Direction: Given below are some idioms/phrases followed by four alternative meanings to each. Choose the response (1 ), (2 ), (3 ) or (4 ) which is the most appropriate meaning and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. A white elephant
Understanding the Idiom: A White Elephant
The question asks for the most appropriate meaning of the idiom "A white elephant". Idioms are phrases or expressions whose meaning cannot be deduced simply from the ordinary meanings of its individual words. They often have a figurative meaning.
Let's analyze the idiom "A white elephant" and its potential meanings provided in the options.
Meaning of 'A White Elephant'
The idiom "a white elephant" originates from the story of the King of Siam (now Thailand). White elephants were considered sacred and symbols of royal power and prosperity. However, they were also very expensive to maintain because they could not be put to work and required special care. Giving a white elephant to someone was sometimes done as a gift, but it could financially ruin the recipient due to the high cost of keeping it.
Therefore, over time, "a white elephant" came to mean something that is expensive to keep or maintain but is useless or has no practical purpose.
Analyzing the Options
Let's look at the given options:
- someone who is completely good and honest: This meaning does not align with the origin or common usage of the idiom "a white elephant".
- something that has cost a lot of money but has no useful purpose: This meaning perfectly matches the historical origin and the modern usage of the idiom. It refers to an item or project that is expensive to acquire or maintain but provides no benefit or is impractical.
- a situation where you waste time looking for something: This describes a fruitless search, which is not what "a white elephant" signifies.
- to make someone feel anxious: This describes causing worry or distress, which is unrelated to the meaning of "a white elephant".
Based on the analysis, the most appropriate meaning for the idiom "A white elephant" is something that is costly but useless.
Revision Table: Common Idioms
| Idiom/Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Break a leg | Good luck (often used before a performance) |
| Bite the bullet | Endure a difficult situation |
| Call it a day | Stop working on something |
| Get something off your chest | Talk about something that has been worrying you |
Additional Information on Idioms
Idioms enrich language by providing colorful and often concise ways to express complex ideas or situations. Their meanings are conventional, meaning they are understood by native speakers through common usage rather than literal interpretation.
Studying idioms is important for improving comprehension and fluency in a language. Many idioms have interesting historical or cultural origins, like "a white elephant," which can help in remembering their meanings.
Similar Questions
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 match made in heaven
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
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 death blow
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.
The jewel in the crown
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.
To live in a fool's paradise
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 rotten apple
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.
To vote with your feet
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
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.
To sail close to the wind
In the following question, out of the given four alternatives, select the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase.
A double entendre
Important Questions from Phrase or Idiom Meaning
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 match made in heaven
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
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 death blow
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.
The jewel in the crown
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.
To live in a fool's paradise
