Write the meaning of the following idioms and use each of them in sentences of your own.
i to beat a retreat
ii to stick to one’s guns
iii to steal a march on
iv to pass muster
v up in arms
Answers
1. Beat a retreat
Meaning: to go away or back quickly, especially to avoid something unpleasant.
Sentence: On seeing the police near the bank, the burglars beat a hasty retreat.
2. Stick to one’s guns
Meaning: to refuse to change your mind about something even when other people are trying to persuade you that you are wrong.
Sentence: After +2, everyone in my family wanted me to opt for commerce stream; but I wanted to study Science and I stuck to my guns.
3. Steal a march on
Meaning: to gain an advantage over someone or something by acting before they do
Sentence: Pakistan was planning to attack India but by sending the troops to border in advance India stole a march on the adversary.
4. Pass muster
Meaning : to be accepted as of a good enough standard
Sentence: Weapons made in India are passing muster all over the world now.
5. Up in arms
Meaning: of a group of people to be very angry about something and ready to protest strongly about it
Sentence: The parents are annoyed at the fee-hike. They are planning to be up in arms about it against the school.
E.g. : On seeing the Principal, the boys, who were climbing a tree, beat a hasty retreat.
2) To stick to one's guns: To stand firm for one's rights or convictions.
E.g.: The Principal stuck to his guns, in spite of external pressure to promote the failed students.
3) To steal a march on: Gaining an advantage by taking action before others do.
E.g.: Ramesh stole a march on his competitors as soon as he decided to keep his shop open all days of the week.
4)Up in arms: To protest vigorously over something.
E.g.: The union was up in arms as the management recently took a decision without consulting them.