Question

Choose the correct meaning of the given phrase-
“A blind alley”
a. Lane closed at one end
b. A blind boy
c. A blind puppy
d. Absent-minded
e. Ignorant man

Answer 1

Hint: ‘A blind alley’ refers to a path that leads someone to a dead end or to a position that leaves a person without any success or hopes.

Complete answer:
The given idiom was used in 1583 by Richard Stanyhurst to show reference to an alley. While the idiom’s first literary use dates back to the early 19th century.
We know the meaning and the origin of the given idiom. Now, let’s look at its usage:
Example- He turned down the job because it seemed to be a blind alley. Here, we can comprehend that X turned down the job because it seemed to be of no use, eventually leading to lost hope and success.
Let’s examine the given options-
- Option a- ‘Lane closed at one end’ refers to a dead end or a path that is of no use. It is similar in meaning to the given idiom. Hence, it is the correct option.
- Option b- ‘A blind boy’ refers to a boy who is visually impaired. It is different in meaning to the given idiom. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
- Option c- ‘A blind puppy’ refers to a visually impaired puppy. It is different in meaning to the given idiom. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
- Option d- ‘Absent-minded’ refers to someone who is forgetful or inattentive. It is different in meaning to the given idiom. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
- Option e- ‘Ignorant man’ refers to a man who is unknowledgeable or unlearned. It is different in meaning to the given idiom. Hence, it is an incorrect option.

> The correct answer is Option ‘a’.

Note: The above given phrase is an idiom that refers to a group of words or a phrase that is different in meaning to the literal meaning of its words.