Question

Choose the exact meaning of the idiom/phrase.
Black sheep
A) A costly item
B) A dark, shiny object
C) A disreputable member of a group
D) A funny man

Answer 1

Hint:Synonyms are the words that have the same or similar meaning and to avoid repetition synonyms are used. For example: the synonym of beautiful is pretty and adorable.

Complete answer:
The meaning of black sheep is ‘a member of a family or group who is regarded as a disgrace to it’. And we must find the correct answer from the options given whose meaning is the same as that of black sheep.

Option A) A costly item - is an incorrect answer because the meaning of a costly item is ‘very expensive or high price’ and this is not the synonym of black sheep because their meanings are not the same. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.

Option B) A dark, shiny object - is an incorrect answer because the meaning of a dark, shiny object is ‘Something that is widely appealing or attention-grabbing for its superficial characteristics, but which is usually not useful, substantial, or long lasting’ and this is not the synonym of black sheep because their meanings are not same. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.

Option C) A disreputable member of a group - is the correct answer because the meaning of a disreputable member of a group is ‘the least reputable member of a group; a disgrace. For example: Uncle Fritz was the black sheep of the family’ and this is the synonym of the word black sheep and they can be used in place of each other because they have similar meaning. Thus, this is the correct answer.

Option D) A funny man - is an incorrect answer because the meaning of a funny man is ‘professional clown or comedian’ and this is not the synonym of black sheep because their meanings are not same. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.

Hence, the correct answer is Option ‘C’.

Note:Synonyms are the words that have same or similar meaning i.e. synonym of black sheep is a disreputable member of a group and antonym are the words that are opposite in meaning and the antonym of black sheep is leading sheep of family favorite. Thus, Option C is the correct answer as the question is all about telling the same or similar meaning of the word black sheep and other options are wrong.