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
31
The two countries have buried the hatchet and are now working on a trade agreement.
Answer:
have ended their quarrel and made peace
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'bury the hatchet' means to stop fighting or arguing and establish friendly relations. Working on a 'trade agreement' is a sign of peaceful cooperation between countries. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal interpretation. Options (b) and (d) are the opposite.
32
He got more than he bargained for when he volunteered to coach the children's team.
Answer:
experienced more difficulties or problems than he had anticipated
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'get more than one bargained for' means to get something different and usually more negative or difficult than what one expected from a situation. Coaching children can often be more challenging than it first appears. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a positive outcome, which is not the usual implication of this idiom. Option (c) is incorrect. Option (d) is a literal misinterpretation.
33
She has been feeling a bit out of sorts all day and can't concentrate.
Answer:
feeling slightly unwell or in low spirits
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'out of sorts' means to be in a bad mood or to feel slightly ill. The inability to concentrate is a common symptom of feeling this way. Option (a) is the correct definition. Option (b) and (d) are literal misinterpretations of 'sorts'. Option (c) is the opposite.
34
The manager pulled the plug on the project after it went over budget.
Answer:
put an end to an activity or project
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'pull the plug' means to terminate or stop something from continuing. A project going over budget is a common reason for its cancellation. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is the literal action from which the idiom is derived. Options (b) and (d) are the opposite.
35
The children were on their best behaviour when their grandparents visited.
Answer:
were behaving as well as they possibly could
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'on one's best behaviour' means to be as polite and well-behaved as possible, often because someone important is present. Children often behave exceptionally well for their grandparents. Option (a) is the correct definition. Option (b) is the opposite. Options (c) and (d) are unrelated behaviours.
36
He took a leap in the dark and invested in the new startup, hoping it would succeed.
Answer:
to do something without knowing what the consequences will be
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'a leap in the dark' refers to a risky action taken with no prior knowledge of what the result might be. Investing in a new, unproven startup is a classic example of such a risk. Option (a) is the correct definition. Option (b) is a literal interpretation. Option (c) and (d) are the opposite.
37
The team was in a tight spot after their best player was injured.
Answer:
in a difficult situation
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'in a tight spot' (or 'in a tight corner') means to be in a difficult predicament with few options. Losing a key player would certainly put a sports team in a tough position. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal interpretation. Option (b) and (d) are the opposite.
38
Don't look a gift horse in the mouth; just accept the free tickets and be grateful.
Answer:
to find fault with or be critical of a gift or favour
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The proverb 'don't look a gift horse in the mouth' is advice not to be ungrateful when you receive a gift by questioning its value. (The age and value of a horse can be determined by its teeth). The sentence advises the person to simply be grateful. Option (b) defines the action the proverb warns against. Option (a) is the literal origin. Option (c) and (d) are different responses to a gift.
39
The company's new product is the best thing since sliced bread.
Answer:
a very good and important new invention or idea
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'the best thing since sliced bread' is a hyperbolic expression used to praise a new invention or innovation as being excellent. It suggests that the new thing is as revolutionary as the invention of pre-sliced bread was. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) and (d) are the opposite. Option (b) is a literal interpretation.
40
He wants to have his cake and eat it too by working fewer hours but earning the same salary.
Answer:
to want two incompatible things at the same time
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The proverb 'you can't have your cake and eat it too' means you cannot simultaneously keep something and consume it. Figuratively, it means you can't have two desirable but mutually exclusive things. Wanting to work less for the same pay is a classic example of this. Option (a) is the correct definition. Option (b) and (c) are incorrect interpretations. Option (d) is the opposite of the desire expressed in the idiom.