Rat race - very hard competition

The rat race among the leaders is revolting. (SSC LDC 2011)

1. Corruption

2. Nepotism

3. Favouritism

4. Fierce competition for power

To take to heart - to get affected by something

To take to heart -  (SSC CGL 2011)

1. To be encouraged

2. To grieve over

3. To like

4. To hate

To mince matters -

Our principal is not a man to mince matters. (SSC CGL 2008)

1. To confuse issues

2. To say something mildly

3. To mix everything together

4. To be very modest

To blaze a trail - to initiate something first which is not done by others

To blaze a trail - (SSC LDC 2004)

1. To lead the way as a pioneer

2. To light a track

3. To set up a fire

4. To wear a blazer while running

Fits and starts - irregularly

Gopi works by fits and starts.(SSC SECTION OFFICER 2005)

1. Consistently

2. Irregularly

3. In High spirits

4. Enthusiastically

Inns and outs - details of something

Inns and outs -  (SSC LDC 2004)

1. Entry and exit points

2. Full details

3. Tactical moves

4. Complexity of character

To cut no ice - to not to change one’s opinion

His arguments cut no ice with me.  (SSC  SECTION OFFICER 2006)

1. Had no influence on me

2. Did not hurt me

3. Did not benefit me

4. Did not make me proud

To took on heels - ran away

When he saw the snake he took to his heels.  (SSC  SECTION OFFICER 2003)

1. Ran away in fear

2. Went slowly

3. Walked in fear

4. Jumped fast