IBA occasionally includes Idioms and Phrases in its BBA and MBA admission tests. While specific questions rarely repeat, understanding the common patterns and types of questions can give you an edge. Check out the examples below to get a better idea!
1️⃣ Ace in the Hole
📝 Meaning: A hidden but powerful resource that can ensure success, especially in a difficult situation.
Example: Imagine you’re in a competition, and your opponent seems to have the upper hand. But you know you have an ace in the hole—a secret weapon that will turn the tables when the time is right! In life, having an ace in the hole means keeping an advantage for the perfect moment.
2️⃣ Ace Up One’s Sleeve
📝 Meaning: Having a secret or hidden resource that you can use when needed.
Example: Just like a magician pulls out a surprise trick, having an ace up your sleeve means you’ve got a hidden plan or strategy that no one sees coming. Never underestimate someone who has an ace up their sleeve!
3️⃣ Achilles’ Heel
📝 Meaning: A person’s weakness or vulnerable point, despite overall strength.
Example: Even the most talented individuals have their Achilles’ heel—a weak spot that can hold them back. Identifying and working on your Achilles’ heel can turn your weakness into strength!
4️⃣ Acid Test
📝 Meaning: The most important or decisive test to prove the value or quality of something.
Example: Preparing for IBA? Your acid test will be the admission exam—it will reveal whether your preparation was strong enough. If you pass the acid test, you know you’re truly ready!
5️⃣ Across the Board
📝 Meaning: Applying equally to everyone or everything in a situation.
Example: When a company announces a salary increase across the board, it means everyone gets the same raise. Fair, equal, and universal.
6️⃣ Actions Speak Louder Than Words
📝 Meaning: What someone does is more important than what they say.
Example: You can say you’re hardworking, but if you don’t put in the effort, it means nothing. Actions speak louder than words—prove yourself through what you do!
7️⃣ Albatross Around One’s Neck
📝 Meaning: A heavy burden or problem that is difficult to get rid of.
Example: A bad habit or a long-standing debt can be an albatross around your neck—something that drags you down. The sooner you remove the burden, the freer you’ll feel!
8️⃣ All Kidding Aside
📝 Meaning: Let’s be serious now; putting jokes aside.
Example: All kidding aside, preparing for IBA is no joke. It requires real dedication and strategy!
9️⃣ All Thumbs
📝 Meaning: Clumsy or awkward, especially with one’s hands.
Example: If you struggle with fixing things and keep dropping tools, you might say, “I’m all thumbs today!” We all have clumsy moments.
🔟 All Wet
📝 Meaning: Completely wrong or mistaken.
Example: If someone spreads false information, you can tell them they’re all wet—completely wrong!
1️⃣1️⃣ Along for the Ride
📝 Meaning: To be present during an activity but not actively participate.
Example: Some students join study groups but don’t contribute—they’re just along for the ride!
1️⃣2️⃣ Apple of One’s Eye
📝 Meaning: A person or thing that is loved or cherished above all else.
Example: Parents often say their children are the apple of their eye—the most precious thing in their life. 🍏
1️⃣3️⃣ Armed to the Teeth
📝 Meaning: Heavily equipped with weapons or tools for a situation.
Example: Walking into an IBA exam armed to the teeth means you’re fully prepared, with all the knowledge and strategies in place.
1️⃣4️⃣ As the Crow Flies
📝 Meaning: The shortest and most direct distance between two points.
Example: “The university is 5 km away as the crow flies, but the road route is much longer.”
1️⃣5️⃣ At Loggerheads
📝 Meaning: In strong disagreement or a heated conflict.
Example: Political parties are often at loggerheads with each other over major decisions.
1️⃣6️⃣ At One’s Wits’ End
📝 Meaning: Completely frustrated and unsure of what to do next.
Example: Studying for IBA without a strategy can leave you at your wits’ end!
1️⃣7️⃣ At the Drop of a Hat
📝 Meaning: Without hesitation or delay; immediately.
Example: He’s always ready to help at the drop of a hat. No second thoughts!
1️⃣8️⃣ At the End of One’s Rope
📝 Meaning: Having no more patience or ability to cope with a difficult situation.
Example: After long hours of studying without results, he felt at the end of his rope.
1️⃣9️⃣ Ax to Grind
📝 Meaning: Having a personal motive or grievance.
Example: If someone keeps criticizing a teacher, they might have an ax to grind—a personal issue they won’t let go of.
