IDIOMS-MORE IS LESS

I saw a very interesting question type in our MOCK-7 that dealt with the correct usage of Idioms.Well Idioms have always been the underdog in CAT preparation and have never been in focus per se but we should have a little insight on them especially since they do have considerable significance in SNAP and MH-CET.So here is a list of some uncommon idioms with meaning and usage that shall save you in case CAT catches you off guard.
Have an old head on young shoulders(To be wise beyond ones age)-Your brother has taken good care of the business after you fathers demise,he seems to have an old head on young shoulders.
Rest on ones oars(To stop working and rest for a while)-Having worked in the Food industry for several years,this old man is now resting on his oars.
To be in the wars(Hurt oneself)-My mother was shocked to see my condition,it was difficult to hide the fact that I had been in the wars.
By long odds(undisputably)-Pink Floyd is by long odds the greatest composers of all times.
To bid fair(seem likely)-He bids fair to rival his father as a director.
Within an ace of(almost on the verge of)-Rahul was within an ace of defeat at the carnival last year
Set ones face against(Oppose strictly)-As a primary school teacher, she set her face against the setting up of a shopping complex on the land alloted to the school.
Play fast and loose(say one thing and do another)-In todays time it is difficult to gauge who is playing fast and loose.
Take exception(object to)-Radha always takes exception to my opinions.
Into the bargain(in addition to,besides)-Nikhil spent a lot of time and energy for the GMAT preparation and invested a lot of money into the bargain.
Take heart(Cheer up)-Although he was disappointed with his results,he took heart and tried again.
Take to heart(Get deeply affected by)-He took to heart his wifes demise.
Gall and wormwood(hateful)-The ban on wearing scarves while riding bikes is gall and wormwood to the public.
Take to ones heels(Run off)-The thief took to his heels on seeing a policeman.
At sea(at a loss what to do or how to act,confused)-I am quite at sea with the job offers that i have received so far.
At Discretion(unconditionally)-The naxalites surrendered at discretion.
To the letter(exactly according to insructions to the details)-The boss preferred his instructions to be carried out to the letter.
Have many irons in the fire(engaged in too many enterprises at the same time)-The young lad may fall in trouble for he has too many irons in the fire.
At the first blush(at first sight)-The movie seemed worthless at the first blush.
Die in harness(Continue to the last in his/her business or profession)-My father constantly prayed to to die in harness.
A thorn in ones side(a source of annoyance)-His drunkard brother is a thorn in his side.
In Black and White(in writing)-I want the entire discussion to be in black and white to avoid any controversies in the future.
The long and short of it(the crux of the matter)-The long and short of it is that no one can sane you from failure if you dont work hard.
In the running(stand a good chance;have good prospects)-This year there are many students who are in the running for a 99 percentile in CAT.
Keep ones own counsel(To be reticent about ones opinions)-It is not always good to keep ones own counsel.
Stand to reason(a quite clear and undoubted fact)-It stands to reason that one who works hard shall definitely get good results.

So this is it from my side for now.Will keep you posted on some more unusual and unheard of idioms in my future blogs!