General Knowledge MCQs
Topic Notes: General Knowledge
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
31
What does the French phrase 'Je ne sais quoi' mean?
Answer:
I do not know what (an elusive quality)
Je ne sais quoi means 'I don't know what'. It refers to a pleasing quality that cannot be exactly named or described.
32
What does the French phrase 'Déjà vu' mean?
Answer:
Already seen
Déjà vu is the feeling that one has lived through the present situation before. It literally means 'already seen'.
33
What does the French phrase 'Carte blanche' mean?
Answer:
Complete freedom to act as one wishes
Carte blanche literally means 'blank paper'. In English, it means having complete freedom or authority to act.
34
What does the French phrase 'C'est la vie' mean?
Answer:
That is the life / Such is life
C'est la vie means 'That's life' or 'Such is life', used to express acceptance or resignation in the face of a difficult situation.
35
What does the Latin phrase 'Alma mater' mean?
Answer:
Nourishing mother (referring to one's school/university)
Alma mater implies 'nourishing mother'. It is used to refer to the school, college, or university that one formerly attended.
36
What does the Latin phrase 'Vice versa' mean?
Answer:
The other way around
Vice versa means 'the position being reversed' or 'the other way around'.
37
What does the Latin phrase 'Status quo' mean?
Answer:
The existing state of affairs
Status quo is a Latin phrase meaning the existing state of affairs, particularly with regard to social or political issues.
38
What does the Latin phrase 'Quid pro quo' mean?
Answer:
Something for something (an exchange)
Quid pro quo means 'something for something'. It refers to an exchange of goods or services.
39
What does the Latin phrase 'Pro bono' mean?
Answer:
For the public good (usually free work)
Pro bono publico (usually shortened to pro bono) means 'for the public good'. It usually refers to professional work undertaken voluntarily and without payment.
40
What does the Latin phrase 'Persona non grata' mean?
Answer:
An unwelcome person
Persona non grata literally means 'an unwelcome person'. It is often used in diplomacy.