On the horns of a dilemma - when you have to choose between two choice which are equally bad

She was on the horns of a dilemma as she had either to leave her job or divorce her husband. (SSC CPO MAINS 2011)

(1) in nervous condition

(2) in terrible mood

(3) in difficult situation

(4) in suspense

To add fuel to fire - to make something worse (argument, fight)

to add fuel to fire- (SSC MAINS 2011)

(1) to investigate

(2) to insulate

(3) to initiate

(4) to incite      

To wear heart on sleeve - the one who express one’s feelings openly

Reena is a kind of person who wears her heart on her sleeve. (SSC MAINS 2012)

(1) expresses her emotions freely

(2) expresses her emotions curbingly

(3) suppresses her emotions openly

(4) suppresses her excitement sparingly

Give me a hand - to ask for help

Can you give me a hand with this luggage ? (SSC CPO MAINS 2011)

(1) keep a watch on

(2) handle

(3) provide me with

(4) help me with

To send packing - to dismiss someone from job

“If he does not perform his duties properly, I will send him packing,” said the manager.(SSC MAINS 2012)

(1) send him to packing department

(2) give him a warning

(3) serve him a notice

(4) terminate his services

Wet behind the ears - young and not having enough experience

Fresh out of college, ram found it difficult to get a job as he was wet behind the ears. (SSC MAINS 2012)

(1) unsuitable

(2) inexperienced

(3) unhealthy

(4) irresponsible

Cut the gordian knot - to overcome a difficulty cleverly

He cut the Gordian knot by practicing what he preached. (SSC PRE 2013)

(1) lessened the difficulty

(2) let the difficulty remain as it was

(3) removed the difficulty

(4) add to the difficulty                                     

To take one’s hat off - to admire someone or to honour someone

I take my hat off to all those who donate blood regularly. (SSC MULTI TASKING 2013)

(1) congratulate

(2) welcome

(3) admire

(4) encourage

To play second fiddle - to lack from someone in something

To play second fiddle- (SSC PRE 2013)

(1) to reduce the importance of one’s senior

(2) take a subordinate role

(3) to do back seat driving

(4) to be happy, cheerful and healthy

Above board- honest

The manager was above board in all his dealings with his employees. (SSC CONST. 2013)

(1) dishonest

(2) rude

(3) honest

(4) charitable