Question

Select the correct meaning of the given phrase.
“To stand on ceremony”
a- To endure
b- To behave in a formal manner
c- To be polite
d- To be consistent
e- To oppose

Answer 1

Hint: An idiom refers to a phrase or a group of words that indicate a metaphorical meaning in comparison to the literal meaning of its words. ‘To stand on ceremony’ refers to behaving in a formal or prescribed manner.

Complete answer:
The given phrase was derived in the late 18th century from the writings of the English writer, Jane Austen, indicating the obedience of a person to follow respectful norms and rules.
We know the meaning and the origin of the given idiom. Now, let’s look at its usage-
For example- Our boss asked to keep eating and do not stand on ceremonies. Here, we can comprehend that X and Y’s boss asked them to keep eating and avoid maintaining formalities.
Let’s examine the given options-
Option a- ‘To endure’ is an incorrect option because the given idiom is different in meaning.
Option b- ‘To behave in a formal manner’ is the correct option because the given idiom is similar in meaning.
Option c- ‘To be polite’ is an incorrect option because the given idiom is different in meaning.
Option d- ‘To be consistent’ is an incorrect option because the given idiom is different in meaning.
Option e- ‘To oppose’ is an incorrect option because the given idiom is different in meaning.
The correct answer is Option ‘b’.

Note:
 Some synonyms for the given idiom are; behave, treat, conform, etc while some antonyms for the given idiom are; oppose, deny, disagree, etc.