English Idiom — Identify the meaning. Sentence (corrected): He is in the habit of throwing dust in his superiors' eyes.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: To deceive

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
The idiom “to throw dust in someone’s eyes” means to deceive them or to create a distraction so the truth is obscured. It appears in literature, journalism, and corporate commentary to describe deliberate misrepresentation. The possessive form is corrected to “superiors’ eyes,” indicating plural superiors.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Idiom under test: throwing dust in someone’s eyes.
  • Target relationship: an employee versus his superiors.
  • We want the closest meaning that captures intentional deception.


Concept / Approach:
While options B and D hint at visual obstruction or showing falsities, the standard lexical meaning is “to deceive.” The figurative dust prevents clear sight, symbolizing how lies or half-truths confuse a target. Therefore, option C is the canonical paraphrase used in exam prep and dictionaries.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Recognize metaphor: dust → obscurity of truth.Map idiom to single verb: deceive.Confirm workplace context: misleading superiors.Choose option C as precise meaning.


Verification / Alternative check:
Paraphrase: “He habitually deceives his superiors.” This is idiomatic and captures wrongdoing without unnecessary literal imagery.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • To put sand into eyes: Literal; idioms require figurative interpretation.
  • To make blind: Overstates the effect; deception need not be total blindness.
  • To show false things: A symptom of deception, but the core meaning is broader—deception by any means.


Common Pitfalls:
Taking figurative expressions literally. Focus on the communicative intent—misleading someone so they cannot see the true state of affairs.


Final Answer:
To deceive

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