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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.

Verbal diarrhoea

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

to talk too much

Understanding the Idiom: Verbal Diarrhoea

The question asks for the most appropriate meaning of the idiom/phrase "Verbal diarrhoea" from the given options.

Let's break down the meaning of the phrase "Verbal diarrhoea". This idiom is used informally to describe someone who talks excessively, incessantly, or without control, often about trivial or uninteresting matters. The word "verbal" relates to words or speech, and "diarrhoea" is a medical condition characterized by excessive discharge. Putting them together metaphorically, "Verbal diarrhoea" suggests an uncontrolled flow of words, much like an uncontrolled physical discharge.

Analyzing the Options for Verbal Diarrhoea

Let's examine each option provided:

  • Option 1: to be sick

    This option refers to a physical state of illness. While the word 'diarrhoea' is a medical term for sickness, the idiom 'Verbal diarrhoea' uses it metaphorically. The idiom does not mean someone is physically ill.

  • Option 2: to talk too much

    This option aligns directly with the commonly understood meaning of the idiom. Someone with "Verbal diarrhoea" talks excessively and often without much thought or purpose. This is a figurative use of 'diarrhoea' to describe an uncontrolled outpouring of words.

  • Option 3: to be in a difficult situation

    This option relates to facing problems or challenges. The idiom "Verbal diarrhoea" has no connection to being in trouble or a difficult circumstance.

  • Option 4: to be a good orator

    An orator is a skilled public speaker. While they talk a lot, a good orator speaks effectively, persuasively, and with control. "Verbal diarrhoea" implies talking *too much*, often in an uncontrolled or ineffective way, which is the opposite of being a good orator.

Conclusion on Verbal Diarrhoea Meaning

Based on the analysis of the idiom and the given options, the most appropriate meaning for "Verbal diarrhoea" is "to talk too much". It describes someone who speaks excessively and without restraint.

Revision Table: Idiom Meaning

Idiom/Phrase Most Appropriate Meaning Explanation
Verbal diarrhoea To talk too much Refers to someone who talks excessively, often without control or purpose.

Additional Information: Understanding Idioms

Idioms are phrases or expressions whose meaning cannot be deduced simply from the ordinary meanings of its individual words. They are a common feature of languages and add color and nuance to communication.

Key characteristics of idioms:

  • Their meaning is figurative, not literal.
  • They are often specific to a particular language or culture.
  • Understanding idioms is important for fluency and comprehension.

Learning idioms like "Verbal diarrhoea" helps in understanding native speakers and enriching one's own language use.

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