Question

Choose the correct meaning of the idiom-
Gift of the gab.
a. Gift for hard work
b. Gift undeserved
c. Gift of being a good conversationalist
d. Gift from an unknown person

Answer 1

Hint: Idioms refer to phrases or groups of words that are different in meaning to the literal meaning of its words. ‘Gift of the gab’ refers to the ability to speak fluently and expressively with the confidence of convincing someone to do something.

Complete answer:
The idiom ‘gift of the gab’ has been derived from the Middle English words- Gob and Gabbe, which mean idle talk from the mouth.
We know the meaning and the origin of the given idiom. Now, let’s look at its usage:
Example- The manager’s got the gift of the gab. Here, we can understand that the manager has the ability to speak easily and fluently with the confidence of coaxing people.
Let’s examine the given options-
a). Gift for hard work- It refers to the prize or award presented for being assiduous or diligent. The phrase is different in meaning to the given idiom. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
b). Gift undeserved- It refers to the unnecessary acknowledgment or praise given to a person. The phrase is different in meaning to the given idiom. Hence, it is an incorrect option.

c). Gift of being a good conversationalist- It refers to a person who has the ability to speak with eloquence and fluency. The phrase is similar in meaning to the given idiom. Hence, it is the correct option.

d). Gift from an unknown person- It refers to the praise or prize received from an undisclosed person. The phrase is different in meaning to the given idiom. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
The correct answer is Option ‘c’.

Note: Idioms only refer to the metaphorical meaning than the literal meaning of the words. Carefully read the given options before choosing the most suitable answer.