Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Suffer negative consequences as a result of ones actions
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
The English idiom "reap the whirlwind" is used to describe a situation in which someone faces severe, often chaotic or destructive consequences because of their earlier actions or choices. This question tests your knowledge of idioms and your ability to connect figurative language with its correct meaning in context, which is a very common skill checked in competitive exams and English proficiency tests.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
The verb "reap" literally means to harvest or gather the results of what has been sown, especially in farming. A "whirlwind" is a violent, fast moving wind. When combined, "reap the whirlwind" suggests that a person is harvesting not a calm crop, but a violent storm. In figurative use, it means that careless or wrongful actions in the past have now produced serious, harmful consequences. To answer such questions, you should focus on the emotional tone and the imagery behind the words, not just the literal dictionary meanings.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the key imagery in the idiom: "reap" (harvest) and "whirlwind" (violent storm).
Step 2: Interpret the figurative meaning: harvesting a storm indicates facing chaos or serious trouble caused by earlier deeds.
Step 3: Read each option and see which one talks about facing negative results of past actions.
Step 4: Option B clearly states "suffer negative consequences as a result of ones actions", which matches the figurative sense.
Step 5: Confirm that the other options do not talk about consequences of past behaviour and therefore do not fit the idiom.
Verification / Alternative check:
You may recall that this idiom is often used in warnings, for example, "If you continue to act irresponsibly, you will reap the whirlwind." This clearly shows that the person will suffer serious consequences later. No idea of comfort, neutrality, or moderation is present. So, cross checking with remembered usage confirms that the idiom is about facing serious negative results caused by earlier actions.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Common Pitfalls:
Candidates sometimes focus only on one word, such as "reap", and think the idiom is about getting results in general, whether good or bad. Others may confuse it with positive expressions about reaping rewards. It is important to read the whole phrase and note the negative, destructive image created by "whirlwind". Ignoring the emotional tone of the idiom or guessing from partial memory can easily lead to selecting an attractive but incorrect option.
Final Answer:
The idiom "reap the whirlwind" means to face or suffer serious negative consequences because of past actions, so the correct option is Suffer negative consequences as a result of ones actions.
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