Question

Identify the idiom/phrase and choose its exact meaning:
Almost everybody has an eye on the main chance.
A. Waits for the appropriate time
B. Thinks of outwitting his rival
C. Looks for a way out
D. Looks after his own advantage

Answer 1

Hint: An idiom is a figure of speech which is a group of words or a phrase that form a meaning as a group; these words may not mean anything if looked at separately. These phrases are commonly used to express what a person is trying to say with maximum effect. Examples given in additional information.

Complete step by step answer:
The idiom in the given sentence is ‘has an eye on’, which means to say that one is waiting for something to happen which makes them achieve something or win something like a competition or a game. This sentence means everybody is looking to get the main chance; the word ‘chance’ may mean lottery.
Option A – This option may not be a satisfactory meaning to the idiom because it just mentions waiting for the right time, it does not give any indication of winning; hence this is not the right option.
Option B – This option means that one person plays smart in a way to make the other person fall behind or lose. But this does not mean what the idiom says; hence this is not the right option.
Option C – This option means to get out of something that one does not want to be a part of, this too does not satisfy the given idiom; hence this is not the right option.
Option D – This option and option B have slight differences - while option B means to win but not through the right means, this option means to look for your own advantage but not in a way that may harm the other person in any way. Hence this is the right option.

So, the correct answer is “Option D”.

Additional Information:
Examples:
On cloud nine: Extremely happy or excited beyond normal
Out of one’s hair: Getting out of someone’s way, not to cause any trouble
Black sheep of the group: The one who is not up to the mark or as good as the rest of the group.

Note:
Idioms are a great way to add a little extra meaning to writings and give more meaning with less number of words. Identifying the exact meaning of idioms is possible if looked at the context properly.