I raked my brain to solve this difficult problem.

• I consulted several people
• I subjected my mind to hard thinking
• I read number of books
• I brainwashed several experts
Correct Option: B  [ I subjected my mind to hard thinking ]

Remark: raked my brain: to think very hard

After reading the story time and again we are finally reading between the lines.

• Reading to entertain others
• Understanding the hidden meaning
• Reading only to show someone else about your style of reading.
• Reading to clear the exam
Correct Option: B  [ Understanding the hidden meaning ]

Remark:

Some people now wonder whether we just pay the lip service or genuinely subscribe to democracy.

• pay oral tribute
• attach no value
• remain indifferent
• show only outward respect
Correct Option: D  [ show only outward respect ]

Remark:

A damp squib

• rainy weather
• a disappointing result
• a skirt in a laundry
• Great honour
Correct Option: B  [ a disappointing result ]

Remark:

He faced the music for reaching home late.

• faced punishment
• faced entertainment
• faced reprimand
• faced pleasure
Correct Option: C  [ faced reprimand ]

Remark:

It is a great store, because it remains open twenty-four seven.

• throughout the day
• throughout the night
• throughout the day and night
• None of these
Correct Option: C  [ throughout the day and night ]

Remark:

If someone uses the idiom "a black sheep", he/she is talking about:

• a sheep that in black
• an unlucky person
• an ugly person
• None of the above
Correct Option: D  [ None of the above ]

Remark: "a black sheep": a person who has done something bad that brings embarrassment or shame to his or her family.

The boy took to his heels after stealing some money.

• jumped up
• hurt himself
• ran away
• fell down
Correct Option: C  [ ran away ]

Remark:

His oily tongue has won him promotion.

• soft speech
• word power
• flattery
• fluency in speech
Correct Option: C  [ flattery ]

Remark:

His argument does not hold water.

• to have effect
• to influence
• to check the flow of water
• sound logical fact
Correct Option: D  [ sound logical fact ]

Remark: