Question

Choose the correct meaning of the phrase: ‘’ Let down’’.
a) Fail
b) Comfort
c) Succeed
d) Stand by
e) None of these

Answer 1

Hint: The phrase ‘’Let down’’ means to disappoint someone by failing to deliver the promised or expected.
Example: Rohan let down his family by scoring less in the exams. (In the given example, the family is ‘let down’ which means that they are disappointed by Rohan’s performance, as they expected him to perform much better in the exams.)

Complete answer:
Let us discuss the given options to conclude the answer:

a) Fail: It means to fall short of success or achievement in something desired, expected or attempted.
Example: The plan failed because of poor management.
Example: Don’t fail to submit the project in time.

b) Comfort: It means to soothe or bring cheer to, console or reassure, support, solace, a pleasant life with enough money.
Example: Ray tried to comfort his friend who lost her mother in a car accident.
Example: He turned to his friend for comfort, when he was distressed.

c) Succeed: It means to have the desired result, turn out successfully.
Example: She succeeded in the exams.

d) Stand by: It means an adherent or a supporter, someone or something which can be relied upon.
Example: We would need a stand by if the tyre gets punctured on the way.

Hence, the correct answer is option a.

Note:
The meaning of the phrase ‘let down’ can be seen as opposite in meaning to the word succeed. It is a negative phrase which often represents disappointment or discouragement.