Some proverbs/idioms are given below together with their meanings. Choose the correct meaning of proverb/idiom, If there is no correct meaning given, E (i.e.) 'None of these' will be the answer.
To leave someone in the lurch
Answer: D
It means to desert someone in his difficulties.
The lurch is a losing position in the old game of lourche, so to leave someone in it is to abandon him when he most needs help.
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To play second fiddle
Answer: C
It means to support the role and view of another person.
The second fiddle plays a supporting part to the first violin, so to play it is to take the subordinate place.
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To beg the question
Answer: B
It means to take for granted.
To beg the question is to assume the very point that is in dispute - a translation of the Latin petitio principii. It does not mean to raise a question, though it is now often used so.
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A black sheep
Answer: E
None of these.
A black sheep is a disreputable member of a family or group - the one lamb in a white flock whose fleece could not be dyed. None of the four descriptions offered says that.
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A man of straw
Answer: A
It means a man of no substance.
A man of straw is a person of no worth or standing, or a figure set up merely to be knocked down - the same image as a straw man in argument.
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To smell a rat
Answer: C
It means to suspect foul dealings.
To smell a rat is to sense that something is wrong, as a dog scents vermin behind the wainscot.
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To hit the nail right on the head
Answer: A
It means to do the right thing.
To hit the nail on the head is to say or do exactly what the situation requires, striking squarely rather than glancing off.
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To set one's face against
Answer: A
It means to oppose with determination.
To set one's face against something is to resolve firmly against it - the face turned steadily towards what one resists.
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Select the most appropriate meaning of the given proverb.
Still waters run deep.
DSSSB PGT - 2023,
Answer: A
The proverb 'Still waters run deep' means that people who are quiet and calm on the surface often have profound thoughts or strong feelings. Deep water often looks calm, which is the picture behind it. The second option takes the words literally, the third says that introverts have no friends, which the proverb does not claim, and the fourth is a literal remark about bathing. So the first option gives the meaning.
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Select the most appropriate idiomatic expression for the underlined word.
I can’t understand what you are saying because the telephone connection is bad.
DSSSB PGT - 2023,
Answer: C
The idiom is "make heads or tails of", which means to understand something. The sentence then reads: I can't make heads or tails of what you are saying because the telephone connection is bad. It replaces the underlined word understand and keeps the meaning.
The other options, make hands or legs of, make front or back of, and make left or right of, are not idioms in English. They imitate the pattern of the real idiom with different body or position words but have no set meaning.
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