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Question

Tilt at windmills

This question was previously asked in
CDS 2 2024 Maths Question Paper (01-Sep-2024)
The correct answer is
To waste time dealing with enemies and problems that do not exist

Tilt at Windmills: Understanding the Idiom

The phrase "Tilt at windmills" is an idiom that refers to a specific type of futile action. It means to attack or fight against imaginary enemies or to waste energy dealing with problems that aren't real or don't exist.

The origin of this idiom comes from the famous novel Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes. In the story, the main character, Don Quixote, famously mistakes a row of windmills for a group of giants and charges at them with his lance. This action, while brave in his mind, was actually a foolish and pointless fight against something harmless.

Analyzing the Options for "Tilt at windmills"

Let's look at the given options to understand which one correctly defines the idiom:

Option 1: To be young and inexperienced

This option describes a state of youth and lack of experience. While Don Quixote's actions might seem naive, the idiom specifically focuses on the nature of the fight itself, not the age or experience level of the person fighting. Therefore, this is not the correct meaning.

Option 2: To celebrate good news

Celebrating good news is a positive action, usually involving joy and festivity. "Tilting at windmills" is associated with pointless conflict and wasted effort, the opposite of celebration. This option does not match the idiom's meaning.

Option 3: To blow hot air

"Blowing hot air" means to talk a lot without saying anything important or meaning what you say; it's about empty talk. While related to wasted effort, it specifically refers to speech, whereas "tilting at windmills" refers to misguided actions or conflict.

Option 4: To waste time dealing with enemies and problems that do not exist

This option perfectly captures the essence of the idiom. Just like Don Quixote fighting windmills he believed were giants, this phrase describes someone who engages in conflict or worries about issues that are imaginary or non-existent. It highlights the futility and waste of energy involved.

Conclusion

Based on the origin and common usage, the idiom "Tilt at windmills" means to engage in pointless battles or pursue imaginary goals, similar to fighting non-existent enemies or problems.

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Important Questions from Idioms and Phrases

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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.

  5. 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

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