Question

Choose the correct meaning of the given phrase-
“To give currency”

a)To misinterpret
b)To make publicly known
c)To bestow importance
d)To allow to flow
e)To originate

Answer 1

Hint: The above-given phrase is an idiom; an idiom refers to a group of words or a phrase that has a different meaning from the literal meaning of its words.

Complete answer:
As given in the hint, idioms are commonly used to refer to the metaphorical meaning of the words.
“To give currency” refers to making something seem more probable by adding extra details or information about it in the public.
Example- The actor released his own private story by giving currency to the reporters. Here, we can understand that the actor released his private story by announcing it publicly to the reporters.
Let’s look at the given options-

a)To misinterpret- It means to be misguided or inaccurate about something. It is different in meaning to the above-given idiom. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
b)To make publicly known- It means to express or disclose something in front of a public audience. It is similar in meaning to the above-given idiom. Hence, it is the correct option.
c)To bestow importance- It means to honor someone with importance and values. It is different in meaning to the above-given idiom. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
d)To allow to flow- It means to leave something undisrupted or undisturbed. It is different in meaning to the above-given idiom. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
e)To originate- It means to begin or start from a specific place. It is different in meaning to the above-given idiom. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
The correct answer is Option ‘b’.

Note: Do not get confused between the literal meaning and the metaphorical meaning of the words. Keep in mind that idioms only follow the metaphorical meaning.