Question

Choose the correct meaning of the given phrase.
“To cry wolf”

a. To listen eagerly
b. To give false alarm
c. To turn pale
d. To keep off starvation
e. None of these

Answer 1

Hint: An idiom or a phrase is a group of words that are used to denote a special meaning that is different from the literal meaning of the words.

Complete answer:
The phrase ‘to cry wolf’ means to ask or shout for help when it is actually not needed. It deems to other people that the call for help was fake or unnecessary.

On the basis of this meaning and the hint given above, we will analyze each and every option to identify the correct answer.

> Option ‘A’ states that the meaning of the given phrase is to listen eagerly. This is not at all related to the meaning of the phrase ‘to cry wolf’ as explained above. Therefore, option A is incorrect.

> According to option B, the phrase means to give false alarm. This is similar to the meaning explained above that is to call for help when it is not required. Therefore, option B can be possibly correct.

> To turn pale is also not related to the meaning of the phrase to cry wolf. To turn pale signifies to get frightened or nervous. Therefore, option C is also incorrect.

> According to option D, the phrase means to keep off starvation. This is also not correct because to cry wolf does not mean to keep off hunger or starvation. Therefore, this option is also incorrect.

Since, we have identified that option B can be the correct answer, therefore option E that is none of these will be definitely incorrect.

Thus, option B is the correct answer.

Note: The metaphorical meaning of the idioms and phrases should be determined and not the literal meaning in order to know the correct answer.