Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Call someone on the telephone
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question tests your understanding of the idiom give somebody a ring, which is commonly used in informal spoken English. Many idioms involve everyday objects such as rings, but their meanings are often different from the literal meanings of the words. Here you must select the option that best matches how native speakers actually use this expression in daily conversation and writing.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
In informal English, give somebody a ring means to call that person on the telephone. The word ring here refers to the ringing sound a phone makes, not to a jewellery item. While rings are also associated with marriage proposals, the idiom propose marriage is expressed differently, for example, ask for someone's hand. The other options introduce emotional or relational ideas that are not part of the idiom's actual meaning.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall common conversations such as I will give you a ring tomorrow, which clearly means I will call you on the phone tomorrow.Step 2: Connect the word ring with the ringing of a telephone rather than a piece of jewellery.Step 3: Evaluate option C Call someone on the telephone, which matches exactly this everyday usage.Step 4: Check option A Propose marriage. Although rings are used in engagements, the phrase used is give someone a ring or put a ring on someone's finger in a different context, not give somebody a ring as a fixed idiom meaning propose.Step 5: Option B Inform about the death of a loved one is too specific and has no idiomatic support from this phrase.Step 6: Option D Trap somebody in a difficult relationship is a figurative idea not associated with this idiom.
Verification / Alternative check:
Look at additional example sentences. You can say Do not worry, I will give you a ring when I reach home safely. In such contexts, it clearly refers to a phone call. Dictionaries and spoken English guides list give somebody a ring as a phrasal expression for making a telephone call. None of the answer choices except Call someone on the telephone captures this standard meaning.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Propose marriage belongs to a different meaning of ring related to jewellery and engagement, and there is no fixed idiom give somebody a ring used in that sense in modern everyday English. Inform about the death of a loved one is a very specific situation and cannot be inferred from the phrase. Trap somebody in a difficult relationship is an imaginative interpretation, but no such idiomatic usage exists for give somebody a ring. Therefore, these options must be rejected.
Common Pitfalls:
Students may overthink the presence of ring and focus on the image of engagement rings, leading to the marriage proposal option. To avoid this, remember that idioms must be learned in the contexts in which people actually use them and that many such phrases are linked to older technologies like ringing telephones. Always recall sample sentences you have heard or read before selecting an answer.
Final Answer:
The idiom give somebody a ring means Call someone on the telephone.
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