Question

Match the idioms in List-I with their appropriate meanings in List-II

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:}

• A. A - I, B - II, C - III, D - IV
• B. A - III, B - I, C - II, D - IV
• C. A - I, B - III, C - II, D - IV
• D. A - II, B - IV, C - III, D - I

Hint:

Idiom origins:
- Black and blue = bruises from being beaten.
- Bolt from the blue = lightning from clear skies (complete surprise).
- Blue blood = aristocratic/royal birth.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept:
Idiomatic expressions are fixed figurative phrases whose figurative meaning cannot be deduced purely from the literal definitions of their component words. Color idioms based on “blue” and physical action idioms (like trail-blazing) are common in English tests. Mastering them requires understanding their cultural, historical, and metaphorical origins in classical and contemporary English literature.

Step 1: Detailed Analysis of Each Idiom in List-I:
- A. Black and blue: Originates from the discolored appearance of deep subcutaneous bruises on the skin resulting from severe physical impact. Idiomatically, it means covered in contusions or subjected to a severe, merciless beating (matches III. To beat mercilessly).
- B. Bolt from the blue: Metaphorically compares a sudden, disastrous thunderbolt emerging from a completely clear, blue sky to an event that happens totally unexpectedly and causes severe shock (matches I. Sudden or unexpected shock).
- C. Blaze a trail: Historically derived from the practice of early explorers chopping notches into tree bark (blazes) to mark an unexplored path through dense wilderness. Figuratively, it means to pioneer a new method or to be the first to do something innovative (matches II. To be the first to do something).
- D. Blue blood: A translation of the Spanish sangre azul, historically attributed to the Castilian aristocracy whose pale, untanned skin made their superficial veins look distinctly blue. Idiomatically, it denotes noble, aristocratic, or royal lineage (matches IV. Belong to the royal family).

Step 2: Synthesizing the Matches:
- A corresponds to III
- B corresponds to I
- C corresponds to II
- D corresponds to IV
Thus, the correct matched combination is A - III, B - I, C - II, D - IV.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The matching code aligns with Option (B).