In the following question, four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase "With one voice". Choose the alternative which best expresses its meaning.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Unanimously

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question deals with the idiom "with one voice", often used in news reports, political discussions and formal resolutions. It describes how a group expresses agreement or makes a decision. Understanding this idiom helps you interpret statements about collective actions and official decisions in English.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Idiom: "With one voice".
  • Options: By one man, By one community, Unanimously, In disharmony.
  • We assume the phrase refers to how a group speaks or decides.


Concept / Approach:
The idiom "with one voice" means that everyone in a group expresses the same opinion or decision; in other words, they agree completely. This corresponds to the adverb "unanimously". The phrase does not refer to a single person literally speaking, but to a group acting as if they had one shared voice. So, the correct choice is the one that emphasises complete agreement by all members of a group.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall typical usage: "The committee spoke with one voice against corruption." This means every member was against corruption. Step 2: Consider option (a) "By one man". This suggests an individual acting alone, which is the opposite of a group speaking together. Step 3: Consider option (b) "By one community". This is closer to a group, but it does not capture the idea of complete agreement within that community. Step 4: Consider option (c) "Unanimously". This means "with complete agreement by everyone involved", which matches the idiom's meaning exactly. Step 5: Consider option (d) "In disharmony". This means in disagreement or conflict, which is the opposite of what "with one voice" implies. Step 6: Therefore, "Unanimously" is the correct interpretation.


Verification / Alternative check:
You can replace the idiom in sample sentences: "The members voted with one voice to accept the proposal" becomes "The members voted unanimously to accept the proposal." The meaning stays the same. Dictionaries also define "with one voice" as "in complete agreement". The phrase is especially common in political and organisational contexts: "The nations spoke with one voice at the conference." This further confirms that "unanimously" is the closest match among the options.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • By one man: Refers to a single person, whereas the idiom is about group behaviour.
  • By one community: This could mean one community acting, but it does not necessarily say the members inside that community are unanimously agreeing.
  • In disharmony: Implies disagreement or conflict; this is exactly the opposite of acting "with one voice".


Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates misinterpret "with one voice" literally and think only in terms of quantity (one person, one community). However, idioms must be understood figuratively. Here, "one voice" symbolises unified opinion, not a literal single speaker. To improve at idioms, practice reading them in real sentences and focus on the overall sense rather than individual words.


Final Answer:
The idiom "With one voice" means unanimously (with complete agreement).

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