Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Idioms are expressions whose meanings are not predictable from the usual meanings of its constituent elements. They are a crucial part of any language, adding nuance and color to communication. Understanding and correctly using idioms demonstrates a strong command of the language. The given question requires completing a well-known English idiom, testing the candidate’s familiarity with common phrases.
The complete idiom is "One should not always blow one's own trumpet."
Explanation
The idiom "blow one's own trumpet" means to boast or brag about one's own achievements. It implies an excessive and often unwarranted self-praise. The idiom originates from the practice of trumpeters announcing the arrival or importance of someone, and by extension, someone 'blowing their own trumpet' is announcing their own importance.
Other related idioms:
- To sing one's own praises: Similar to blowing one's own trumpet, meaning to boast.
- To pat oneself on the back: To congratulate oneself, often implying self-satisfaction.
The question tests the candidate’s knowledge of common English idioms and their ability to recognize the missing component to complete a meaningful phrase. The correct completion demonstrates a good grasp of the language’s nuances.
Conclusion
The question, though simple, effectively assesses a candidate’s understanding of common English idioms. Correctly identifying "trumpet" as the missing word demonstrates linguistic proficiency and familiarity with idiomatic expressions. Such knowledge is valuable for clear and effective communication, essential for a civil servant.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.