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
68251
I can't believe he had the cheek to ask for another loan when he hasn't paid back the first one.
Answer:
impudence or disrespectful boldness
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The word 'cheek' is used idiomatically to mean audacity, impudence, or behaviour that is bold in a rude way. Asking for more money without repaying a previous debt is a classic example of cheeky behaviour. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is the literal meaning. Options (b) and (d) are the opposite of having cheek.
68252
The company is in the black for the first time in three years.
Answer:
is profitable; is not in debt
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'in the black' means to be financially profitable. It comes from the accounting practice of using black ink to indicate profits, as opposed to red ink for losses. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) describes being 'in the red'. Option (c) is an incorrect interpretation. Option (d) is a literal misinterpretation.
68253
He is between the devil and the deep blue sea, forced to choose between two bad job offers.
Answer:
in a situation with two equally bad options
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'between the devil and the deep blue sea' describes a dilemma where one must choose between two equally difficult or dangerous alternatives. Being forced to choose between two 'bad job offers' is a perfect example. Option (a) is the correct definition. Option (b) and (d) are literal misinterpretations. Option (c) is the opposite.
68254
You hit the nail on the head when you said the problem was a lack of communication.
Answer:
to accurately describe or identify the cause of a problem
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'hit the nail on the head' means to be exactly right about something. It signifies a precise and accurate observation or statement. Option (a) is the correct definition. Option (b) is the literal action. Option (c) is the opposite. Option (d) is an unrelated action.
68255
The details of the plan are still up in the air, but we know the general goal.
Answer:
are undecided or uncertain
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'up in the air' is used to describe something that is not yet settled or decided. It implies a state of uncertainty. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is the opposite. Option (c) and (d) are literal misinterpretations.
68256
The politician tried to curry favour with the voters by promising tax cuts.
Answer:
to try to gain someone's approval or support through flattery or servile behaviour
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'curry favour' means to ingratiate oneself with someone through insincere praise or actions in order to gain an advantage. Promising tax cuts is a common political tactic to win votes. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal misinterpretation. Option (c) implies sincerity, which the idiom does not. Option (d) is the opposite.
68257
The new evidence in the case is a real game-changer.
Answer:
an event or idea that significantly changes the current situation
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The term 'game-changer' refers to a new development that completely alters the way a situation is perceived or handled. A piece of 'new evidence' can dramatically change the direction of a legal case. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) and (d) are literal misinterpretations. Option (c) is the opposite.
68258
He got up on the wrong side of the bed and has been in a bad mood all day.
Answer:
started the day feeling irritable and grumpy
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'get up on the wrong side of the bed' means to wake up and begin the day in a bad mood. The phrase 'in a bad mood all day' is a direct explanation of the idiom's meaning. Option (a) is the correct definition. Option (b) is a literal misinterpretation. Option (c) is the opposite. Option (d) could be a cause, but it is not the meaning of the idiom itself.
68259
He had to pull a few strings to get his son admitted to the prestigious school.
Answer:
to use one's influence or connections to achieve something
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'pull strings' means to use one's personal influence, often secretly, to gain an advantage. Getting admitted to a prestigious school can be very competitive, and sometimes people use their connections to help. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) and (d) are literal misinterpretations. Option (c) is the opposite of using special influence.
68260
When the market crashed, many investors were left high and dry.
Answer:
in a difficult situation without any help or resources
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'high and dry' means to be in a stranded or helpless position. A market crash can leave investors in a difficult financial situation with no easy way to recover their losses. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal interpretation. Option (c) is the literal origin of the phrase (referring to ships). Option (d) is the opposite.