as someone else |
| Keep your fingers crossed | Hope for good luck or a positive outcome |
| On thin ice | In a risky or precarious situation |
| Piece of the pie | A share or portion of something |
| Steal the show | Attract the most attention or praise |
| A penny for your thoughts | Asking someone what they are thinking |
| Back to square one | Start over again from the beginning |
| Break the ice | Make a start in a social situation |
| Cross that bridge when you come to it | Deal with a problem when it happens |
| Hit the jackpot | Succeed in something, often unexpectedly |
| In a nutshell | In a few words, briefly |
| Keep up the good work | Continue doing well |
| On the same page | In agreement or understanding |
| Play it by ear | Decide or act based on the situation |
| Take it with a grain of salt | Consider something with skepticism |
| A dime a dozen | Very common or easy to get |
| Back to the drawing board | Start over, typically due to failure |
| Burning the midnight oil | Working late into the night |
| Cry over spilled milk | Worrying about something that has already happened |
| Hit the road | Start a journey or leave |
| In hot water | In trouble or facing difficulties |
| Keep your eyes peeled | Stay alert and watch carefully |
| On top of the world | Feeling extremely happy or successful |
| Put all your eggs in one basket | Rely on a single plan or option |
| Take the bull by the horns | Face a challenge directly |
| A blessing in disguise | Something good that isn’t recognized at first |
| Backseat driver | Someone who gives unwanted advice or criticism |
| Cost an arm and a leg | Very expensive |
| Drive someone up the wall | Annoy or irritate someone |
| Hit the hay | Go to bed |
| In someone’s shoes | In someone else’s position or perspective |
| Keep your nose clean | Stay out of trouble |
| On cloud nine | Extremely happy |
| Put something on the back burner | Postpone or delay something |
| Take a rain check | Postpone a plan or invitation |
| A breath of fresh air | Something new and refreshing |
| Bad apple | A person who has a bad influence on others |
| Cry wolf | Give a false alarm or exaggerate |
| Hit the nail on the head | Make an accurate statement |
| In the doghouse | In someone’s disfavor or in trouble |
| Keep your chin up | Stay positive and optimistic |
| On the ball | Alert and efficient |
| Put two and two together | Understand or figure something out |
| Take it easy | Relax and calm down |
| A chip on your shoulder | Holding a grudge or having a bad attitude |
| Back to basics | Returning to fundamental principles or skills |
| Couch potato | A person who spends a lot of time watching TV |
| Hear it through the grapevine | Learn something through informal channels |
| In the red | In debt or losing money |
| Keep your cool | Remain calm and composed |
| On the fence | Unable to decide or choose between options |
| Put up with | Tolerate or endure |
| Take a hike | Go away or leave |
| A picture is worth a thousand words | Visuals convey meaning more effectively |
| Barking up the wrong tree | Accusing or pursuing the wrong person or thing |
| Curiosity killed the cat | Being too inquisitive can lead to trouble |
| Hit the ground running | Start something quickly and energetically |
| In the same league | Of a similar level or category |
| Keep your fingers on the pulse | Stay informed or updated |
| On the same wavelength | In agreement or understanding |
| Quick as a flash | Very fast |
| Take a leap of faith | Take a risk or make a big decision |
| A rolling stone gathers no moss | Being constantly active prevents stagnation |
| Backseat driver | Someone who gives unwanted advice or criticism |
| Dead as a doornail | Completely lifeless or inactive |
| Hit the sack | Go to bed |
| In the nick of time | Just in time or at the last moment |
| Keep your options open | Avoid making a commitment or decision |
| On the rocks | Experiencing difficulties or in a troubled state |
| Put your best foot forward | Make a good impression or effort |
| Take it to the next level | Progress to a higher or more advanced stage |
| A fish out of water | Feeling uncomfortable or out of place |
| Beat around the bush | Avoid getting to the main point |
| Diamond in the rough | Someone or something with potential |
| Hit the spot | Satisfy or fulfill a need or desire |
| In the thick of things | Actively involved in a situation or activity |
| Keep your shirt on | Remain calm or patient |
| On thin ice | In a risky or precarious situation |
| Put your money where your mouth is | Back up words with actions |
| Take it or leave it | Accept something as it is or reject it |
| A flash in the pan | Something that is brief or short-lived |
| Better late than never | It is better to do something late than not at all |
| Down to earth | Practical and realistic |
| Hit the brakes | Stop or slow down |
| In the long run | Over a longer period of time |
| Keep your wits about you | Stay calm and think clearly |
| Once in a blue moon | Rarely, infrequently |
| Put your thinking cap on | Think carefully or make an effort to solve a problem |
| Take the plunge | Take a risk or embark on something new |
| A friend in need is a friend indeed | A true friend is supportive in difficult times |
| Behind the scenes | Happening or working privately or secretly |
| Drive someone round the bend | Make someone very frustrated |
| Hit the jackpot | Have great success or luck |
| In the middle of nowhere | In a remote or isolated place |
| Kill two birds with one stone | Accomplish two things at once |
| Keep your eyes on the prize | Stay focused on the ultimate goal |
| On the same wavelength | In agreement or understanding |
| Put yourself in someone else’s shoes | Consider another person’s perspective |
| Take the bull by the horns | Face a challenge directly |
| A penny saved is a penny earned | Saving money is equivalent to earning it |
| Bite off more than you can chew | Take on more than you can handle |
| Down the road | In the future |
| Hold your horses | Be patient or wait a moment |
| In the nick of time | Just in time or at the last moment |
| Know the ropes | Be knowledgeable or experienced in something |
| On top of the situation | Aware and in control |
| Put your foot in your mouth | Say something embarrassing or inappropriate |
| Take with a grain of salt | Be skeptical or not completely believe |
| A watched pot never boils | When you wait anxiously for something, it seems to take longer |
| Bite the dust | Suffer defeat or failure |
| Draw the line | Set a limit or boundary |
| Hit the road | Start a journey or leave |
| In the same boat | In the same situation or predicament |
| Laugh your head off | Laugh uncontrollably |
| On top of the world | Feeling extremely happy or successful |
| Put your heart into it | Do something with passion and enthusiasm |
| Take the mickey out of | Tease or mock someone |
| A picture-perfect | Perfectly beautiful or flawless |
| Batten down the hatches | Prepare for a difficult or challenging situation |
| Dress to kill | Dress stylishly or attractively |
| Hocus-pocus | Trickery or deception |
| In the bag | Assured or guaranteed |
| Leaf through | Look quickly or briefly |
| On the tip of your tongue | Something you’re trying to remember but can’t recall |
| Put your cards on the table | Be open and honest about your intentions |
| Take your breath away | Astonish or impress |
| All ears | Listening attentively |
| Beat a dead horse | Waste time on a fruitless endeavor |
| Drive someone up the wall | Annoy or irritate someone |
| Hold your own | Compete or survive without assistance |
| In the heat of the moment | Acting impulsively or without thinking |
| Look on the bright side | Be optimistic or focus on the positive aspects |
| On the same page | In agreement or understanding |
| Put your money where your mouth is | Back up words with actions |
| Take the bull by the horns | Face a challenge directly |
| A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush | Value what you have now rather than something uncertain in the future |
| Behind closed doors | Privately or secretly |
| Drop the ball | Make a mistake or fail to do something |
| Hold your tongue | Refrain from speaking or keep quiet |
| In the red | In debt or losing money |
| Look before you leap | Consider the consequences before taking action |
| On the same wavelength | In agreement or understanding |
| Put your nose to the grindstone | Work hard and diligently |
| Take the cake | Be the best or most outstanding |
| A blessing in disguise | Something good that isn’t recognized at first |
| Bell the cat | Take on a dangerous or difficult task |
| Drop-dead gorgeous | Extremely attractive or beautiful |
By these Important Idioms and Phrases, you can excel your English Language. Please revise these before the examination so you can memories these Important Idioms and Phrases.
