CDS English · Grammar
Prepositional idioms and fixed phrases
An idiom is a fixed group of words whose meaning is more than its parts: read between the lines, by dint of, out of the question. Not one word in it can be changed.
Why this matters
Idiom blanks look easy because the sentence makes sense with several options. Only one option gives the fixed phrase. The safest way is to know the phrase whole, so this page lists the idioms past CDS papers have used in these blanks, with their meanings.
Concept 1 of 2: Idioms built on a preposition
In these idioms the preposition carries the picture: you read between the lines (the hidden meaning lies in the gaps), you keep someone at arm's length (a fixed distance away). Picture the scene and the preposition follows.
Definition
The method:
- Spot the fixed phrase around the blank (the lines, arm's length, the long run, dint of).
- Recall the phrase whole and say it aloud with each option.
- Do not reason from the meaning of the single preposition: 'on the long run' sounds possible, but the idiom is in the long run.
| Idiom | Meaning | Sitting |
|---|---|---|
| read between the lines | find the hidden meaning | 2021 (I) |
| live by one's pen | earn a living by writing | 2021 (II) |
| much water has run under the bridge | much time has passed and much has changed | 2021 (II) |
| fight to the last man | fight until everyone is killed | 2021 (II) |
| keep someone at arm's length | avoid becoming close or friendly | 2021 (II) |
| in the long run | in the end, over a long time | 2021 (II) |
| by dint of | by means of, because of (effort) | 2021 (II), 2022 (I) |
| rules to live by | rules that guide your life | 2022 (I) |
| in such a way that | so that (introduces a result) | 2021 (I) |
| go with the wind | drift along with whatever happens, without thinking | 2021 (I) The more common forms are 'go with the flow' and 'go with the tide'. All take with. |
Idioms do not follow the usual preposition rules. Learn them whole.
Practice this conceptself-check · 4 quick reps
The same idea in a real exam question:
CDS · 2021 · CDS (I) 2021 — English · Q113Easy
Example 1 · Grammar · Prepositional Idioms and Fixed Phrases
Directions: select the most appropriate preposition or determiner
Don't read _______ the lines. Read the lines.
In the long run, never on the long run
in the long run = in the end. Options like 'on the long run' are built to sound almost right. Only the fixed form is correct.
By dint of, not with dint
by dint of = by means of. Dint is used in no other phrase, so it always takes by. The same sentence has come back in a later paper with different options.
Same phrase, different blank
'rules to live by' can be tested at by (the rules to live ___) or at to (good rules ___ live by). Read which words are already printed before you choose.
Concept 2 of 2: Idiomatic phrases that complete a sentence
Here the blank takes a whole phrase, not one word. The four options look alike (taken for granted, taken as granted), so you need the exact form. The meaning of the sentence tells you which idiom; your memory tells you its exact words.
Definition
The method:
- Say the meaning of the sentence in plain words (he was very tired; it is impossible; he was not valued).
- Find the idiom with that meaning.
- Check the exact form letter by letter: spilt, not split; out of the question, not in question.
- Proverbs are quoted exactly: Where there is a will, there is a way.
| Idiom | Meaning | Sitting |
|---|---|---|
| done in | completely exhausted | 2018 (I) |
| no use crying over spilt milk | no point regretting what cannot be undone | 2018 (I) |
| a wet blanket | a person who spoils others' fun | 2018 (I) |
| Where there is a will, there is a way. | determination finds a way | 2020 (I) |
| out of the question | impossible, not to be considered | 2022 (II) |
| in full swing | at the height of activity | 2022 (II) |
| thrown out of gear | disrupted, disorganised | 2022 (II) |
| taken for granted | not valued; assumed without thanks | 2022 (II) |
| taken long strides | made great progress | 2023 (II) |
| paid his debts down to the last penny | paid every single penny | 2023 (I) |
Change one word and the idiom is broken.
Practice this conceptself-check · 4 quick reps
The same idea in a real exam question:
CDS · 2022 · CDS (II) 2022 — English · Q87Easy
Example 2 · Grammar · Prepositional Idioms and Fixed Phrases
Directions: select the word or group of words for the blank
He feels that he has been _______ .
Spilt milk, not split or spoiled
The proverb is 'no use crying over spilt milk'. Split (broken in two) and spoiled (gone bad) look and sound close, and they are placed in the options for that reason.
Out of the question, not in question
out of the question = impossible. in question = being talked about (the man in question). They mean different things.
Look for the contrast word
'The whole group was enthusiastic but your friend alone was ___.' The word but signals the opposite of enthusiastic: a wet blanket, the person who spoils the fun.
Summary — formulas & gotchas at a glance
A revision cheat-sheet for the formulas and gotchas above. Click any concept name to jump back to its full explanation.
Reference tables (2)
Idioms built on a preposition10 rows
| Idiom | Meaning | Sitting |
|---|---|---|
| read between the lines | find the hidden meaning | 2021 (I) |
| live by one's pen | earn a living by writing | 2021 (II) |
| much water has run under the bridge | much time has passed and much has changed | 2021 (II) |
| fight to the last man | fight until everyone is killed | 2021 (II) |
| keep someone at arm's length | avoid becoming close or friendly | 2021 (II) |
| in the long run | in the end, over a long time | 2021 (II) |
| by dint of | by means of, because of (effort) | 2021 (II), 2022 (I) |
| rules to live by | rules that guide your life | 2022 (I) |
| in such a way that | so that (introduces a result) | 2021 (I) |
| go with the wind | drift along with whatever happens, without thinking | 2021 (I) The more common forms are 'go with the flow' and 'go with the tide'. All take with. |
Idioms do not follow the usual preposition rules. Learn them whole.
Idiomatic phrases that complete a sentence10 rows
| Idiom | Meaning | Sitting |
|---|---|---|
| done in | completely exhausted | 2018 (I) |
| no use crying over spilt milk | no point regretting what cannot be undone | 2018 (I) |
| a wet blanket | a person who spoils others' fun | 2018 (I) |
| Where there is a will, there is a way. | determination finds a way | 2020 (I) |
| out of the question | impossible, not to be considered | 2022 (II) |
| in full swing | at the height of activity | 2022 (II) |
| thrown out of gear | disrupted, disorganised | 2022 (II) |
| taken for granted | not valued; assumed without thanks | 2022 (II) |
| taken long strides | made great progress | 2023 (II) |
| paid his debts down to the last penny | paid every single penny | 2023 (I) |
Change one word and the idiom is broken.
Watch out for (6)
- In the long run, never on the long run→ Idioms built on a preposition
- By dint of, not with dint→ Idioms built on a preposition
- Same phrase, different blank→ Idioms built on a preposition
- Spilt milk, not split or spoiled→ Idiomatic phrases that complete a sentence
- Out of the question, not in question→ Idiomatic phrases that complete a sentence
- Look for the contrast word→ Idiomatic phrases that complete a sentence
Test yourself on Grammar
20 past CDS questions from this chapter, timed at 20 minutes and marked the way the exam marks it. You see your score and every answer the moment you finish. Free to start.