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Question

Directions : Given below are some idioms/phrases followed by four alternative meanings to each. Select the most appropriate response from the options provided and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

Mealy-mouthed

This question was previously asked in
CDS 2 2026 Maths Question Paper (13-Sep-2026)
The correct answer is
Lacking braveness to state things forthrightly

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

  • 1. Habituated to inflicting harsh words on others
    This describes someone aggressive or cruel with words, the opposite of mealy-mouthed.
  • 2. Possessing exquisite culinary sensibilities
    This relates to taste in food and has no connection to the idiom.
  • 3. Lacking braveness to state things forthrightly
    This directly matches the meaning of "mealy-mouthed" – avoiding direct or frank speech due to a lack of courage. This is the correct meaning.
  • 4. Exhibiting tendency for gluttony
    This 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.

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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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