Idioms and Proverbs for CLAT 2026 With Meaning

Idioms and Phrases are a part of the CLAT English section. Knowing these expressions is compulsory to score well. In this article, you will know the definitions of idioms and phrases, the differences between them, and an overview of how they are asked in the CLAT Exam.

Idioms and Provers for CLAT

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is one of India’s most competitive entrance exams for National Law Universities (NLUs) admission. CLAT 2026 Exam Date is December 7, 2025. As part of its CLAT English Language section often includes questions related to idioms and proverbs. 

What is an Idiom?

An idiom is a phrase whose meaning can not be deducible from the individual meanings of the words. Idioms are used to convey messages more vividly.

What is a Proverb?

A proverb is a short, commonly known saying that expresses a piece of advice. Proverbs are generally passed down through generations and reflect cultural wisdom.ultural wisdom.

Example: A stitch in time saves nine- It means that taking care of problems early can prevent them from becoming bigger issues.

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Importance of Idioms and Proverbs in CLAT 2026

Candidates must understand that idioms and proverbs play a major part in the CLAT Exam and they must learn it during their CLAT Preparation. Check why Idioms and Proverbs are compulsory in CLAT:

• Improves Vocabulary: Both idioms and proverbs are main based of the English language. Understanding them improves their ability to understand complex passages and makes your language skills stronger.
• Test of English Comprehension: CLAT works on checking your command of the English language, including the ability to understand figurative expressions.

Idioms and Proverbs for CLAT 2026 with Meaning

Some of the idioms and proverbs that are likely to be asked in CLAT 2026 are provided below.

• A blessing in disguise: Something that seems bad but turns out to be good.
  
• A penny for your thoughts: A way of asking what someone is thinking.
  
• A piece of cake: Something that is very easy to do.
  
• Add fuel to the fire: To make a bad situation worse.
  
• At the drop of a hat: To do something instantly, without any delay.
  
• Bite the bullet: To endure a painful or difficult situation.
  
• Break the ice: To start a conversation or start a relationship.
  
• Burn the midnight oil: To work late into the night.
  
• Call it a day: To stop working for the day.
  
• Caught between a rock and a hard place: To be faced with two difficult choices.
  
• Cry over spilt milk: To be upset about something that cannot be undone.
  
• Cut to the chase: Get to the point without wasting time.
  
• Don’t count your chickens before they hatch: Don’t assume something will happen before it does.
  
• Don’t put all your eggs in one basket: Don’t risk everything on a single venture.
  
• Easier said than done: Something that seems easy but is difficult to accomplish.
  
• Elephant in the room: An obvious problem or issue that everyone is ignoring.
  
• Every cloud has a silver lining: There’s always something good in every bad situation.
  
• Face the music: To accept the consequences of one’s actions.
  
• Hit the nail on the head: To do or say something exactly right.
  
• In the heat of the moment: Acting impulsively during an emotionally charged situation.
  
• Jump on the bandwagon: To join others in doing something popular or fashionable.
  
• Keep your fingers crossed: To hope that something will happen the way you want it to.
  
• Kick the bucket: To die.
  
• Let the cat out of the bag: To reveal a secret.
  
• Make a long story short: To summarise or briefly say something.
  
• Once in a blue moon: The things which happen very rarely
  
• Out of the blue: Something happening unexpectedly.
  
• Pull someone’s leg: To tease or joke with someone.
  
• Raining cats and dogs: Raining heavily.
  
• Spill the beans: To reveal a secret.
  
• Take the bull by the horns: To confront a difficult situation head-on.
  
• The ball is in your court: It’s up to you to take the next step.
  
• The best of both worlds: A situation where you can enjoy the benefits of two different things.
  
• The last straw: The final problem or difficulty that causes a breakdown.
  
• Throw in the towel: To give up or admit defeat.
  
• Through thick and thin: Through all kinds of situations, both good and bad.
  
• Under the weather: Feeling sick.
  
• Walking on air: Feeling extremely happy
  
• Beat around the bush: To avoid directly addressing a topic.
  
• Cold feet: To feel nervous or anxious about something.
  
• The early bird catches the worm: Success comes to those who prepare well.
  
• Hit the sack: To go to bed or sleep.

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Proverbs for CLAT 2026

• A chain is only as strong as its weakest link: A group or system is only as strong as its weakest part.
• A fool and his money are soon parted: A foolish person will easily lose money.
• Actions speak louder than words: What people do matters than what they say.
• An apple a day keeps the doctor away: Healthy habits prevent illness.
• Better late than never: It’s better to do something late than not at all.
• Don’t count your chickens before they hatch: Don’t think of something before you do.
• Look before you leap: Do think properly before taking any action
• Practice makes perfect: With constant efforts, you can improve
• Time is money: Time should not be wasted as it never comes back
• Too many cooks spoil the broth: Too many people involved in something can spoil it.
• What goes around comes around: What you do to others will eventually come back to you.
• When in Rome, do as the Romans do: Adapt to the customs of the place you're in.
• You can’t have your cake and eat it too: You can’t have two conflicting things at the same time.
• A penny saved is a penny earned: Saving money is as valuable as earning it.
• Better safe than sorry: It’s better to be cautious than take risks.
• Beggars can’t be choosers: Those in need should accept whatever help is offered.
• Cleanliness is next to godliness: Being clean is morally good.
• Don’t bite the hand that feeds you: Don’t harm those who help you.
• Every cloud has a silver lining: Every difficult situation has a positive aspect.
• You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink. You can offer someone the opportunity to do something, but you can’t force them to do it.

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