Idioms and Phrases For CLAT 2025

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 2025, 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.

What's the use?

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.

What do you understand by the term idioms and phrases?

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.

• "The early bird gets the worm." (People who get up early have an advantage over those who don't.)
• "A picture is worth a thousand words." (A visual representation of something can be more effective than a long explanation.)
• "Actions speak louder than words." (What people do is more important than what they say.)

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Importance of Idioms and Phrases in CLAT 2025

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.

Few Common Idioms and Phrases for CLAT 2025

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.

Some Rare Idioms and Phrases for CLAT 2025

Listed below are some rare idioms and phrases for CLAT 2025 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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