In the following question, choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the English idiom or phrase “Best of both worlds”.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: A situation wherein someone has the privilege of enjoying two different opportunities.

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question tests comprehension of the idiom “best of both worlds”, which is widely used in everyday English. Idioms like this appear in articles, conversations, and advertisements because they concisely describe attractive situations. Knowing this phrase helps candidates interpret passages, news articles, and dialogues where people talk about combining advantages from two different setups or lifestyles.


Given Data / Assumptions:
We are given the idiom “Best of both worlds” and four possible explanations. Our task is to identify which one captures its widely accepted meaning. We assume a general context where a person is able to enjoy benefits from two different conditions, such as city life and countryside life, work and study, or tradition and modernity.


Concept / Approach:
The expression “best of both worlds” refers to a situation in which someone enjoys the advantages of two very different things at the same time, without fully giving up either side. For example, working from home a few days and going to office on others can be described as having the best of both worlds. Therefore, we must select the option that highlights the privilege of enjoying two sets of opportunities or benefits together.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that “best” indicates advantages, and “both worlds” indicates two different situations or environments. Step 2: Examine option (a): “Two best teams compete with each other.” This is about competition between teams, which has nothing to do with one person enjoying two advantages. Step 3: Examine option (b): “A situation wherein someone has the privilege of enjoying two different opportunities.” This exactly matches the idea of gaining benefits from two different worlds at once. Step 4: Examine option (c): “Gods who rule heaven and earth.” This brings in mythology and gods, which is unrelated to the idiom's usual meaning. Step 5: Examine option (d): “A person who is respected even by his enemies.” This describes high respect, but not the idea of combined advantages.


Verification / Alternative check:
Consider real life examples. A person who lives in a quiet town but works online for an international company can be said to have the best of both worlds: peaceful surroundings and global career opportunities. Similarly, a student who can study at home but also attend some campus events might feel that they get the best of traditional and flexible learning. None of these examples involve teams competing, gods ruling, or enemies showing respect. They all focus on enjoying two desirable conditions. This supports option (b) as the accurate explanation.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option (a) focuses on competition and does not describe any combined benefit for one person.
Option (c) shifts the meaning to divine beings and mythology, which is unrelated to the idiom as used in modern English.
Option (d) describes admiration from enemies, which is impressive but not connected to having two distinct advantages at once.
Only option (b) clearly states the idea of enjoying two different opportunities together.


Common Pitfalls:
Some learners misinterpret the word “worlds” literally and search for meanings involving planets, gods, or physical places. Others see the phrase “best of both” and mistakenly think of competition between two sides. The key is to remember that idioms are figurative. Here, “worlds” symbolizes different lifestyles, roles, or setups, and the idiom is positive, highlighting a fortunate combination of benefits.


Final Answer:
The idiom “Best of both worlds” means A situation wherein someone has the privilege of enjoying two different opportunities.

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