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Question

Select the most appropriate idiom or phrase to fill in the blank in the given sentence.

Sweety has been _______ since her painting won first prize.

This question was previously asked in
SSC CGL 2023 (Tier-II) Paper 1 Previous Year Paper (26-Oct-2023) (Shift-1)
The correct answer is

walking on air  

Understanding the Idiom in the Sentence

The question asks us to select the most appropriate idiom or phrase to complete the sentence: "Sweety has been _______ since her painting won first prize." The sentence describes Sweety's state of being or feeling after a very positive event: winning first prize for her painting. We need an idiom that expresses the feeling associated with such a happy and successful outcome.

What is an Idiom?

An idiom is a phrase or expression whose meaning cannot be deduced from the literal meaning of its individual words. Idioms have figurative meanings that are understood through common usage. Let's look at the options provided.

Analyzing the Options

Let's examine each option to see which one best fits the context of feeling happy and elated after a success like winning a prize.

  • walking on eggshells: This idiom means being extremely cautious about one's words and actions so as not to offend or upset someone. This meaning is completely opposite to the feeling one would have after winning a prize.
  • waiting in the wings: This phrase refers to waiting for an opportunity to act, perform, or take over a role. It implies being ready but not yet involved. This doesn't describe the feeling after achieving a success.
  • walking into the lion’s den: This idiom means deliberately entering a dangerous or very difficult situation. Winning a prize is a positive event, not a dangerous one.
  • walking on air: This idiom means feeling very happy and excited, typically because something wonderful has happened. Winning first prize for a painting is definitely a wonderful thing to happen, likely causing intense happiness.

Selecting the Most Appropriate Idiom

Based on the analysis, the idiom that best describes someone feeling extremely happy and elated after a significant positive event like winning first prize is "walking on air".

Explanation of the Correct Idiom

The idiom "walking on air" perfectly captures the feeling of intense joy, elation, and lightheartedness that comes from great success or happiness. Sweety winning first prize for her painting would naturally make her feel this way.

Completing the Sentence

Inserting the appropriate idiom, the sentence becomes:

Sweety has been walking on air since her painting won first prize.

Revision Table: Understanding Idioms

Idiom/Phrase Literal Meaning Figurative Meaning Relevance to Sentence
Walking on eggshells Stepping carefully on fragile shells Being very cautious not to upset someone Incorrect - implies caution/anxiety, not happiness.
Waiting in the wings Waiting just offstage for a cue Waiting for an opportunity to act Incorrect - implies anticipation, not a feeling after success.
Walking into the lion’s den Entering a place with lions Entering a dangerous or hostile situation Incorrect - implies danger, not happiness.
Walking on air Floating above the ground Feeling extremely happy and elated Correct - implies intense happiness after a positive event.

Additional Information: Expressing Happiness with Idioms

The English language has many idioms to express different levels and types of happiness. While "walking on air" is for intense happiness, here are a few others:

  • Over the moon: Also means extremely happy.
  • On cloud nine: Similar to "walking on air," means feeling euphoric.
  • In seventh heaven: Another idiom for being extremely happy.
  • Happy as a clam: Very contented and happy.
  • Grin from ear to ear: To smile widely because one is very happy.

Understanding different idioms helps in using language more colorfully and precisely.

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