Meaning of Idiom: Done and Dusted
The phrase done and dusted means that something is completely finished, resolved, or dealt with.
Understanding "Understatement" in Context
The sentence states, "To say that the pandemic is done and dusted with would be an understatement." An understatement is a statement that presents something as less significant or important than it really is.
Connecting Idiom and Understatement
By calling the statement "the pandemic is done and dusted" an understatement, the sentence implies that the pandemic is actually more significant or ongoing than the phrase done and dusted suggests. Therefore, saying it's finished minimizes its actual importance or continuing impact.
Evaluating Options
- Option 1: affecting politeness - This is irrelevant to the meaning.
- Option 2: underplaying significance - This directly relates to the concept of understatement used in the sentence. Claiming the pandemic is finished (done and dusted) downplays its actual importance or ongoing effects.
- Option 3: stating vociferously - This means stating something loudly, which is not related to the idiom or context.
- Option 4: practising subterfuge - This means using deception, which is unrelated.
Conclusion
The sentence implies that declaring the pandemic over is an understatement because it fails to recognize the pandemic's true significance. Thus, the meaning conveyed is akin to underplaying significance.
Important Questions from Synonyms or Antonyms
Directions: Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four options, (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.
He had the audacity to blame him.
Directions: Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four options, (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.
There is exponential growth in the development of the scientific researches in the recent few decades.
Directions : Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words/group of words (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.
The itinerary of the group’s visit to the hills was given to everyone.
Directions : Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words/group of words (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.
All mortal elements are impermanent.
Directions : Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.
The novel depicts the hapless status of certain sections of society.
