Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Idioms and phrases are integral to the richness and expressiveness of any language, including English. They often convey meanings that are not readily apparent from the literal definitions of the individual words. Mastering their usage is crucial for effective communication, particularly in a formal setting like the UPSC Mains examination where clarity and precision are paramount. This response will demonstrate the understanding of several idioms/phrases by incorporating them into original sentences that clearly illustrate their meaning.
Idiom/Phrase Usage
Here are sentences using the specified idioms/phrases, designed to bring out their meaning clearly. (Note: Since the question does not provide the idioms/phrases, I will use a set of common ones for demonstration. A real answer would respond to the specific list given in the question.)
1. 'Bite the bullet'
Despite the looming financial crisis, the government decided to bite the bullet and implement austerity measures, knowing it would be unpopular but necessary for long-term economic stability.
2. 'Cut corners'
The construction company was heavily criticized for cutting corners on safety regulations, which ultimately led to a tragic accident on the building site.
3. 'Add fuel to the fire'
His inflammatory remarks during the press conference only served to add fuel to the fire, exacerbating the already tense situation between the two communities.
4. 'Beat around the bush'
Instead of directly addressing the issue of declining sales, the manager continued to beat around the bush, offering vague explanations and avoiding concrete solutions.
5. 'Call it a day'
After working tirelessly for fourteen hours straight to meet the project deadline, the team decided to call it a day and resume their efforts the following morning.
6. 'Get something off your chest'
She finally decided to get something off her chest and confessed to her friend that she had been struggling with anxiety for months.
7. 'In the same boat'
With the recent economic downturn impacting businesses across all sectors, many entrepreneurs found themselves in the same boat, facing similar challenges and uncertainties.
8. 'Let the cat out of the bag'
During the surprise party preparations, her younger brother accidentally let the cat out of the bag, revealing the secret to the birthday celebrant.
These examples demonstrate the correct usage of each idiom/phrase within a meaningful context. The sentences are designed to be clear, concise, and illustrative of the idiom's intended meaning.
Conclusion
Effective use of idioms and phrases enhances the clarity and impact of written and spoken communication. Demonstrating a strong command of these linguistic tools is a valuable asset in the UPSC Mains examination, allowing candidates to express complex ideas with precision and nuance. The ability to correctly integrate such phrases into coherent sentences showcases a sophisticated understanding of the English language and its subtleties.
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.