To burn the candle at both ends a) To work hard and stay up very late at night b) To contribute money for a party c) To have faith in god d) To commit a blunder
Correct answer: (A) To work hard and stay up very late at night.
Explanation:
The idiom “to burn the candle at both ends” means to exhaust oneself by working excessively hard or by engaging in too many activities, often by staying up late and starting early. It suggests a lifestyle that is physically and mentally demanding, leading to burnout or exhaustion. The phrase creates the image of a candle being consumed quickly because it is being lit at both ends, symbolizing the rapid depletion of one’s energy or resources. For example, “If you keep burning the candle at both ends, you’ll eventually get sick.”
• (A) To work hard and stay up very late at night: This accurately captures the meaning of the idiom, as it describes the intense and prolonged effort that leads to exhaustion.
• (B) To contribute money for a party: This refers to financially supporting a social event, which is unrelated to working excessively.
• (C) To have faith in God: This refers to religious belief, which is unrelated to the idiom’s meaning.
• (D) To commit a blunder: This means to make a stupid or careless mistake, which is unrelated to working excessively or staying up late.
Therefore, to work hard and stay up very late at night best expresses the meaning of the idiom “to burn the candle at both ends”.
A blessing in disguise a) A favorable situation under the pretense of an unlucky one b) To give credit to a disagreeable person c) Only just d) To sniff something wrong
Correct answer: (A) A favorable situation under the pretense of an unlucky one.
Explanation:
The idiom “a blessing in disguise” refers to something that initially appears to be a misfortune or a bad situation but ultimately turns out to be beneficial or advantageous in the long run. It implies that what seems like a setback at first glance actually has hidden positive aspects or leads to a positive outcome that might not have been apparent initially. For example, losing his job was a blessing in disguise because it led him to start his own successful business. The phrase highlights the idea of finding good in seemingly bad circumstances.
Let’s examine the other options:
• (A) A favorable situation under the pretense of an unlucky one: This accurately captures the meaning of the idiom, as it describes a seemingly negative event that has a hidden positive or beneficial aspect.
• (B) To give credit to a disagreeable person: This is unrelated to the meaning of “a blessing in disguise.”
• (C) Only just: This phrase can mean barely or fairly, but it is unrelated to the meaning of the idiom.
• (D) To sniff something wrong: This means to suspect that something is amiss, which is unrelated to the meaning of “a blessing in disguise.”
Therefore, a favorable situation under the pretense of an unlucky one best expresses the meaning of the idiom “a blessing in disguise”.
Directions: For each of the following sentences four alternatives are given. You are required to choose the correct meaning of the idiom and phrase given in “” the sentence.
We should “give a wide berth to” bad characters. a) keep away from b) publicly condemn c) give publicity to d) not sympathise with
Correct answer: (A) keep away from.
Explanation:
The idiom “give a wide berth to” means to avoid someone or something, to stay at a safe distance, or to steer clear of them. It implies intentionally avoiding interaction or close proximity with someone or something considered undesirable, dangerous, or potentially troublesome. The phrase originates from sailing, where a “berth” is a space that a ship needs to maneuver. Giving a “wide berth” means allowing ample space for another vessel to avoid collision. For example, “You should give a wide berth to anyone who tries to sell you cheap goods on the street”, meaning you should avoid them.
Let’s examine the other options:
• (B) publicly condemn: This means to express strong disapproval of someone or something in public. While avoiding bad characters might stem from condemning their actions, the idiom focuses on the act of keeping a distance rather than public disapproval.
• (C) give publicity to: This means to make someone or something widely known, which is the opposite of avoiding them.
• (D) not sympathise with: This means to not feel pity or compassion for someone. While one might not sympathize with bad characters, the idiom specifically refers to avoiding them, not just lacking sympathy.
Therefore, keep away from best expresses the meaning of the idiom “give a wide berth to”.
The boy “turned a deaf ear” to the pleadings of all his well-wishers. a) listened carefully b) was deadly opposed c) posed indifference d) did not pay any attention
Correct answer: (D) did not pay any attention.
Explanation:
The idiom “turn a deaf ear” means to ignore or refuse to listen to someone or something, especially when one is being advised, warned, or pleaded with. It implies deliberately disregarding or paying no attention to what is being said, often out of stubbornness or defiance. For example, despite the warnings, the driver turned a deaf ear to the concerns about the car’s condition.
Let’s examine the other options:
• (A) listened carefully: This is the opposite of turning a deaf ear, which implies ignoring.
• (B) was deadly opposed: This means to be strongly against something, which is a stronger reaction than simply ignoring or not paying attention. While turning a deaf ear can be a form of opposition, the core meaning is about the lack of attention.
• (C) posed indifference: This means to show a lack of interest or concern, which is related but “did not pay any attention” is a more direct and accurate description of the action implied by the idiom.
• (D) did not pay any attention: This accurately captures the meaning of the idiom, as it implies actively ignoring or refusing to listen.
Therefore, did not pay any attention best expresses the meaning of the idiom “turned a deaf ear”.
Ronit had to search “high and low” before he could find his scooter key outside. a) nowhere b) secretly c) everywhere d) in a hidden place
Correct answer: (C) everywhere.
The idiom “high and low” means to search or look thoroughly in every possible place or location. It implies an exhaustive and comprehensive search to find something. For example, “I looked high and low for my missing passport before my trip.” The phrase suggests searching in all areas, symbolizing a complete and wide-ranging search.
Here’s an examination of the other options:
• (A) nowhere: This means in no place or not anywhere, which is the opposite of searching everywhere.
• (B) secretly: This means in a way that is kept hidden from others. While one might search secretly, “high and low” refers to the scope of the search, not the manner.
• (C) everywhere: This accurately captures the meaning of the idiom, as it implies a comprehensive search in all possible locations.
• (D) in a hidden place: While a search might involve looking in hidden places, “high and low” emphasizes the extent of the search, not just that the target might be hidden.
Therefore, everywhere best expresses the meaning of the idiom “high and low”.
You may rush “from pillar to post”, but you stand no chance of getting what you want without a bribe. a) be very busy b) rush in all directions and suffer much harassment c) go to all post boxes and post offices. d) go to many offices and post letters
Correct answer: (B) rush in all directions and suffer much harassment.
Explanation:
The idiom “from pillar to post” means to be forced or compelled to move from one place or person to another, often in a disorganized, frustrating, or unproductive manner, without achieving a clear purpose or result. It implies experiencing a lot of trouble, frustration, or harassment due to being sent to various places or people in a chaotic way, especially when trying to get something done or find a solution. For example, someone might go “from pillar to post” trying to get their phone repaired, being sent from one department to another. The phrase is quite old, possibly dating back to the Middle Ages, where it might have referred to public punishments or the game of Real Tennis.
Let’s examine the other options:
• (A) be very busy: While someone going from pillar to post might appear busy, the idiom specifically highlights the ineffectiveness and frustration of the movement, not just the level of activity.
• (B) rush in all directions and suffer much harassment: This accurately captures the meaning of the idiom, as it implies moving erratically and experiencing difficulties or frustration in the process.
• (C) go to all post boxes and post offices: This is a literal interpretation of “post” in the phrase and does not reflect the figurative meaning of being moved around fruitlessly.
• (D) go to many offices and post letters: This describes a specific action (going to offices to post letters) but doesn’t convey the sense of being forced to move between places without making progress, which is central to the idiom’s meaning.
Therefore, rush in all directions and suffer much harassment best expresses the meaning of the idiom “from pillar to post” as it conveys the sense of frantic, unproductive movement and the associated difficulties.
At a party, he is always “in high spirits”. a) talkative b) cheerful c) drunk d) uncontrollable
Correct answer: (B) cheerful.
Explanation:
The idiom “in high spirits” means to be very happy, lively, and enthusiastic. It describes a state of joyfulness and optimism. When someone is in high spirits, they are feeling good and often express this with energy and cheerfulness. For instance, after receiving good news, someone might be in high spirits for the rest of the day.
Let’s examine the other options:
• (A) talkative: While someone in high spirits might be talkative, the idiom’s core meaning is about their mood (happy and energetic) rather than just how much they speak.
• (B) cheerful: This word directly aligns with the meaning of “in high spirits,” as it means noticeably happy and optimistic.
• (C) drunk: This refers to being under the influence of alcohol, which is not the primary meaning of “in high spirits,” although the two can sometimes be associated.
• (D) uncontrollable: This means being unable to be managed or restrained, which doesn’t directly describe the joyful and lively state of being in high spirits.
Therefore, cheerful best expresses the meaning of the idiom “in high spirits”.
She rejected his proposal of marriage “point blank”. a) directly b) pointedly c) absurdly d) briefly
Correct answer: (A) directly.
Explanation:
The idiom “point blank” means to say something very clearly and directly, without any softening, politeness, or evasion. It implies a blunt and straightforward manner of speaking, often to the point of being rude or abrupt. The phrase originates from the concept of a “point-blank” shot with a firearm, fired from such close range that it is unlikely to miss its target. This implies a direct and unambiguous action. In the sentence, “She rejected his proposal of marriage point blank”, it means she refused the proposal in a very direct and unequivocal way, leaving no room for misunderstanding or argument.
• (A) directly: This accurately captures the meaning of the idiom, as it emphasizes the straightforward and unambiguous nature of the rejection.
• (B) pointedly: This means in a direct and significant way, often with a hint of criticism or emphasis. While related, “directly” more strongly conveys the bluntness implied by “point blank”.
• (C) absurdly: This means in a ridiculously unreasonable or illogical way, which is unrelated to the directness of the rejection.
• (D) briefly: This means for a short time or in a concise manner. While a point-blank rejection might be brief, the idiom primarily refers to the directness, not necessarily the duration or conciseness.
Therefore, directly best expresses the meaning of the idiom “point blank” in the context of rejecting a proposal.
We should guard against our “green-eyed” friends. a) rich b) jealous c) handsome d) enthusiastic
Correct answer: (B) jealous.
Explanation:
The idiom “green-eyed” means envious or jealous. The phrase links the color green with the emotion of jealousy, suggesting that a person is resentful or begrudging of someone else’s possessions, success, or advantages. For example, “His green-eyed colleague tried to undermine his promotion.” The association of green with jealousy was popularized by Shakespeare, particularly in his play Othello, where jealousy is referred to as “the green-eyed monster.”
Let’s examine the other options:
• (A) rich: This describes someone with abundant wealth and is unrelated to the emotion of jealousy.
• (B) jealous: This accurately captures the meaning of the idiom, as it describes a feeling of envy or resentment towards someone else’s good fortune.
• (C) handsome: This describes someone who is good-looking and is unrelated to the emotion of jealousy.
• (D) enthusiastic: This describes someone who is intensely interested or excited about something, which is unrelated to the emotion of jealousy.
Therefore, jealous best expresses the meaning of the idiom “green-eyed”.
The popularity of yester year’s superstar is on the wane. a) growing more b) at its peak c) growing less d) at rock bottom
Correct answer: (C) growing less.
Explanation:
The phrase “on the wane” means decreasing, declining, or becoming weaker in intensity, influence, size, or popularity. It suggests a gradual diminishing or fading away. The phrase comes from the natural phenomenon of the moon “waning,” which refers to the period when the illuminated portion of the moon visibly decreases in size after a full moon, notes the Cambridge Dictionary. In the given sentence, it indicates that the superstar’s popularity is gradually diminishing.
• (A) growing more: This is the opposite of “on the wane,” which implies a decrease.
• (B) at its peak: This means at the highest point or greatest level, which is also the opposite of declining.
• (C) growing less: This accurately captures the meaning of “on the wane,” as it indicates a decrease in popularity.
• (D) at rock bottom: This means at the lowest possible point or worst possible state, which is a stronger decline than “on the wane” implies (which can be a gradual decline).
Therefore, growing less best expresses the meaning of the phrase “on the wane”.
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