In the following question, choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the idiom 'in a jiffy'.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Something that is done very quickly

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question examines understanding of the idiom in a jiffy. Idioms are fixed expressions whose meanings are not always obvious from the individual words. They are frequently tested in competitive exams because they are widely used in spoken and informal written English. Knowing that in a jiffy refers to speed is important for both comprehension and effective communication.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Idiom: in a jiffy.
  • Options: Fail to win appreciation, In an appropriate manner, Something that is done very quickly, and To fall in love.
  • The task is to select the option best matching the idiomatic meaning.


Concept / Approach:
In everyday English, in a jiffy means in a very short time or very quickly. It is a casual way of saying that something will be done almost immediately. The phrase is similar in sense to in no time or in a flash. Among the options, the one that clearly captures this meaning is Something that is done very quickly. The other options deal with success, correctness, or emotional attachment and have no relation to speed.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the meaning of in a jiffy as used in common speech: very quickly or almost at once.Step 2: Examine Option C: Something that is done very quickly. This directly states the idea of speed and immediate action.Step 3: Examine Option A: Fail to win appreciation. This describes a lack of recognition or praise, unrelated to time.Step 4: Examine Option B: In an appropriate manner. This relates to correctness or suitability, not quickness.Step 5: Examine Option D: To fall in love, which is about emotional attachment and again unrelated to speed.Step 6: Since only Option C reflects the core idea of quickness, it is the correct answer.


Verification / Alternative check:
Use example sentences for verification: I will fix your laptop in a jiffy means I will fix it very quickly. Another sentence is She will be ready in a jiffy, which indicates that she will be ready almost immediately. Replacing in a jiffy with very quickly or in no time keeps the meaning unchanged. The other suggested options do not fit these sentences, confirming that the idiom relates specifically to speed.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Fail to win appreciation describes a result of an action (lack of praise), not the speed at which the action is performed.
  • In an appropriate manner is about doing something correctly or suitably but may be quick or slow; it does not inherently refer to time.
  • To fall in love is about emotional change and has no direct connection with performing an action quickly.


Common Pitfalls:
Because the word jiffy is informal and not used in many textbooks, some learners may confuse it with other slang expressions or guess based on sound rather than meaning. Another pitfall is overthinking the options and trying to relate the idiom to feelings or success, when in reality it is simply a casual time expression. Regular exposure to conversational English, films, and reading can help learners become familiar with such idioms.


Final Answer:
The idiom in a jiffy means something that is done very quickly or in a very short time.

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