Idiomatic Expressions - Jamb English Language Past Questions and Answers

Question 36:

• JAMB 1986

In the question below choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase underlined:
The new religious leader hands out an olives branch.

A. Sues for peace
B. Gives out branches of the olive tree
C. Challenges his opponents to a fight
D. Blesses his congregation

Question 37:

• JAMB 1986

In the question below choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase underlined:
Though a brilliant student, Binta lost her tongue when she was asked to give the vote of thanks at the end of the Governor's visit to her school.

A. Became dumb
B. Became deaf and dumb
C. Said nothing because she was shy
D. Forgot her native language

Question 38:

• JAMB 1986

In the question below choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase underlined:
The accounts clerk was jailed because he cooked the books

A. Set fire to the account books
B. Sold the books in his office to get money for food
C. Falsified the accounts to his advantage
D. Destroyed the accounts books by cooking them

Question 39:

• JAMB 1987

In the question below choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase Underlined:The distance is not more than twenty kilometres as the crow flies

A. By the longest route
B. By the shortest route
C. By air
D. By the fastest means

Question 40:

• JAMB 1988

In the question below choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) Underlined:Yahaya hardly knows on which side his bread is buttered in the matter

A. Where his interest liess
B. What he must do
C. Where he should go
D. Whom to contact for help