All questions of Idioms & Phrases for Mechanical Engineering Exam

The correct answer is option 'B' - "pretended to be".

Explanation:
When someone "passes themselves off" as someone or something, it means they are pretending to be that person or thing in order to deceive others. In this case, the person is pretending to be a nobleman.

- The phrase "passed himself off" implies deception or pretending.
- The phrase "as a noble man" indicates that the person is pretending to be a member of the noble class.

Let's examine the other options:

a) "was regarded as" - This option suggests that others considered him to be a nobleman, but it does not convey the sense of deception or pretending that is present in the original sentence.

c) "was thought to be" - This option implies that others believed him to be a nobleman, but it does not capture the sense of deception or pretending.

d) "was looked upon" - This option suggests that others saw him as a nobleman, but it does not convey the sense of deception or pretending.

Therefore, the most accurate and appropriate option is 'b) pretended to be,' as it captures the essence of the original sentence, indicating that the person is deceiving others by pretending to be a nobleman.

A black sheep is a phrase used to describe someone who is seen as different or deviant from the rest of their family or group. It is often used to refer to someone who is considered a misfit or an outcast. The term "black sheep" has its origins in the world of sheep farming, where a black sheep was considered undesirable because its black wool was not as valuable as white wool.

Explanation:

Origin of the phrase "black sheep"
The phrase "black sheep" originated from the world of sheep farming. In a flock of white sheep, a black sheep stood out and was considered less valuable because its black wool couldn't be dyed and sold for a high price like white wool. This association of being different or less valuable extended to human behavior and led to the usage of the term "black sheep" to describe someone who stands out in a negative way.

Meaning of a black sheep
A black sheep is someone who is considered different, deviant, or odd from the rest of their family or group. They may have different values, beliefs, or behaviors that set them apart. This phrase is often used to describe someone who doesn't conform to societal norms or expectations.

Characteristics of a black sheep
1. Non-conformity: A black sheep tends to go against the grain and not follow the established norms or rules of their family or group.
2. Deviance: They may engage in behaviors that are considered unacceptable or different from what is expected.
3. Outcast: Being a black sheep can lead to being ostracized or isolated from the rest of the group.
4. Misfit: They may feel like they don't belong or fit in with their family or group due to their different values or behavior.

Usage of the term "black sheep"
The term "black sheep" is often used metaphorically to describe someone who is seen as the odd one out in their family or group. It can be used to express disapproval or disappointment in someone's behavior or choices. However, it is important to note that being a black sheep doesn't necessarily mean that the person is bad or immoral. It simply means that they stand out in a different way.

In conclusion, a black sheep refers to someone who is considered different or deviant from their family or group. They may have different values, beliefs, or behaviors that set them apart. The term originated from sheep farming, where a black sheep was seen as less valuable due to its black wool. While being a black sheep can lead to being ostracized or isolated, it is important to remember that everyone has their own unique qualities and perspectives.

It means to start talking completely different subject. Hence, A.

A gift horse is a horse that was a gift, quite simply. When given a horse, it would be bad manners to inspect the horse's mouth to see if it has bad teeth. This can be applied as an analogy to any gift: Don't inspect it to make sure it matches some standard you have, just be grateful and say thank you!

Explanation:

The phrase "to cry wolf" means to give a false alarm or make a false claim in order to gain attention or to deceive someone. The phrase is derived from the fable "The Boy Who Cried Wolf" in which a young boy repeatedly cried out that there was a wolf attacking the sheep when there was none. Eventually, when a real wolf came, no one believed the boy and the wolf killed the sheep.

Origin of the Phrase:

The phrase "to cry wolf" is believed to have originated from the ancient Greek storyteller Aesop's fable "The Boy Who Cried Wolf." In the fable, a young boy is tasked with watching over a flock of sheep. He becomes bored and decides to play a trick on the villagers by repeatedly crying out that a wolf is attacking the sheep, even though there is no wolf. The villagers rush to help him each time, only to find that there is no danger. Eventually, when a real wolf does attack the sheep, the boy cries out for help but no one believes him, and the wolf kills all the sheep.

Usage of the Phrase:

The phrase "to cry wolf" is often used to describe situations where someone repeatedly makes false claims or warnings, causing others to ignore them when a real problem arises. It is also used to describe situations where someone is seeking attention or trying to deceive others.

Examples:

1. "He's always crying wolf about something. I never know when to take him seriously."
2. "The company has been crying wolf about layoffs for months now. I don't know if I should be worried or not."
3. "Don't cry wolf unless it's a real emergency. You don't want people to stop taking you seriously."

Opposing with determination

To set one's face against means to oppose something or someone with determination. It implies that the person is not just passively disagreeing or ignoring the issue, but is actively and resolutely opposing it.

Example: The company's management has set their face against the proposal to increase salaries, citing budget constraints.

This phrase is often used in situations where there is a clear conflict of interest or values, and one party is firmly opposed to the other. It can also imply a certain level of stubbornness or inflexibility, as the person is not willing to compromise or change their stance.

Other meanings of the phrase

While the most common meaning of the phrase is to oppose with determination, there are other meanings as well. These include:

- To judge by appearance: This meaning is less common and refers to making a snap judgment based on someone's facial expression or body language. Example: She set her face against the new employee, thinking that he looked untrustworthy.
- To look at one steadily: This meaning is also rare and refers to staring intently at someone. Example: The teacher set her face against the student who was not paying attention in class.
- To get out of difficulty: This meaning is archaic and means to overcome a difficult situation. Example: He set his face against the storm and managed to reach the safety of his home.

Overall, the most common meaning of the phrase "to set one's face against" is to oppose with determination, and it is important to understand the context in which it is used.

To spend time doing or saying things that will make people admire or support you, instead of dealing with more important matters.

A man of straw is a phrase used to describe someone who is said to have no substance or worth. It is used to indicate that the person lacks strength, integrity, or reliability. Let's break down the meaning of this phrase and explore why option A, "a man of no substance," is the correct answer.

Meaning of "A man of straw":
A man of straw is an idiomatic expression that originated in the 16th century. In its literal sense, it refers to a scarecrow made of straw, which is used to frighten away birds from crops. The scarecrow is lifeless, lacking substance, and incapable of fulfilling its purpose beyond its appearance.

Metaphorical Meaning:
In a figurative sense, when someone is referred to as a man of straw, it means that they are like a scarecrow - they may appear to be significant or influential, but in reality, they lack substance or worth. This phrase is often used to describe individuals who are weak, unreliable, or lacking in moral or intellectual depth.

Explanation of the options:
a) A man of no substance: This option accurately captures the essence of the idiom. It suggests that a man of straw lacks substance or worth, aligning with the metaphorical meaning of the phrase.

b) A very active person: This option does not accurately represent the meaning of the idiom. The phrase "a man of straw" does not imply being very active; rather, it implies the opposite - someone who lacks substance or reliability.

c) A worthy fellow: This option is not correct. The phrase "a man of straw" suggests the opposite of being worthy. It indicates that the person lacks value or worth.

d) An unreasonable person: This option does not accurately capture the meaning of the idiom. While a man of straw may not be reasonable, the phrase itself does not specifically imply unreasonableness. It primarily conveys the lack of substance or worth.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the phrase "a man of straw" is used to describe someone who lacks substance, worth, integrity, or reliability. Option A, "a man of no substance," is the correct answer as it accurately represents the metaphorical meaning of the phrase.

• Let's look at the meaning of the given idiom:
  • To catch a tartar- to deal with someone or something that proves unexpectedly troublesome or powerful
• Example: 
  • Now that she finally agreed to meet with you, you just might find that you've caught a tartar.​

Cold shoulder: be deliberately unfriendly to.

Meanwhile, if someone takes a dig at if someone, they say something that criticizes them, often in a slightly humorous way: I couldn't resist taking a dig at her. To pick holes in a piece of work is to try to make it seem bad by finding things in it to criticize.