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
78891
He thinks his startup will be successful, but his business plan is just a pipe dream without any real funding.
Answer:
an unrealistic hope or fantasy that is unlikely to happen
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** A 'pipe dream' is an idea or plan that is impossible or very unlikely to be realized. The lack of 'any real funding' makes the business plan unrealistic. Option (c) correctly defines this concept. Option (a) is the opposite. Option (b) is a different kind of dream. Option (d) is an incorrect literal interpretation.
78892
After their heated argument, they decided it was time to bury the hatchet and move on.
Answer:
end a quarrel and make peace
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'bury the hatchet' means to stop an argument or conflict and become friends again. The phrase 'move on' after an 'argument' strongly suggests reconciliation. Option (c) is the correct meaning. Option (a) is the literal action from which the idiom derives. Options (b) and (d) are antonyms of the idiom's meaning.
78893
The new evidence brought to light the real reason for the company's bankruptcy.
Answer:
to make something public or reveal it
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'bring to light' means to reveal something or make it known to the public, especially something that was previously secret or hidden. The 'new evidence' served to reveal the 'real reason.' Option (b) correctly defines this action. Option (a) is a literal interpretation of 'light.' Option (c) is unrelated. Option (d) is the opposite of the idiom's meaning.
78894
He's just a fair-weather friend; he's only around when things are going well for you.
Answer:
a friend who is only a friend during good times and abandons you when you have problems
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** A 'fair-weather friend' is someone who is a dependable friend only when circumstances are pleasant or advantageous for them and deserts you during times of difficulty. The sentence itself provides the definition. Option (c) is the correct meaning. Option (b) describes a true friend, the opposite of a fair-weather friend. Options (a) and (d) are incorrect interpretations based on the word 'weather'.
78895
Instead of investing all your money in one stock, you shouldn't put all your eggs in one basket.
Answer:
risk everything on the success of one single plan or venture
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The proverb 'don't put all your eggs in one basket' is advice against concentrating all of one's resources or efforts in a single area, as one could lose everything if that one area fails. The sentence applies this to financial investment. The phrase means you should *not* do what is described in option (b). Therefore, the idiom itself is a warning against risking everything. Option (b) defines the action the idiom advises against, making it the correct meaning in context. Options (a) and (c) are literal interpretations. Option (d) is a completely unrelated interpretation.
78896
He has the gift of the gab and can persuade almost anyone to agree with him.
Answer:
the ability to speak easily and persuasively
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'the gift of the gab' refers to the talent of speaking fluently, eloquently, and persuasively. The result that he 'can persuade almost anyone' is a direct consequence of this talent. Option (b) correctly defines this ability. Option (a) and (c) are incorrect literal interpretations of 'gift.' Option (d) suggests meaningless talk, whereas the idiom implies effective, persuasive talk.
78897
The manager decided to nip the problem of tardiness in the bud by implementing a strict new policy.
Answer:
stop a problem at an early stage before it gets worse
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'nip in the bud' means to stop something, usually a bad situation, at an early stage before it can develop into something worse. Implementing a 'strict new policy' is a clear action to stop the 'problem of tardiness' early on. Option (a) is the correct definition. Option (b) is the literal gardening action from which the idiom originates. Option (c) is the opposite of the idiom's meaning. Option (d) is illogical.
78898
The two brothers were at loggerheads over the future of the family business.
Answer:
in violent disagreement
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'at loggerheads' means to be in strong and stubborn disagreement. The word 'over' indicates a point of conflict, which is the 'future of the family business.' Option (b) correctly defines this state of conflict. Option (a) is the opposite. Option (c) is a literal interpretation of 'logger.' Option (d) is unrelated.
78899
He is a man of straw; he agrees with whatever his boss says and has no opinions of his own.
Answer:
a person with no substance or integrity; a weak person
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'a man of straw' refers to a person who is weak, easily influenced, and lacks a firm character or substance. The description of him having 'no opinions of his own' clearly illustrates this. Option (b) is the correct definition. Options (a) and (c) are literal interpretations related to straw. Option (d) is the opposite of the idiom's meaning.
78900
I'm in a pickle because I've been invited to two important events on the same night.
Answer:
in a difficult or awkward situation
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'in a pickle' means to be in a troublesome or difficult situation. Having to choose between two important, conflicting events is a classic example of such a dilemma. Option (a) is the correct definition. Options (b) and (c) are literal and humorous misinterpretations. Option (d) relates to food but not to the figurative meaning of being in a difficult spot.