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Question

Get under someone's skin

This question was previously asked in
CDS 2 2025 Maths Question Paper (14-Sep-2025)
The correct answer is
To annoy or irritate someone intensely

Idiom Meaning: 'Get Under Someone's Skin'

The question asks for the meaning of the common English idiom 'get under someone's skin'. Idioms are phrases where the collective meaning differs from the literal meaning of the individual words. Understanding such phrases is key to mastering English communication.

Phrase Explanation: Irritation and Annoyance

The idiom 'get under someone's skin' is used when someone or something starts to annoy or irritate a person. It suggests a persistent or bothersome irritation that affects someone's mood or thoughts.

Consider these points:

  • The phrase implies causing a negative emotional response.
  • It's like an itch you can't scratch – something persistently bothersome.

Option Analysis: Why 'Annoy or Irritate' Fits

Let's break down the options provided:

  • Option 1 & 2 (Love/Liking): Falling in love or causing liking involves positive emotions, contrasting sharply with the negative feeling of irritation implied by the idiom.
  • Option 3 (Understanding): While deep understanding might exist, the idiom specifically describes the result of being bothered, not the depth of one's comprehension of another person.
  • Option 4 (Annoy/Irritate): This option directly captures the essence of the idiom – causing someone to feel bothered, vexed, or irritated. This aligns perfectly with the common usage of the phrase.

Final Meaning Clarification

In summary, 'getting under someone's skin' describes the action of causing someone significant annoyance or irritation.

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Important Questions from Idioms and Phrases

  1. In each of the questions, four alternatives are given for the Idiom/Phrase. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase.
    To give oneself airs
  2. In each of the questions, four alternatives are given for the Idiom/Phrase. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase.
    At a stone's throw
  3. In each of the questions, four alternatives are given for the Idiom/Phrase. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase.
    Bone of contention
  4. The sentences given with blanks are to be filled with an appropriate word(s). Four alternatives are suggested for each question. For each question, choose the correct alternative and click the button corresponding to it.
    Food was packed, and they__________, a merry, delighted party.

  5. In each of the questions, four alternatives are given for the Idiom/Phrase. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase and click the button corresponding to it.
    pull a fast one

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