Idioms – Choose the option that best explains the meaning of the highlighted expression in context. Sentence: In the armed forces, it is considered a great privilege to “die in harness.”

Introduction / Context:
The idiom “to die in harness” does not literally refer to horses. It is a figurative expression meaning to die while still actively engaged in one’s duties. In military culture, this can carry connotations of dedication and service, but the idiomatic core is about being on duty or at work at the time of death.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Domain: armed forces and duty.
• Target idiom: “die in harness.”
• We require the meaning that captures continued service at the time of death.

Concept / Approach:
Historically, “harness” refers to equipment for work or service. Thus, “in harness” generalises to “while at work/while on duty.” The option must express the functional state, not the location (battlefield) or moral evaluation (honour).

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Paraphrase: “considered a privilege to die while still on duty.” This keeps the military context but reflects the idiom’s general meaning, validating the choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• die on a horse back: Literal misinterpretation of “harness.”
• die in the battlefield: Too narrow; the idiom is about being on duty anywhere.
• die with honour: A value judgement, not the idiom’s definitional meaning.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing connotation (honour, bravery) with denotation (state of being at work). Idiom questions usually demand denotative accuracy.

Final Answer:
die while still working