LEXIS AND STRUCTURE
In Questions 26 to 34 choose the
option nearest in meaning to the
underlined.
26. The story has to be taken with
a grain of salt. This means that A.
you need some salt to listen to the
story. B. there is no salt in the
story. C. the story is questionable
D. the story is true E. you have
too much salt in the story.
The correct answer to the
question is C. the story is
questionable.
Explanation:
The phrase "to take something
with a grain of salt" is an
idiomatic expression in English.
Here is why: Origin of the Phrase:
The expression comes from
ancient Roman times. Pliny the
Elder suggested that a small
amount of salt could make a
potentially harmful substance (like
poison) less dangerous
. In modern usage, this has
evolved to mean that you should
approach statements or claims
with caution.
Contextual Meaning: When
someone says to "take a story with
a grain of salt," they imply that the
story may not be entirely accurate,
trustworthy, or reliable. It's a
caution to question or verify the
information before accepting it fully.
Conclusion:
The idiom warns the listener to
doubt or verify the credibility of the
story, making C. the story is
questionable for the accurate
interpretation.
27. It is usually hard to change the
course of action when one crosses the
Rubicon. The underlined expression, as
used in this sentence, means to A. pass
through a place called Rubicon B. cross
a river called Rubicon C. cross a bridge
called Rubicon D. pass a special test E.
be irrevocably committed.
The correct answer to the question
is E. be irrevocably committed.
Explanation: The phrase "cross the
Rubicon" is an idiomatic expression
meaning to take an irreversible step,
often one involving a decision that
commits you to a specific course of
This phrase originates from a historical
event: Historical Background: The
Rubicon is a small river in northern
Italy. In 49 BCE, Julius Caesar crossed
the Rubicon with his army, defying the
Roman Senate's orders. This act was
considered an irreversible declaration
of war against the Roman Republic.
Because of this event, "crossing the
Rubicon" came to symbolize making a
bold, irreversible decision. Contextual
Meaning: The phrase "hard to change
the course of action when one crosses
the Rubicon" implies that once a
specific action is taken, it is impossible
to turn back or undo the consequences.
The underlined phrase, "cross the
Rubicon," metaphorically means
making a decision that commits you
to a course of action with no
possibility of reversal. Hence, the
correct answer is E. be irrevocably
committed.
28. The salesman tried to pull the
wool over my eyes. This implies that
the salesman tried to A. force me to
buy his goods B. offer me cotton
wool C. make me buy his wool D.
dupe me E. cover my eyes with
wool.
The correct answer is D. dupe me.
Detailed Explanation:
The phrase "pull the wool over my
eyes" is an idiom, which means to
deceive someone or trick them, often
with the intent to mislead or dupe
them. Let us break down the questions
and choices
Understanding the Idiom: Origin: The
phrase likely originates from the 16th
or 17th century, when wigs made of
wool were fashionable. Covering
someone's eyes with a wig (or wool)
metaphorically implies blinding them to
the truth or reality.
So, to "pull the wool over someone's
eyes" means to mislead or fool them,
often by hiding the truth.
So, to "pull the wool over someone's
eyes" means to mislead or fool them,
often by hiding the truth. Contextual
Analysis: The sentence "The salesman
tried to pull the wool over my eyes"
suggests that the salesman attempted
to deceive or trick the speaker.
Salesmen sometimes use dishonest
tactics to mislead customers about their
products or prices, which aligns with the
idiom’s meaning of deception
29. Ijeoma counted her chickens before
they were hatched. This means that
Ijeoma A. regarded each egg as a chicken
B. hatched the eggs prematurely C.
assumed that her expectations had
already been realized D. protected her
eggs from breaking E. insured the eggs.
The correct answer is C. assumed that
her expectations had already been
realized.
Explanation:
The expression "counting your
chickens before they hatch" is an idiom
that warns against being overly
optimistic about future outcomes,
particularly before those outcomes are
certain.
It originates from the practice of
counting eggs as though they will all
hatch into chickens, which assumes a
successful outcome that may not occur.
Contextual Breakdown: Meaning of
the Sentence: The sentence "Ijeoma
counted her chickens before they were
hatched" implies that Ijeoma was
prematurely confident about the
success or realization of something
before it was actually achieved.
•The phrase "counting your chickens
before they hatch" cautions against
acting as though you’ve already
achieved success or a desired outcome
when the result is not yet guaranteed.
It reflects premature celebration or
reliance on uncertain events.
Example for Clarity:
Imagine someone planning how
they’ll spend a prize from a lottery
before even checking the winning
numbers. This reflects "counting
chickens before they hatch."
30. Solo has resigned his job with
the Textile Mills. He doesn’t seem to
worry about getting another job. His
plans are still quite in the air. This
means that his plans are A.
airmailed B. air tight C. uncertain D.
certain E. airborne.
The correct answer is C. uncertain.
Understanding the Context of the
Sentence. The sentence describes Solo
as someone who has resigned from his
job and does not appear to be worried
about finding another one.
The phrase "his plans are still quite in
the air" suggests that Solo has not yet
made definite or concrete decisions
about his future. The idiom "in the air"
is commonly used to describe
something that is not yet settled or
decided, meaning it is uncertain or
unresolved.
Meaning of the Idiom "In the Air"
The idiom "in the air" is often used to
describe a situation, event, or plan that
is uncertain, undecided, or not yet
solidified. It implies a lack of clarity or
commitment.
Examples: "The team’s plans for the
project are still in the air."
(The team hasn’t finalized their plans
yet.)
"Our travel itinerary is in the air until
we get confirmation from the airline."
(The itinerary is undecided or
uncertain.)
Why "Uncertain" is Correct
In the sentence, Solo’s resignation and
lack of worry about getting another job
indicate a lack of a clear, concrete plan
for his future. The phrase "his plans are
still quite in the air" directly points to
uncertainty, which aligns with the
meaning of "uncertain.
30. Ike is head over heels in love
with Ngozi. This means that A. Ike is
friendly with Ngozi. B. Ike is trying to
fall in love with Ngozi. C. Ngozi fell
on Ike’s heel and both of them fell in
love D. Ike is madly in love with
Ngozi. E. none of the above.
