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Question

Directions : Given below are some idioms/phrases followed by four alternative meanings to each. Select the most appropriate response from the options provided and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

To close ranks

This question was previously asked in
CDS 2 2026 Maths Question Paper (13-Sep-2026)
The correct answer is
To unite in order to defend a common interest

Idiom: To Close Ranks

The idiom "to close ranks" refers to a group of people becoming united or banding together, typically to defend themselves or their shared interests against criticism or attack.

Meaning Analysis

Let's examine the given options:

  • Option 1: To engage in fierce competition - This is incorrect. Closing ranks implies unity, not competition.
  • Option 2: To stop communicating with one's colleagues - This is incorrect. It suggests isolation, the opposite of uniting.
  • Option 3: To stop hiring people for new jobs - This is incorrect. It relates to employment policy, not group defense.
  • Option 4: To unite in order to defend a common interest - This correctly captures the meaning of "to close ranks". It emphasizes solidarity and mutual defense of shared goals or principles.

Conclusion

The phrase "to close ranks" means that a group becomes united to protect themselves or their common interests.

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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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