Key facts

  • Learn the expression as a whole; do not translate each word literally.
  • Check whether the phrase is a phrasal verb, an idiom, or a fixed expression before using it.
  • In usage questions, write one natural sentence where the intended meaning is unmistakable.
  • For MCQ questions, reject literal options if the expression has an idiomatic meaning.
  • Prefer standard dictionary meanings over rare or regional interpretations.

Key Points at a Glance

  1. 1

    Learn the expression as a whole; do not translate each word literally.

  2. 2

    Check whether the phrase is a phrasal verb, an idiom, or a fixed expression before using it.

  3. 3

    In usage questions, write one natural sentence where the intended meaning is unmistakable.

  4. 4

    For MCQ questions, reject literal options if the expression has an idiomatic meaning.

  5. 5

    Prefer standard dictionary meanings over rare or regional interpretations.

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Concept & Rules

Phrasal verbs and idioms are fixed or semi-fixed English expressions whose meaning is often different from the literal meanings of their individual words. In RAS Mains Paper IV Part-A, the task is usually application-based: choose the correct meaning or use the expression in a sentence so that its sense is clear.

  • Learn the expression as a whole; do not translate each word literally.
  • Check whether the phrase is a phrasal verb, an idiom, or a fixed expression before using it.
  • In usage questions, write one natural sentence where the intended meaning is unmistakable.
  • For MCQ questions, reject literal options if the expression has an idiomatic meaning.
  • Prefer standard dictionary meanings over rare or regional interpretations.

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PredictedPredicted Questions

Use these prompts to test answer structure before moving to practice.

11MDirections: Four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase underlined in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom/phrase: The unused building became a white elephant for the department.1 marks · 50 words

Model Answer

a costly possession that is difficult to maintain

~50 words · 1 marks