Question

Choose the exact meaning of the idiom/phrase.
In abeyance
(a)in absence
(b)in no time
(c)in a nutshell
(d)in suspension

Answer 1

Hint: Understand the meaning of the idiom, in the context of a sentence. This will help you to understand the exact meaning of the phrase. Then, try to look for a similar meaning in the options.

Complete answer: An idiom is a group of words established by usage as having a meaning not understood from those of the individual words. They are usually metaphorical and are not to be taken in the literal sense. For example, the idiom ‘over the moon’ refers to extreme happiness.
The given idiom is describing the pausing of function temporarily. It can be used in a sentence in the following way:
The factory was in abeyance and so, it gave a paid leave to its workers.
So, it is describing the fact that the factory has temporarily shut down and it is giving its workers time off with salary.

Now, we know the meaning and usage of this idiom. Let’s look at the given options:
(a)in absence - The phrase ‘in absence’ refers to ‘in the state of not being present’. It is not the meaning of the given idiom. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
(b)in no time - The phrase ‘in no time’ refers to ‘in a very quick manner’. It is not the meaning of the given idiom. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
(c)in a nutshell - The phrase ‘in a nutshell’ refers to ‘in short’. It is not the meaning of the given idiom. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
(d)in suspension - The phrase ‘in suspension’ refers to a state of disuse’. This has the same meaning as the given idiom. This is the required answer. So, this is the correct option.

Note: The key to tackling questions on idioms is to know what they mean. If you know the meaning, then great, if not guess it the way mentioned in the hint and then use the elimination method while going through the options. Although for using the elimination method you will have to know what the options mean and eliminate the undesired ones to get the correct answer.