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Question

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

Chicken hearted

This question was previously asked in
SSC Stenographer 2022 Previous Year Paper (17-Nov-2022) (Shift 2)
The correct answer is

Someone who lacks courage and is easily frightened

Understanding the Idiom: Chicken Hearted

The idiom "Chicken hearted" is used in English to describe a specific type of person. Idioms are phrases where the meaning isn't obvious from the individual words themselves; they have a figurative meaning that is commonly understood by native speakers.

What Does "Chicken Hearted" Mean?

When someone is described as "chicken hearted", it means they are easily scared or lack courage. The word "chicken" is often associated with timidity or fear, leading to this phrase. Therefore, a "chicken hearted" person is someone who is timid or cowardly.

Analysing the Options

Let's look at the given options and see which one best matches the meaning of the idiom "Chicken hearted":

  • Option 1: Someone who cannot be won over. This describes someone who is stubborn or resistant to persuasion. It does not relate to fear or courage.
  • Option 2: Someone who is hypocritical. This describes someone who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that they do not actually possess. This has no connection to being afraid.
  • Option 3: Someone who is brave and courageous. This is the opposite of being "chicken hearted". A brave person is someone who faces danger or difficulty without fear.
  • Option 4: Someone who lacks courage and is easily frightened. This perfectly aligns with the meaning of "chicken hearted". Such a person is timid, fearful, and avoids challenging or dangerous situations due to fear.

Based on the common understanding of the idiom and the analysis of the options, the most appropriate meaning of "Chicken hearted" is someone who lacks courage and is easily frightened.

Revision Table: Chicken Hearted Idiom

Idiom Meaning Opposite Meaning
Chicken hearted Lacks courage, easily frightened, timid, cowardly. Brave, courageous, fearless, daring.

Additional Information: Understanding Idioms

Idioms are a crucial part of English vocabulary and language proficiency. They add colour and richness to communication. Understanding idioms helps in comprehending native speakers and improving one's own expression.

  • Idioms are fixed phrases with non-literal meanings.
  • The meaning of an idiom is usually culturally or historically derived.
  • Learning idioms requires memorization and understanding their usage in context.
  • They are frequently tested in English language proficiency exams.

Studying idioms like "chicken hearted" helps build a strong vocabulary and better understanding of English nuances.

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