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Question

Directions : 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 meaning, and mark your response accordingly.

Show your hand

This question was previously asked in
NDA I 2021 GAT Previous Year Paper (18-Apr-2021)
The correct answer is

To tell people about your plans

Understanding the Idiom: Show Your Hand

The idiom "Show your hand" is commonly used in English and has a specific meaning. Let's break down the options to find the most appropriate meaning.

Origin and Meaning of Show Your Hand

The phrase "Show your hand" comes from card games like poker. In these games, a player's "hand" refers to the cards they are holding. At certain points in the game, players might be required or choose to reveal their cards to show what they have, thereby revealing their current strength or strategy.

Extending this idea to general contexts, "showing your hand" means revealing your plans, intentions, resources, or strategy to others, often when you have previously kept them secret.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at the given options and see which one best fits the meaning of "Show your hand":

  • Option 1: To tell people about the past. This is incorrect. The idiom relates to present or future intentions and plans, not past events.
  • Option 2: To tell people about the future. This is partially correct, as plans relate to the future. However, it specifically means revealing *your* future plans or intentions.
  • Option 3: To tell people about them. This is vague and incorrect. The idiom is about revealing something about *yourself* (your plans, intentions), not about other people.
  • Option 4: To tell people about your plans. This option accurately captures the core meaning of the idiom. It means to reveal your intentions, strategies, or what you plan to do, which you might have previously kept secret.

Identifying the Correct Meaning

Based on the origin and common usage of the idiom "Show your hand," the most appropriate meaning among the given options is to tell people about your plans or intentions.

Examples of Using "Show Your Hand"

  • The company kept its new product launch strategy a secret, but now it's time to show their hand.
  • Before making a decision, you need to show your hand and tell us what you're thinking.
  • He was bluffing during the negotiation and was reluctant to show his hand.

Summary of Meaning

The idiom "Show your hand" means to reveal one's plans, intentions, strategy, or resources, especially when they have been previously concealed.

Revision Table: Idiom Meaning

Idiom Meaning
Show your hand To reveal your plans, intentions, or strategy.

Additional Information: Common Idioms and Phrases

Idioms are phrases where the meaning is not obvious from the individual words. Learning idioms is important for understanding and using English effectively. Here are a few other common idioms related to revealing or concealing information:

  • Spill the beans: To reveal a secret.
  • Let the cat out of the bag: To accidentally reveal a secret.
  • Keep something under wraps: To keep something secret.
  • Play your cards close to your chest: To be secretive about your plans or intentions.

Understanding these phrases helps in grasping the nuances of English conversation and text.

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