Understanding the Idiom 'To oil the hinges of silence'
Idioms are phrases where the words together have a different meaning than the literal meanings of the individual words. The idiom 'To oil the hinges of silence' is used to describe the act of paying someone or giving them something (bribing) to ensure they remain silent or quiet about a particular matter.
Think of 'hinges' as the parts that allow something to move or operate smoothly. 'Oiling' them makes them work better. In this idiom, the 'silence' is being made to work smoothly, meaning someone is being paid to maintain that silence effectively.
Analyzing the Options for 'To oil the hinges of silence'
Let's look at the given options to find the best match:
- Option 1: To bribe someone to remain quiet - This option directly matches the interpretation of 'oiling' (bribing) the 'hinges of silence' (keeping someone quiet).
- Option 2: To prevent secrets from being exposed - While related to silence, this is a broader concept and doesn't specifically capture the act of bribing implied by the idiom.
- Option 3: To gradually break uncomfortable silence - This is the opposite of the idiom's meaning, which implies maintaining silence, not breaking it.
- Option 4: To speak diplomatically in tense moments - This idiom is about *not* speaking (maintaining silence), whereas this option describes the act of speaking carefully.
Determining the Correct Meaning
Based on the analysis, the phrase 'To oil the hinges of silence' specifically refers to the action of giving someone money or incentives to ensure their quiet compliance.
Therefore, the most accurate meaning is To bribe someone to remain quiet.
Similar Questions
A sentence is provided in indirect speech. From the four given options, choose the one that most accurately conveys the sentence in its corresponding direct speech.
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Important Questions from Direct and Indirect Speech
Select the option that expresses the given sentence in reported speech.
The captain announced, “The flight will be delayed due to bad weather.”Select the option that expresses the given sentence in direct speech.
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Mother said that when we pluck a flower it dies so we should let it beautify the world as long as it lives.Select the option that expresses the given sentence in reported speech.
The children said to the nurse, “Reema slipped and fell from the stairs.”Select the option that expresses the given sentence in reported speech.
The teacher says, “Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.”
