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
78751
I can feel it in my bones that something good is going to happen today.
Answer:
I have a strong intuition or feeling about something.
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'feel it in one's bones' means to have a strong premonition or intuition about something, a gut feeling that something is true or is going to happen. Option (a) is the correct definition. Option (b) is a literal interpretation of a feeling in the bones. Option (c) is the opposite of having a strong feeling. Option (d) refers to knowledge, not intuition.
78752
He's a good speaker, but he tends to beat a dead horse in his arguments.
Answer:
to waste time and effort on an issue that has already been resolved
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'beat a dead horse' (or 'flog a dead horse') means to continue to pursue or discuss a subject that is no longer useful or relevant because a decision has already been made. It is to waste effort on a lost cause. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal interpretation. Options (c) and (d) are the opposite of this repetitive behavior.
78753
The two brothers have been at daggers drawn for years over the inheritance.
Answer:
are bitterly hostile towards each other
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'at daggers drawn' means that two people are in a state of intense animosity and are on the verge of fighting. A dispute 'over the inheritance' is a common cause of such bitter family feuds. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) and (d) are literal misinterpretations. Option (b) is the opposite.
78754
He has been down in the dumps since he lost his job.
Answer:
feeling unhappy or depressed
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'down in the dumps' means to be sad, depressed, or in low spirits. Losing a job is a common reason for feeling this way. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal misinterpretation. Option (b) is the opposite. Option (d) is an unrelated action.
78755
Let's not split hairs over such a minor detail.
Answer:
to argue or worry about very small and unimportant details
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'split hairs' means to make overly fine or trivial distinctions; to argue about insignificant details. The phrase 'over such a minor detail' directly explains the meaning. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal interpretation. Option (c) is the opposite of arguing. Option (d) is what one should do instead of splitting hairs.
78756
The politician was caught red-handed accepting a bribe.
Answer:
he was caught in the act of doing something wrong
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'caught red-handed' means to be discovered in the very act of committing a crime or doing something wrong. The phrase implies clear and irrefutable evidence. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) and (d) are literal misinterpretations. Option (b) is incorrect; the idiom means being caught *during* the act.
78757
He's a chip off the old block, just as stubborn as his father.
Answer:
he is very similar in character to one of his parents
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'a chip off the old block' refers to a person who is very similar to their parent in personality or appearance. The example of being 'just as stubborn as his father' illustrates this similarity. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal misinterpretation. Option (b) is the opposite. Option (d) is a possible but separate issue.
78758
The new evidence threw a spanner in the works for the prosecution's case.
Answer:
was something that suddenly stopped a plan or activity from succeeding
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'throw a spanner in the works' (or 'throw a wrench in the works' in the US) means to do something that suddenly prevents a plan from progressing. New, contradictory evidence can ruin a legal case. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is the opposite. Option (c) is a literal interpretation. Option (d) is a possible but incorrect interpretation.
78759
You really dodged a bullet by not investing in that company before it went bankrupt.
Answer:
narrowly avoided a disaster or a very unpleasant situation
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'dodge a bullet' means to have a narrow escape from a dangerous or undesirable situation. Avoiding a bad investment that leads to bankruptcy is a perfect example of avoiding a financial disaster. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is the literal meaning. Option (c) is the opposite. Option (d) is an unrelated profession.
78760
I'll be there with bells on, I wouldn't miss your party for the world!
Answer:
I will be delighted and eager to attend.
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'with bells on' is used to say that one will be very happy and enthusiastic to go somewhere. It emphasizes eagerness. The phrase 'I wouldn't miss your party for the world!' reinforces this enthusiastic acceptance. Option (d) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal misinterpretation. Options (b) and (c) are the opposite of an enthusiastic 'yes'.