Question

Choose the exact meaning of the idiom/phrase:

The alpha and the omega.

a)very costly items
b)assorted items
c)the beginning and the end
d)a nice act

Answer 1

Hint: The word ‘alpha’ is the first letter of the Greek alphabet and the word ‘omega’ is the last letter of the Greek alphabet.

Complete answer:

An idiom is a group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words. They are usually metaphorical and are not to be taken literally. For example, the idiom ‘over the moon’ refers to extreme happiness.

‘The alpha and the omega’ is an idiom that refers to the commencement and the termination of something. It is not a very commonly used phrase.

Now, we know the meaning and usage of the given phrase. Let’s look at our available options:

a)very costly items - This phrase refers to expensive objects. This is not the exact meaning of the given phrase. It is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
b)assorted items - This phrase refers to ‘many items’. This is not the exact meaning of the given phrase. It is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
c)the beginning and the end - This phrase refers to ‘the commencement and the termination’. This has the exact same meaning as the given idiom. It is the required answer. So, this is the correct option.
d)a nice act - This phrase refers to ‘a good demeanour/acting’. This is not the exact meaning of the given phrase. It is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.

Note: Understand the meaning of the words ‘alpha’ and ‘omega’. This will help you to understand the exact meaning of the phrase. Then, try to look for a similar meaning in the options.