Mealy-mouthed Idiom Meaning Explained
The idiom "mealy-mouthed" describes someone who speaks in an indirect, evasive, or unclear way.
This is often because they are unwilling or afraid to state things directly or frankly. They might use soft or ambiguous language instead of being straightforward.
Analyzing the Options
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1. Habituated to inflicting harsh words on othersThis describes someone aggressive or cruel with words, the opposite of mealy-mouthed.
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2. Possessing exquisite culinary sensibilitiesThis relates to taste in food and has no connection to the idiom.
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3. Lacking braveness to state things forthrightlyThis directly matches the meaning of "mealy-mouthed" – avoiding direct or frank speech due to a lack of courage. This is the correct meaning.
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4. Exhibiting tendency for gluttonyThis refers to excessive eating and is unrelated to the idiom.
Conclusion
The phrase "mealy-mouthed" specifically refers to indirect or evasive speech, stemming from a reluctance or fear to be direct. Therefore, "Lacking braveness to state things forthrightly" is the most appropriate definition.
Similar Questions
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- Work like a dog
- Play possum
- Hold the fort
- Be under a cloud
- More than meets the eye
- It's all Greek to me
- Open a can of worms
- To close ranks
- Someone's ears are flapping
Important Questions from Idioms and Phrases
Select the INCORRECTLY spelt word.
Select the option that will improve the underlined part of the given sentence. In case no improvement is needed, select ‘No improvement’.
Since my friend was not feeling well, she asked me to come over and take care of her.Select the most appropriate idiom to fill in the blank.
Mala __________ by cheating on the exam to win her bet with Priya.Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.
Where the shoe pinchesWhat does it imply when people say to ‘read between the lines’?
