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In the following question, a sentence has been given with a part of it highlighted in bold. It is followed by alternatives which try to explain the meaning of the idiom/phrase given in bold. Choose the alternative which explains the meaning of the phrase correctly without altering the meaning of the sentence given in the question.
To nail one's colours to the mast
  • a)
    to understand the fact
  • b)
    to refuse to surrender
  • c)
    to mishandle something
  • d)
    to accept the proposal
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
In the following question, a sentence has been given with a part of i...
Nail your colours to the mast - To refuse to cease or surrender.
Example:
  • We will nail our colours to the mast and fight on—they will never capture us!
  • We're going to have a tough time beating this team now that they are playing with such determination. I fear they've nailed their colours to the mast.
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Community Answer
In the following question, a sentence has been given with a part of i...
Meaning of the phrase:
To nail one's colours to the mast means to refuse to surrender or to firmly declare one's position or allegiance.

Explanation:
The phrase "to nail one's colours to the mast" is an idiomatic expression originating from naval tradition. In the past, ships would display flags or pennants on their masts to indicate their nationality or allegiance. Nailing the colours to the mast was a symbol of defiance and determination, as it showed that the ship's crew was unwilling to surrender or back down.

Alternative explanations:
a) To understand the fact: This explanation does not accurately capture the meaning of the phrase. "To nail one's colours to the mast" is not about understanding facts, but rather about taking a firm stand or refusing to surrender.

b) To refuse to surrender: This is the correct explanation. Nailing one's colours to the mast is a metaphorical expression for refusing to give up or surrender in the face of adversity. It signifies a strong commitment to one's beliefs or cause.

c) To mishandle something: This explanation is not related to the meaning of the phrase. "To nail one's colours to the mast" does not imply mishandling anything, but rather making a bold declaration of one's position.

d) To accept the proposal: This explanation does not align with the meaning of the phrase. "To nail one's colours to the mast" is about taking a firm stand or refusing to surrender, not accepting a proposal.

Conclusion:
The correct explanation for the phrase "to nail one's colours to the mast" is to refuse to surrender. This phrase signifies a strong commitment to one's beliefs or cause, and it originated from the practice of displaying flags or pennants on a ship's mast to symbolize allegiance and determination.
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In the following question, a sentence has been given with a part of it highlighted in bold. It is followed by alternatives which try to explain the meaning of the idiom/phrase given in bold. Choose the alternative which explains the meaning of the phrase correctly without altering the meaning of the sentence given in the question.To nail one's colours to the masta)to understand the factb)to refuse to surrenderc)to mishandle somethingd)to accept the proposalCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
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In the following question, a sentence has been given with a part of it highlighted in bold. It is followed by alternatives which try to explain the meaning of the idiom/phrase given in bold. Choose the alternative which explains the meaning of the phrase correctly without altering the meaning of the sentence given in the question.To nail one's colours to the masta)to understand the factb)to refuse to surrenderc)to mishandle somethingd)to accept the proposalCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2024 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about In the following question, a sentence has been given with a part of it highlighted in bold. It is followed by alternatives which try to explain the meaning of the idiom/phrase given in bold. Choose the alternative which explains the meaning of the phrase correctly without altering the meaning of the sentence given in the question.To nail one's colours to the masta)to understand the factb)to refuse to surrenderc)to mishandle somethingd)to accept the proposalCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for In the following question, a sentence has been given with a part of it highlighted in bold. It is followed by alternatives which try to explain the meaning of the idiom/phrase given in bold. Choose the alternative which explains the meaning of the phrase correctly without altering the meaning of the sentence given in the question.To nail one's colours to the masta)to understand the factb)to refuse to surrenderc)to mishandle somethingd)to accept the proposalCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?.
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