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Question

Directions: Given below are some idioms/phrases followed by four alternative meanings to each. Select the response, (a), (b), (c) or (d), which is the most appropriate meaning and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

Have the last laugh

This question was previously asked in
NDA 2 2024 GAT Question Paper (01-Sep-2024)
The correct answer is
to succeed when others thought that you would not

Idiom Explanation: Have the Last Laugh

This section explains the meaning of the common English idiom "Have the last laugh".

Understanding the Idiom

The idiom "Have the last laugh" refers to the situation where someone eventually achieves success or wins out, especially after facing opposition, criticism, or doubt from others. It implies a final victory or vindication, proving naysayers wrong.

Analyzing the Options

Let's examine the given options to find the most appropriate meaning for "Have the last laugh":

  • Option 1: to be the worst example of something

    This meaning is incorrect. It describes being a negative example, which is unrelated to the idiom's concept of eventual success.

  • Option 2: to succeed when others thought that you would not

    This meaning closely aligns with the idiom. It captures the essence of achieving success despite initial doubts or failures, leading to the final "laugh" of triumph.

  • Option 3: to solve all the problems of life

    This meaning is too broad and general. While success might involve solving problems, the idiom specifically implies succeeding against opposition or skepticism.

  • Option 4: to laugh at someone secretly

    This meaning focuses on secret laughter, which is different from the public or ultimate success and vindication implied by "having the last laugh".

Conclusion

Based on the analysis, the most fitting meaning for the idiom "Have the last laugh" is achieving success when it was least expected or when others doubted your ability to do so.

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Similar Questions

  1. Read the following pairs :
    Idiom/PhraseMeaning
    I. Have one foot in the graveTo be in the last stage of life
    II. Get your feet wetEstablish yourself securely in an establishment
    III. Follow suitCorrectly conform to another's action

    Identify the pair(s) wherein the meaning is correctly stated and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
  2. A white lie
  3. Bad blood
  4. Count your blessings
  5. Sit on the fence

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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