Question

Choose the exact meaning of idiom/phrase-
She exhibited remarkable sangfroid during the crisis.
a) Temper
b) Irritation
c) Composure
d) Action

Answer 1

Hint: The dictionary meaning of “sangfroid” is “composure or coolness shown in danger or under trying circumstances”. For example: He made the situation not seem as difficult as it was with his sangfroid manner.

Complete answer:
“Sangfroid” means self-possession or imperturbability, especially under strain. For example: He behaves throughout in a certain sangfroid. In the given question, we are asked to choose the exact meaning of “sangfroid”.
Now, let us examine all the given options to find out the correct answer:
Option ‘a’ is Temper. It is a noun which means a person's state of mind seen in terms of their being angry or calm. For example: He rushed out in a very bad temper.
Option ‘b’ is Irritation. It is a noun which means the state of feeling annoyed, impatient or slightly angry. For example: much to my irritation, Chris fell asleep.
Option ‘c’ is Composure. It is a noun which means the state or feeling of being calm and in control of oneself. For example: She was struggling to regain her composure.
Option ‘d’ is Action. It is a noun which means the fact or process of doing something, typically to achieve an aim. For example : Ending child labour will require action on many levels.
As we have analysed all the given options, we can easily figure out the correct option. Here, the exact meaning of “sangfroid” is “composure”. So, the correct answer is “Option c”.


Note:
All the other options are plausible distractions. One must have a vast vocabulary to do such questions. Here, action cannot be the correct answer because it is “an act” which is not related to the given word “sangfroid”.