In the following question, choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the idiom "Do not put all your eggs in one basket".

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: do not risk everything on the success of one venture

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This idiom question asks you to interpret the well known English saying Do not put all your eggs in one basket. It is a common metaphor used in business, finance, and everyday life. The exam expects you to understand the figurative meaning rather than the literal image of eggs and a basket.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Idiom: Do not put all your eggs in one basket.
  • We must choose the statement that reflects its real meaning.
  • Options include ideas about risk, multiple attempts, children, and wealth.
  • The correct meaning must involve concentration of risk in a single plan or venture.


Concept / Approach:
The idiom warns against putting all resources, money, or hopes into a single plan or investment. If that one plan fails, you lose everything. Therefore, the underlying advice is to diversify and not depend entirely on one opportunity. The option that states do not risk everything on the success of one venture captures this meaning accurately and directly.



Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Visualise the literal image: all eggs in one basket, which, if dropped, will break all the eggs at once.Step 2: Translate that image into a general principle: do not concentrate all your resources in one place.Step 3: Look at each option and see which one mentions the risk of depending on only one venture.Step 4: Option B says do not risk everything on the success of one venture, which fits perfectly.Step 5: Confirm that other options introduce ideas that are not part of the idiom, such as avoiding all risk or talking about children.



Verification / Alternative check:
In practical life, financial advisors often tell investors not to put all their money into a single stock or business. They explicitly use this idiom to stress that one failure should not wipe out everything. This real life usage matches option B exactly. Options that talk about avoiding risky ventures altogether or dividing wealth among family members do not capture the idea of diversification and are therefore incorrect.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • avoid risky ventures if you want to be successful in life: The idiom does not say avoid all risk; it talks about spreading risk instead.
  • one should try multiple things, at least one will succeed: This is close to the idea of diversification but focuses on attempts rather than on not risking everything on one plan. It is less precise.
  • those who are blessed with more children are happier: This has nothing to do with the idiom.
  • wealth should be divided equally among family members: This is about distribution of wealth in families, not about investment risk.


Common Pitfalls:
Some students confuse the idiom with general advice about avoiding risk. However, sensible advice is not to avoid all risk but to manage it. The idiom specifically refers to the danger of concentration, not the presence of risk itself. Focusing on the phrase all in one helps you see that it is about not putting everything in a single place.



Final Answer:
The idiom Do not put all your eggs in one basket means do not risk everything on the success of one venture.


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