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Question

Choose the correct meaning of the given idiom.

Go through fire and water

This question was previously asked in
SSC Stenographer 2022 Previous Year Paper (17-Nov-2022) (Shift 2)
The correct answer is

To pass through all types of hardships

Understanding Idioms: "Go Through Fire and Water" Meaning

Idioms are phrases or expressions whose meaning cannot be deduced simply from the ordinary meanings of their words. The idiom "Go through fire and water" is a common English expression. Let's break down its meaning and analyze the given options.

Meaning of "Go Through Fire and Water"

The elements fire and water are often associated with danger, difficulty, and severe trials. To "go through" them implies facing and overcoming these difficult situations. Therefore, the idiom means to endure or overcome extreme difficulties or dangers.

Analyzing the Options for the Idiom's Meaning

We need to choose the option that best captures the essence of enduring severe difficulties.

  • Option 1: To pass through life

    This is a very general statement. While life includes hardships, the idiom specifically refers to overcoming significant, intense challenges, not just the general passage through life.

  • Option 2: To pass through all types of hardships

    This option aligns well with the meaning of the idiom. "Fire and water" symbolize various kinds of severe difficulties or hardships that one might face and overcome.

  • Option 3: To pass through all types of luxury

    This is the opposite of the idiom's meaning. Fire and water suggest difficulty and danger, not comfort and luxury.

  • Option 4: To fail in all types of hardships

    The idiom "go through" implies facing the hardships, and usually surviving or overcoming them, not necessarily failing. The focus is on the experience of enduring difficulty.

Based on the analysis, the meaning that accurately reflects facing and overcoming severe difficulties is "To pass through all types of hardships".

Conclusion on the Correct Idiom Meaning

The idiom "Go through fire and water" signifies enduring and overcoming significant challenges or difficulties. Option 2, "To pass through all types of hardships", correctly interprets this meaning.

Revision Table: Go Through Fire and Water

Idiom Meaning
Go through fire and water To pass through all types of hardships or severe difficulties and dangers.

Additional Information: Idiom Origin and Usage

The phrase "go through fire and water" has roots in ancient practices and beliefs where trials by fire or water were used to test innocence or prove courage. Over time, it evolved into an idiom representing facing and overcoming any form of severe hardship or danger, often implying great determination or loyalty.

  • The idiom emphasizes the severity of the challenges faced.
  • It is often used to describe someone who has endured many difficulties to achieve a goal or remain loyal.
  • Similar idioms include "through thick and thin," although "fire and water" suggests more extreme difficulties.
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Similar Questions

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Important Questions from Phrase or Idiom Meaning

  1. Direction: Given below are some idioms/phrases followed by four alternative meanings to each. Choose the response (a), (b), (c) or (d) which is the most appropriate expression.

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    A death blow

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  5. Direction: Given below are some idioms/phrases followed by four alternative meanings to each. Choose the response (a), (b), (c) or (d) which is the most appropriate expression.

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