8 Best Idioms For Competitive Exams

English Idioms for Competitive Exams, expressions, and proverbs are an important part of the English language, both spoken and written English are filled with them.

For English Learners idioms are hard to comprehend, the reason being Idioms don’t make objective sense.

To learn the meanings and usage of idioms, ESL students must study and familiarize themselves with their everyday usage.

The team at Lillypad understands the pain and difficulties English Learners confront comprehending the true meaning and acceptable usage. This idioms list of Competitive Exams makes learning painless, with common Competitive Exams idioms, definitions, and example sentences which make the meaning clear.

Learning to use common idioms and expressions will make your English sound more native, so it’s a good idea to master some of these expressions with daily practice, so bookmark this page or share it with your friends; now let us learn about idioms for Competitive Exams together.

Idioms for Competitive Exams with Meanings, Definitions & Example Sentences

1. Tried And Tested

Definition and Meaning: Tried And Tested

The expression “tried and tested” describes something that’s proven to work or be reliable through constant use.

Tried And Tested Example Sentences:

• Keeping your own vocabulary notebook is a tried and tested method to boost speaking skills.
• We’re honing our products with tried and tested industry processes.
• I’m not sure it’s a tried and tested way but it has been popular for years.
• The doctor claimed that turkey tail mushrooms are a tried and tested remedy to alleviate illness.
• I’ve known her for years and giving her food is a tried and tested way to get in her good graces.

2. Break A Leg

Definition and Meaning: Break A Leg

The expression “break a leg” is another way of saying or wishing someone good luck.

Break A Leg Example Sentences:

• I heard your licensure exam is in two weeks. Break a leg!
• Break a leg, you guys. But it’s also important to have fun out there.
• Tanay smiled. “Break a leg,” she said to me.

3. Hit The Books

Definition and Meaning: Hit The Books

This expression means to study hard.

Hit The Books Example Sentences:

• Don’t you think it’s time to hit the books? You have an exam tomorrow.\
• I hate to be the party pooper, but it’s time to hit the books.
• Hilda plans to hit the books two weeks before the exam date.
• This is it, guys. Let’s hit the books and go for the gold.
• To hit the books comes naturally to her children. I have to pry mine from their Xbox.

4. Learn Something By Heart

Definition and Meaning: Learn Something By Heart

The expression “learns something by heart” means to study something until one perfectly memorized it.

Learn Something By Heart Example Sentences:

• You won’t have to worry if you learn the rules by heart.
• Learn these vocabulary words by heart and you should do well on the quiz.
• Lydia has problems learning anything by heart so I’m showing her some techniques.
• Did you learn he table of elements by heart like I asked you to?
• You can’t learn all these by heart. Applying them in practical exercises will let you remember them better.

5. You Can’t Judge A Book By Its Cover

Definition and Meaning: You Can’t Judge A Book By Its Cover

The expression means that you cannot judge something by its appearance.

You Can’t Judge A Book By Its Cover Example Sentences:

• Just because my friend looks like a slob doesn’t mean he’s not a genius You can’t judge a book by its cover.
• Don’t be fooled by the fancy packaging of this product You can’t judge a book by its cover.
• Don’t be so quick to judge my new neighbor You can’t judge a book by its cover.
• Don’t be so quick to dismiss this new restaurant You can’t judge a book by its cover.
• Don’t be so quick to judge my new boss You can’t judge a book by its cover.

6. Trial And Error

Definition and Meaning: Trial And Error

This expression means to achieve a good result by testing different methods until the right one is found.

Trial And Error Example Sentences:

• You have to get messy with the paint. Trial and error, that’s how you learn.
• The best chefs I know learn by trial and error.
• I encourage you to learn by trial and error. There’s no right method. Just the one that’s right for you.
• It took years of trial and error before they got the formula for their chili sauce right.
• Did you think this was an accident? No, it was months of trial and error inside a crampy lab.

7. A Stitch In Time Saves Nine

Definition and Meaning: A Stitch In Time Saves Nine

The expression “A stitch in time saves nine” is an idiom that means that it is better to fix a problem when it is small because it will take less time and effort than if it is allowed to become bigger.

A Stitch In Time Saves Nine Example Sentences:

• If you notice a small crack in your car’s windshield, get it fixed right away – a stitch in time saves nine
• If you’re having trouble with a project at work, ask for help early on – a stitch in time saves nine
• If you’re having a disagreement with a friend, address it as soon as possible – a stitch in time saves nine
• If you’re having trouble with a class, talk to your professor right away – a stitch in time saves nine
• If you’re having trouble with a task at home, ask for help before it gets too complicated – a stitch in time saves nine

8. The Early Bird Catches The Worm

Definition and Meaning: The Early Bird Catches The Worm

The expression “the early bird catches the worm” means that if you want to be successful, you need to start working early.

The Early Bird Catches The Worm Example Sentences:

• My mom always tells me that the early bird catches the worm, so I try to wake up early to get a head start on my day.
• My brother always gets to the office before anyone else because he believes that the early bird catches the worm.

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