In the following question, choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the idiom "Familiarity breeds contempt".

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: close association with someone leads to a loss of respect for them

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This idiom question checks whether you know the figurative meaning of the expression Familiarity breeds contempt. Idioms are phrases whose meanings cannot always be guessed from the literal meanings of their individual words, so they must be learned as fixed expressions. This particular idiom is common in English and appears in many competitive exams.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Idiom: Familiarity breeds contempt.
  • We need to select the option that gives the closest meaning.
  • Options describe different possible interpretations of living closely, routine, and respect.
  • The correct meaning must include the idea of reduced respect or increased dislike.


Concept / Approach:
Familiarity refers to being very well acquainted with something or someone, especially through frequent or prolonged contact. Contempt refers to a feeling of strong disrespect, scorn, or lack of value for someone. Put together, the idiom suggests that the more you are around someone or something, the more likely you are to notice faults and lose respect. Therefore, the correct answer must express that close association gradually leads to a loss of respect.



Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Break the idiom into key ideas: extended familiarity and resulting contempt.Step 2: Look for an option that mentions close association and a decline in respect.Step 3: Option A says close association with someone leads to a loss of respect for them, which matches both parts.Step 4: Check other options to see if they fit: they either focus on routine, crowding, or happiness, without contempt.Step 5: Confirm that option A captures the well known meaning of the idiom.



Verification / Alternative check:
Think of situations where people become too familiar with each other, such as colleagues or even family members who take each other for granted. Over time, some people stop valuing the other person and treat them casually or rudely. This real life behaviour is exactly what the idiom describes. Option A matches this pattern perfectly, while none of the others include the crucial idea of loss of respect.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • if you do an undesirable thing daily then it becomes acceptable: This suggests normalisation of a bad habit, not contempt.
  • too many people living closely will eventually cause bitterness: This refers to overcrowding rather than familiarity between individuals.
  • routine has to be broken to bring excitement to life: This is about boredom, not disrespect.
  • relationships improve when people spend more time together: This says the opposite of the idiom, which is about relationships getting worse.


Common Pitfalls:
Students may be tempted by options mentioning living closely or bitterness, but the key word contempt specifically means strong disrespect. Always focus on the emotional outcome described in the idiom and not only on one of its words taken literally. Matching contempt with loss of respect helps you quickly identify the right answer.



Final Answer:
The idiom Familiarity breeds contempt means close association with someone leads to a loss of respect for them.


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