To catch a tartara)trap wanted criminal with great difficultyb)To catc...
The correct answer is To catch a dangerous person.
Key Points
- 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.
To catch a tartara)trap wanted criminal with great difficultyb)To catc...
To catch a tartar means to catch a dangerous person. This phrase originated from the practice of hunting and capturing Tartars, a fierce and formidable people from Central Asia. In modern usage, it is used metaphorically to refer to catching or dealing with someone who is difficult to handle or dangerous. Let's delve into the explanation further.
Origins of the Phrase:
- The term "tartar" refers to the Tartars, a group of nomadic warriors from Central Asia who were known for their military prowess and ferocity.
- In the past, there were many expeditions and wars fought against the Tartars, and capturing a Tartar was considered a great achievement due to their reputation as formidable opponents.
- The phrase "to catch a tartar" came about as a result of this context, signifying the difficulty and danger associated with capturing or dealing with someone who possesses similar qualities to the Tartars.
Meaning:
- When we say "to catch a tartar," we are referring to encountering or dealing with a dangerous or formidable person.
- This person could be physically strong, mentally challenging, or possess a high level of skill or expertise that makes them difficult to overcome or control.
- It implies that the individual in question is more than one's match, making it a challenging task to handle them effectively.
Example Usage:
- Imagine a detective trying to apprehend a notorious criminal who is known for their cunning and physical strength. If the detective successfully captures the criminal, we can say that they have caught a tartar.
- Similarly, if someone is facing an opponent in a sports competition who is exceptionally skilled and difficult to defeat, they can be said to have caught a tartar.
Conclusion:
The phrase "to catch a tartar" is an idiomatic expression that means to catch or deal with a dangerous or formidable person. It originated from the historical context of capturing the Tartars, a fierce Central Asian tribe. By understanding this phrase, we can better comprehend its usage in various scenarios where one encounters a challenging individual.