In this idiom and phrase question, choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the idiom "A blessing in disguise" as it is used in everyday English.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: A misfortune that eventually has good results

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Idioms are fixed expressions whose meanings cannot be understood simply by translating the individual words. The idiom "a blessing in disguise" frequently appears in conversation, motivational speeches, and written texts. Understanding it accurately helps in reading comprehension and in interpreting real life situations described in stories or articles.


Given Data / Assumptions:
• The idiom given is "a blessing in disguise". • Four possible meanings are provided. • You must choose the meaning that matches standard English usage.


Concept / Approach:
"A blessing in disguise" refers to something that at first seems bad, unlucky, or unfortunate, but later turns out to have a beneficial effect. The idea is that the blessing is "hidden" under the appearance of a problem. To answer correctly, you must recall or infer this established meaning and then match it to the option that describes a misfortune eventually leading to good results. Idiom questions reward familiarity developed through reading and listening to natural English.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that many people use this idiom when they find that a setback or difficulty has actually helped them in the long term. Step 2: Examine the option "A misfortune that eventually has good results." This directly expresses the idea of something bad turning out to be good later. Step 3: Compare this with your understanding of the idiom. It matches exactly. Step 4: Check the other options to confirm that they do not accurately describe the idiom. Step 5: Select "A misfortune that eventually has good results" as the correct answer.


Verification / Alternative check:
Consider a simple example. Suppose someone misses a train and feels upset, but later learns that the train met with an accident. Missing the train, which first seemed unlucky, actually saved the person. In that situation, missing the train is called a blessing in disguise. This story clearly supports the interpretation that the idiom describes an event that seems negative but is secretly beneficial.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"A person who has changed so much that he is now unrecognisable" describes someone whose appearance or behaviour has altered, but this has nothing to do with hidden blessings. "A prayer asking for God's favour" relates to the word "blessing" alone, not to the complete idiom with "in disguise". The idiom is about events, not prayers. "A bad person hiding his face behind a mask" focuses literally on disguise and a wrongdoer, which again does not match the positive and ironic sense of the idiom.


Common Pitfalls:
Some learners get distracted by the word "disguise" and think of physical hiding or masks, which leads them to wrong interpretations. Others may treat idioms as if they can be translated word by word, which is not reliable. The best way to master idioms is to learn them in context, along with sample sentences and short stories. Over time, repeated exposure fixes their figurative meanings firmly in memory.


Final Answer:
The idiom "a blessing in disguise" means a misfortune that eventually has good results.

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