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Question

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

On cloud nine

This question was previously asked in
SSC CGL 2022 Tier-II (Paper 2 JSO) Previous Year Paper (04-Mar-2023)
The correct answer is

Very happy

Understanding the Idiom 'On Cloud Nine'

Idioms are phrases or expressions that have a figurative meaning different from the literal meaning of the individual words. Understanding idioms is crucial for mastering English vocabulary and comprehension. The idiom in question is "On cloud nine".

Meaning of 'On Cloud Nine'

The idiom 'On cloud nine' is used to describe a state of extreme happiness or euphoria. When someone is 'on cloud nine', they are feeling incredibly joyful, delighted, or blissful. It signifies a feeling of being in a perfect state, soaring with happiness.

Analyzing the Options for 'On Cloud Nine'

Let's examine the provided options and see which one best fits the meaning of the idiom 'On cloud nine':

Option Analysis Relevance to 'On Cloud Nine'
1. Flying Describes physical movement through the air. Not the figurative meaning of the idiom; refers to a physical state, not an emotional one.
2. Floating Describes resting on the surface of a liquid or being suspended in air without sinking. Not the figurative meaning; refers to a physical state, not an emotional one.
3. Dreaming Refers to a series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person's mind during sleep, or having aspirations. While dreams can be pleasant, 'dreaming' doesn't specifically capture the state of intense, present happiness implied by 'On cloud nine'.
4. Very happy Describes a state of feeling or showing pleasure or contentment. This directly matches the meaning of 'On cloud nine', which represents a peak state of happiness or joy.

Conclusion on the Meaning of 'On Cloud Nine'

Based on the analysis, the most appropriate meaning of the idiom 'On cloud nine' among the given options is 'Very happy'. The idiom signifies a feeling of great delight and euphoria, which is accurately represented by the phrase 'Very happy'.

Revision Table: Common Idioms for Happiness

Idiom Meaning
On cloud nine Extremely happy
Over the moon Extremely happy and delighted
In seventh heaven In a state of intense happiness
Walking on air Feeling very happy, usually because something wonderful has happened

Additional Information on Idioms and Happiness

Idioms often use imagery to convey abstract concepts like emotions. 'On cloud nine' likely originates from meteorological classifications of clouds or possibly from religious or mystical concepts of heavens, where 'cloud nine' or 'seventh heaven' represented the highest level. Regardless of the exact origin, its meaning is universally understood in English as a state of supreme happiness. Learning such idioms enriches your understanding and use of the English language, allowing you to express feelings like being 'On cloud nine' more vividly.

  • Idioms make language more colorful and expressive.
  • Understanding context is key to interpreting idioms correctly.
  • Many idioms relate to human emotions and states of being.
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Important Questions from Phrase or Idiom Meaning

  1. Direction: Given below are some idioms/phrases followed by four alternative meanings to each. Choose the response (a), (b), (c) or (d) which is the most appropriate expression.

    A match made in heaven

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    A culture vulture

  3. Direction: Given below are some idioms/phrases followed by four alternative meanings to each. Choose the response (a), (b), (c) or (d) which is the most appropriate expression.

    A death blow

  4. Direction:Given below are some idioms/phrases followed by four alternative meanings to each. Choose the response (a), (b), (c) or (d) which is the most appropriate expression.

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  5. Direction: Given below are some idioms/phrases followed by four alternative meanings to each. Choose the response (a), (b), (c) or (d) which is the most appropriate expression.

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