Question

Choose the correct meaning of the given phrase.
“To be above board”
a) To have a good height
b) To be honest in any business deal
c) To have no doubts
d) To try to be beautiful
e) None of these

Answer 1

Hint:An idiom is a phrase, saying or a group of words that has a metaphorical (not literal) meaning, which has become accepted in common usage. To be above board means something that is honest and is not trying to deceive anyone.

Complete answer:
First let us look into some examples to understand the working of the phrase/ idiom – to be above board. For example – If a plan or business agreement is above board, it is honest and not trying to deceive anyone – then ‘the deal was completely open and above board’.
Now, we can understand that the idiom/ phrase means - Honesty, openness & sincerity.
So, by this we can see that the correct option would be option ‘b’, i.e. to be honest in any business deal. As it is the correct meaning of the phrase/ idiom – to be above board.
Now, why the other options are not correct, let us see what they mean or define –
Option ‘a’ – to have a good height would be an appropriate meaning for ‘dizzying heights’.
Option ‘b’ – is the correct option.
Option ‘c’ – to have no doubts means to accept something is true or false but your opinions remain the same.
Option ‘d’ – to try to be beautiful means to make appear that someone or something is prettier than reality.
Option ‘e’ – none of these means that none of the answers are correct, which is incorrect because option ‘b’ is the correct solution.

Note:
Because idioms don't always make sense literally, you'll need to familiarize yourself with the meaning and usage of idioms. Do not make the mistake of taking each word and then finding the meaning according to them.