Idiomatic Expressions, Idioms, and Phrases (CSS 1971 – 2001)

CSS aspirants are recommended to thoroughly review the Idiomatic Expressions, Idioms, and Phrases from past papers to pass in the English Precis & Composition Paper. As the FPSC frequently repeats questions, candidates must meticulously study the provided list compiled by the CSS Exam Desk Team. Please note that the Urdu translations have been sourced from Google; if you suspect any inaccuracies, kindly notify us through the comments section for rectification.

IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS, IDIOMS, AND PHRASES (COLLECTED FROM CSS ENGLISH PRECIS AND COMPOSITION PAST PAPERS, 1971 – 2001) | DOWNLOAD THE COMPLETE LIST IN PDF FORMAT HERE | SIGN UP ON SCRIBD AND DOWNLOAD THE ATTACHED MATERIAL, SPECIALLY CURATED FOR YOU!

CSS 1971 English Precis and Composition Paper

• Carry out (کام کو پورا کرنا) means to complete or finish something that has been started. For example, “The police carried out a search of the house.” or “The doctor carried out the surgery successfully.”
• Take over (قبضہ کرنا) means to gain control of something, especially by force or without permission. For example, “The rebels took over the government.” or “The company was taken over by a new owner.”
• Bring about (لانا یا پروان کرنا) means to cause something to happen. For example, “The war brought about many changes in the country.” or “The new law will bring about much-needed reforms.”
• Beat out (شکست دینا) means to win something by defeating an opponent in a competition. For example, “The boxer beat out his opponent in a close match.” or “The company beat out its competitors to win the contract.”
• Beat out of (کچھ کھوچنا یا زبردستی لینا) means to force someone to do something by hitting them. For example, “The mugger beat out the victim’s wallet.” or “The teacher beat out of the student a promise to behave.”
• Bear with (صبر کرنا یا سہنا) means to tolerate or put up with something that is difficult or annoying. For example, “I’ll bear with you until you learn how to do it yourself.” or “I’ll bear with the noise until the construction is finished.”

CSS 1972 English Precis and Composition Paper

• Fall back on (سہارا لینا) means to use something as a source of support or help when you are in difficulty. For example, “If my plan fails, I’ll have to fall back on my savings.” or “The company fell back on its reserves to weather the financial crisis.”
• Fall through (ناکام ہونا) means to fail to happen or to be successful. For example, “The negotiations fell through because the two sides could not agree on a deal.” or “Our plans to go on vacation fell through because of the bad weather.”
• On right earnest (سچے دل سے) means to do something seriously and with full effort. For example, “I’m going to get on right earnest with my studies.” or “The company is on right earnest to expand its operations.”
• Vested interests (ذاتی مفاد) means a group of people who have a personal or financial interest in something, and who may try to influence decisions about it in their own favor. Example, “The developers have a vested interest in getting the zoning change approved.” or “The union has a vested interest in keeping wages high.”
• Meaningful dialogue (مفید گفتگو) means a conversation that is productive and leads to understanding or agreement. For example, “We had a meaningful dialogue about the future of the company.” or “The two sides were finally able to reach a meaningful dialogue after months of negotiations.”

CSS 1973 English Precis and Composition Paper

• Turn to account (فائدہ اٹھانا) means to make use of something or to put it to good use. For example, “I turned my spare time to account by learning a new language.” or “The company turned the crisis to account by launching a new product line.”
• Beat the air / beat the wind (ایسی کوشش کریں جو بیکار ہو یا غیر موثر) means to make an effort that is useless or ineffective. For example, “I’m beating the air trying to convince her to change her mind.” or “The protesters were beating the air by marching around the block.”
• Break a lance with (کسی کو مقابلہ میں چیلنج کرنا یا بحث یا دلیل میں شامل ہونا) means to challenge someone to a contest or to engage in a debate or argument. For example, “The two politicians broke a lance with each other over the issue of healthcare.” or “I’m not afraid to break a lance with anyone who disagrees with me.”
• Foul of / foul play (جرم کرنا) means to do something wrong or to commit a crime. Examples, “The player was accused of fouling of the other player.” “The company was accused of foul play in the bidding process.”
• Keep open house (مہمانوں کا آزادانہ اور دعوت نامے کے بغیر اپنے گھر میں استقبال کرنا) means to welcome guests into your home freely and without invitation. For example, “The family always kept open house during the holidays.” or “The politician kept open house to meet with constituents.”
• Put out of countenance (شرمندہ کرنا) means to embarrass or disconcert someone. As; “The teacher put the student out of countenance by calling on him in front of the class.” or “The politician was put out of countenance by the tough questions from the interviewer.”
• Got up to kill (غصے میں آنا) means to be very angry/ to be determined to do something. Example, “The husband was got up to kill when he found out his wife was cheating on him.” or “The athlete was got up to kill when he stepped onto the field.”
• Have a finger in the pie (دخالت کرنا) means to be involved in something or to have some influence over it. For example, “The politician had a finger in the pie of every major decision.” or “The company had a finger in the pie of the new development project.”
• Have a finger in every pie (ہر جگہ دخالت کرنا) means to be involved in many different things or to have a lot of interests. As, “The businessman had a finger in every pie, from real estate to finance.” or “The student had a finger in every pie, from the drama club to the debate team.”

CSS 1974 English Precis and Composition Paper

• Like a red rag to a bull (کسی کو ناراض کرنے یا پریشان کرنے کا بہت امکان) means that something is very likely to anger or upset someone. For example, “The referee’s decision was like a red rag to a bull to the losing team.”
• Not a leg to stand on ( کسی کے پاس کوئی درست دلیل یا دفاع نہیں ہونا) means that someone has no valid argument or defense. For example, “The defendant’s lawyer tried to argue that his client was innocent, but he didn’t have a leg to stand on.”
• Under the thumb of (کسی کے تابع) means that someone is controlled or dominated by another person. For example, “The employee was under the thumb of his boss, who was always micromanaging him.”
• The writing on the wall (کچھ خراب ہونے والا ہے ، حالانکہ یہ ابھی تک واضح نہیں ہو) means that something bad is going to happen, even though it is not yet obvious. For example, “The company’s profits were declining, and the writing was on the wall for layoffs.”
• An axe to grind (اپنا مطلب نکالنا) means that someone has a personal agenda or motive, and they are using their position or influence to promote it. For example, “The politician was accused of having an axe to grind, and that he was only supporting the bill because it would benefit his own constituents.”
• Turn a new leaf (نئی شروعات کرنا) means to start over and make a fresh start. For example, “After getting out of jail, he decided to turn a new leaf and start living a clean life.”
• Burn the candle at both ends (دونوں سرے سے جلنا) means to work or play so hard that you do not get enough sleep. For example, “The student was burning the candle at both ends, studying late into the night and working part-time during the day.”
• Leave in the lurch (مصیبت میں چھوڑ دینا) means to abandon or desert someone in a difficult situation. For example, “The friend left me in the lurch when I needed him most, and I had to figure things out on my own.”
• Goes without saying (اس کا کہنا ہی کیا ہے) means that something is so obvious that it does not need to be said. For example, “It goes without saying that all travelers and their bags must be checked.”

CSS 1975 English Precis and Composition Paper

• Sow one’s wild oats (خود کو آزادی دینا) means to experience youthful indiscretions before settling down. As, “He went on a backpacking trip through Asia to sow his wild oats.”
• Storm in a teacup () means that something is a big fuss about nothing. For example, “The argument between the two friends was just a storm in a teacup, they were back to being friends the next day.”
• Keep late hours (دیر تک جاگنا) means to stay up late at night. As, “I’ve been keeping late hours working on this project.”
• Throw cold water on (کسی کے جوش کو ٹھنڈا کرنا) means to discourage or dampen enthusiasm. As, “I tried to throw cold water on his plan to climb the tree, but he wouldn’t listen.”
• Cock and bull story (بے ہودہ کہانی) means a ridiculous or improbable story. Example, “The man’s story about how he won the lottery was a cock and bull story.”
• Bear the brunt of (سخت ترین صورتحال کا سامنا کرنا) means to suffer the most from something. For example, “The soldiers on the front line bore the brunt of the fighting.”
• Tied to apron-strings of (اپنی ماں کے تابع) means to be overly dependent on one’s mother or other female figure. As, “The man was so tied to his apron strings that he couldn’t make a decision without asking his mother’s permission.”
• Move heaven and earth (چھوٹی سے چھوٹی چیز کرنا) means to do everything possible to achieve something. As, “He was determined to get the job, so he moved heaven and earth to get it.”
• Blow one’s own trumpet / blow one’s trumpet (اپنی خود کی تسبیح کرنا) means to boast about oneself or one’s accomplishments. For example, “He’s always blowing his own trumpet about how great he is.”
• Rest on one’s laurels (اپنی کامیابیوں پر سانتھ لینا) means to be satisfied with one’s accomplishments and not to try to improve or achieve more. For example, “He won the award and then rested on his laurels, never trying to achieve anything else.”

CSS 1976 English Precis and Composition Paper

• Trudge along (سخت مشقت سے چلنا) means to walk slowly and laboriously. For example, “The weary traveler trudged along the dusty road.” or “We trudged along through the thick mud, weighed down as much by hunger and fatigue as by our packs.”
• Point-blank (سخت لہجے میں) means directly or rudely and without hesitation. Example, “He asked me point-blank if I was cheating on him.” or “The army apparently refused point blank to do what was required of them.”
• In the doldrums (مایوس کن حالت میں) means to be in a state of apathy or depression. For example, “The company was in the doldrums after the recession.”
• Dole out / on the dole ( تھوڑی مقدار میں رقم یا کھانا دینا) means to give out small amounts of money or food. For example, “The government doled out food to the people who were affected by the famine.”
• At cross purposes (مختلف اہداف یا مقاصد کی طرف کام کرنا) means to be working towards different goals or objectives. For example, “The two teams were at cross purposes, and they couldn’t agree on a solution.”
• Check by jowl (بہت قریب رہنا) means to live or work in very close proximity to someone. For example, “The two families lived cheek by jowl in the small village.”
• Succinctly (صاف ستھری طرح) means to say something in a clear and concise way. For example, “The speaker summed up his argument succinctly.”
• Hilarious detract from (ہنسی مزاق سے پتھراؤ) means that something that is supposed to be serious or meaningful can be made less so by something that is funny or humorous. For example, “The comedian’s hilarious jokes detracted from the seriousness of the speech.”
• Plain sailing (آسان سفر) means that something is going smoothly or easily. For example, “The project was going on plain sailing until the unexpected problem arose.”

CSS 1977 English Precis and Composition Paper

• Bear the brunt of (سخت ترین صورتحال کا سامنا کرنا) means to suffer the most from something. For example, “The soldiers on the front line bore the brunt of the fighting.”
• Call a spade a spade (سچ بولنا) means to speak frankly and honestly, without mincing words. As, “I’m just calling a spade a spade, but I think you’re making a mistake.”
• Fight shy of (کسی چیز سے گریز کرنا) means to avoid or be reluctant to do something. For example, “I’m fighting shy of asking for a raise, I don’t want to seem greedy.”
• Cry over the spilt milk (رونا دھونا) means to regret something that has already happened and cannot be changed. For example, “There’s no point in crying over the spilt milk, we just need to focus on cleaning it up.”
• Burn the candle at both ends (دونوں سرے سے جلنا) means to work or play so hard that you do not get enough sleep. As, “I’ve been burning the candle at both ends, I’m exhausted.”
• Rob Peter to pay Paul (ایک کا پیسہ لے کر دوسرے کو دینا) means to take money from one person or group in order to give it to another person or group. As, “The company had to rob Peter to pay Paul in order to keep its head above water.”
• Take the bull by the horns (ایک مشکل یا چیلنجنگ صورتحال سے نمٹنا) means to deal with a difficult or challenging situation head-on. For example, “The CEO took the bull by the horns and fired the entire sales team.”
• Playing to the gallery (سامعین کو خوش کرنے کے لئے کچھ کہنا یا کرنا) means to say or do something in order to please the audience, even if it is not true or sincere. For example, “The politician was playing to the gallery when he made those promises.”
• Holding out the olive branch (صلح کی پیشکش کرنا) means to make a gesture of peace or reconciliation. For example, “The president held out the olive branch to the rebels by offering them a cease-fire.”
• Make out (سمجھنا) means to understand something, especially after a great deal of effort. For example, “I finally made out what the doctor was saying.”

CSS 1978 English Precis and Composition Paper

• Acid test (آخری امتحان) means the final test or trial that will determine the true value or worth of something. For example, “The acid test of his leadership will be how he handles the upcoming crisis.”
• In a blue funk (خوف کی حالت میں) means to be in a state of fear or anxiety. For example, “I was in a blue funk before my job interview, but I managed to calm down and do well.”
• Bad hat (غیر معتبر شخص) means a person who is considered to be untrustworthy or unreliable. For example, “I wouldn’t trust that guy, he’s a bad hat.”
• Die in harness (کام کرتے ہوئے مرنا) means to die while still working or active. For example, “The old man died in harness, he was still working at the age of 90.”
• Dead as doornail / dead as a dodo or herring (پورے طور پر مرا ہوا) means to be completely and utterly dead. For example, “The cat was dead as a doornail when I found it.”
• Set one’s cap (کسی کی توجہ حاصل کرنا) means to try to attract the attention of someone, especially in a romantic way. “The young man set his cap at the pretty girl across the street.”
• Down at heel (خراب حالت میں) means to be in a state of disrepair or neglect. For example, “The old man’s shoes were down at heel, but he didn’t seem to mind.”
• Raise coin (پیسہ کمانا) means to earn or acquire money. For example, “He raised coin by selling his old car.”
• Strike one’s colours (ہتھیار ڈالنا) means to surrender or give up. For example, “The pirate ship struck its colours when it was surrounded by the navy.”
• Carry the day (کامیابی حاصل کرنا) means to win or be successful. “The team carried the day by scoring a last-minute goal.”

CSS 1979 English Precis and Composition Paper

• Taken down a peg (اپنی اہمیت کھونا) means to be humbled or made to feel less important. For example, “The CEO was taken down a peg when he was demoted.”
• Monkey with (چھیڑ چھاڑ کرنا) means to tamper with or meddle with something. For example, “Don’t monkey with the controls, you’ll only make things worse.”
• In hot water (مصیبت میں) means to be in trouble or in danger. For example, “The student was in hot water when he got caught cheating on the exam.”
• Rub shoulders (رتبہ والوں سے ملنا جلنا) means to come into contact with or associate with people of a higher social status. For example, “The young politician was eager to rub shoulders with the movers and shakers in the party.”
• Rise from the ranks (اپنی میں کامیابی حاصل کرنا) means to achieve success or prominence without the help of family or connections. For example, “The CEO rose from the ranks to become the head of the company.”
• Petticoat Government (عورتوں کی حکومت) refers to a government by women, whether in politics or domestic affairs. For example, “He lost to his Conservative opponent, who campaigned on the slogan “No Petticoat Government.”
• Pull oneself together (اپنے آپ کو سنبھالنا) means to regain one’s composure or self-control. For example, “The student pulled herself together after the test and did well.”

CSS 1980 English Precis and Composition Paper

• Go against the grain (اپنی فطرت کے خلاف جانا) means to do something that is difficult or that goes against your natural inclination. For example, “I know it goes against the grain, but you have to do it.”
• At one’s beck and call (کسی کے حکم پر) means to be completely under someone’s control. For example, “The secretary was at her boss’s beck and call, she had to do whatever he said.”
• Keep at (ہار نہیں ماننا) means to continue to do something, even though it is difficult or frustrating. For example, “I kept at it, and eventually I was able to solve the problem.”
• Upset the apple cart (شانتی کو برباد کرنا) means to cause a disturbance or disruption, especially to a carefully planned or organized situation. For example, “The new employee upset the apple cart by questioning the company’s policies.”
• Hoist on one’s own petard (اپنے ہی جال میں پھنسنا) means to be injured or defeated by one’s own plan or device. For example, “The villain was hoist on his own petard when his own bomb exploded in his face.”
• Live on the fat of the land (آرام سے رہنا) means to live a life of luxury or abundance. As, “The wealthy family lived on the fat of the land, they had everything they could ever want.”
• Pocket the affront (ہتک آمیز بات کو نظر انداز کرنا) means to ignore or accept an insult or offense. For example, “I decided to pocket the affront and not let it bother me.”
• Thin end of the wedge (چھوٹی سی شروعات) means something that is small and insignificant at first, but that can lead to something much larger and more significant. For example, “The new tax was just the thin end of the wedge, and soon there were many more taxes.”
• Flash in the pan (چمک کر بج جانا) means something that is exciting or impressive at first, but that quickly fades away. For example, “The new restaurant was a flash in the pan, it was popular for a few months, but then it closed down.”
• Bring grist to the mill (فائدہ پہنچانا) means to help or benefit someone or something. For example, “The new customer brought grist to the mill, and the business started to do well.”

CSS 1981 English Precis and Composition Paper

• Have your cake and eat it too (دو متضاد چیزیں ایک ساتھ حاصل کرنا) means to want or expect to have two things that are mutually exclusive. For example, “I can’t have my cake and eat it too, I can’t both go to the party and study for the test.”
• Between the devil and the deep blue sea (دو برائیوں کے درمیان) means to be in a difficult situation with no good options. For example, “I’m between the devil and the deep blue sea, I don’t know whether to quit my job or stay and hope things get better.”
• In hot water (مصیبت میں) means to be in trouble or in danger. For example, “I’m in hot water with my boss, I’m afraid I’m going to get fired.”
• On the carpet (مصیبت میں) means to be in trouble or to be reprimanded. For example, “I was on the carpet with my boss, I got a talking-to about my performance.”
• It never rains but it pours (ایک برائی کے بعد دوسری برائی) means that when something bad happens, it often seems to come in a series of misfortunes. For example, “I lost my job, and then my car broke down, it never rains but it pours.”
• A miss is as good as a mile (تھوڑا سا فرق نہیں پڑتا) means that it doesn’t matter if you miss by a little bit or a lot, you still missed. For example, “I aimed for the bullseye, but I missed by a mile, so it doesn’t matter.”
• Give oneself airs (اپنے آپ کو بڑا دکھانا) means to behave in a conceited or arrogant way. For example, “He’s always giving himself airs, he thinks he’s better than everyone else.”
• Have the courage of one’s convictions (اپنے عقیدے پر قائم رہنا) means to be willing to stand up for what you believe in, even if it’s unpopular. For example, “She had the courage of her convictions, she spoke out against the war even though it was unpopular.”
• The onlooker sees most of the game (بے طرف شخص زیادہ واضح دیکھتا ہے) means that sometimes the people who are not directly involved in a situation can see things more clearly than the people who are involved. As, “The onlooker sees most of the game, they can see the bigger picture.”
• Out of sight out of mind (دیکھائی نہیں دیتا تو یاد نہیں رہتا) means that if you don’t see something, you tend to forget about it. For example, “I put the report away in a drawer, and now it’s out of sight, out of mind.”

CSS 1982 English Precis and Composition Paper

• Come to a dead end (رستہ بند ہوجانا) means to reach a point where there is no further progress possible. For example, “The police investigation came to a dead end, they were unable to find any new leads.”
• Turn a deaf ear (کسی یا کچھ اور سننے سے انکار کرنا) means to refuse to listen to someone or something. For example, “The politician turned a deaf ear to the protesters’ demands.”
• Every dark cloud has a silver lining (ہر خراب حالات میں ایک اچھائی ہوتی ہے) means that even bad situations can have some good aspects. For example, “I lost my job, but I’m going to use this time to start my own business.”
• Blowing hot and cold together (غیر متفقہ رہنا) means to be inconsistent or indecisive. For example, “He’s always blowing hot and cold, I never know what he wants.”
• Let the cat out of the bag (راز افشا کرنا) means to reveal a secret or to give away something that was meant to be kept secret. For example, “I accidentally let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.”
• Put the cart before the horse (غیر منطقی قدم اٹھانا) means to do things in the wrong order or to prioritize things incorrectly. For example, “They’re putting the cart before the horse, they’re trying to sell the product before they even have it developed.”
• Sail in the same boat (ایک جیسے حالات میں ہونا) means to be in the same situation or to share the same fate. For example, “We’re all sailing in the same boat, we’re all going to have to make some sacrifices.”
• Swan Song (آخری کارنامہ) refers to a final performance or a final effort. For example, “The actor gave a swan song performance before retiring.”

CSS 1984 English Precis and Composition Paper

• Look a gift horse in the mouth ( ناشکری کرنے یا کسی ایسی چیز کی قیمت پر سوال کرنے کے لئے جو آپ کو دی گئی ہے) means to be ungrateful or to question the value of something that has been given to you. As, “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth, just be grateful for what you’ve been given.”
• Have an axe to grind (اپنی رائے میں پکھ ہونا) means to have a personal agenda or to be biased in your views. Example, “He’s always had an axe to grind against the government, he’s never been able to see their side of things.”
• Wash one’s dirty linen in public / air one’s dirty linen or laundry (نجی باتوں کو عوام میں اٹھانا) means to discuss private or personal matters in public. Example, “I don’t think it’s a good idea to wash our dirty linen in public, it’s not something that should be discussed outside of the family.”
• Pocket an insult (ہتک آمیز بات کو نظر انداز کرنا) means to ignore or accept an insult without responding. For example, “I decided to pocket the insult and not let it bother me.”
• Take to one’s heels (بھاگ جانا) means to run away or to flee. “The thief took to his heels when he saw the police.”
• Win laurels (کامیابی حاصل کرنا) means to achieve success or to be honored for one’s achievements. For example, “The athlete won laurels for his outstanding performance.”
• Gentleman at large (آزاد انسان) means a man who is free to do as he pleases. For example, “He’s a gentleman at large, he doesn’t have to answer to anyone.”

CSS 1985 English Precis and Composition Paper

• By and by (آہستہ آہستہ) means eventually or in the future. As, “I’ll get back to you by and by, I’m just busy right now.”
• The lion’s share (بڑا حصہ) means the largest or most important part of something. Example, “The CEO took the lion’s share of the profits, while the workers got a small fraction.”
• In black and white (تحریری طور پر یا کسی رسمی دستاویز میں) means in writing or in a formal document. For example, “I need to have everything in black and white, I don’t want any misunderstandings.”
• Bring to book (جوابدہ ٹھہرانا) means to hold someone accountable for their actions. For example, “The teacher brought the student to book for cheating on the test.”
• Read between the lines (لکھے ہوئے سے زیادہ سمجھنا) means to understand the hidden meaning of something. For example, “I could tell that he was angry, even though he didn’t say anything, I could read between the lines.”
• Stick to one’s guns (اپنے موقف پر قائم رہنا) means to maintain one’s position or opinion, even in the face of opposition. As, “The politician stuck to his guns, even though he was facing a lot of pressure to change his position.”
• Under a cloud (شک کے تحت) means to be suspected of something wrong or to be in disfavor. As, “The politician was under a cloud after he was accused of corruption.”
• By fits and starts (آہستہ آہستہ اور بے قاعدگی سے) means to do something in a sporadic or inconsistent way. As, “The student was working on his project by fits and starts, he would work for a while, then he would get distracted and stop.”

CSS 1987 English Precis and Composition Paper

• Back out (واپس ہٹنا) means to withdraw from a commitment or an agreement. For example, “I had to back out of the meeting, I had a family emergency.”
• Keep out of (دور رہنا) means to avoid or to stay away from something. For example, “I’m trying to keep out of trouble, I don’t want to get into any fights.”
• Bang into (ٹکرانا) means to collide with something or someone. For example, “I banged into the door, I wasn’t paying attention.”
• Burn one’s fingers (نقصان اٹھانا) means to suffer a loss or to be harmed as a result of one’s actions. For example, “I burned my fingers when I invested in that company, it went bankrupt.”
• Smell a rat (شک کرنا) means to suspect that something is wrong or suspicious. For example, “I smell a rat, I don’t think he’s telling us the whole story.”
• Null and void (باطل اور نا اہل) means invalid or having no legal effect. “The contract was null and void, it was never signed.”
• Catch up with (پکڑنا) means to reach or to overtake someone or something. For example, “I’m trying to catch up with my work, I’m behind schedule.”
• Stand up for (حمایت کرنا) means to defend or to support someone or something. For example, “I stood up for my friend when he was being bullied.”
• Skim through (جلدی سے پڑھنا) means to read something quickly and superficially. For example, “I skimmed through the report, I didn’t have time to read it in detail.”
• Narrow down (حدوں میں رکھنا) means to reduce the number of options or possibilities. For example, “We’re trying to narrow down the suspects, we have a few leads.”

CSS 1988 English Precis and Composition Paper

• As cool as a cucumber (ٹھنڈے دل کا) means to be calm and collected, even in a difficult situation. For example, “The teacher was as cool as a cucumber during the fire drill, she didn’t even break a sweat.”
• Have your cake and eat it too (دو متضاد چیزیں ایک ساتھ حاصل کرنا) means to want or expect to have two things that are mutually exclusive. For example, “I can’t have my cake and eat it too, I can’t both go to the party and study for the test.”
• In a Pickle (مشکل یا شرمناک صورتحال میں ہونا) means to be in a difficult or embarrassing situation. For example, “The student was in a pickle when he forgot his homework.”
• Take a cake (آسانی سے کامیابی حاصل کرنا) means to win something easily or effortlessly. For example, “The athlete took the cake in the race, he was way ahead of the competition.”
• Sell like hot cakes (تیزی سے بیچنا) means to sell something very quickly and easily. For example, “The new book sold like hot cakes, it was a huge success.”
• As flat as a Pancake (مکمل طور پر فلیٹ ہونا یا شکل نہ ہونا) means to be completely flat or to have no shape or form. For example, “The pancake was as flat as a pancake, it was completely burnt.”
• Take something with a grain of salt / pinch of salt (شک کے ساتھ) means to not believe something completely or to be skeptical. For example, “I took what he said with a grain of salt, I didn’t know if I could believe him.”
• Like two peas in a pod (ملتی جلتی) means to be very similar or identical. For example, “The twins were like two peas in a pod, they looked and acted exactly alike.”

CSS 1989 English Precis and Composition Paper

• Account for (جواب دینا) means to explain or to justify something. For example, “The teacher asked the student to account for his absence.”
• Carry weight / carry authority or conviction (اثر ڈالنا) means to have influence or to be persuasive. “The CSS Exam Desk Director’s words carried weight, everyone listened to what he had to say.”
• To fall back upon (سہارا لینا) means to rely on something or someone for help or support. “The student fell back upon his notes when he forgot the answer to the question.”
• To be taken aback (حیران رہنا) means to be surprised or shocked. As, “The student was taken aback when the teacher asked him a question he didn’t know the answer to.”
• A wild goose chase (بے کار تلاش) means a fruitless or pointless search. For example, “The police were on a wild goose chase, the suspect was nowhere to be found.”
• By leaps and bounds (تیزی سے ترقی کرنا) means to improve or develop very quickly. As, “The student’s grades improved by leaps and bounds after he started tutoring.”
• To burn midnight oil (رات بھر محنت کرنا) means to work or study late into the night. For example, “The student burned midnight oil to finish his paper.”

CSS 1990 English Precis and Composition Paper

• White elephant (بوجھل سامان) means a possession that is expensive to maintain but of little or no use. For example, “The old car was a white elephant, it cost more to keep it running than it was worth.”
• Blue Blood (عظیم پیدائش یا اعلی معاشرتی حیثیت کا فرد) means a person of noble birth or high social status. For example, “The prince was a blue blood, he was born into a royal family.”
• Cleanse the Augean stable (بڑی صفائی کرنا) means to undertake a massive task of cleaning or reorganization. For example, “The new CEO was tasked with cleansing the Augean stables, the company was in a mess.”
• Apple of discord (تنازعہ کا باعث) means a cause of dissension or rivalry. As, “The apple of discord was the beautiful Helen, her beauty caused a war between two kingdoms.”
• In good books (کسی کی نظر میں اچھا) means to be in someone’s favor or to be well-liked by them. As, “The student was in the teacher’s good books, he always did his homework.”
• Stare in the face / look in the face (کسی ناگوار یا مشکل چیز کا سامنا کرنا ) means to be confronted with something unpleasant or difficult. For example, “The company was staring bankruptcy in the face, they were losing money hand over fist.”
• Make off with (کچھ چوری کرنے یا کسی چیز سے بھاگنے کے لئے) means to steal something or to run away with something. For example, “The thief made off with the jewels, he was never caught.”

CSS 1991 English Precis and Composition Paper

• Damocles’ sword (ایک مستقل خطرہ یا خطرہ جو کسی کے سر پر لٹکا ہوا ہونا ) means a constant threat or danger that hangs over someone’s head. For example, “The employees were living under Damocles’ sword, they knew that they could be laid off at any time.”
• Spade a spade (سچ کہنا) means to call something by its true name, without euphemism or circumlocution. As, “The doctor told me straight to the point, I had cancer.”
• Every inch (پوری طرح) means completely or entirely. For example, “He was a gentleman, every inch of him.”
• On the sky (صاف ظاہر) means visible or obvious to everyone. As, “The tension was on the sky, you could cut it with a knife.”
• Palm off (بیکاربنانا) means to pass something off as something else, especially something inferior or worthless. For example, “The salesman tried to palm off a fake Rolex on me.”
• Lip service (زبان کی خدمت) means insincere or meaningless expressions of support or agreement. For example, “The politician gave lip service to the environment, but he did nothing to actually protect it.”
• Turn coat (بدلنے والا) means someone who changes their allegiance or beliefs, especially for reasons of expediency. For example, “He was a turncoat, he switched sides as soon as it became convenient.”

CSS 1992 English Precis and Composition Paper

• Over head and ears (پوری طرح شامل) means completely or deeply involved in something. For example, “I’m over head and ears in debt, I don’t know how I’m going to pay it off.”
• Time and tide wait for no man (وقت اور موسم کسی کا انتظار نہیں کرتا) means time passes and opportunities are lost if you don’t act. As, “I have to apply for that job, time and tide wait for no man.”
• Fish in troubled waters (مشکل یا انتشار کی صورتحال سے فائدہ اٹھانا) means to take advantage of a difficult or chaotic situation. For example, “The politician was accused of fishing in troubled waters, he was trying to gain power by exploiting the chaos.”
• Bird’s eye-view (کسی چیز کا ایک جامع یا جائزہ) means a comprehensive or overview of something. For example, “The pilot gave us a bird’s eye-view of the city, it was amazing.”
• Live from hand to mouth (بہت کم رقم رکھنا اور صرف ایک دن سے اگلے دن تک زندہ رہنا۔ ) means to have very little money and to live only from one day to the next. As, “The family was living from hand to mouth, they didn’t know how they were going to make ends meet.”

CSS 1993 English Precis and Composition Paper

• Play truant (بغیر اجازت سکول یا کام سے انکسار کرنا) means to deliberately miss school or work without permission. For example, “The student played truant to go to the beach.”
• Play down (کام یا مسئلہ کو کم اہمیت دینا) means to make something seem less important or serious than it really is. For example, “The government played down the severity of the hurricane.”
• Play down to (کسی کو کم سمجھنا) means to treat someone as if they are not intelligent or capable. For example, “The teacher played down to the students, she didn’t think they could understand the material.”
• Turn turtle (الٹنا) means to capsize or overturn. For example, “The boat turned turtle in the storm.”
• Turn the corner (بہتر ہونا) means to reach a point where things start to improve. For example, “The patient is finally turning the corner, his health is improving.”
• Fair weather friend (صرف خوشحالی میں ساتھ دینے والا) means someone who is only your friend when things are going well. As, “He’s a fair weather friend, he’s only around when he needs something”
• Burn one’s boats (کسی فیصلے پر قائم رہنا) means to make a commitment or decision that makes it impossible to go back. For example, “He burned his boats when he quit his job to start his own business.”
• Horse-trading (سمجھوتے کی کارروائی) means a process of negotiation in which each side makes concessions in order to reach an agreement. For example, “The two sides were engaged in horse-trading, they were trying to reach a compromise.”

CSS 1994 English Precis and Composition Paper

• Between Scylla and Charybdis (دو برے اختیارات کے درمیان) means to be faced with a difficult choice between two equally bad options. For example, “Ajax was as helpless as Odysseus’ craft ever was, drifting between Scylla and Charybdis, hoping against hope.”
• Hobson’s choice (دو یکساں ناپسندیدہ اختیارات کے مابین ایک انتخاب) means a choice between two equally undesirable options. For example, “It’s a case of Hobson’s choice, because if I don’t agree to their terms, I’ll lose my job.”
• Sting in the tail (ناپسندیدہ نتیجہ) means an unexpected or unpleasant consequence. For example, “Climate change has a sting in the tail for a city’s trees, though.”
• With open arms (دل کھول کر) means to welcome someone or something very warmly. For example, “They would no doubt welcome the action with open arms.”
• Wash one’s hand of (کسی کی ذمہ داری سے انکار کرنا) means to refuse to take responsibility for something or someone. As, “I’ve done all I can for him, & now I’m washing my hands of him.”
• Count one’s chickens (بہت زیادہ امید کرنا) means to be too optimistic about something that has not yet happened. To assume success too early, before it is certain. For example, “She wanted to buy a dress in case someone asked her to the dance, but I told her not to count her chickens before they hatched.”

CSS 1996 English Precis and Composition Paper

• Come off (کامیاب ہونا) means to succeed or to be successful. As, “His new business venture came off without a hitch.”
• Fall back (پیچھے ہٹنا) means to retreat or to withdraw. For example, “The army fell back to their last line of defense.”
• Learn to live with (سے صلح کرنا) means to accept something that you cannot change. As, “I’ve learned to live with my allergies.”
• Set in (قائم ہونا) means to become established or to become permanent. For example, “The cold weather has set in, it’s going to be a long winter.”
• Cover up (چھپانا) means to conceal or to hide something. As, “The government tried to cover up the scandal.”
• Iron out (مشکلات حل کرنا) means to resolve or to solve a problem. As, “The two sides were able to iron out their differences.”
• Back out / back out of something (واپس ہٹنا) means to withdraw or to renege on a commitment. For example, “The politician backed out of the race at the last minute.”
• Carry over (مؤخّر کرنا) means to postpone or to defer something to a later date. For example, “The meeting was carried over to next week.”
• Bear out (تصدیق کرنا) means to confirm or to corroborate something. For example, “The witness’s testimony bore out the police officer’s account of the incident.”

CSS 1997 English Precis and Composition Paper

• To beggar description (بے مثل ہونا) means to be so amazing or extraordinary that it is beyond description. “The view from the top of the mountain beggared description.”
• To bring to mind (یاد دلانا) means to cause someone to remember something. For example, “The smell of the roses brought to mind my grandmother’s garden.”
• To call in question (شک میں ڈالنا) means to challenge or to doubt something. For example, “The lawyer called in question the witness’s testimony.”
• To cap it all / cap it all off (چوٹی پر ہونا) means to add something that is the final or most important part of something. For example, “The singer’s performance was amazing, and to cap it all off, she sang our national anthem.”
• To clip one’s wings (کسی کو اپنی پوری صلاحیت کے حصول سے روکنا) means to prevent someone from achieving their full potential. For example, “The company clipped the wings of its employees by giving them too much bureaucracy to deal with.”
• To cross the Rubicon (ناقابل واپسی حد پار کرنا) means to make a decision that cannot be undone. The phrase comes from Julius Caesar, who crossed the Rubicon River in 49 BC, which marked the boundary between Roman Italy and Cisalpine Gaul. Caesar’s crossing of the Rubicon was seen as a declaration of war against the Roman Senate.
• To feel the pulse / feel the pulse of (نڈر محسوس کرنا) means to gauge the mood or sentiment of a group of people. “The politician went to the town hall to feel the pulse of the people.”
• To fly in the face of / fly in the teeth of (خلاف ورزی کرنا) means to go against something that is generally accepted or believed. For example, “The scientist’s theory flew in the face of everything we know about physics.”
• To rise like a phoenix from its ashes (مشکل صورتحال یا دھچکا سے باھرآنا) means to recover from a difficult situation or setback. The phrase comes from the myth of the phoenix, a bird that is said to burn itself to death and then rise from its own ashes.

CSS 1998 English Precis and Composition Paper

• The last ditch (آخر کار کوشش) means a desperate attempt to save something. For example, “The company was in its last ditch, they were about to go bankrupt.”
• A square meal (پورا کھانا) means a full, hearty meal. For example, “After a long day of hiking, we were all ready for a square meal.”
• Go public (عوام کے سامنے آنا) means to make something known to the general public. For example, “The company decided to go public with their plans to expand.”
• Run riot (wild) (بے قابو ہونا) means to behave in a wild or uncontrolled way. For example, “The children ran riot in the park, they were running around and laughing.”
• The backroom boy (چھپا ہوا آدمی) means a person who is not well-known but who is very powerful or influential. As, “The backroom boy was the one who really made the decisions, even though he was never seen in public.”
• Foot the bill (بل چکانا) means to pay for something. For example, “I’ll foot the bill for dinner, I invited you.”
• Set the pace (رفتار مقرر کرنا) means to establish the speed or standard for something. As, “The Olympic champion set the pace for the race, no one could keep up with him.”
• At times (کبھی کبھار) means occasionally or sometimes. For example, “At times, I feel like I’m going crazy.”
• Steal the show / steal the spotlight (توجہ حاصل کرنا) means to be the most noticeable or impressive person or thing in a group. For example, “The new student stole the show at the talent show, she was amazing.”
• Grey matter (دماغ) means the brain or intelligence. As, “He’s got a lot of grey matter, he’s a very intelligent man.”

CSS 1999 English Precis and Composition Paper

• Close-fisted (کنجوس) means stingy or unwilling to spend money. For example, “He’s so close-fisted that he wouldn’t even buy a round of drinks for his friends.”
• A jaundiced eye (شکی نظر) means a suspicious or negative view. For example, “He looked at the new project with a jaundiced eye, he didn’t think it would be successful.”
• A left-handed compliment / backhanded compliment (منفی تعریفی) means a compliment that is an insult. As, “You’re so smart, you’re practically a genius…for a woman.”
• The ruling passion (غالب خواہش) means the strongest or most dominant desire or motive. For example, “Money was his ruling passion, he would do anything to get it.”
• Tower of strength (طاقت کا ستون) means a person who is very reliable and supportive. For example, “She’s my tower of strength, I don’t know what I would do without her.”
• Steal a march on someone (کسی پر برتری حاصل کرنا) means to gain an advantage over someone by being more clever or resourceful. For example, “The company stole a march on their competitors by launching their new product early.”
• In one’s bones (اپنی ہڈیوں میں) means to have a strong feeling or intuition about something. For example, “I had a feeling in my bones that something was wrong.”
• Hang in the balance (ناپختہ ہونا) means to be uncertain or undecided. For example, “The election result is hanging in the balance, it could go either way.”
• Fly in the ointment (کمی) means a minor problem or obstacle that prevents something from being perfect. As, “The only fly in the ointment is the cost, it’s a bit too high.”

CSS 2000 English Precis and Composition Paper

• Blow one’s top / blow one’s stack (غصے میں آنا) means to lose one’s temper or to become very angry. For example, “He blew his top when he saw the damage to his car.”
• A cock-and-bull story (بہتانے کی کہانی) means a false or ridiculous story. For example, “He told me a cock-and-bull story about how he lost his money.”
• Find one’s feet (اپنے آپ کو سمجھنا) means to become accustomed to a new situation or environment. For example, “It took her a few weeks to find her feet in her new job.”
• Call it a night (رات کا اعلان کرنا) means to decide to go to bed. For example, “I think I’ll call it a night, I’m tired.”
• The tip of the iceberg (برف کا اوپر والا حصہ) means the visible part of something much larger that is hidden below the surface. “The problems in the company are just the tip of the iceberg.”
• Below par / under par (مطلوبہ سطح سے نیچے) means not as good as usual or expected. For example, “He was below par today, he didn’t play as well as he usually does.”
• From pillar to post (ایک جگہ سے دوسری جگہ) means to be moved around from one place to another. For example, “I was sent from pillar to post trying to get my passport renewed.”
• Hang up/ hang up on (فون کال ختم کرنا) means To end a phone call. As, “I hung up on him because he was being rude.”
• Turn some one on (کسی کو متحرک کرنا) means to make someone feel sexually excited or to create feeling of excitement, interest, lust, pleasure etc. For example, “She really turned me on when she danced.”
• Turn some one off (کسی کو غیرمتحرک کرنا) means to make someone feel less attracted to someone or something. For example, “His bad manners turned me off.”
• By and by (جلد ہی) means soon or in the near future. For example, “I’ll see you by and by.”

CSS 2001 English Precis and Composition Paper

• Teeming meanings (بھرپور) means abundant or plentiful, often used to describe something that has many aspects or interpretations. For example, “The teeming meanings of the poem were explored in the lecture.”
• Kick the bucket (مرنا) means to die or pass away. This expression is used to refer to someone’s death in a light-hearted or humorous way. For example, “He kicked the bucket last night.” “All the money goes to her when the old man kicks the bucket.”
• Push to the wall (دباؤ ڈالنا) means to force someone into a difficult or desperate situation. For example, “The company is pushing us to the wall with their demands.” “Not content with merely winning the match, they used every opportunity to push the inferior team to the wall.”
• Read between the lines (لکھے ہوئے کے درمیان پڑھنا) means to understand the hidden or implied meaning of something. For example, “I can read between the lines, he’s not telling us the truth.” “She said she could afford it, but reading between the lines I don’t think she has enough money.”
• At daggers drawn (تلوار چلانا) means in a state of open conflict or hostility. For example, “The two politicians have been at daggers drawn for years.” “The two sides have been at daggers drawn for some months now with no sign of improvement in relations.”
• Throw down the gauntlet (چونوتی دینا) means to challenge someone or issue a warning or to invite someone to fight or compete with you. For example, “He threw down the gauntlet and dared me to fight him.” “A price war looks likely now that a leading supermarket has thrown down the gauntlet to its competitors.”
• It’s all Greek to me (کچھ مکمل طور پر ناقابل فہم یا بے معنی ہونا) means something is completely unintelligible or meaningless. For example, “I don’t understand this technical jargon, it’s all Greek to me.”
• Stand on ceremony (رسم و رواج پر اڑنا) means to insist on formal behavior or etiquette. For example, “Don’t stand on ceremony, come and join us.” “He doesn’t stand on ceremony, he gets the job done.”
• From the horse’s mouth (براہ راست ملوث یا باخبر) means from the person most directly involved or informed. For example, “I heard it from the horse’s mouth, he’s definitely quitting his job.” “I don’t believe it that she did it. I’m going to go to ask her and hear it straight from the horse’s mouth.”
• Carry the cross (صلیب اٹھانا) means to bear a burden or responsibility. For example, “He’s carrying the cross for his family’s mistakes.”

Related MCQs

1. Which of the following was/were the drawback(s) of the government of Indian Act 1858? (CSS 2011 Pakistan Affairs Paper)

   • Control of the Secretary of State for India and his council was bureaucratic in nature
   • Expenses of the Secretary of State for India and his Council became a burden on Indianrevenues
   • Both of these
   • None of these

   Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team

2. The largest island in Indian Ocean is? (CSS 2010 Current Affairs Paper)

   • Sri Lanka
   • Sumatra
   • Madagascar
   • None of these

   Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team

3. Long-sight defect could be corrected by using Lens? (CSS 2015 General Science & Ability Paper)

   • Concave
   • Convex lens
   • Diverging
   • None of these

   Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team

4. One of the fundamental characteristics of living organisms is? (CSS 2011 General Science & Ability Paper)

   • Photosynthesis
   • Digestion
   • Excretion
   • Metabolism

   Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team

5. How many parties were in Islamabad Accord Of 1993? (CSS 2019 Pakistan Affairs Paper)

   • 2
   • 6
   • 4
   • None of these

   Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team

6. Rotation of the earth is what causes? (CSS General Science & Ability Paper)

   • Day
   • Night
   • Both (a) & (b)
   • None of these

   Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team

7. Which country lies on the equator?

   • Kenya
   • China
   • Bhutan
   • San Salvador

   Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team

8. Name the 1st man who issued regular order to collect and write Ahadis? (CSS 2010 Islamic Studies Paper)

   • Hazrat Umer bin khattab (رضی اللّٰہ عنہ)
   • Hazrat Usman bin Affan (رضی اللّٰہ عنہ)
   • Hazrat Ali bin Abu Talib (رضی اللّٰہ عنہ)
   • Hazrat Umer bin Abdul Aziz (رضی اللّٰہ عنہ)

   Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team

9. The other name for the Lloyd Barrage is? (PPSC Tehsildar General Knowledge Test, December 15, 2024)

   • Kotri barrage
   • Guddu barrage
   • Sukkur barrage
   • Taunsa barrage

   Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team

10. The SYNONYM of the word \"VIABLE\" is? (CSS 1989 English Precis & Composition Paper)

    • Vital
    • Credible
    • Workable
    • Questionable

    Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team

11. Yerevan is capital of which country? (CSS 2018 Current Affairs Paper)

    • Armenia
    • Azerbaijan
    • Baku
    • None of the above.

    Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team

12. A Light Sensitive device that converts drawing, Printed text or other images into digital form are? (CSS 2021 General Science & Ability Paper)

    • Scanner
    • Printer
    • Bluetooth
    • None of these

    Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team

13. Richest source of Riboflavin is? (CSS 2016 General Science & Ability Paper)

    • Papaya
    • Mango
    • Bael
    • karonda

    Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team

14. Sheikh Ahmad Sirhandi was born in? (CSS 2020 Pakistan Affairs Paper)

    • 1556 AD
    • 1564 AD
    • 1563 AD
    • None of these

    Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team

15. McMahon Line is the border between? (CSS 2019 Current Affairs Paper)

    • India & china
    • India & Nepal
    • India & Bangladesh
    • None of these

    Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team

16. “The Reconstruction of Religious Thought is Islam” was written by? (CSS 2014 Pakistan Affairs Paper)

    • Allama Muhammad lqbal
    • Mahmoud Darwaish
    • Ameer Hussain
    • None of these

    Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team

17. The SYNONYM of the word \"PHILANDERING\" is? (CSS 2015 English Precis & Composition Paper)

    • Belittle
    • Spending
    • Womanizing
    • Exaggerating

    Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team

18. The Zaboor (Book of Psalms) was revealed on? (CSS 2021 Islamic Studies Paper)

    • Hazrat Moosa(علیہ السّلام)
    • Hazrat Dawud(علیہ السّلام)
    • Hazrat Issa(علیہ السّلام0)
    • Hazrat Shees(علیہ السّلام)

    Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team

19. Sir Syed Ahmed Khan retired in? (CSS 2014 Pakistan Affairs Paper)

    • 1875
    • 1876
    • 1877
    • None of these

    Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team

20. The damage to the _____ nerve could result in the defect of the eye movement? (CSS 2013 General Science & Ability Paper)

    • Optic
    • Trigeminal
    • Abducens
    • None of these

    Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team

21. Pakistan’s Supreme command of armed forces Is vested in whom? (CSS 2023 Pakistan Affairs Paper)

    • President
    • Prime Minister
    • Army Chief
    • None of these

    Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team

22. Silverfish belongs to? (CSS 2014 General Science & Ability Paper)

    • Fish
    • Insect
    • Reptile
    • Amphibian

    Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team

23. Sardar Abdur Rab Nishtar was Pakistan\'s first? (CSS 2024 Pakistan Affairs Paper)

    • Interior Minister
    • Defense Minister
    • Communication Minister
    • None of these options

    Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team

24. The world’s largest active volcano is? (CSS 2023 Current Affairs Paper)

    • Mount Vesuvius (Italy)
    • Kilauea (the Hawaiian Islands)
    • Mauna Loa (the island of Hawaii, US)
    • Mount Saint Helens (Washington State, US)

    Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team

25. The minimum number of bits required to store hexadecimal number AF is? (CSS 2014 General Science & Ability Paper)

    • 2
    • 4
    • 8
    • 16

    Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team