Question

Choose the correct meaning of the given phrase.
"To leave someone in the lurch"
a. To come to compromise with someone
b. Constant source of annoyance to someone
c. To put someone at ease
d. To desert someone in his difficulties
e. None of these

Answer 1

Hint: A phrase is an expression whose meanings cannot be inferred from the meanings of the words that make it up.

Complete step by step solution:
In the given question, the phrase "To leave someone in the lurch" refers to abandon or desert someone in difficult straits. For example, Mark was angry enough to quit without giving notice, leaving his coach in the lurch.

Let us analyze the options given to us in this question:
> Option (a.), 'To come to compromise with someone', refers to compromising with someone over something that was a disagreement before.
Therefore, option (a.) is incorrect as it does not indicate anyone being abandoned in a tough situation.

> Option (b.), ‘Constant source of annoyance to someone', refers to continually being the reason of annoyance to somebody.
Therefore, option (b.) is incorrect as it does not indicate anyone being abandoned in a tough situation.

> Option (c.), ‘To put someone at ease', refers to freeing someone from anxiety or stress; allowing them to relax.
Therefore, option (c.) is incorrect as it does not indicate anyone being abandoned in a tough situation.

> Option (d.), ‘To desert someone in his/her difficulties', refers to leaving/abandoning someone when they are in a tough position.
Therefore, option (d.) is correct.

> Option (e.), ‘None of these', is incorrect as option (d.) is correct.

Note: In such a question, if you do not know the meaning of the given phrase, then analyze the words in the phrase. For example, the word ‘leave’ indicates abandoning or deserting someone.