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
68311
The politician was just paying lip service to the issue of environmental protection.
Answer:
to express agreement or support for something insincerely, without any real intention to act on it
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'pay lip service' means to show support for something in words only, not through actions. It implies insincerity. This is a common criticism leveled at politicians. Option (a) is the correct definition. Option (b) is a literal misinterpretation. Option (c) is the opposite. Option (d) means to be silent, not to speak insincerely.
68312
The kids are getting cabin fever after being stuck indoors for three days because of the snowstorm.
Answer:
a feeling of restlessness and irritability from being confined in a small space for too long
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'cabin fever' refers to the distressed and irritable feeling that results from being isolated or confined for an extended period. Being 'stuck indoors for three days' is a common cause of this feeling. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal misinterpretation. Option (c) is the opposite feeling. Option (d) is unrelated.
68313
He is living in a fool's paradise if he thinks he can win the lottery without buying a ticket.
Answer:
a state of happiness based on false hopes or ignorance of potential trouble
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'a fool's paradise' describes a state of contentment that is founded on illusion or a lack of awareness of reality. Thinking one can win the lottery without participating is a classic example of a false hope. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal interpretation. Option (c) is the opposite. Option (d) is a different emotional state.
68314
Don't cry wolf, or no one will believe you when there is a real emergency.
Answer:
to raise a false alarm or ask for help when you don't need it
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'cry wolf' comes from the Aesop's fable of 'The Boy Who Cried Wolf' and means to continually raise false alarms. The result is that when a real danger presents itself, no one will come to help. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal interpretation. Options (c) and (d) are the opposite of this deceptive behavior.
68315
The comedian's act was so funny, he had the audience in stitches.
Answer:
he made the audience laugh uncontrollably
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'have someone in stitches' means to make someone laugh very hard. A funny comedian's act would have this effect on an audience. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal misinterpretation of 'stitches'. Option (c) is an unrelated action. Option (d) is the opposite.
68316
The company had to cut its losses and abandon the unprofitable project.
Answer:
to stop doing something that is already failing in order to avoid losing more money or resources
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'cut one's losses' means to withdraw from a losing situation to prevent further loss. Abandoning an 'unprofitable project' is the very definition of this action. Option (a) is the correct meaning. Option (b) is a literal misinterpretation. Option (c) is the opposite action. Option (d) is illogical.
68317
I can feel it in my bones that something good is going to happen today.
Answer:
I have a strong intuition or feeling about something.
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'feel it in one's bones' means to have a strong premonition or intuition about something, a gut feeling that something is true or is going to happen. Option (a) is the correct definition. Option (b) is a literal interpretation of a feeling in the bones. Option (c) is the opposite of having a strong feeling. Option (d) refers to knowledge, not intuition.
68318
He's a good speaker, but he tends to beat a dead horse in his arguments.
Answer:
to waste time and effort on an issue that has already been resolved
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'beat a dead horse' (or 'flog a dead horse') means to continue to pursue or discuss a subject that is no longer useful or relevant because a decision has already been made. It is to waste effort on a lost cause. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal interpretation. Options (c) and (d) are the opposite of this repetitive behavior.
68319
The two brothers have been at daggers drawn for years over the inheritance.
Answer:
are bitterly hostile towards each other
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'at daggers drawn' means that two people are in a state of intense animosity and are on the verge of fighting. A dispute 'over the inheritance' is a common cause of such bitter family feuds. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) and (d) are literal misinterpretations. Option (b) is the opposite.
68320
He has been down in the dumps since he lost his job.
Answer:
feeling unhappy or depressed
**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'down in the dumps' means to be sad, depressed, or in low spirits. Losing a job is a common reason for feeling this way. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal misinterpretation. Option (b) is the opposite. Option (d) is an unrelated action.