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Question

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.

A culture vulture

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2019 Elementary Mathematics Previous Year Paper (03-Feb-2019)
The correct answer is

someone who is very keen to experience art and literature

Understanding the Idiom: A Culture Vulture

The question asks for the meaning of the idiom "A culture vulture". Idioms are phrases or expressions whose meaning cannot be deduced simply from the literal meaning of the individual words. Understanding idioms is important for language proficiency.

Let's break down the idiom "A culture vulture". The word 'culture' here refers broadly to arts, literature, music, theatre, etc. A 'vulture' is a bird known for seeking out food, often carrion. In this idiom, 'vulture' is used metaphorically to describe someone who eagerly seeks out or consumes culture.

Therefore, "A culture vulture" describes a person who is very interested in and seeks out cultural activities like visiting museums, attending concerts, going to the theatre, reading books, and engaging with art and literature. They have a strong appetite for cultural experiences.

Analyzing the Options for "A Culture Vulture"

Let's look at the provided options and see which one best matches the meaning we've discussed:

  1. someone who is very keen to experience art and literature
  2. someone who wants to defend ancient culture
  3. someone who is ashamed of one's own culture
  4. someone who looks at her/his culture critically

Evaluating Each Option

  • Option 1: someone who is very keen to experience art and literature
    This meaning aligns perfectly with our understanding of "A culture vulture" as someone who actively seeks out and enjoys cultural activities such as experiencing art and literature.
  • Option 2: someone who wants to defend ancient culture
    While a culture vulture appreciates culture, the idiom doesn't specifically imply a desire to *defend* ancient culture. They are more about experiencing and consuming culture, whether ancient or modern.
  • Option 3: someone who is ashamed of one's own culture
    This is the opposite of the idiom's meaning. A culture vulture is enthusiastic about culture, not ashamed of it.
  • Option 4: someone who looks at her/his culture critically
    Looking at culture critically involves analysis and judgment. A culture vulture is primarily focused on experiencing and enjoying culture, not necessarily criticizing it.

Based on this analysis, the most appropriate meaning for "A culture vulture" is someone who is very keen to experience art and literature.

Revision Table: Key Idiom Concepts

Idiom Meaning Example Usage
A culture vulture A person who eagerly seeks out and enjoys cultural activities (art, literature, theatre, music, etc.) "She spends all her weekends visiting galleries and museums; she's a real culture vulture."

Additional Information: More English Idioms

Learning idioms helps you understand and use English more naturally. Here are a few more common idioms:

  • Break a leg: Good luck (often used before a performance).
  • Hit the books: To study, especially hard.
  • Piece of cake: Something that is very easy to do.
  • Let the cat out of the bag: To reveal a secret.
  • Bite the bullet: To face a difficult situation with courage.

Understanding the context is crucial when interpreting idioms, as their meaning is not literal.

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