Question

Out of the given options, choose the one which states the meaning of the given phrase/idiom-
Darkhorse
(a)Unexpected winner
(b)To be different
(c)Natives of Africa
(d)Decide for good reasons

Answer 1

Hint: The given phrase may mean any of the four given options. Most of the idioms/phrases have a metaphorical meaning, same as this one.

Complete answer: In the given question, we are provided with an idiom ‘dark horse'. An idiom is a phrase or expression that typically presents a figurative, non-literal meaning attached to the phrase; but some phrases become figurative idioms while retaining the literal meaning of the phrase. It means - a candidate or competitor about whom little is known but who unexpectedly wins or succeeds. For example, A Gloucester side that could be a dark horse for the title. “Darkhorse” is also a compliment, is used for someone who is unassuming, not expected to step up, but turns out to have surprisingly good abilities.
Now, let us examine all the given options to find out the correct answer :
Option ‘a’ is Unexpected winner. It is the correct answer as it means exactly what the above explanation has.
Option ‘b’ is To be different. It is an adjective which means - not the same as another or each other; unlike in nature, form, or quality. It isn’t related to the given phrase and cannot be the correct answer.
Option ‘c’ is Natives of Africa. It means people who live in Africa. It cannot be the correct answer as the phrase doesn’t have a literal meaning.
Option ‘d’ is Decide for good reasons. It is also an incorrect option because it doesn’t link with the given phrase.
Hence, option ‘a’ is the correct option.

Note: All the other options are plausible distractions. If you face any difficulty in such a question, use the elimination method, it will help a lot. You already know that the metaphoric meaning has to be considered here, so eliminate the literal ones, such as option 'c'.