The CSS (Central Superior Services) Exam MCQs
Topic Notes: The CSS (Central Superior Services) Exam
MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.
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
191
It's raining cats and dogs, so we should cancel the picnic.
Answer:
it is raining very heavily
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'raining cats and dogs' is a hyperbole used to mean that it is raining very hard. The suggestion to cancel a picnic supports the idea of heavy rain. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal and impossible interpretation. Options (c) and (d) describe weather that would be suitable for a picnic.
192
He's been blowing his own trumpet ever since he won the award.
Answer:
boasting about his own achievements
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'blow one's own trumpet' means to boast proudly about one's own accomplishments. Winning an award is an accomplishment one might boast about. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal interpretation. Option (b) and (d) are the opposite of boasting.
193
His business partner took him for a ride, and he lost all his savings.
Answer:
deceived or cheated him
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'take someone for a ride' means to trick, cheat, or deceive them. Losing 'all his savings' because of a business partner's actions strongly implies deception. Option (c) is the correct definition. Options (a) and (b) are literal, positive interpretations. Option (d) is the opposite of being cheated.
194
When she was caught lying, she had to eat humble pie and apologize to everyone.
Answer:
make a humble apology and accept humiliation
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'eat humble pie' means to admit one's error and behave humbly, especially after being proven wrong. Having to 'apologize to everyone' after being caught in a lie is a clear act of eating humble pie. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal misinterpretation. Options (c) and (d) are the opposite of taking responsibility.
195
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.
196
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.
197
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.
198
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.
199
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.
200
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.