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Question

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

Couch potato

This question was previously asked in
SSC CGL 2018 (Tier 2) Statistics Previous Year Paper (22-feb-2018)
The correct answer is

a person who watches too much television

Understanding the Idiom: Couch Potato Meaning

The question asks for the most appropriate meaning of the idiom "Couch potato". Idioms are phrases or expressions whose meaning cannot be deduced simply from the ordinary meanings of their individual words. They have a figurative meaning that is different from their literal meaning.

What does "Couch potato" mean?

The term "Couch potato" is a modern English idiom that refers to a person who spends excessive amounts of time watching television or engaging in other sedentary activities, usually while sitting on a couch or sofa. This lifestyle often implies inactivity and laziness.

Analyzing the Options for "Couch potato"

Let's look at the given options and see which one best fits the established meaning of the idiom "Couch potato".

Option Description Analysis
1 a person who watches too much television This description perfectly matches the common understanding of a "Couch potato". The core activity associated with this idiom is excessive television watching, often linked with inactivity.
2 a person who is simple in nature This refers to someone who is uncomplicated or naive. This meaning has no connection to the idiom "Couch potato".
3 a person who remains relaxed and calm While a "Couch potato" might be relaxed while watching TV, the idiom emphasizes the excessive watching and inactivity, not just a general state of calmness. Someone can be relaxed and calm while being very active.
4 a person who sleeps all day This describes someone who is excessively sleepy or lethargic. While a "Couch potato" might be inactive, the primary characteristic is watching TV, not sleeping throughout the day.

Based on the analysis, Option 1 is the only description that accurately defines a "Couch potato". The idiom specifically targets the behaviour of spending too much time watching television, leading to a sedentary lifestyle.

Conclusion on Couch Potato Meaning

The idiom "Couch potato" is used to describe someone who is habitually inactive and spends a great deal of time sitting or lying down, typically watching television. Therefore, the most appropriate meaning is a person who watches too much television.


Revision Table: Couch Potato Idiom

Here is a quick summary of the idiom and its meaning:

Idiom Meaning Key Characteristic
Couch potato A person who spends excessive time watching television or engaging in sedentary activities. Inactivity, excessive TV watching.


Additional Information: Learning Idioms

Understanding idioms like "Couch potato" is important for improving English fluency and comprehension. Here are some tips for learning idioms:

  • Learn idioms in context. See how they are used in sentences or conversations.
  • Group similar idioms together (e.g., idioms about feelings, idioms about time).
  • Use new idioms in your own sentences or speech to practice them.
  • Look up the origin of idioms, as this can sometimes help you remember their meaning.
  • Use idiom dictionaries or online resources.

Regular practice and exposure to native English usage will help you master common idioms like "Couch potato".

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