UPSC MainsENGLISH-COMPULSORY20175 Marks
Q58.

Use the following idioms/phrases in sentences of your own to bring out their meaning clearly. Do not change the form of the words : (v) On cloud nine

How to Approach

This question tests the candidate's understanding and application of idiomatic expressions. The approach should be to construct original sentences that clearly demonstrate the meaning of the given idiom, "On cloud nine." Focus on conveying a sense of extreme happiness or elation. The sentences should be grammatically correct and contextually relevant. Avoid simply defining the idiom; instead, *show* its meaning through usage.

Model Answer

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Introduction

Idioms and phrases are integral to the English language, adding color and nuance to communication. They often convey meanings that are not readily apparent from the literal interpretation of the words. Understanding and correctly using idioms is a crucial skill for effective written and verbal expression, particularly in a competitive examination like the UPSC Civil Services Exam. The phrase "On cloud nine" is a common idiom used to describe a state of perfect happiness or bliss.

Here are sentences using the idiom "On cloud nine" to illustrate its meaning:

Sentence 1: Personal Achievement

After receiving the news of her daughter’s acceptance into medical school, Mrs. Sharma was on cloud nine, beaming with pride and joy.

Sentence 2: Professional Success

The team was on cloud nine after successfully launching the new satellite, a culmination of years of dedicated research and development.

Sentence 3: Romantic Fulfillment

Ever since his proposal, Rohan has been on cloud nine, eagerly planning their wedding and future together.

Sentence 4: Unexpected Good Fortune

Winning the lottery left old Mr. Peterson on cloud nine; he immediately started making plans to travel the world.

Sentence 5: Sporting Triumph

The entire nation was on cloud nine when the Indian cricket team lifted the World Cup trophy, celebrating a historic victory.

Illustrative Table: Contexts for using "On Cloud Nine"

Context Example Sentence
Academic Success She was on cloud nine after scoring a perfect score on the exam.
Personal Relationship He was on cloud nine after his first date with her.
Financial Gain They were on cloud nine after receiving a large inheritance.
Career Advancement She was on cloud nine after getting promoted to manager.

The key to effectively using this idiom lies in demonstrating a situation that evokes intense happiness. The sentences above aim to achieve this by presenting diverse scenarios where the feeling of being "on cloud nine" is naturally expressed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the idiom "On cloud nine" signifies a state of extreme happiness and elation. The provided sentences demonstrate its correct usage in various contexts, showcasing how it can enrich written expression. Mastering such idiomatic expressions is essential for aspirants aiming to excel in the English language paper of the UPSC Civil Services Examination, enabling them to communicate effectively and precisely.

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.

Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Idiom
An idiom is a phrase or expression whose meaning cannot be understood from the ordinary meanings of the words in it. It's a group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words.

Key Statistics

Approximately 4,000 idioms are in common use in the English language (estimated as of 2023).

Source: Oxford Learner's Dictionaries

Studies suggest that using vivid language, including idioms, can increase engagement and memorability by up to 20% (based on cognitive psychology research as of 2022).

Source: Journal of Cognitive Psychology

Examples

The Olympic Gold Medalist

After winning the Olympic gold medal, the athlete was visibly on cloud nine, waving to the cheering crowd with tears of joy in their eyes. This exemplifies the intense happiness associated with achieving a long-held dream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it correct to say "I am on cloud nine" or "I was on cloud nine"?

Both are correct! "I am on cloud nine" describes a current state of happiness, while "I was on cloud nine" refers to a past experience of intense joy.