Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom in the given sentence. Their marriage wasn’t working but they kept up appearances .
maintained an expression of well being
Understanding Idioms: "Kept Up Appearances" Meaning
The question asks for the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom "kept up appearances" in the sentence: "Their marriage wasn’t working but they kept up appearances."
An idiom is a phrase or expression whose meaning cannot be determined simply by looking at the individual words. "Kept up appearances" is a common English idiom.
Meaning of "Keep Up Appearances"
The idiom "to keep up appearances" means to make sure that everything looks good on the surface, even if the reality is difficult or unpleasant. It involves pretending that a situation is better or different from what it really is, usually to avoid embarrassment or negative judgment from others.
Analyzing the Sentence Context
The sentence states that "Their marriage wasn’t working." This indicates a problem in the relationship. However, they "kept up appearances." This suggests that despite the marriage troubles, they acted in a way that made others believe everything was fine.
Evaluating the Options
Let's examine each option in the context of the idiom and the sentence:
- Option 1: kept throwing parties - This describes an action, but it doesn't directly convey the idea of pretending things are okay despite underlying problems.
- Option 2: maintained an expression of well being - This means acting or appearing as if things are going well, even when they are not. This aligns perfectly with the meaning of "keeping up appearances" when a situation (like a marriage) is not working.
- Option 3: maintained peace and harmony - This suggests that they actually achieved peace and harmony in their marriage. However, the sentence states the marriage "wasn’t working," implying a lack of peace and harmony. Keeping up appearances is about pretending, not achieving the positive state.
- Option 4: revealed the truth - This is the opposite of keeping up appearances. Keeping up appearances involves hiding the truth, not revealing it.
Based on the analysis, the meaning of "kept up appearances" that best fits the sentence and the common usage of the idiom is pretending that everything is fine or maintaining the outward show of normality or well-being.
| Idiom | Meaning | Application in Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Keep up appearances | To maintain an outward show of success or well-being, regardless of the reality. | Despite the marriage not working, they acted as if it were fine for others to see. |
Therefore, the option that accurately captures this meaning is "maintained an expression of well being."
Conclusion
The idiom "kept up appearances" in the given sentence means that despite their marriage failing, they continued to act in a way that suggested it was successful or normal to people outside the marriage. This aligns with maintaining an expression of well being or pretending things were okay.
Revision Table: Understanding Idioms
| Idiom | Common Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Break a leg | Good luck (used in theatre) | You have a performance tonight? Break a leg! |
| Spill the beans | Reveal a secret | Come on, spill the beans! Who told you? |
| Keep up appearances | Maintain an outward show of success or well-being | Even though they lost money, they kept up appearances. |
| Bite the bullet | Endure a difficult situation | I don't want to go to the dentist, but I'll just have to bite the bullet. |
Additional Information: The Role of Idioms in English
Idioms are crucial parts of the English language. They add colour and nuance to communication. Learning idioms helps in understanding native speakers and improving fluency. They are figurative expressions, meaning their total meaning is different from the literal meaning of the individual words.
Examples of how idioms function:
- They make language more descriptive.
- They can be a shortcut for expressing complex ideas.
- Using idioms correctly shows a higher level of language proficiency.
Understanding the context in which an idiom is used is key to interpreting its meaning correctly, as demonstrated by the idiom "kept up appearances" in the context of a struggling marriage.
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