Question

He spilled the beans about his new car. The meaning of the idiom, `` spill the beans '' is

• A. to cook the beans
• B. to cut the beans
• C. to reveal a secret
• D. to speak truth

Hint:

Avoid literal options when solving idiomatic questions.
Options that mention the actual physical words in the idiom (like cooking or cutting beans) are almost always distractors.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question requires us to identify the correct meaning of the common English idiom ``spill the beans''.
We must select the option that best describes this figurative expression.

Step 2: Key Concepts and Idiomatic Meanings:
An idiom is a group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words.
The phrase ``spill the beans'' is believed to have historical origins where voting was done using colored beans, and spilling them would reveal the results prematurely.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:

• Option (C) - to reveal a secret: This is the correct definition of the idiom.
When someone ``spills the beans'', they disclose secret information, often prematurely or unintentionally, to others.
In the sentence, the person let out the secret information regarding his new car.

• Options (A) and (B): These are literal interpretations of the words ``cook'' and ``cut'' beans, which are incorrect because idioms are figurative.

• Option (D) - to speak truth: While revealing a secret involves sharing truth, ``spill the beans'' specifically refers to the act of exposing confidential or hidden information, rather than simply being honest.


Step 4: Final Answer:
Therefore, Option (C) is the correct answer.