Question

: What is the meaning of the idiom ‘curtain lecture’?
a)First official speech
b)Use of sugar-coated language
c)A private reprimand by wife to her husband
d)In full detail

Answer 1

Hint: An idiom refers to a phrase or a group of words that have a different meaning from the obvious meaning of its words.

Complete step-by-step answer:

Curtain lecture refers to a scolding or a rebuke given by a wife to her husband in private. ‘Curtain lecture’ was first used in 1864 as the title of a book written by Mrs. Caudle.
We know the meaning and origin of the given idiom. Now, let’s look at its usage:
Example- Mr. John was given a curtain lecture by her wife. Here, we can understand that Mr. John was scolded in private by his wife.
Let’s examine the given options:
a)First official speech- It refers to the first official speech presented to a live audience. It is different in meaning to the given idiom. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
b)Use of sugar-coated language- It means to constantly praise someone. It is different in meaning to the given idiom. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
c)A private reprimand by wife to her husband- It refers to a private scolding by wife to her husband. It is similar in meaning to the given idiom. Hence, it is the correct option.
d)In full detail- It refers to something that is described with full description and information. It is different in meaning to the given idiom. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
The correct answer is Option ‘c’.

Note: Curtain is used to representing something that is done in private. Hence, we can see a link between the literal meaning and the metaphorical meaning of the given idiom.