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Question

Directions : In the following items select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word in the given sentences and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

To say that the pandemic is done and dusted with would be an understatement.

This question was previously asked in
CDS 2 2026 Maths Question Paper (13-Sep-2026)
The correct answer is
underplaying significance

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.

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