Question

Choose the correct meaning of the idiom/phrase-
                                 To die in harness
a)Riding a horse
b)In a stable
c)In a uniform
d)Still in service

Answer 1

Hint: Idioms refer to those words that have a particular meaning when placed together, which is different from the meaning of each word on its own.

Complete step-by-step answer:

 The idiom, to die in harness was first used by Shakespeare in his play Macbeth. Macbeth uses this idiom before his battle with Macduff and states that at least they would die with a harness on their back. Such a death is considered to be quite praiseworthy and commendable.

Let us understand the meaning of the idiom- To die in harness.

It refers to keep working till the end, or to die prior to retirement.

Example- The soldier feared dying in a harness before his marriage.

If we look at the actual meaning of each word, it would possess a completely different meaning- To die in an equipment used to fasten domestic animals to a cart or a plough.

We can also symbolize harness with a person’s duty and job, as a domestic animal is tied to a harness to complete its job.

Hence, we understand idioms as depicting a completely different meaning than the original.
The answer is Option D- Still in service.


Note: Keep in mind, idioms portray a meaning opposite or completely different from the actual meaning of the words.