Question

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

Answer 1

i) to beat a retreat 
meaning : to run away fro dangerous situation
sentence : When the thieves saw police arriving they beat a hasty retreat.

ii) to stick to one's guns
meaning:refuse to compromise or change 
s  : Mark's father wanted him to be a doctor but he stuck to his guns and followed a career as a writer 

iii) to steal a march on 
meaning : to accomplish something before someone
sentence: we managed to steal a march on our competitors and now we are not away from success

iv) to pass muster
meaning :to reach an acceptable standard
sentence: i tried but i could not pass muster

v) up in arms 
meaning:protest for something 
sentence: they are over up in arms about construction of dams.

#hope it helps!!


 

Answer 2

1) to leave a place because it is dangerous or unpleasant.
     * when we saw the police arriving we beat a hasty retreat.

2) To remain firm in one's convictions.
     * He probably won't stick to his guns on tis point.

3)  To precede someone who has the same goal.
     *  Our competitor stole a march on us and got  the big contract.

4) To measure up to the required standards.
     *  I tried, but my efforts didn't pass muster.

5)  In armed rebellion.
     *  The entire population is up in arms