Idiomatic Expressions - Jamb English Language Past Questions and Answers

Question 21:

• JAMB 1983

In the question below select the option which best express the meaning of the phrase or word underlined:
The president stood his ground because the committee member would not be persuaded to arrive at a compromised on the issue being debated

A. Yield his position
B. Shifted his position
C. Maintained his position
D. Defended his position
E. Resisted his position

Question 22:

• JAMB 1983

In the question below select the option which best express the meaning of the phrase or word underlined:
The take home pay for many workers is such that they can hardly make both ends meet

A. Live an honest live
B. Finish their schedule of work
C. Keep two jobs at a time
D. Live within their income
E. Live on both ends

Question 23:

• JAMB 1984

In the question below choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined:
In their desire to impress their friends and relatives, many young workers bite off more than they can chew in terms of financial obligations.

A. Have more money than sense
B. Eat more than they can digest properly
C. Spend too much money on food
D. Care too much for their relatives
E. Take on more responsibility than they can afford

Question 24:

• JAMB 1984

In the question below choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined:
The new Inspector decide that the culprits should be brought to book

A. Should have their names recorded in a book
B. Should be brought before hin to show whether they could read or not
C. Should be booked
D. Should be jailed
E. Should be made to answer for their conduct

Question 25:

• JAMB 1985

In the question below choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word or phrase:
Telling Ali to break his habit of coming to work late is like knocking your head against a brick wall

A. Trying the impossible
B. Asking him to beat you
C. Making a fool of yourself
D. Asking him to be your enemy
E. Making him break ndown at work