All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

Select the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idioms/phrases.

To take the bull by the horns

This question was previously asked in
SSC CHSL 2025 Tier 1 Question Paper (21-Nov-2025) (Shift 1)
The correct answer is

To deal with a difficult situation

The question tests the idiomatic phrase 'to take the bull by the horns', which cannot be understood from the literal meaning of its individual words.

The image behind the idiom is that of a person grabbing a charging bull directly by its horns instead of running away, i.e. meeting the danger at its most threatening point.

Transferred to everyday use, it means to confront a difficult, risky or unpleasant situation boldly and directly rather than avoiding or postponing it.

The key to such idiom questions is to look for the figurative sense: the phrase describes an attitude of courage towards a problem, not a literal animal or person.

'To deal with a dangerous prisoner', 'a hopeless student' and 'an annoying person' are all literal misreadings that pin the idiom to one specific type of individual, which the expression never does.

Only 'a difficult situation' captures the general, figurative sense of facing a challenge head-on with determination.

Hence, the idiom means To deal with a difficult situation.

Was this answer helpful?

Similar Questions

  1. Fill in the blank with the most appropriate idiom:

    His sudden resignation caught everyone _______.

  2. Choose the correct meaning of the idiom:

    The icing on the cake

  3. Choose the correct meaning of the idiom: See eye to eye

  4. Choose the correct meaning of the idiom: Sit on the fence

  5. Select the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idioms/phrases.

    A white elephant

  6. Select the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idioms/phrases.

    Look before you leap

  7. Choose the correct meaning of the idiom: Out and about

  8. Choose the correct meaning of the idiom: Every nook and cranny

  9. Choose the correct meaning of the idiom: Tread on your toes

  10. Choose the correct meaning of the idiom: On the same wavelength


Important Questions from Phrase or Idiom Meaning

  1. Directions:Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

    Bone of contention

  2. Directions: Select the option that means the same as the given idiom.

    To eat humble pie

  3. Select the option that means the same as the given idiom.

    Like a cakewalk

  4. Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

    To beat about the bush

  5. Select the option that means the same as the given idiom.

    A stone’s throw away

Need Expert Advice?
Upcoming Exams
SSC JHT
September 08, 2026
SSC Stenographer
September 09, 2026
SSC Selection Post
September 16, 2026
Test Series
SSC CHSL img
SSC
SSC CHSL 2026-27 Mock Test Series (Tier I & Tier II) (Latest Pattern)
4120 Tests 1 Tests Free
901 Attempts
4.7(239)
English, Hindi
More Questions from SSC CHSL

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App