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 given idiom.

    To fight tooth and nail

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

    Blow one’s own trumpet

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

    Over one’s head

  4. Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom in the given sentence.

    Let us have all the regulations in black and white.

  5. Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom in the given sentence.

    If the audit report shows anomalies, the finance manager will be brought to book.

  6. Select the most appropriate meaning of the following idiom.

    Wild goose chase

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

    Pipe dream

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

    Pat on the back

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

    Cake walk

  10. Directions: Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

    Through thick and thin


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

  2. 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 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.

    The jewel in the crown

  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.

    To live in a fool's paradise

Need Expert Advice?
Upcoming Exams
SSC Selection Post
September 16, 2026
SSC CGL
September 30, 2026
UPSSSC PET
October 23, 2026
Test Series
SSC CGL img
SSC
SSC CGL (Tier I + Tier II) 2026 Mock Test Series - Latest Pattern
2503 Tests 6 Tests Free
4729 Attempts
4.2(854)
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