Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the underli...
Answer: C: Very cheaply
Explanation:
- The idiom "for a song" means to sell or buy something at a very low price.
- In this case, the phrase "He sold his house for a song" implies that he sold his house at a very cheap price.
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Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the underli...
Meaning of the idiom:
The idiom "sold for a song" means to sell something at a very low price or at a bargain. It suggests that the item was sold for much less than its actual value.
Explanation:
When someone sells their house "for a song," it means that they sold it at a very cheap price. The phrase doesn't imply that the house was sold at a reasonable price or at a discount; it suggests that the house was sold for much less than it was worth.
Alternative meanings:
Let's consider the other options provided:
a) At a reasonable price: This option suggests that the house was sold for a fair and justifiable price. However, the idiom "sold for a song" implies that the house was sold at a significantly lower price than its actual value, so this option is not the best alternative.
b) At a discount: This option implies that the house was sold at a reduced price. While it is possible that the house was sold at a discount, the idiom "sold for a song" emphasizes that the price was exceptionally low, not just lower than the original price. Therefore, this option is not the best alternative.
c) Very cheaply: This option accurately represents the meaning of the idiom. "Sold for a song" means that the house was sold at a very low price, so this option is the most suitable alternative.
d) At a premium: This option suggests that the house was sold at a higher price or at a premium. However, the idiom "sold for a song" implies the opposite, that the house was sold for a much lower price. Therefore, this option is not the best alternative.
Conclusion:
The idiom "sold for a song" means to sell something at a very low price. Among the given alternatives, the option that best expresses this meaning is "c) Very cheaply."