Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom. Ashish has been crying wolf so often that family has stopped taking him seriously.
Raising a false alarm
Understanding the 'Crying Wolf' Idiom Meaning
The question asks for the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom 'crying wolf' as used in the sentence: "Ashish has been crying wolf so often that family has stopped taking him seriously."
What does 'Crying Wolf' mean?
The idiom 'crying wolf' originates from an Aesop's fable about a shepherd boy who, out of boredom, repeatedly shouted "Wolf!" when no wolf was approaching the village sheep. When a real wolf finally appeared, the villagers ignored his cries, believing it to be another false alarm. Consequently, the sheep were attacked.
Therefore, the idiom 'crying wolf' means to raise a false alarm or to call for help when there is no danger, often repeatedly. This leads to a loss of credibility, so that when genuine help is needed, no one believes you.
Analyzing the Sentence
In the given sentence, Ashish has a pattern of making false claims or signaling danger when there isn't any. This behaviour has caused his family to lose trust in him, and they no longer take his warnings or requests seriously, even if they might be legitimate.
Evaluating the Options
- Option 1: Raising a false alarm
This option directly corresponds to the established meaning of the idiom 'crying wolf'. Ashish's repeated false warnings have led to his family ignoring him, fitting this definition perfectly. - Option 2: Asking for a wolf as a pet
This is a literal interpretation of the words 'wolf' and 'asking'. Idioms are figurative, and this option misses the symbolic meaning entirely. - Option 3: Crying when he hears about wolves
This is another literal interpretation, focusing on the act of crying and the subject 'wolves'. It does not capture the idiomatic meaning related to false alarms and credibility. - Option 4: Shouting out loudly
While 'crying' can sometimes imply shouting, this option is too general. It doesn't include the crucial element of the 'false alarm' or the consequence of disbelief associated with the idiom 'crying wolf'.
Conclusion
Based on the definition and the context provided in the sentence, the most appropriate meaning for the idiom 'crying wolf' is Raising a false alarm. This behaviour results in others not believing the person when they genuinely need help or are telling the truth.
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