English Comprehension PYQs

The correct answer is 'these'.

 

Key Points

• The sentence is talking about specific "claims" that have been made, implying that these claims are identifiable or present in the current context.
• We need a word that functions as a determiner to refer to these specific claims.
• Let's examine the options:
• 1) thus: This is an adverb meaning "therefore" or "in this way." It doesn't function as a determiner for "claims."
• 2) there: This is an adverb indicating a place or used as an introductory word (e.g., "There is"). It doesn't function as a determiner here.
• 3) supposed: This is an adjective meaning "generally assumed or believed to be the case, but not necessarily so." While grammatically possible as an adjective, it changes the meaning from identifying specific claims to describing their nature. The primary need is for a determiner.
• 4) these: This is a demonstrative determiner (plural form of "this") used to refer to specific people or things that are near or that have just been mentioned or are implied. It correctly refers to the "claims" being discussed.
• Therefore, "these" is the most appropriate determiner to refer to the specific claims in question.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 4.

 

Complete Sentence: "There is no truth in these claims even though they have been cleverly stated."

 

Additional Information

• Demonstrative determiners (this, that, these, those) are used to point out specific nouns. "These" is used for plural nouns that are implied to be close or present in the discourse.
• The sentence implies that the claims are known or have just been referred to, making "these" a fitting choice to refer back to them.

The correct answer is 'over'.

 

Key Points

• The sentence describes the function of a bridge, which is to allow passage from one side of a river to the other.
• The verb "cross" indicates movement from one side to another. We need a preposition or phrasal verb that accurately describes this movement in relation to the river and the bridge.
• Let's examine the options:                               
• 1) on: "Cross on" is not idiomatic for crossing a river. You might "walk on the bridge," but not "cross on to the other side of the river."
• 2) over: "Cross over" is a very common and appropriate phrasal verb meaning to move from one side to another, especially when traversing an obstacle or boundary, or going above something. A bridge inherently facilitates going over the river.
• 3) across: "Cross across" means to go from one side to the other of a space. While also very common and fitting, "over" often specifically implies going above something like a river, which is how a bridge functions.
• 4) down: "Cross down" implies a downward direction, which is incorrect for crossing a river to the other side.
• In the context of using a bridge to traverse a river, "cross over" is highly idiomatic and correctly conveys the movement of traversing the river's expanse to reach the opposite side.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Complete Sentence: "The bridge was intended to allow people to cross over to the other side of the river and get to work."

 

Additional Information      

• Both "across" and "over" are often used interchangeably when describing movement from one side to another. However, "over" has a strong connection to vertical displacement (going above), which is inherent in the function of a bridge built over a river.
• "Cross over" is a very natural and common phrasal verb for this exact scenario (e.g., "We crossed over the bridge," "Let's cross over to the other side of the road").

The correct answer is 'until'.

 

Key Points

• The sentence expresses a condition for the speaker to stop "not resting." The speaker will continue an action (not resting) up to a specific point in time or event.
• We need a word that connects the state of "not resting" with the completion of the task ("gone to the bottom of this matter and found the truth").
• Let's examine the options:
• 1) after: This would mean the speaker will not rest following the completion of the task, which is the opposite of the intended meaning (they will rest after finding the truth).
• 2) while: This indicates an action happening at the same time as another. "I shall not rest while I have gone..." doesn't logically connect the cessation of resting with the completion of the investigation.
• 3) for: This can indicate a duration of time or a reason. Neither fits the meaning of a condition or limit for the "not resting" state.
• 4) until: This means "up to the time that" or "up to the point that." It perfectly conveys that the "not resting" will continue up to the moment the truth is found, and then it will cease.
• Therefore, "until" is the most appropriate word to establish this temporal and conditional relationship.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 4.

 

Complete Sentence: "I shall not rest until I have gone to the bottom of this matter and found the truth."

 

Additional Information

• "Until" is commonly used to express a negative condition that must be met before something else can happen (e.g., "You can't leave until you finish your homework").
• The phrase "go to the bottom of the matter" is an idiom meaning to investigate thoroughly to find the truth.

The correct answer is 'for'.

 

Key Points

• The sentence is discussing the reasons behind choosing a location, and the blank needs to clarify the purpose or occasion for which that location is being chosen.
• We need a preposition that expresses this relationship.
• Let's examine the options:
• 1) to: "Choice of location to the family visit" is grammatically awkward and doesn't convey the intended meaning of purpose. "To" usually indicates direction or recipient.
• 2) in: "Choice of location in the family visit" suggests the choice is contained within the visit, which doesn't make sense. "In" indicates position or inclusion.
• 3) for: "Choice of location for the family visit" clearly indicates that the location is being chosen for the purpose of or in preparation for the family visit. This perfectly fits the context.
• 4) from: "Choice of location from the family visit" implies origin or source, which is illogical in this sentence.
• Therefore, "for" is the most appropriate preposition to express the purpose of the location choice.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Complete Sentence: "There are several reasons behind my choice of location for the family visit."

 

Additional Information

• The preposition "for" is frequently used to indicate purpose, intention, or the object of an action (e.g., "This tool is for cutting," "She prepared for the exam," "He bought a gift for his mother").

The correct answer is 'on'.

 

Key Points

• The sentence talks about having a "moral centre" to use for support during "times of crisis."
• We need a preposition that completes the phrasal verb "fall back _____" to mean "to rely on for support or help."
• Let's examine the options:
• 1) on: The phrasal verb "fall back on" means to rely on something or someone for support or help when in difficulty. This perfectly fits the context of relying on a moral centre during a crisis.
• 2) into: "Fall back into" means to return to a previous state or habit (e.g., "fall back into old habits"). This does not fit the meaning of seeking support.
• 3) over: "Fall over" means to trip or tumble. "Fall back over" does not form a coherent phrasal verb in this context.
• 4) from: "Fall back from" means to retreat or withdraw from something. This does not fit the meaning of seeking support from a moral centre.
• Therefore, "on" is the most appropriate preposition to complete the phrasal verb and convey the intended meaning.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

 

Complete Sentence: "All human beings ought to have a moral centre to fall back on in times of crisis."

 

Additional Information

• The idiom "fall back on [something]" is a common expression used to describe relying on a reserve or last resort when other options are exhausted. In this case, the "moral centre" serves as that ultimate source of guidance or strength.

The correct answer is option 4.

Key Points

• To answer this question, let's first understand the meaning of the words given:
• Pare: (verb) To trim something by cutting away its outer edges; to reduce something in size or quantity.
• Pair: (noun) A set of two things used together or regarded as a unit; two people or animals coupled together.
• Pear: (noun) A sweet, edible fruit, typically rounded but narrowing towards the stalk; also, the tree that bears this fruit.
• Now, let's examine the given sentences:
• 1. It is important to pare the branches of a tree to prevent excessive growth.
• This sentence uses "pare" correctly, referring to the act of trimming or cutting back the branches of a tree.
• 2. The pair of trees looked identical from a distance.
• This sentence uses "pair" correctly, referring to two trees considered as a unit.
• 3. The pear tree was revered by the children of the locality for the bounty it offered each year.
• This sentence uses "pear" correctly, referring to the type of tree that bears the fruit.
• So, all three sentences correctly use the respective words.

Therefore, the correct answer is "1, 2 and 3."

The correct answer is option 3.

Key Points

• To answer this question, let's first understand the meaning of the similar-sounding words:
• Séance: (noun) A meeting at which people attempt to make contact with the dead, especially through a medium or spiritual ritual.
• Sconce: (noun) A candle holder or light fixture that is attached to a wall.
• Scone: (noun) A small, plain cake of bread, typically made with flour, milk, and baking powder, and often eaten with butter, jam, and cream.
• Now, let's examine the given sentences:
• 1. Those who practise spiritualism are at times seen to participate in a séance.                               
• This sentence correctly uses the word "séance" to describe a meeting where spiritual contact is attempted, which aligns perfectly with the practice of spiritualism.
• 2. They enjoyed eating the sconce that were served to them in the exclusive club.                               
• This sentence uses "sconce" incorrectly. A sconce is a wall fixture and is not edible. The word that should have been used here is "scone" (a baked good).
• 3. The scone reading on the graph indicated the correct value output of the experiment.                               
• This sentence uses "scone" incorrectly. A scone is a food item and has no relevance to graph readings or experimental data. The word intended here is likely "score," "scale," or a similar term related to measurement.
• Based on the analysis, only sentence 1 correctly uses its underlined word.

Therefore, the correct answer is "1 only."

The correct answer is option 1.

Key Points 

• To answer this question, let's first understand the meaning of the similar-sounding words:
• Truism: (noun) A statement that is obviously true and says nothing new or interesting; a platitude.
• Altruism: (noun) The belief in or practice of disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others; selflessness.
• Now, let's examine the given sentences:
• 1. That one has to reap what one sows is a truism.                               
• This sentence correctly uses the word "truism" because "reaping what one sows" is a widely accepted and obvious truth.
• 2. The altruism uttered by the seer covered the higher levels of spiritual knowledge.                               
• This sentence uses "altruism" incorrectly. Altruism is a quality or practice of selflessness, not a body of knowledge or something that can be "uttered" to cover spiritual knowledge. A seer might utter teachings, maxims, or precepts related to spiritual knowledge, but not "altruism" itself in this context.
• Based on the analysis, only sentence 1 correctly uses its underlined word.

Therefore, the correct answer is "1 only."

The correct answer is option 3.

Key Points

• To answer this question, let's first understand the meaning of the similar-sounding words:
• Consequent: (adjective) Following as a result or effect; resulting. Often used in the phrase "consequent to" or "consequent upon."
• Consequence: (noun) A result or effect of an action or condition. It can also refer to importance or significance.
• Now, let's examine the given sentences:
• 1. Consequent to the decisions taken by the committee a new set of procedures was brought into force.                               
• This sentence uses "consequent" correctly. The phrase "consequent to" means "as a result of" or "following from." The new procedures were a direct result of the committee's decisions.
• 2. The past is of little consequence when one is willing to bravely face the challenges of the future.                               
• This sentence uses "consequence" correctly. Here, "consequence" refers to importance or significance. The phrase "of little consequence" means of little importance.
• Based on the analysis, both sentences 1 and 2 correctly use their respective words.

Therefore, the correct answer is "Both 1 and 2."

The correct answer is option 4.

Key Points

• To answer this question, let's first understand the meaning of the similar-sounding words:
• Seize: (verb) To take hold of suddenly and forcibly; to take possession of something by legal authority, especially contraband.
• Cease: (verb) To bring or come to an end; stop.
• Crease: (noun) A line or ridge produced in fabric or paper by folding, pressing, or crushing it; (verb) to make such a line.
• Now, let's examine the given sentences:
• 1. The customs department decided to seize the consignment of contraband goods.                              
• This sentence correctly uses "seize" in the context of a legal authority confiscating illegal goods.
• 2. To improve relations the two parties decided that the hostilities between them should cease.                               
• This sentence correctly uses "cease" to mean that the hostilities should stop or come to an end.
• 3. Military personnel are required to be attired in trousers with a knife-edge-like crease.                               
• This sentence correctly uses "crease" to refer to the sharp, pressed line in trousers, commonly associated with formal attire like military uniforms.
• Based on the analysis, all three sentences correctly use their respective words.

Therefore, the correct answer is "1, 2 and 3."

The correct answer is: Option 1.

Key Points

• The idiom "Listen with half an ear" means to listen without giving one's full attention; to listen carelessly or superficially. (किसी बात को पूरी तरह ध्यान से न सुनना; आधे-अधूरे मन से सुनना)
• Example: When his wife talks about her day, he often listens with half an ear while watching TV.
• The correct option, "Not pay full attention," directly describes the meaning of the idiom. (पूरी तरह ध्यान न देना)
• Example: The student was clearly listening with half an ear, as she couldn't answer any of the questions about the lecture.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 1

Additional Information

Here are the other options explained along with their Hindi meanings and example sentences:

• Being impartial (निष्पक्ष होना): Being fair and unbiased; not favoring one side over another.
• Example: A judge must always strive to be impartial in their rulings.
• Being imperious (अभिमानी होना; निरंकुश होना): Assuming power or authority without justification; domineering.
• Example: His imperious tone made it clear he expected immediate obedience.
• Listening with ironic distaste (व्यंग्यात्मक अरुचि के साथ सुनना): Listening with a sense of sarcasm or veiled dislike.
• Example: She listened to his long explanation with ironic distaste, rolling her eyes subtly.

The correct answer is: Option 4.

Key Points

• The idiom "Dyed in the wool" describes a characteristic, belief, or habit that is deeply ingrained, permanent, or unchangeable. It comes from the dyeing process where the wool is colored before it is spun into yarn, making the color permanent and uniform throughout. (जन्मजात; अटल; अपनी प्रवृत्ति और विश्वास में दृढ़)
• Example: My grandfather is a dyed-in-the-wool traditionalist; he never changes his ways.
• The correct option, "Unchanging and firm in belief and conviction," accurately describes the meaning of the idiom. (मान्यता और दृढ़ विश्वास में अपरिवर्तनीय और दृढ़)
• Example: She is a dyed-in-the-wool idealist, always believing in the power of good.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 4

Additional Information

Here are the other options explained along with their Hindi meanings and example sentences:

• Changing notions because of a fluffy mind (अस्थिर मन के कारण विचार बदलना): This implies being fickle, inconsistent, and easily influenced, which is the opposite of being dyed in the wool.
• Example: His changing notions because of a fluffy mind make him an unreliable decision-maker.
• Assuming a different colour (अलग रंग धारण करना): This literally refers to changing appearance or figuratively to adopting a different guise or identity, not about deeply held beliefs.
• Example: The chameleon adapted to its surroundings by assuming a different colour.
• Adapting to conditions (परिस्थितियों के अनुकूल ढलना): This refers to being flexible and able to adjust to new situations, which is contrary to the fixed nature implied by the idiom.
• Example: Successful entrepreneurs are skilled at adapting to changing market conditions.

The correct answer is: Option 2.

Key Points

• The idiom "Let sleeping dogs lie" means to avoid discussing or interfering with a situation that is currently calm, because doing so would likely cause trouble or make things worse. It advises against stirring up old problems. (शांत पड़े मामलों को छेड़ना नहीं चाहिए; अनावश्यक रूप से विवाद या परेशानी पैदा करने से बचना)
• Example: I know you're still upset about that argument, but it's best to let sleeping dogs lie if you want peace in the house.
• The correct option, "Not interfere in situations where interference may exacerbate matters," precisely describes the meaning of the idiom. "Exacerbate" means to make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse. (ऐसी स्थितियों में हस्तक्षेप न करना जहाँ हस्तक्षेप से मामले और बिगड़ सकते हैं)
• Example: Bringing up his past mistakes now would only complicate things; it's better to let sleeping dogs lie.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 2

Additional Information

Here are the other options explained along with their Hindi meanings and example sentences:

• Let things remain as they are because of laziness (आलस्य के कारण चीजों को वैसा ही रहने देना): This option incorrectly attributes the motive to laziness, whereas the idiom is about avoiding trouble.
• Example: He didn't clean his room, just let things remain as they are because of laziness.
• Not stoke a dangerous situation (खतरनाक स्थिति को बढ़ावा न देना): While related to avoiding trouble, "stoke" implies actively fueling an existing fire. "Let sleeping dogs lie" is more about not waking up a potentially dangerous situation.
• Example: The media was careful not to stoke a dangerous situation by sensationalizing the protest.
• Lie about the past (अतीत के बारे में झूठ बोलना): This option implies dishonesty or falsification, which is completely unrelated to the meaning of the idiom.
• Example: It's wrong to lie about the past, especially when it affects other people.

The correct answer is: Option 4.

Key Points

• The proverb "A stitch in time saves nine" means that it is better to deal with a problem immediately, as soon as it arises, rather than waiting. If you delay, the problem is likely to become worse and more difficult (requiring more effort, like "nine stitches") to fix later. (समय पर किसी समस्या का समाधान करने से भविष्य में बड़ी समस्याओं से बचा जा सकता है; समय पर किया गया छोटा उपाय बड़े नुकसान से बचाता है)
• Example: Don't put off fixing that leaky faucet; a stitch in time saves nine, and it could cause major water damage later.
• The correct option, "Timely addressal of a problem prevents future exacerbation of the same," accurately describes the meaning of the proverb. "Timely addressal" means dealing with it promptly, and "exacerbation" means making a problem worse. (किसी समस्या का समय पर समाधान करने से भविष्य में उसके और बिगड़ने की संभावना रुक जाती है)
• Example: Investing in preventative maintenance now is a classic case of a stitch in time saves nine for your machinery.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 4

Additional Information

Here are the other options explained along with their Hindi meanings and example sentences:

• Tying up complex matters with clever manoeuvres (जटिल मामलों को चतुर युक्तियों से सुलझाना): This refers to smart strategic problem-solving but doesn't specifically emphasize the preventative aspect of early action.
• Example: The negotiator was skilled at tying up complex matters with clever manoeuvres.
• Poking at something repeatedly to rescue a situation (किसी स्थिति को बचाने के लिए बार-बार किसी चीज को छेड़ना): This implies persistent but possibly ill-advised or irritating intervention, not necessarily timely prevention.
• Example: His constant meddling felt like poking at something repeatedly to rescue a situation that wasn't even that bad.
• Making unlikely connections among disparate subjects (विभिन्न विषयों के बीच असंभव संबंध बनाना): This describes a creative or analytical skill of finding links between unrelated things, which is entirely irrelevant to the proverb.
• Example: Her genius lies in making unlikely connections among disparate subjects, leading to groundbreaking discoveries.

The correct answer is: Option 1.

Key Points

• The idiom "Fight fire with fire" means to use the same aggressive or dangerous methods that someone else is using against you in order to defeat them. (किसी विरोधी का मुकाबला उसी की आक्रामक या खतरनाक रणनीति का उपयोग करके करना; जैसे को तैसा)
• Example: When the rival company started spreading rumors, our CEO decided to fight fire with fire and launched a counter-campaign.
• The correct option, "Use the same force or strategy of one’s opponent to counter them," accurately describes the meaning of the idiom. (अपने प्रतिद्वंद्वी का मुकाबला करने के लिए उसी की शक्ति या रणनीति का उपयोग करना)
• Example: After being constantly interrupted, she decided to fight fire with fire and started interrupting him back.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 1

Additional Information

Here are the other options explained along with their Hindi meanings and example sentences:

• Use incendiary tactics to destroy by fire (आग से नष्ट करने के लिए आग लगाने वाली रणनीति का उपयोग करना): This is a literal and incorrect interpretation of the idiom, which is figurative. (आग लगाने वाली रणनीति का उपयोग करना)
• Example: The arsonist used incendiary tactics to destroy the abandoned building.
• Add fuel to further escalate a fiery situation (एक उग्र स्थिति को और बढ़ाने के लिए आग में घी डालना): This means to make a bad or difficult situation even worse, which is not the primary meaning of the idiom. (आग में घी डालना)
• Example: Arguing with him now would just add fuel to further escalate a fiery situation.
• Scorch one’s opponent with a barrage of firing (अपने प्रतिद्वंद्वी को गोलीबारी की बौछार से झुलसाना): This implies a literal military attack or a very aggressive verbal assault, which is too specific and literal for the idiom's meaning. (अपने प्रतिद्वंद्वी को गोलीबारी से झुलसाना)
• Example: The army was prepared to scorch one's opponent with a barrage of firing if provoked.

The correct answer is: Option 2.

Key Points

• The idiom "Straight and narrow" refers to a morally upright, honest, and law-abiding way of living. It implies adhering to principles of good conduct and avoiding dishonest or immoral behavior. (ईमानदार और नैतिक रूप से स्वीकार्य जीवनशैली; सीधा और सच्चा मार्ग)
• Example: After his troubles, he decided to stay on the straight and narrow.
• The correct option, "Honest and morally acceptable way of being," accurately describes the meaning of the idiom. (ईमानदार और नैतिक रूप से स्वीकार्य तरीका)
• Example: She always advises her children to stick to the straight and narrow.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 2

Additional Information

Here are the other options explained along with their Hindi meanings and example sentences:

• Be excessively careful (अत्यधिक सावधान रहना): This refers to being overly cautious, which is not the primary meaning of the idiom.
• Example: He tends to be excessively careful, sometimes missing opportunities.
• Follow the straight path defined by society (समाज द्वारा परिभाषित सीधे रास्ते पर चलना): While being morally acceptable often aligns with societal norms, this option emphasizes societal definition rather than intrinsic moral rectitude.
• Example: Many young people feel pressured to follow the straight path defined by society.
• To not deviate from one’s goal (अपने लक्ष्य से विचलित न होना): This describes determination and focus on an objective, which is distinct from moral conduct.
• Example: Despite obstacles, she resolved to not deviate from her goal.

The correct answer is: Option 1.

Key Points

• The idiom "Someone's ears are burning" is used to express a superstitious feeling that someone is talking about you (or the person whose ears are supposedly burning) at that very moment, especially when you are not present. (जब किसी को यह महसूस होता है कि दूसरे उनके बारे में बात कर रहे हैं)
• Example: I suddenly feel like my ears are burning; I wonder if Sarah is talking about me.
• The correct option, "The feeling when someone thinks others are talking about them," precisely describes the meaning of the idiom. (यह भावना जब किसी को लगता है कि दूसरे उनके बारे में बात कर रहे हैं)
• Example: Every time I mentioned his name, her ears seemed to be burning, and she'd look around suspiciously.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 1

Additional Information

Here are the other options explained along with their Hindi meanings and example sentences:

• Being excessively jealous of others (दूसरों से अत्यधिक ईर्ष्या करना): This refers to a feeling of envy, which is unrelated to the idiom.
• Example: His constant criticism stems from being excessively jealous of others' success.
• Being angry due to unfair criticism (अनुचित आलोचना के कारण क्रोधित होना): This describes an emotional reaction to being unfairly judged, not the specific sensation or belief of the idiom.
• Example: She was angry due to unfair criticism from her supervisor.
• Itching to enter into an argument (बहस में पड़ने के लिए बेताब होना): This implies a strong desire to start or join a dispute, which is unrelated to the idiom.
• Example: He looked like he was itching to enter into an argument after the discussion turned contentious.

The correct answer is: Option 1.

Key Points

• The idiom "Turn one’s stomach" means to make someone feel physically sick, nauseated, or intensely disgusted and repulsed by something or someone. (मतली आना; घृणा या नफरत होना)
• Example: The sight of the rotting food turned my stomach.
• The correct option, "Being nauseated by something or someone," accurately describes the core meaning of the idiom. (किसी चीज़ या व्यक्ति से मतली महसूस करना या घृणा होना)
• Example: The politician's hypocrisy was enough to turn anyone's stomach.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 1

Additional Information

Here are the other options explained along with their Hindi meanings and example sentences:

• Being plagued by a stomach upset (पेट खराब होने से परेशान होना): This refers to a literal digestive problem, which is a physical ailment, not the figurative feeling of disgust or nausea implied by the idiom. (पेट की गड़बड़ी से परेशान होना)
• Example: He spent the whole night being plagued by a stomach upset after eating too much.
• Unable to cope with the changes (परिवर्तनों का सामना करने में असमर्थ होना): This means struggling to adapt to new circumstances, which is unrelated to the idiom's meaning. (परिवर्तनों का सामना करने में असमर्थ होना)
• Example: Many elderly people find themselves unable to cope with the rapid technological changes.
• Switch sides while asleep (सोते समय करवट बदलना): This describes a physical action during sleep and has no connection to the idiom's figurative meaning. (सोते समय करवट बदलना)
• Example: The baby would frequently switch sides while asleep.

The correct answer is: Option 1.

Key Points

• The idiom "The world is your oyster" means that you are in a position to take advantage of all the opportunities that life has to offer, or that you have the ability to achieve anything you want. It suggests immense potential, freedom, and the power to get whatever you desire from life. (आपके पास जीवन से जो कुछ भी आप चाहते हैं उसे प्राप्त करने के सभी अवसर हैं; दुनिया आपके मुट्ठी में है)
• Example: Now that you've graduated with honors, the world is your oyster – go pursue your dreams!
• The correct option, "You have all the opportunity to obtain what you wish from life," accurately describes the meaning of the idiom. (आपके पास जीवन से जो कुछ भी आप चाहते हैं उसे प्राप्त करने के सभी अवसर हैं)
• Example: With your talent and dedication, the world is truly your oyster.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 1

Additional Information

Here are the other options explained along with their Hindi meanings and example sentences:

• Life is a precious gift (जीवन एक अनमोल उपहार है): This is a general philosophical statement about the value of life, not the specific meaning of this idiom, which focuses on available opportunities. (जीवन एक अनमोल उपहार है)
• Example: We should cherish every moment because life is a precious gift.
• Life is a puzzle you cannot ever unravel (जीवन एक पहेली है जिसे आप कभी सुलझा नहीं सकते): This implies complexity and insolvability, which is the opposite of the idiom's optimistic meaning of boundless opportunity. (जीवन एक पहेली है जिसे आप कभी सुलझा नहीं सकते)
• Example: For some, life is a puzzle you cannot ever unravel, full of mysteries.
• The world will dazzle you if you are not careful (अगर आप सावधान नहीं रहे तो दुनिया आपको चकाचौंध कर देगी): This implies a warning about being overwhelmed or deceived, which is unrelated to the idiom's positive connotation of potential. (अगर आप सावधान नहीं रहे तो दुनिया आपको चकाचौंध कर देगी)
• Example: In a big city, the world will dazzle you if you are not careful.

The correct answer is: Option 2.

Key Points

• The idiom "Cast one’s bread upon the waters" means to do good deeds, make investments, or give without expecting an immediate return or reward, with the belief that such actions will eventually bring benefits or be repaid in the future. It is derived from the Bible (Ecclesiastes 11:1). (बिना तत्काल लाभ की उम्मीद के अच्छे काम करना या निवेश करना; निःस्वार्थ भाव से कुछ करना)
• Example: She always helps others, casting her bread upon the waters, knowing that kindness often returns.
• The correct option, "To do good without seeking reward," accurately describes the core meaning of the idiom. (बिना इनाम की चाह के अच्छा करना)
• Example: By donating generously to charity, he was casting his bread upon the waters for future generations.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 2

Additional Information

Here are the other options explained along with their Hindi meanings and example sentences:

• To dilute one’s intentions (अपने इरादों को कमजोर करना): This implies weakening one's purpose or resolve, which is unrelated to the idiom's meaning of selfless action. (अपने इरादों को कमज़ोर करना)
• Example: Over-explaining might dilute one's intentions and make them seem less sincere.
• To while away one’s time in unfruitful activity (अनुत्पादक गतिविधियों में समय बिताना): This means to waste time on pointless activities, which is contrary to the idiom's implication of eventual positive returns from good deeds. (अनुत्पादक गतिविधियों में अपना समय व्यतीत करना)
• Example: He spent the afternoon while away his time in unfruitful activity instead of studying.
• To misdirect one’s efforts in life (जीवन में अपने प्रयासों को गलत दिशा देना): This suggests making misguided or ineffective efforts, which is opposite to the idiom's meaning of investing in something that will eventually yield good. (जीवन में अपने प्रयासों को गलत दिशा देना)
• Example: Without proper guidance, one might misdirect one’s efforts in life.