Question

Choose the most appropriate alternative meaning to the given idiom/phrase.
IN THE GUISE OF.
A. In the clock of
B. In the colour of
C. In the semblance of
D. In the pretense of

Answer 1

Hint: The phrase ‘ in the guise of’ means to look like something or someone else than the actuality, in the appearance of. Example: “He swindles innocent people, in guise of friendship”. Look for a phrase among the given options which is near in meaning or best expresses the given phrase.

Complete step by step answer:
Let us analyse each option individually to know the correct answer.
In the clock of This phrase means the amount of time since something started, or to measure the time taken to do a particular task. The meaning of this phrase is not similar to the meaning of the given phrase, therefore, it is an incorrect word.
In the color of: The word color means the characteristic of visual perception. This phrase also has nothing in common with the given phrase, therefore, it is an incorrect option.
In the semblance of: The word semblance means an outward appearance, when the reality is different, similarity, resemblance, a situation that is expected but not hoped for. This is similar to the given phrase therefore can be an alternative to it.
In the pretense of: The word pretense means to use a false impression in order to hide the reality. Though this is close to the meaning of the given phrase, still not the exact answer. Therefore, this is an incorrect option.

So, the correct answer is “Option D”.

Note:
Though the words semblance and pretense are close to each other, the motive of guise and semblance are the same, that is in the appearance of. Some more synonyms of the word ‘guise’ are demeanor, disguise. Some antonyms of the same word are rear, reality.