Choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the idiom “sow wild oats” as used in English.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: To waste time by doing foolish things

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This idiom-based question tests your understanding of the expression “sow wild oats”. Idioms often have meanings that are not obvious from the individual words. This particular idiom traditionally refers to young people, especially young men, behaving in a reckless or foolish way before they settle down to a more responsible life.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The idiom in question is “sow wild oats”.
  • Four different explanations are provided as options.
  • You must choose the one that correctly reflects the standard meaning of the idiom.
  • The exam expects recognition of traditional English idiomatic usage.


Concept / Approach:
Literally, sowing oats refers to planting grain. In the idiom “sow wild oats”, the word “wild” suggests uncontrolled, irresponsible behaviour. The phrase is used to describe wasting one's younger years in foolish or irresponsible activities, rather than focusing on meaningful work or responsibilities. Thus, it is closely related to wasting time in foolish pursuits.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Recall the figurative meaning: to behave in a wild, irresponsible way, often doing foolish things.Check option “To make someone fool”: this would mean to deceive or trick someone, which is not the main idea of the idiom.Check option “To make space to red”: this option appears incorrect and meaningless in standard English usage.Check option “To take revenge”: this refers to retaliating against someone, unrelated to youthful foolishness.Check option “To waste time by doing foolish things”: this matches the accepted meaning that one spends time on silly, irresponsible activities.Therefore, the correct meaning is “To waste time by doing foolish things”.


Verification / Alternative check:
Consider a sample sentence: “In his college days, he sowed his wild oats before becoming a serious businessman.” Replacing “sowed his wild oats” with “wasted time by doing foolish things” preserves the sense that his earlier behaviour was irresponsible and not focused on productive goals.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“To make someone fool” would mean to cheat or trick another person, which is not implied by the idiom. “To make space to red” is not a valid idiomatic expression. “To take revenge” suggests retaliation and anger, whereas “sow wild oats” is about self-indulgent and silly behaviour, often without malice.


Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates may try to interpret the words individually and think of “wild” as angry or violent, leading them towards revenge or harm. It is important to recognize that idioms often come from older agricultural or cultural metaphors and must be learned as fixed phrases with established meanings.


Final Answer:
The idiom “sow wild oats” means to waste time by doing foolish things.

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