Question

Choose the correct meaning of the given phrase.
“To carry matters with a high hand”
a) To overcome opposition
b) To gain point
c) To continue beyond
d) To domineer
e) Take away into captivity

Answer 1

Hint: The phrase ‘to carry matters with a high hand’ refers to ‘to deal with something in an overbearing manner’. This phrase is relatively uncommon in today’s time. However, it is used academically.

Complete answer:
 The phrase ‘to carry matters with a high hand’ can be used in a sentence in the following way:
For example, in the sentence ‘The owner of the industry carried matters with a high hand and expelled two workers who were slacking’, the idiom is used to emphasize the fact that the owner was especially strict in dealing with the workers who were underperforming. This makes you note the severity of the idiom when used in such a way.

Now, we know the exact meaning and usage of the given idiom. Let’s look at the given options:

a) To overcome opposition - The phrase ‘to overcome opposition’ refers to ‘winning over and convincing people who disagreed with you’. This is not the meaning of the given idiom. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
b) To gain point - The phrase ‘to gain point’ refers to ‘scoring an advantage’. This is not the meaning of the given idiom. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
c) To continue beyond - The phrase ‘to continue beyond’ refers to ‘deciding to resume work or a journey beyond the original goals/destination’. This is not the meaning of the given idiom. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
d) To domineer - The phrase ‘to domineer’ refers to ‘assert one's will over another in an arrogant way’. This is the exact meaning of the given idiom. This is the required answer. So, this is the correct option.
e) Take away into captivity - This phrase refers to ‘caging something or an animal’. This is not the meaning of the given idiom. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.

Note:
Use the given phrase in a sentence in order to understand its meaning perfectly.
Then, go through the options and choose the answer with the meaning that is closest to the given phrase.