Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: To win
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question asks you to interpret the meaning of the idiom bear the palm. Idioms are fixed expressions whose meaning cannot always be guessed from the literal meanings of the individual words. Many idioms in English originate from historical customs, competitions, or literary sources. Here you must choose the explanation that matches the figurative meaning of the phrase.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Historically, in some ancient competitions, a palm branch or palm leaf was given as a prize or symbol of victory. To bear the palm therefore literally means to carry the token of victory. In modern idiomatic English, the phrase has come to mean to win or to achieve first place in a contest or comparison. So we look for the option that best captures this idea of winning.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the origin: a palm branch as a reward for a victor in ancient games.Step 2: Translate that idea into modern English: a person who bears the palm is the winner or champion.Step 3: Examine option D, To win, which exactly matches this idea.Step 4: Consider the other options. None relate naturally to carrying a symbol of victory.Step 5: Choose option D as the meaning of the idiom.
Verification / Alternative check:
Use the idiom in a sample sentence: Among all the contestants, it was Ravi who bore the palm in the singing competition. This clearly means Ravi won the competition. If we replace bore the palm with won, the sentence retains its meaning, confirming the equivalence.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
To face the consequences: This phrase deals with accepting the results of one’s actions, whether good or bad. It is not connected with victory.To meet death: This simply means to die. There is no traditional link between death and carrying a palm branch as a prize.To be able to predict future: This refers to fortune telling or prophecy and is unrelated to contests or awards.
Common Pitfalls:
When candidates do not know an idiom, they sometimes select an option that seems dramatic or mysterious, such as death or predicting the future. Another pitfall is trying to guess from the words themselves without any cultural background. For idioms, it is important to build a small memory bank of common phrases and their meanings. Knowing even a few such expressions can greatly increase your score in this section because idiom questions often have only one option that truly fits the context of the phrase.
Final Answer:
The idiom bear the palm means To win.
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