Question

Select the meaning of the given phrase/idiom.
To keep the ball rolling
a) to keep playing
b) to keep swimming
c) to be active
d) to maintain the progress of some activity

Answer 1

Hint: The meaning of the given idiom ‘to keep the ball rolling’ refers to ‘maintain the momentum of an activity’.

Complete answer:
There are a number of idioms in the English language that are set phrases that have an assigned meaning. They cannot be changed and their context is always well-defined.

An idiom is a group of words made popular by usage as having a meaning not understood from those of the individual words. They are usually metaphorical and are not to be taken in the literal sense. For example, the idiom ‘break a leg’ is used to wish people luck.

The phrase ‘to keep the ball rolling’ can be used in a sentence as follows: For example, in the sentence ‘We have started making the dough, now you have to keep the ball rolling’.

Now, we know the meaning and usage of this idiom. Let’s look at the given options-
a) to keep playing - This phrase refers to ‘to continue playing’, so this is not the meaning of this given idiom. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
b) to keep swimming - This phrase refers to ‘to continue swimming’, so this is not the meaning of this given idiom. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
c) to be active - This phrase refers to ‘to do physical activity’, so this is not the meaning of this given idiom. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
d) to maintain the progress of some activity - This phrase refers to ‘to maintain the momentum of the activity’, so this is the exact meaning of the given idiom. This is the required answer. So, this is the correct option.

Note:
Identify the context in which the idiom can be used in a sentence and choose the most relevant option. Idioms are predetermined, and they cannot be edited.