All Categories MCQs
Topic Notes: All Categories
General Description
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
78681
I'm sure we'll get the contract, I feel it in my water.
Answer:
I have a strong intuition about it
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'feel it in one's water' is a British expression meaning to have a premonition or a gut feeling about something, without having any concrete evidence. It is similar to 'feel it in one's bones'. Option (a) is the correct definition. Option (b) and (d) are literal misinterpretations. Option (c) is the opposite of having a strong feeling.
78682
The politician tried to pour oil on troubled waters during the heated debate.
Answer:
to try to calm a difficult or angry situation
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'pour oil on troubled waters' means to say or do something to pacify a quarrel or calm a tense situation. It originates from the ancient practice of pouring oil on the sea to calm the waves. A 'heated debate' is a situation that needs calming. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) describes 'adding fuel to the fire'. Option (c) is a literal interpretation. Option (d) is a different approach.
78683
He is a fair-weather friend who is never around when I have problems.
Answer:
a friend who is only a friend when times are good and abandons you during difficulties
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** A 'fair-weather friend' is someone who is only friendly and supportive when it is easy or convenient for them. The phrase 'never around when I have problems' is a direct explanation of this type of unreliable friend. Option (a) is the correct definition. Option (c) is the opposite. Options (b) and (d) are literal misinterpretations.
78684
The whole project was a castle in the air, with no realistic funding or timeline.
Answer:
a dream, plan, or hope that is unrealistic and has no chance of happening
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'a castle in the air' (or 'castles in the sky') refers to an extravagant plan or hope that is impractical and has no solid foundation. The lack of 'realistic funding or timeline' confirms the impracticality of the project. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is the opposite. Option (c) and (d) are literal misinterpretations.
78685
I can't believe he had the cheek to ask for another loan when he hasn't paid back the first one.
Answer:
impudence or disrespectful boldness
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The word 'cheek' is used idiomatically to mean audacity, impudence, or behaviour that is bold in a rude way. Asking for more money without repaying a previous debt is a classic example of cheeky behaviour. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is the literal meaning. Options (b) and (d) are the opposite of having cheek.
78686
The company is in the black for the first time in three years.
Answer:
is profitable; is not in debt
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'in the black' means to be financially profitable. It comes from the accounting practice of using black ink to indicate profits, as opposed to red ink for losses. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) describes being 'in the red'. Option (c) is an incorrect interpretation. Option (d) is a literal misinterpretation.
78687
He is between the devil and the deep blue sea, forced to choose between two bad job offers.
Answer:
in a situation with two equally bad options
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'between the devil and the deep blue sea' describes a dilemma where one must choose between two equally difficult or dangerous alternatives. Being forced to choose between two 'bad job offers' is a perfect example. Option (a) is the correct definition. Option (b) and (d) are literal misinterpretations. Option (c) is the opposite.
78688
You hit the nail on the head when you said the problem was a lack of communication.
Answer:
to accurately describe or identify the cause of a problem
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'hit the nail on the head' means to be exactly right about something. It signifies a precise and accurate observation or statement. Option (a) is the correct definition. Option (b) is the literal action. Option (c) is the opposite. Option (d) is an unrelated action.
78689
The details of the plan are still up in the air, but we know the general goal.
Answer:
are undecided or uncertain
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'up in the air' is used to describe something that is not yet settled or decided. It implies a state of uncertainty. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is the opposite. Option (c) and (d) are literal misinterpretations.
78690
The politician tried to curry favour with the voters by promising tax cuts.
Answer:
to try to gain someone's approval or support through flattery or servile behaviour
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'curry favour' means to ingratiate oneself with someone through insincere praise or actions in order to gain an advantage. Promising tax cuts is a common political tactic to win votes. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal misinterpretation. Option (c) implies sincerity, which the idiom does not. Option (d) is the opposite.