Idioms and phrases use words in a nonliteral way and are examples of figurative language. They can be utilised to inject colour and intrigue into your work or speech and are frequently used to convey a specific idea or sentiment.
For a comprehensive preparation strategy tailored to CLAT 2026, begin by curating a collection of essential idioms and phrases for CLAT. Prepare idioms and phrases for CLAT PDF that offer structured insights to complement your study efforts. Consistent practice using these idioms and phrases, both within exercises and mock tests, will solidify your comprehension. By focusing on this targeted approach, you'll bolster your familiarity with idiomatic expressions, paving the way for a successful performance in the CLAT entrance exam.
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Use idioms and phrases to give your work or speaking more flavour and appeal. However, because they might have diverse connotations in different cultures, it's crucial to utilise them wisely. It is usually preferable to look up an idiom or phrase in a dictionary if you are unsure of its meaning.
Idioms are collections of words that together have a metaphorical meaning distinct from their literal meaning. For instance, the phrase "kick the bucket" refers to death even if the terms "kick" and "bucket" themselves do not convey that connotation.
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Phrases: Although phrases are likewise collections of words, they do not carry figurative significance. For instance, the sentence "the cat sat on the mat" is literal and means nothing else.
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The English Language part is worth 20% of the CLAT marks, so it's super important. One key aspect of the English section is Idioms and Phrases. Knowing these well can give you an advantage over other law students. Idioms and Phrases make writing more interesting and attractive to readers and hence, idioms and phrases for CLAT become one of the most important topics in the English language section.
Here are the most important and common idioms in English, with their meanings and examples.
1. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
It's better to have something you know you can get than to risk not getting something better.
Example: I know this job doesn't pay much, but it's a good opportunity and I'm not going to give it up just because I might get a better offer elsewhere. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
2. A penny for your thoughts.
I'm curious about what you're thinking.
Example: I was just sitting here, staring at the wall, and I wondered what you were thinking. A penny for your thoughts.
3. A picture is worth a thousand words.
A visual representation of something can be more effective than a long explanation.
Example: I don't really understand what you're trying to say, but I think I'll get it if you draw me a picture. A picture is worth a thousand words.
4.Actions speak louder than words.
What people do is more important than what they say.
Example: I know you say you're sorry, but I need to see you make some changes in your behaviour before I can believe you. Actions speak louder than words.
5. All good things must come to an end.
Nothing lasts forever.
Example: I know we're having a great time, but all good things must come to an end. We'll have to say goodbye eventually.
6. An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
Healthy foods can help you stay healthy.
Example: I've been eating an apple a day for the past month, and I haven't been sick once. An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
7.Barking up the wrong tree.
You're looking in the wrong place for something.
Example: I've been trying to find my keys all day, but I'm barking up the wrong tree. They're probably in my pocket.
8. Beggars can't be choosers.
If you don't have much, you can't be picky about what you get.
Example: I know this apartment is small and the rent is high, but beggars can't be choosers. I'm lucky to have a place to live.
9. Bite the bullet.
Do something that you don't want to do, but know that you have to do.
Example: I know I have to give a presentation in front of the whole company, but I'm really nervous. I just have to bite the bullet and do it.
10. Boiling mad.
Very angry.
Example: I was boiling mad when I found out that my car had been stolen.
11. Break a leg.
Good luck.
Example: Good luck on your big audition! Break a leg!
12. Bring home the bacon.
Earn money to support your family.
Example: My husband is the one who brings home the bacon in our family.
13. Burn the midnight oil.
Work late into the night.
Example: I've been burning the midnight oil trying to finish this project.
14. Can't have your cake and eat it too.
You can't have or do two mutually exclusive things.
Example: I want to lose weight, but I also want to eat cake. I can't have my cake and eat it too.
15. Come hell or high water.
No matter what happens.
Example: I'm going to the party, come hell or high water.
16. Cut your losses.
Accept that you've lost something and move on.
Example: I've lost a lot of money on this investment, but I think it's time to cut my losses and move on.
17. Don't count your chickens before they hatch.
Don't celebrate success before it's actually happened.
Example: I'm really excited about the new job, but I'm not going to count my chickens before they hatch. I need to make sure I get the offer first.
18. Don't put all your eggs in one basket.
Don't risk everything on one thing.
Example: I'm not going to put all my eggs in one basket. I'm going to apply for multiple jobs just in case.
19. Easy come, easy go.
Money or other things that are easily earned are also easily lost.
20. Once in a blue moon
Very rarely.
Example: He only comes to visit us once in a blue moon.
21. Beat around the bush
To avoid discussing something directly or getting to the main point.
Example: Stop beating around the bush and tell me what happened to my car!
22. Costs an arm and a leg
Something that is extremely expensive.
Example: The new iPhone costs an arm and a leg, but I really want to buy it.
23. Hit the nail on the head
To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem.
Example: When Sarah said the project failed due to poor communication, she really hit the nail on the head.
24. Spill the beans
To reveal a secret or private information.
Example: I trusted Tom with my secret, but he spilled the beans to everyone at the party.
25. Under the weather
Feeling sick or unwell.
Example: I won't be coming to work today, I'm feeling a bit under the weather.
26. Pull yourself together
To calm down and behave normally after being upset.
Example: I know the interview is important, but you need to pull yourself together and stop panicking.
27. Piece of cake
Something that is very easy to do.
Example: The math test was a piece of cake, I finished it in half the time.
28. Back to square one
Having to start something over again from the beginning.
Example: The client rejected our proposal, so we're back to square one.
29. Call it a day
To stop working on something.
Example: We've been working for 12 hours straight, let's call it a day.
30. Jump on the bandwagon
To join an activity that has become very popular or fashionable.
Example: Everyone is jumping on the bandwagon of cryptocurrency investment these days.
31. Rain on someone's parade
To spoil someone's plans or happiness.
Example: I don't want to rain on your parade, but I think your business idea needs more work.
32. The ball is in your court
It's your turn to take action or make a decision.
Example: I've sent you my proposal, now the ball is in your court.
33. Out of the blue
Suddenly and unexpectedly.
Example: Out of the blue, my old friend from school called me yesterday.
34. Get your act together
To organize yourself so you can deal with things more effectively.
Example: You need to get your act together if you want to pass this semester.
35. Take it with a grain of salt
To not completely believe something you are told.
Example: You should take everything he says with a grain of salt, he tends to exaggerate.
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Listed below are some rare idioms and phrases for CLAT 2026 that might help students in their preparation.
1. To be in seventh heaven.
This idiom means to be very happy or content. It is thought to have originated in the Bible, where the seventh heaven is the highest heaven and the dwelling place of God.
2. To have a screw loose.
This idiom means to be crazy or eccentric. It is thought to have originated in the 18th century, when people believed that mental illness was caused by screws loose in the brain.
3. To be up a gum tree.
This idiom means to be in a difficult or confusing situation. It is thought to have originated in Australia, where gum trees are tall and difficult to climb.
4. To have a bee in one's bonnet.
This idiom means to be obsessed with something. It is thought to have originated in the 19th century, when people believed that bees were attracted to madness.
5. To be pulling someone's leg.
This idiom means to be teasing or joking with someone. It is thought to have originated in the 18th century, when people would pull the legs of animals to make them dance.
6. To be in a pickle.
This idiom means to be in a complicated situation.
7. To be between a rock and a hard place.
This idiom means to be in a situation where there is no good option.
8. To be on the horns of a dilemma.
This idiom means to be in a difficult situation with two equally bad choices.
9. To be up the creek without a paddle.
This idiom means to be in a hopeless situation.
10. A fly in the ointment
This idiom means a small but irritating flaw that spoils the whole.
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Idioms and phrases showcase your language proficiency and comprehension skills, which are crucial for the CLAT exam's verbal ability section. They test your understanding of figurative language and contextual usage.
While understanding the literal meaning can provide context, the key is to grasp the figurative meaning and usage. Focus on how the idiom is commonly used rather than its literal translation.
Yes, practising idioms and phrases enhances your vocabulary, comprehension of figurative language, and contextual application. These skills extend beyond the CLAT exam and are valuable in various aspects of communication.
While specific idioms may vary, it's advisable to focus on a broad range of idiomatic expressions. Prioritise those commonly used in formal communication and legal contexts.
Well here are some examples of commonly used idiomatic expressions that could be beneficial for your preparation:
Cut to the chase: Get to the main point without unnecessary details.
Hit the nail on the head: Accurately identify or describe a situation.
In hot water: In trouble or facing difficulties.
Jumping on the bandwagon: Joining a popular trend or activity.
On thin ice: In a risky or uncertain situation.
Piece of cake: Something very easy to do.
Spill the beans: Reveal a secret or information.
Under the weather: Feeling sick or unwell.
Memorization is a starting point, but practical application and understanding are essential. Use idioms in sentences, engage in conversations, and solve context-based exercises to ensure a deeper grasp.
Keep a record of the idioms you've learned and periodically review them. Monitor your performance in practice tests and note improvements in correctly identifying and using idioms.
Hello,
In Vijayawada, several institutes offer CLAT coaching alongside intermediate studies. Here are some options:
1. Sri Chaitanya IAS Academy
2. Abhyaas LawPrep
3. T.I.M.E. Institute
4. Career Launcher
5. IMS Victory Academy
Hope it helps !
The CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) syllabus includes five main sections: English Language, Current Affairs including General Knowledge, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques. For preparation, some recommended books are *Word Power Made Easy* by Norman Lewis for English, *Lucent’s General Knowledge* for GK, and *Manorama Yearbook* for current affairs. For Legal Reasoning, *Universal’s Guide to CLAT & LLB* is useful, while *A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning* by R.S. Aggarwal helps with reasoning. For Quantitative Techniques, *Quantitative Aptitude* by R.S. Aggarwal is a good choice. Regular mock tests and previous years' papers also enhance preparation.
Hello,
The CLAT 2025 exam results were announced early on December 7, 2024. However, due to legal challenges, the counselling process has been delayed, and the Delhi High Court is scheduled to hear related petitions on April 7, 2025.
Hope it helps !
Hello aspirant,
The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) was conducted on 1 December 2024 and the Consortium released results on 7 December 2024.
However, due to legal proceedings that are underway, candidates should keep their eyes on the Consortium for a finalised result and admission process.
Hello there,
Yes, you can start preparation of CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) side by side. After completing your 12th standard students can apply for CLAT UG program. If you belong to reserve category, you can get advantage also.
For preparation of CLAT examination you can get more information on career 360 website.
Here is the link : https://law.careers360.com/articles/how-prepare-for-clat
Hope this will help!
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