English 27 Solved Past Papers 2021 – 2025 Archives

Idioms, Phrasal Verbs & Literary Figures Past Papers

Solved past paper MCQs for Idioms, Phrasal Verbs & Literary Figures from official UHS, NUMS, SZABMU, DUHS, and KMU examinations. Includes verified distractor autopsies and step-by-step cognitive explanations.

Boards Included: KMU MDCAT NUMS SZABMU
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#1 of 27 Sindh MDCAT 2025 / DUHS 2025
Identify the simile among the following sentences:

[Sindh MDCAT 2025 / DUHS 2025]
A
She trembled like a leaf in the wind.
B
She was a statue, frozen in fear.
C
She was drowning in doubt.
D
Her thoughts were a whirlwind.
View Answer & Propolis Autopsy
Correct Key: Option A Diagnostic Explanation
Concept: Figures of Speech (Simile vs. Metaphor).

Solution: Similes explicitly compare two distinct things using comparative words 'like' or 'as' ("like a leaf in the wind").

Why other options are incorrect:
  • Options B, C, & D: Direct comparisons without 'like' or 'as' (Metaphors).
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#2 of 27 Sindh MDCAT 2025 / DUHS 2025
The purpose of using exaggerated language in parody is:

[Sindh MDCAT 2025 / DUHS 2025]
A
To create a serious tone
B
To criticize societal norms
C
To entertain and mock
D
To confuse the reader
View Answer & Propolis Autopsy
Correct Key: Option C Diagnostic Explanation
Concept: Literary Genres and Parody.

Solution: Parody specifically uses exaggerated imitation of an original work or author to produce humor and entertain and mock the subject.

Why other options are incorrect:
  • Option A: Parody intentionally avoids serious tone.

  • Option B: Critical social critique is the domain of satire rather than pure parody.

  • Option D: Confusion is an unwanted stylistic defect, not an artistic goal.
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#3 of 27 SZABMU 2025 / Federal MDCAT 2025
What does "I've told you a million times" mean?

[SZABMU 2025 / Federal MDCAT 2025]
A
To provide an exact count
B
To emphasize frustration or impatience
C
To confuse the listener
D
To make the character sound foolish
View Answer & Propolis Autopsy
Correct Key: Option B Diagnostic Explanation
Concept: Figurative Language (Hyperbole).

Solution: The statement uses extreme exaggeration (hyperbole) not intended to be taken literally, but to express strong emotion, annoyance, or impatience.

Why other options are incorrect:
  • Option A: Hyperbole does not represent a literal numeric count.

  • Option C: The phrase is a widely understood idiom, not meant to confuse.

  • Option D: It is a standard rhetorical device, not an indication of foolishness.
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#4 of 27 KMU 2025 / KPK MDCAT 2025
"Revenge is a kind of wild justice." The sentence illustrates the use of:

[KMU 2025 / KPK MDCAT 2025]
A
Personification
B
Pun
C
Metaphor
D
Hyperbole
View Answer & Propolis Autopsy
Correct Key: Option C Diagnostic Explanation
Concept: Direct Metaphor.

Solution: Equates revenge directly with wild justice without using explicit comparative markers like 'like' or 'as'.

Why other options are incorrect:
  • Options A, B, & D: Other figures of speech.
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#5 of 27 KMU 2025 / KPK MDCAT 2025
Which literary device involves using words or phrases that convey the opposite of their literal meaning?

[KMU 2025 / KPK MDCAT 2025]
A
Irony
B
Parody
C
Satire
D
Sarcasm
View Answer & Propolis Autopsy
Correct Key: Option A Diagnostic Explanation
Concept: Definitions of Literary Terms.

Solution: Irony is formally defined as expressing meaning through language that normally signifies the opposite of the literal word.

Why other options are incorrect:
  • Option B: Imitation of a specific style for comical effect.

  • Option C: Genre using irony/humor to criticize societal vices.

  • Option D: Specific sharp or bitter tone used to mock individuals.
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#6 of 27 SZABMU 2025 / Federal MDCAT 2025
What is the effect of using synonyms with different shades of meaning in satire?

[SZABMU 2025 / Federal MDCAT 2025]
A
To create a serious tone
B
To highlight the absurdity or irony of a situation
C
To confuse the reader
D
To add complexity to the language
View Answer & Propolis Autopsy
Correct Key: Option B Diagnostic Explanation
Concept: Nuance in Satire.

Solution: Satire relies on nuanced word choices and double meanings to mock, criticize, and expose human folly or absurdity.

Why other options are incorrect:
  • Option A: Satire uses humor/irony rather than maintaining a purely serious tone.

  • Option C: The goal is critique and clarity of message, not confusing readers.

  • Option D: Complexity is a byproduct, not the functional primary purpose.
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#7 of 27 FMDC 2024 / SZABMU 2024
The sentence "It was 97 in the shade." refers to the ____.

[FMDC 2024 / SZABMU 2024]
A
Age
B
Distance
C
Temperature
D
Year
View Answer & Propolis Autopsy
Correct Key: Option C Diagnostic Explanation
Concept: Idiomatic Expressions.

Solution: The idiom "in the shade" following a number describes weather Temperature (97 degrees Fahrenheit).

Why other options are incorrect:
  • Options A, B, & D: Incorrect units of measurement.
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#8 of 27 FMDC 2024 / SZABMU 2024
Identify the figure of speech in the following sentence: He is considered the black sheep of the family.

[FMDC 2024 / SZABMU 2024]
A
Alliteration
B
Imagery
C
Metaphor
D
Simile
View Answer & Propolis Autopsy
Correct Key: Option C Diagnostic Explanation
Concept: Figures of Speech.

Solution: Directly equates a person to a 'black sheep' without comparative words, creating a Metaphor.

Why other options are incorrect:
  • Option D: Lacks 'like' or 'as'.

  • Options A & B: Do not describe implicit comparisons.
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#9 of 27 Sindh MDCAT 2024 / DUHS 2024
Choose the correct phrase: The aeroplane travelled 5,000 meters before it _.

[Sindh MDCAT 2024 / DUHS 2024]
A
Take into
B
Took off
C
Take over
D
Took away
E
Take on
View Answer & Propolis Autopsy
Correct Key: Option B Diagnostic Explanation
Concept: Phrasal Verbs.

Solution: "Took off" is the correct past tense phrasal verb meaning an aircraft leaving the ground.

Why other options are incorrect:
  • Options A, C, D, & E: Phrasal verbs with irrelevant meanings (assume control, remove, etc.).
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#10 of 27 Sindh MDCAT Reconduct 2024
Choose the word closest in meaning to the underlined phrase: The firemen took several hours to put out the fire.

[Sindh MDCAT Reconduct 2024]
A
Dislocate
B
Extinguish
C
Producer
D
Broadcast
View Answer & Propolis Autopsy
Correct Key: Option B Diagnostic Explanation
Concept: Phrasal Verbs.

Solution: The phrasal verb 'put out' strictly means to douse or extinguish a flame.

Why other options are incorrect:
  • Options A, C, & D: Unrelated meanings.
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#11 of 27 UHS MDCAT 2024
Fill in the blank with appropriate preposition: He takes ____ his father.

[UHS MDCAT 2024]
A
Up
B
Down
C
After
D
In
View Answer & Propolis Autopsy
Correct Key: Option C Diagnostic Explanation
Concept: Phrasal Verbs.

Solution: The phrasal verb "takes after" means to resemble a parent or ancestor in appearance or character.

Why other options are incorrect:
  • Option A: 'Take up' means adopt a hobby/habit.

  • Option B: 'Take down' means record or dismantle.

  • Option D: 'Take in' means deceive or absorb.
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#12 of 27 UHS MDCAT 2023
Choose the correct option: We felt as if the ground was ____ beneath our feet.

[UHS MDCAT 2023]
A
Digging
B
Sinking
C
Slipping
D
Bursting
View Answer & Propolis Autopsy
Correct Key: Option C Diagnostic Explanation
Concept: Idiomatic Expressions.

Solution: The standard idiom is ground "slipping beneath one's feet".

Why other options are incorrect:
  • Options A, B, & D: Do not form the standard idiomatic expression.
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#13 of 27 KMU MDCAT 2023 Retake
The phrase “spiffed up” stands for:

[KMU MDCAT 2023 Retake]
A
Dressed up
B
Cleaned up
C
Upset
D
Fade
View Answer & Propolis Autopsy
Correct Key: Option A Diagnostic Explanation
Concept: Idiomatic Expressions.

Solution: To get "spiffed up" means to dress smartly, formally, or elegantly (Dressed up).

Why other options are incorrect:
  • Options B, C, & D: Do not describe stylish personal attire or grooming.
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#14 of 27 KMU CAT 2023 Part 1
A figure of speech in which two unlike things are compared using "like" is a/an:

[KMU CAT 2023 Part 1]
A
Metaphor
B
Simile
C
Personification
D
Hyperbole
View Answer & Propolis Autopsy
Correct Key: Option B Diagnostic Explanation
Concept: Figures of Speech.

Solution: Formal definition of a Simile.

Why other options are incorrect:
  • Option A: Direct comparison without 'like' or 'as'.

  • Options C & D: Other distinct literary devices.
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#15 of 27 KMU CAT 2023 Part 1
What is the term for a word that phonetically imitates the sound it describes, such as "buzz"?

[KMU CAT 2023 Part 1]
A
Simile
B
Alliteration
C
Onomatopoeia
D
Metaphor
View Answer & Propolis Autopsy
Correct Key: Option C Diagnostic Explanation
Concept: Literary Figures.

Solution: Onomatopoeia refers to words that mimic natural sound effects.

Why other options are incorrect:
  • Option B: Repetition of initial consonant sounds.

  • Options A & D: Comparative devices.
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#16 of 27 KMU CAT 2023 Part 2
Which literary term refers to the feeling of uncertainty or tension that the reader experiences?

[KMU CAT 2023 Part 2]
A
Climax
B
Foreshadowing
C
Suspense
D
Flashback
View Answer & Propolis Autopsy
Correct Key: Option C Diagnostic Explanation
Concept: Literary Devices.

Solution: Suspense creates emotional tension and anticipation regarding story outcomes.

Why other options are incorrect:
  • Option A: Peak turning point of plot.

  • Option B: Hints about future events.

  • Option D: Scene returning to earlier time.
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#17 of 27 KMU CAT 2023 Part 2
Which figure of speech involves the use of exaggeration for emphasis or effect?

[KMU CAT 2023 Part 2]
A
Metaphor
B
Simile
C
Hyperbole
D
Personification
View Answer & Propolis Autopsy
Correct Key: Option C Diagnostic Explanation
Concept: Rhetorical Figures.

Solution: Hyperbole uses deliberate, extreme exaggeration.

Why other options are incorrect:
  • Options A, B, & D: Distinct comparative or personifying devices.
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#18 of 27 KMU CAT 2023 Part 2
The idiom "Break the ice" implies:

[KMU CAT 2023 Part 2]
A
Walk on ice sheet
B
Swallow ice cube
C
Chisel the ice
D
To make beginning
View Answer & Propolis Autopsy
Correct Key: Option D Diagnostic Explanation
Concept: Idiomatic Expressions.

Solution: "Break the ice" means to initiate conversation or start a social interaction (To make beginning).

Why other options are incorrect:
  • Options A, B, & C: Literal interpretations of a figurative idiom.
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#19 of 27 Balochistan MDCAT 2023 / Balochistan MDCAT 2022
"I will not tolerate his rudeness." Choose the sentence that has the same meaning as the given sentence:

[Balochistan MDCAT 2023 / Balochistan MDCAT 2022]
A
I cannot put up for his rudeness.
B
I cannot put up with his rudeness.
C
I cannot put up to his rudeness.
D
I cannot put up by his rudeness.
View Answer & Propolis Autopsy
Correct Key: Option B Diagnostic Explanation
Concept: Three-word Phrasal Verbs.

Solution: The phrasal verb "put up with" means to endure or tolerate.

Why other options are incorrect:
  • Options A, C, & D: Misapply prepositions in the phrasal verb.
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#20 of 27 KMU MDCAT 2023 Retake
We are all looking forward ____ the announcement of election soon.

[KMU MDCAT 2023 Retake]
A
For
B
To
C
About
D
On
View Answer & Propolis Autopsy
Correct Key: Option B Diagnostic Explanation
Concept: Phrasal Prepositions.

Solution: The idiom "look forward to" requires the preposition "to" followed by a noun or gerund.

Why other options are incorrect:
  • Options A, C, & D: Incorrect prepositions in this fixed idiom.
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#21 of 27 KMU MDCAT 2023
Choose the correct preposition: All you think and hanker _ is government service.

[KMU MDCAT 2023]
A
An
B
For
C
At
D
Upon
View Answer & Propolis Autopsy
Correct Key: Option B Diagnostic Explanation
Concept: Fixed Prepositions.

Solution: The verb 'hanker' takes "for" (or 'after') when expressing intense longing.

Why other options are incorrect:
  • Option A: An article, not a preposition.

  • Options C & D: Incorrect prepositions with 'hanker'.
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#22 of 27 KMU CAT 2022
Pakistan has to fight ____ to win the test series from India:

[KMU CAT 2022]
A
Dagger and Sword
B
Lame and Lime
C
Tooth and Nail
D
Sweat and Water
View Answer & Propolis Autopsy
Correct Key: Option C Diagnostic Explanation
Concept: Idiomatic Expressions.

Solution: "Tooth and nail" means fighting with intense effort, energy, and determination.

Why other options are incorrect:
  • Options A, B, & D: Fabricated phrases, not standard English idioms.
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#23 of 27 KPK MDCAT / KMU 2022
What figure of speech is used in: "He is the black sheep of the class."

[KPK MDCAT / KMU 2022]
A
Simile
B
Metaphor
C
Alliteration
D
Hyperbole
View Answer & Propolis Autopsy
Correct Key: Option B Diagnostic Explanation
Concept: Metaphors.

Solution: Direct equation of a student to a 'black sheep' without comparative words forms a Metaphor.

Why other options are incorrect:
  • Option A: Lacks 'like' or 'as'.

  • Options C & D: Other figures of speech.
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#24 of 27 FMDC / SZABMU 2022
Negotiations between the two sides have _.

[FMDC / SZABMU 2022]
A
Broken off
B
Broken down
C
Broken up
D
Broken in
View Answer & Propolis Autopsy
Correct Key: Option B Diagnostic Explanation
Concept: Phrasal Verbs.

Solution: The phrasal verb "broken down" specifically means talks or negotiations failing/collapsing.

Why other options are incorrect:
  • Option A: Discontinued abruptly.

  • Option C: Separated or ended relationships/school terms.

  • Option D: Entered by force.
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#25 of 27 Balochistan MDCAT / BUMHS 2022
Do not hanker ____ worldly pleasures.

[Balochistan MDCAT / BUMHS 2022]
A
For
B
After
C
Towards
D
About
View Answer & Propolis Autopsy
Correct Key: Option B Diagnostic Explanation
Concept: Fixed Preposition Collocations.

Solution: The standard prepositional phrase is "hanker after" (or 'for'). In standard paper keys, 'after' is marked.

Why other options are incorrect:
  • Options A, C, & D: Secondary or non-standard prepositions in this past paper key.
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#26 of 27 KMU 2021 / NUMS 2021
"Break a leg" is an idiom commonly used to:

[KMU 2021 / NUMS 2021]
A
Curse someone
B
Physically harm someone
C
Wish good luck to someone
D
Teach someone a lesson
View Answer & Propolis Autopsy
Correct Key: Option C Diagnostic Explanation
Concept: Idiomatic Expressions.

Solution: The idiom "Break a leg" is a theatrical superstition used to wish good luck before a performance.

Why other options are incorrect:
  • Options A, B, & D: Literal or negative misinterpretations.
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#27 of 27 KMU 2021 / NUMS 2021
"Bite the bullet" is an idiom commonly used to:

[KMU 2021 / NUMS 2021]
A
Accept defeat
B
Accept consequences
C
Accept death
D
Accept bad faith
View Answer & Propolis Autopsy
Correct Key: Option B Diagnostic Explanation
Concept: Idiomatic Expressions.

Solution: "Bite the bullet" means to face an inevitable painful situation or accept consequences bravely.

Why other options are incorrect:
  • Options A, C, & D: Incorrect idiomatic interpretations.
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Parts of Speech, Prepositions & Modifiers
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