Question

Select the meaning of the given phrase / idiom.
To cut a sorry figure
a. Present oneself in a bad way
b. Feel sorry
c. Regret
d. To feel unhappy

Answer 1

Hint: The phrase ‘to cut a sorry figure’ means to appear in a manner or make an impression that causes one to be the object of other people’s disapproval.

Complete step-by-step answer:

‘To cut a sorry figure’ is an idiom. Idioms are phrases that have a metaphorical meaning. Their true meaning does not lie in their face value, but in a metaphor that represents the sum of their parts. When you cut a sorry figure, people are likely to perceive you with disdain or pity as a result of your appearance.
Let us look at an example.
The woman cut a sorry figure in her tattered gown
Here, we can see that the woman’s attire causes her to be pitied by others. This wouldn’t have happened if the woman’s gown wasn’t torn. As a society, we give a lot of importance to appearances. In case a person’s outfit is lacking in some manner, they become the object of our disapproval and we feel that the person needs to dress in a better manner. The phrase ‘to cut a sorry figure’ encompasses this sentiment in a few words.
Now, let us look at the question. We have been asked to choose the alternative which means the same as ‘to cut a sorry figure’. This phrase is best described by the meaning of present oneself in a bad way. Therefore, the option ‘a’ is the correct answer.

Note: The other options are distractors. Students need to accurately understand the meaning of the given phrase before they select an answer.