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Question

Consider the idiom 'Time flies like an arrow'. Which idiom below is closest in meaning to this one?

The correct answer is
Time and tide wait for no man.

Idiom Meaning: Time Flies Like an Arrow

The idiom 'Time flies like an arrow' signifies that time passes extremely quickly and inevitably, much like an arrow shot from a bow travels swiftly towards its target.

Comparing Idiom Meanings

We need to find the idiom from the options that best matches the meaning of time passing quickly and unstoppably.

  • 'Time and tide wait for no man.': This idiom means that time and the ocean's tides are unstoppable natural forces that continue regardless of human desires or actions. It emphasizes the relentless and unstoppable progression of time.
  • 'Time is money.': This focuses on the value of time, suggesting it should be used efficiently because it can be equated to financial gain.
  • 'Time is a great healer.': This suggests that emotional pain or difficult situations tend to get better or resolve over a period of time.
  • 'God made time, man made haste.': This contrasts the natural, steady passage of time with the rushed and often anxious pace of human activities.

Closest Meaning Identification

Comparing the primary idiom with the options:

  • 'Time flies like an arrow' emphasizes the speed and inevitability of time's passage.
  • 'Time and tide wait for no man.' also emphasizes the unstoppable and relentless nature of time. This aligns closely with the swift and uncontrollable movement implied by 'time flies like an arrow'.
  • The other options ('Time is money,' 'Time is a great healer,' 'God made time, man made haste.') focus on different aspects of time, such as its value, its healing properties, or the contrast with human haste, rather than its rapid and unstoppable progression.

Therefore, 'Time and tide wait for no man.' is the closest in meaning.

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Important Questions from Idioms & Phrases

  1. In the given text, the blanks are numbered (i)-(iv). Select the best match for all the blanks. 
    Steve was advised to keep his head _________ (i) before heading _________ (ii) to bat; for, while he had a head _________ (iii) batting, he could only do so with a cool head _________ (iv) his shoulders.

  2. He is known for his unscrupulous ways. He always sheds____ tears to deceive people.

  3. Fill in the blank with the correct idiom/phrase.
    That boy from the town was a __________ in the sleepy village.
  4. He turned a deaf ear to my request. 

    What does the underlined phrasal verb mean?

  5. The movie was funny and I ________.
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