Question

Choose the correct meaning of the given phrase.
“A maiden speech”
A. Speech by a maid
B. First speech of a new member
C. A brief speech
D. A long speech
E. A curtain lecture

Answer 1

Hint:Phrases are words or idioms that are not meant to be taken literally and usually have a traditional meaning behind them.
 A 'maiden speech' is the first speech given by a newly elected or appointed member. We need to find the option whose meaning is the same as the given phrases.

Complete answer:
Option A) Speech by a maid - Option A is incorrect because It means a speech that is given by a maid. It cannot be the meaning of a given phrase. So, this option can be eliminated.

Option B) First speech of a new member – Option B is correct because it has the correct meaning of the given phrase i.e. First speech of a new member. It is the correct meaning of the given phrase “A maiden speech”.

Option C) A brief speech – Option C is incorrect because A brief speech means speech given in very few fords, small. It cannot be the meaning of a given phrase. So, this option can be eliminated.

Option D) A long speech – Option D is incorrect because A long speech means speech that is lasting or taking a great amount of time. It cannot be the meaning of a given phrase. So, this option can be eliminated.

Option E) A curtain lecture - option E is incorrect because Curtain lecture' is an idiom which means 'an instance of a wife scolding her husband in private.' For Example; 'Honey, you know I hate to give you curtain lectures. It cannot be the meaning of a given phrase. So, this option can be eliminated.

Hence, the correct answer is Option ‘B’.


Note: We can also find the meaning of the given phrase by simply comparing the meaning of the base word. Options A, C, D, and E are incorrect because these are not the correct meanings of the given phrase.