The CSS (Central Superior Services) Exam MCQs
Topic Notes: The CSS (Central Superior Services) Exam
MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
291
That luxury car must have cost an arm and a leg.
Answer:
been extremely expensive
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'cost an arm and a leg' is a hyperbole used to describe something that is very expensive. The mention of a 'luxury car' reinforces the idea of a high price. Option (d) correctly captures this meaning. Option (a) is the opposite. Option (b) is a different method of payment. Option (c) is an incorrect, literal interpretation of the phrase.
292
After their argument, she gave him the cold shoulder for the rest of the day.
Answer:
deliberately ignored him
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'give someone the cold shoulder' means to intentionally ignore someone or treat them in an unfriendly way, usually as a sign of displeasure. The context of an 'argument' suggests a reason for such behavior. Option (c) correctly defines this action. Option (a) is a literal misinterpretation. Options (b) and (d) are actions, but they do not convey the meaning of deliberate ignorance.
293
The new intern is a bit of a wet blanket; he complains about every fun activity the team suggests.
Answer:
a person who spoils other people's fun
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'a wet blanket' refers to a person whose pessimistic or gloomy attitude dampens the enjoyment of others. The description of the intern complaining about 'fun activities' directly supports this definition. Option (b) is the correct meaning. Option (a) is a literal interpretation. Options (c) and (d) are character traits, but they are the opposite of what a 'wet blanket' represents.
294
He accidentally let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party for his sister.
Answer:
revealed a secret carelessly
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'let the cat out of the bag' means to disclose a secret, often by mistake. The context of a 'surprise party' makes it clear that a secret was supposed to be kept. Option (c) accurately conveys this meaning. Option (a) is a literal misinterpretation. Options (b) and (d) are possible events related to a party but do not represent the meaning of the idiom.
295
Trying to find that specific old book in this enormous library is like looking for a needle in a haystack.
Answer:
something extremely difficult or impossible to find
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'a needle in a haystack' refers to a search for something small and difficult to locate within a vast area, making the task nearly impossible. The context of a single book in an 'enormous library' illustrates this difficulty. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) and (b) are antonyms. Option (d) is a literal suggestion for finding a needle, not the figurative meaning of the idiom.
296
I only see my cousins from Australia once in a blue moon, so their visit next month is a very special occasion.
Answer:
very rarely
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'once in a blue moon' refers to an event that happens very infrequently. A 'blue moon' is the second full moon in a single calendar month, which is a rare occurrence. Option (d) correctly captures this meaning of rarity. Option (a) is an incorrect, literal interpretation. Option (b) is the opposite of the idiom's meaning. Option (c) is a specific time frame, but the idiom implies general rarity, not a specific season.
297
The politician was accused of beating around the bush instead of giving a direct answer to the journalist's question.
Answer:
speaking in a roundabout or indirect way
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'beat around the bush' means to avoid talking about the main topic and to speak in a circuitous or evasive manner. The sentence contrasts this with giving a 'direct answer.' Option (b) accurately defines the idiom. Option (a) is a literal and nonsensical interpretation. Options (c) and (d) describe actions of a politician but do not match the meaning of the idiom.
298
When he started his new business, he had to work day and night, often burning the midnight oil to meet deadlines.
Answer:
working late into the night
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'burn the midnight oil' means to read or work late into the night. It originates from a time when people used oil lamps for light. The context of meeting deadlines clearly indicates long working hours. Option (b) is the correct meaning. Option (a) is a dangerous and literal misinterpretation. Options (c) and (d) are not related to the idiom's meaning of working hard at night.
299
She has been feeling under the weather all week and decided to see a doctor.
Answer:
feeling slightly ill
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'under the weather' is used to describe a state of feeling unwell or slightly sick. The context of visiting a doctor supports this meaning. Option (b) provides the correct definition. Option (a) is an antonym. Option (c) is a literal and incorrect interpretation. Option (d), while a negative feeling, is not the specific meaning of this idiom.
300
After the auditors discovered the massive accounting fraud, the company's reputation was in tatters, and the CEO had to face the music.
Answer:
accept the unpleasant consequences
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'face the music' means to accept responsibility for something you have done and to deal with the resulting, often unpleasant, consequences. In this context, the CEO must confront the negative outcome of the fraud scandal. Option (a) correctly defines this idiom. Option (b) is the opposite of the idiom's meaning. Options (c) and (d) are incorrect literal interpretations of the word 'music'.