All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

Sharp practice

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

Dishonesty

Understanding Idioms: "Sharp Practice" Meaning

Idioms are phrases or expressions whose meaning cannot be taken literally from the individual words. They have a figurative meaning that is commonly understood by native speakers. The question asks for the most appropriate meaning of the idiom "Sharp practice".

Meaning of "Sharp Practice"

The idiom "Sharp practice" refers to business dealings or behaviour that is dishonest but perhaps not technically illegal. It involves using deceitful or unscrupulous methods to gain an advantage, often exploiting loopholes or being cunningly dishonest.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at the given options to find the one that best matches the meaning of "Sharp practice":

  1. Dishonesty: This word directly relates to the core meaning of "Sharp practice", which involves deceit, lack of integrity, or unscrupulous behaviour.
  2. Frequently: This word relates to how often something occurs, not the nature of an action. It is unrelated to the meaning of "Sharp practice".
  3. Briefly: This word relates to duration or conciseness. It is unrelated to the meaning of "Sharp practice".
  4. Nearby: This word relates to proximity or location. It is unrelated to the meaning of "Sharp practice".

Evaluating the Options

Comparing the options with the established meaning of "Sharp practice", it is clear that "Dishonesty" is the most fitting description of the behaviour implied by the idiom.

Idiom Common Meaning Related Concepts
Sharp practice Dishonest or unscrupulous behaviour, especially in business. Deceit, unethical conduct, cunning, fraud (potentially).

Conclusion on "Sharp Practice" Meaning

Based on the analysis, the most appropriate meaning of the idiom "Sharp practice" is dishonesty, particularly within a professional or business context where rules might be bent or interpreted unfairly for personal gain.

Revision Table: Idioms and Meanings

Idiom Meaning Example Usage
Sharp practice Dishonest or unscrupulous dealing. His business thrived, but many suspected it was built on sharp practice.
Bite the bullet Endure a difficult situation. You'll just have to bite the bullet and finish the report.
Break the ice To make people feel more relaxed in a social situation. He told a joke to break the ice at the meeting.

Additional Information on English Idioms

Idioms are a fascinating part of the English language. Learning idioms helps improve fluency and understanding of native speakers. Here are some points about idioms:

  • Idioms often have cultural origins or historical contexts.
  • Their meaning is not the sum of the meanings of the individual words.
  • They add colour and expressiveness to language.
  • Mastering idioms is key to advanced English proficiency.

Understanding idioms like "Sharp practice" is crucial for interpreting nuanced meanings in communication, especially in business and legal contexts where such terms might be used to describe questionable conduct.

Was this answer helpful?

Similar Questions

  1. Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom/phrase in the given sentence.

    Today, the country's nationalists rule the roost and hand out the jobs.  

  2. Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

    Keep someone at arm’s length

  3. Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

    Bad iron

  4. Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

    Get into a scrape

  5. Identify the idiom/phrase that can best substitute the underlined segment.

    I'm going to be in trouble if I don't submit my homework to the teacher.

  6. Select the most appropriate idiom for the given situation.

    I was very excited about my new assignment. I sent the email without the required attachment. What have I done?

  7. Direction: Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

    On the ball

  8. Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

    To face the music

  9. Direction: Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

    Taking a bull by the horns

  10. Identify the sentence that provides the meaning of the given idiom.

    Under the cloud


Important Questions from Phrase or Idiom Meaning

  1. Directions: Choose the most appropriate answer from among the options (a), (b), (c) or (d).

    The lion's share

  2. Directions: Choose the most appropriate answer from among the options (a), (b), (c) or (d).

    Spill the beans

  3. Directions: Given below are some idioms/phrases followed by four alternative meanings for each. Choose the most appropriate answer from among the options (a), (b), (c) or (d).

    Disappear into thin air

  4. Directions: Given below are some idioms/phrases followed by four alternative meanings for each. Choose the most appropriate answer from among the options (a), (b), (c) or (d).

    Put the screws on

  5. Directions: Given below are some idioms/phrases followed by four alternative meanings for each. Choose the most appropriate answer from among the options (a), (b), (c) or (d).

    Sit on the fence

Need Expert Advice?
Upcoming Exams
SSC JHT
September 08, 2026
SSC Stenographer
September 09, 2026
SSC Selection Post
September 16, 2026
Test Series
SSC CGL img
SSC
SSC CGL (Tier I + Tier II) 2026 Mock Test Series - Latest Pattern
2500 Tests 6 Tests Free
3365 Attempts
4.2(824)
English, Hindi

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App