Idioms and Proverbs for CLAT 2026

The CLAT Exam is one of the most competitive law entrance tests in India, and proficiency in the English language is a decisive factor for success. With the English section contributing more than 15% of the total marks, a strong grasp of vocabulary, grammar, and expressions is crucial for every aspirant.

Among these, idioms and proverbs are particularly important. They not only enrich your writing and communication but also make your answers more impressive and nuanced, helping you stand out from other candidates.

This guide will help you:

• Understand what idioms and proverbs are
• Learn the differences between them
• Explore the types of questions frequently asked in law entrance exams
• Practice a curated list of essential idioms and proverbs to improve your English section score in CLAT 2026

Mastering idioms and proverbs can give you a significant advantage, making your writing more vivid, expressive, and exam-ready.

What is an Idiom?

An idiom is a phrase whose meaning is different from the literal meanings of its words. Idioms are commonly used in both spoken and written English to express ideas in a creative and figurative way.

Examples of idioms:

• Bite the bullet – To face a difficult situation bravely
• Hit the sack – To go to bed or sleep
• Let the cat out of the bag – To reveal a secret unintentionally
• Burn the midnight oil – To work late into the night
• On cloud nine – Extremely happy or delighted

What is a Proverb?

A proverb is a concise saying that imparts wisdom, advice, or moral guidance. Unlike idioms, proverbs are easier to understand literally, but their full meaning becomes clear when applied to real-life situations.

Examples of proverbs:

• A penny saved is a penny earned – Saving money is as valuable as earning it
• Rome wasn’t built in a day – Important tasks take time to complete
• Birds of a feather flock together – People with similar interests or habits tend to stay together
• Honesty is the best policy – Being truthful is always the right approach
• Look before you leap – Think carefully before making decisions

Idiom vs Proverb

Imagine you’re chatting with a friend about exam preparation. You want to describe how excited you feel after solving a tough question. You might say, “I’m on cloud nine!”—this is an idiom, a phrase whose meaning isn’t obvious from the words themselves. Idioms like these add color and creativity to language, helping you express ideas in a vivid way.

Now, suppose your friend asks for advice on managing time during studies. You could say, “A stitch in time saves nine.” This is a proverb, a short saying that offers guidance or wisdom. Unlike idioms, proverbs are usually literal and easy to understand, and they teach lessons that can be applied to real-life situations.

Key Difference in a Nutshell:

• Idioms decorate language—they make writing and speaking more expressive.
• Proverbs guide behavior—they provide advice or moral lessons.

Think of idioms as the artwork in your sentences, while proverbs are the life lessons woven into your words. By mastering both, CLAT aspirants can enhance their English skills and gain an edge in the exam.

Idioms Frequently Asked in the CLAT Exam

In previous years, the CLAT exam has consistently tested aspirants on idioms and phrases. Knowing these expressions can give you a significant advantage in the English section.

Here’s a shuffled list of commonly asked idioms with their meanings:

1. Hand in glove – To be in close cooperation or collusion
2. To beat the air – To make futile or useless efforts
3. Come off with flying colors – To achieve great success
4. Every cloud has a silver lining – Good things often follow bad events
5. Stand to one’s guns – To stay firm in one’s opinion or decision
6. Open and above board – Honest, transparent, or fair
7. To blow the gaff – To accidentally reveal a secret
8. Nip in the bud – To stop a problem before it grows
9. In the nick of time – Just at the right moment
10. To break the ice – To make people feel comfortable in a social setting
11. At one’s beck and call – To be ready to obey someone at any time
12. By fits and starts – To happen irregularly or inconsistently
13. The devil is in the details – Small things can create major problems
14. Play fast and loose – To act irresponsibly or unethically
15. To speak by the book – To follow rules or instructions precisely

Familiarity with these idioms and their meanings is essential for scoring well in the CLAT English section.

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