Search Previous Year Questions

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.