Question

Complete the sentence with a suitable option:
With reference to telephonic conversation, the phrase ‘cut off’ means _______________________.
a) Cutting of telephone wires
b) To be disconnected abruptly during a telephone conversation
c) Banging the receiver
d) Disinterest of the listener

Answer 1

Hint: A phrase is an expression consisting of one or more words forming a grammatical constituent of a sentence.

Complete answer:
In the given question, we have to find out which of the options includes the options which indicate that ‘cut off’ is used to stop some sort of conversation.
Let us thus analyze the options given to us in this question -
Option (a.), 'Cutting of telephone wires', refers to a technical phrase and is not directly related to ceasing conversation. Therefore, option (a.) is incorrect.
Option (b.), ‘To be disconnected abruptly during a telephone conversation', refers to a sudden cease in the telephonic conversation.
Therefore, option (b.) is correct as it indicates that ‘cut off’ is used to stop some sort of conversation.
Option (c.), ‘Banging the receiver', refers to putting down the receiver very forcefully. Therefore, option (c.) is incorrect.
Option (d.), ‘Disinterest of the listener', does not indicate the ceasing or stopping of the conversation. Therefore, option (d.) is incorrect.

Note:
In this question, it will be helpful for the student to recall that a phrase is not only an expression consisting of one or more words forming a grammatical constituent, but also an expression whose meanings cannot be inferred from the meanings of the words that make it up.