In the following English idiom question, the phrase "All Greek to me" is given. From the four alternatives, choose the option that best expresses the meaning of this idiom as it is commonly used in modern English.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Incomprehensible

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
The idiom "All Greek to me" is widely used in English to signal complete lack of understanding. Such idiomatic expressions frequently appear in competitive exams because they indicate whether candidates are familiar with natural, conversational English. The phrase does not literally refer to the Greek language; rather, it symbolises anything that is difficult to understand, just as a foreign or unfamiliar script would appear confusing to someone who has never studied it.


Given Data / Assumptions:
- The idiom in question is "All Greek to me".
- The options provided are: out of danger, incomprehensible, very dear, and consulting seriously.
- Exactly one option correctly reflects the idiomatic meaning.
- We assume everyday contexts where people comment on how easy or difficult something is to understand.


Concept / Approach:
When a person says "It is all Greek to me", they mean that the subject is completely beyond their understanding, just as a text in unknown characters would be impossible to read. This idiom is often used when referring to complex topics such as advanced mathematics, legal documents, or technical manuals. Therefore, among the options, we must select one that captures the idea of something being unintelligible or not understandable at all.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall typical sentences like "Quantum physics is all Greek to me" or "The new tax code is all Greek to me". Step 2: Interpret these examples. In both situations, the speaker is emphasising that they cannot understand the subject at all. Step 3: Examine option B, "Incomprehensible". This word directly means "impossible to understand" and matches the idea conveyed by the idiom. Step 4: Evaluate option A, "Out of danger". This refers to being safe and has no link with understanding or confusion. Step 5: Evaluate option C, "Very dear". This suggests something loved or treasured and is unrelated to comprehension. Step 6: Evaluate option D, "Consulting seriously". This suggests discussing or taking advice in a serious manner, which again does not match the idiom. Step 7: Therefore, only option B, meaning "incomprehensible", correctly captures the idiom's sense.


Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, one can compare the phrase with similar expressions in other languages where foreign scripts are used as symbols of difficulty. English dictionaries define "It is all Greek to me" as "it is completely unintelligible to me". Substituting "incomprehensible" in example sentences maintains the original meaning: "Quantum physics is incomprehensible to me" is a clear restatement. None of the other options preserves the sense of total confusion about the subject matter.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- "Out of danger" focuses on safety and does not relate to understanding information.
- "Very dear" concerns affection or high value and has no connection with confusion or complexity.
- "Consulting seriously" describes a type of discussion and does not imply lack of understanding.


Common Pitfalls:
Learners may sometimes misinterpret idioms by linking them to literal meanings or by translating them word for word into their own language. Because the word "Greek" appears, some may think the expression refers specifically to the Greek people or culture rather than a general idea of complexity. To avoid such confusion, it is important to memorise idioms as whole units whose meanings are fixed and often historical, rather than logical combinations of the individual terms.


Final Answer:
The idiom "All Greek to me" means incomprehensible, that is, something that cannot be understood.

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