Directions: Given below are some idioms/phrases followed by four alternative meanings to each. Select the response, (a), (b), (c) or (d), which is the most appropriate meaning and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
Understanding the Idiom: Sit on the fence
The question asks for the meaning of the idiom "Sit on the fence". Idioms are phrases where the words together have a meaning that is different from the dictionary definitions of the individual words. Understanding idioms is crucial for mastering the English language.
Explaining "Sit on the fence"
The idiom "Sit on the fence" describes a situation where someone is unwilling or hesitant to make a decision or commit to a particular side or opinion in a dispute or argument. Imagine someone literally sitting on a fence, not being on one side or the other, but caught in the middle.
Analyzing the Options
Let's look at the given options to find the most appropriate meaning for "Sit on the fence":
- Option 1: to make someone suddenly notice you - This doesn't align with the meaning of being indecisive or neutral.
- Option 2: to fail completely - While indecision can sometimes lead to failure, it's not the direct meaning of the idiom.
- Option 3: to delay making a decision - This perfectly captures the essence of the idiom. Someone sitting on the fence is delaying choosing a side or making a choice.
- Option 4: to behave very badly - This option is unrelated to the meaning of neutrality or indecisiveness implied by the idiom.
Conclusion
Based on the analysis, the most appropriate meaning of the idiom "Sit on the fence" is to delay making a decision. This reflects the state of being undecided and avoiding commitment.
Similar Questions
- Read the following pairs :
Idiom/Phrase Meaning I. Have one foot in the grave To be in the last stage of life II. Get your feet wet Establish yourself securely in an establishment III. Follow suit Correctly conform to another's action
Identify the pair(s) wherein the meaning is correctly stated and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. - A white lie
- Bad blood
- Count your blessings
- Have the last laugh
Important Questions from Idioms and Phrases
- In each of the questions, four alternatives are given for the Idiom/Phrase. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase.
To give oneself airs - In each of the questions, four alternatives are given for the Idiom/Phrase. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase.
At a stone's throw - In each of the questions, four alternatives are given for the Idiom/Phrase. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase.
Bone of contention The sentences given with blanks are to be filled with an appropriate word(s). Four alternatives are suggested for each question. For each question, choose the correct alternative and click the button corresponding to it.
Food was packed, and they__________, a merry, delighted party.In each of the questions, four alternatives are given for the Idiom/Phrase. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase and click the button corresponding to it.
pull a fast one
