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
78811
The politician's vague answers were a red herring to distract from the real issue.
Answer:
a clue or piece of information that is intended to be misleading or distracting
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'a red herring' refers to something that misleads or diverts attention from the central issue. 'Vague answers' are often used as a tactic to 'distract from the real issue.' Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is the literal meaning. Option (c) is the opposite. Option (d) is unrelated.
78812
That old car is on its last legs; it's time to buy a new one.
Answer:
is about to fail or break down completely
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'on its last legs' is used to describe something that is old, worn out, and close to failing. The suggestion to 'buy a new one' supports the idea that the old car is no longer reliable. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) and (d) are the opposite. Option (c) is a detail that doesn't change the overall poor condition implied by the idiom.
78813
He always turns a blind eye to his son's misbehavior.
Answer:
pretends not to notice something wrong
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'turn a blind eye' means to deliberately ignore something that you know is wrong. Ignoring a son's 'misbehavior' is a classic example of this. Option (c) correctly defines this intentional ignorance. Option (a) refers to a physical disability. Options (b) and (d) are actions of acknowledgment, not ignoring.
78814
The negotiation was touch-and-go for a while, but they finally reached an agreement.
Answer:
uncertain and risky in its outcome
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'touch-and-go' describes a situation that is very precarious and uncertain. The fact that they 'finally' reached an agreement implies there was a period of uncertainty where the outcome was in doubt. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is the opposite. Option (b) is a literal misinterpretation. Option (d) is irrelevant.
78815
Despite the market crash, she kept her head and didn't panic-sell her investments.
Answer:
remained calm in a difficult situation
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'keep one's head' means to stay calm and rational during a time of crisis or difficulty. Not 'panic-selling' during a 'market crash' is a clear example of remaining calm. Option (a) correctly defines this action. Options (b) and (d) describe negative reactions, the opposite of the idiom. Option (c) is a literal misinterpretation.
78816
The intern was all at sea with the new software, so his manager had to assign him a mentor.
Answer:
completely confused and bewildered
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'all at sea' means to be in a state of confusion or to be lost and unsure of what to do. The context of a new intern needing a mentor for 'new software' supports this meaning of confusion. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (b) is a literal misinterpretation. Options (a) and (d) are the opposite of being confused.
78817
She has been a pillar of strength for her family throughout the crisis.
Answer:
a person who provides strong and reliable support for others
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'a pillar of strength' refers to a person who is a source of great support and comfort to others in times of trouble. The word 'pillar' is used metaphorically to suggest someone who is strong and holds things up. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is the literal meaning of 'pillar.' Option (b) and (d) are the opposite of the idiom's meaning.
78818
The police's investigation into the crime drew a blank.
Answer:
produced no positive result or found nothing
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'draw a blank' means to fail to find something one is looking for or to be unable to remember something. In a police investigation, it means failing to find any leads or evidence. Option (a) is the correct definition. Option (b) is a literal misinterpretation. Option (c) is the opposite. Option (d) is a different meaning of 'blank'.
78819
After the argument, there was a lot of bad blood between the two colleagues.
Answer:
feelings of hatred, anger, or animosity
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'bad blood' refers to feelings of ill will, resentment, or hostility between people. An 'argument' is a common cause of such feelings. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) and (d) are literal misinterpretations. Option (b) is the opposite.
78820
We have to work against the clock to finish this project by the deadline.
Answer:
in a great hurry, as fast as possible
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'against the clock' means to be rushed and have a very limited amount of time to complete something. A 'deadline' imposes a time limit, forcing one to work quickly. Option (a) is the correct definition. Option (b) is a literal misinterpretation. Option (c) is the opposite. Option (d) describes when one might work, but not the pace.