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English Grammar›Ch 10: Idioms & Phrases›Idioms of Time and Money
Master high-frequency phrases for SSC and State exams
Idioms are figurative expressions where the meaning is not literal. Mastering Time and Money idioms helps you score in competitive exams like SSC CGL and CHSL.
Memory Hooks
| Idiom | Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Once in a blue moon | Very rarely | He visits home once in a blue moon. |
| In the nick of time | Just in time | We reached in the nick of time. |
| Make both ends meet | Survive on budget | He struggles to make both ends meet. |
| A penny for your thoughts | Asking what one thinks | You look sad; a penny for your thoughts. |
11th Hour
(Last Moment)
Last Moment
He joined the meeting at the eleventh hour.
Blue Moon
(Rare Event)
Rare Event
Such offers come once in a blue moon.
Arm and Leg
(Very Costly)
Very Costly
The luxury car cost an arm and a leg.
Ends Meet
(Basic Survival)
Basic Survival
Salaries are low to make both ends meet.
At eleven o'clock sharpAt the last possible moment
Don't take 'eleventh hour' literally as 11:00.
To join two ends of a ropeTo have just enough money for living
It is about money management, not physical ends.
Cost a hand and a footCost an arm and a leg
Body parts in idioms are fixed; don't swap them.
Q1.The hospital reached out to the donor ______ when the patient's condition worsened.
Q2.During the recession, many families found it difficult to ______.