Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Idioms and phrases are integral to the richness and nuance of the English language. 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. This ability demonstrates not only linguistic proficiency but also a grasp of cultural context and subtle shades of meaning. The following sentences aim to illustrate the correct usage of provided idioms/phrases, bringing out their meaning clearly.
Idiom/Phrase Usage
Please provide the idioms/phrases. As the question is incomplete without them, I will demonstrate with a few common examples. I will assume the following idioms for demonstration purposes:
- Bite the bullet
- Break the ice
- Cut corners
- Hit the nail on the head
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.
Meaning: To face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage and stoicism.
2. Break the ice
The new team leader organized a casual coffee break to break the ice and encourage better communication among the team members, who were initially hesitant to share their ideas.
Meaning: To make people feel more comfortable and relaxed, especially in a social situation.
3. 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.
Meaning: To do something poorly in order to save time or money.
4. Hit the nail on the head
The economist hit the nail on the head when he predicted the recent surge in inflation, accurately identifying the supply chain disruptions as the primary cause.
Meaning: To say something that is exactly right or accurately describes a situation.
Illustrative Table
| Idiom/Phrase | Sentence | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Bite the bullet | Despite the looming financial crisis, the government decided to bite the bullet and implement austerity measures. | To face a difficult situation with courage. |
| Break the ice | The new team leader organized a coffee break to break the ice among team members. | To make people feel more comfortable. |
| Cut corners | The construction company was criticized for cutting corners on safety regulations. | To do something poorly to save time/money. |
| Hit the nail on the head | The economist hit the nail on the head when predicting the surge in inflation. | To say something exactly right. |
It is important to note that the effectiveness of using idioms lies in their appropriate context. Overuse or misuse can detract from the clarity and professionalism of writing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the effective use of idioms and phrases demonstrates a strong command of the English language and an ability to communicate nuanced meanings. By understanding the context and crafting sentences that clearly illustrate their meaning, candidates can enhance the quality and impact of their writing in the UPSC Mains examination. The key is to use them naturally and purposefully, avoiding forced or awkward constructions.
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.