Question

To give a rap on knuckles
Choose the option which best expresses the meaning of
A) to eulogise
B) to chastise
C) to condemn
D) to rebuke

Answer 1

Hint: In the above question we have to choose an option that best expresses the meaning of the given phrase ‘ To give a rap on knuckles’. To give a rap on the knuckles refers to the criticism or punishment that is given in a very lenient manner. It refers to a minor punishment. It is more specifically for the children. It can be in the form of a warning or verbal communication.

Complete answer:
Let us first understand the meaning of the given options:
A) to eulogise - It means to highly appreciate somebody. It is particularly related to appreciation in writing like a speech or poem. It is to show the admiration and respect that you have for people, particularly dead people.
B) to chastise -It means to strongly punish someone for doing something wrong or give a sharp criticism. In a more traditional sense, it implies punishing somebody physically. Like the teacher does to students, the coach does to players.
C) to condemn-It refers to a firm and powerful display of criticism for someone who has done something wrong. It also implies sentencing someone or giving a verdict to punish a wrong person. It is usually related to moral reasons.
D) to rebuke - It refers to the display of anger or to angrily scold someone who has committed a mistake.

The correct option is option ‘D’. To scold angrily for a mistake best expresses the meaning of giving a rap on knuckles.

Note: Rebuke functions both as a noun as well as verb. If it is ‘rebuke’ which means ‘scoldings’ then it functions as a noun. For e.g. Father’s rebuke affected the child greatly. However, if it is ‘ to rebuke’ which means ‘an act of scolding’ then it functions as a verb.