List of Important Idioms and Phrases Beginning with C

Idioms & Phrases is one of the most important part of English section in SSC & Other Competitive Exams. It usually covers 4 -5 marks in every exam. As you all know we have already given many quizzes on this topic which are from previous year papers. In order to make it easy for all the aspirants,  Here we are going to start a new series “Most repeated & Expected idioms and phrases (alphabetical order)”. Today we will provide List of Important Idioms and Phrases Beginning with C. If you like it let us know.

List of Important Idioms and Phrases Beginning with C

1. Call a spade a spade

Meaning: Speak frankly and directly

Example: Well, I believe it's time to call a spade a spade.

2. Come through with flying colours

Meaning: Be highly successful

Example: The officer training was grueling, but he came through with flying colours.

3. Cock and bull story

Meaning: Made up story that one should not believe

Example: Don't give me that cock-and-bull story

4. Cross one’s t’s and dot

Meaning: Be precise, careful and one’s i’s exact

Example: The negotiations are nearly finished, but we still have to dot the i's and cross the t's.

5. Chew the cud

Meaning: Ponder over something

Example: He sat for a moment chewing the cud before he spoke.

6. Close But No Cigar
Meaning: Coming close to a successful outcome only to fall short at the end.

Example: It was close but no cigar for Johnny as he came second once again

7. Cry Over Spilt Milk
Meaning: One shouldn’t worry over things that have already happened and that cannot be changed.

Example: Yes, we made a mistake, but there’s no point in crying over spilled milk.

8. Cry Wolf

Meaning: someone is calling for help when it’s not really needed.

Example: If you cry wolf too often, people will stop believing you.

9. Curiosity Killed The Cat
Meaning: mind your own business, as too much poking and prodding could lead to harm.

Example: 'Why are you going away so suddenly?' 'Curiosity killed the cat.'

10. Cut To The Chase
Meaning: To get to the point, leaving out all of the unnecessary details. Similar to popular sayings such as “beating around the bush.

Example: I didn't have long to talk so I cut to the chase and asked whether he was still married.

11. Call out

Meaning: to shout

Example: I called out to him but he disappeared in the dark.

12. Call upon

Meaning: to order;

Example: to require: I was unfortunately called upon to give evidence against him.

13. Carry on

Meaning: to continue

Example: If you carry on working hard, your business will soon flourish.

14. Cast away

Meaning: to throw aside

Example:You must cast away all your apprehensions and accept the offer.

15. Catch up with

Meaning: to overtake

Example:Last week I had to stay late at the office to catch up with some pending files.