A man of strawa)A man of no substanceb)A very active person c)A worthy...
Ans.
Option (a)
A man of straw: a man whose character is weak and who lacks definite beliefs.
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A man of strawa)A man of no substanceb)A very active person c)A worthy...
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.