In the following English idiom question, the expression "In the teeth of" is given. Out of the four alternatives listed, choose the option that best conveys the correct meaning and normal usage of this idiomatic phrase.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Inspite of something

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question examines the candidate's understanding of the English idiom "in the teeth of". Idioms often carry figurative meanings that are not obvious from the individual words. In examinations, such idioms are tested to determine whether learners are familiar with natural English expressions. Here, we must connect the phrase "in the teeth of" with its typical meaning in sentences related to opposition, resistance, or difficulties.


Given Data / Assumptions:
- The idiom given is "In the teeth of".
- The options are: in fashion, inspite of something, in brief, and fail to keep position.
- Only one option accurately reflects the figurative meaning of the idiom in standard usage.
- We assume common contexts such as politics, sports, or personal struggle where this idiom might appear.


Concept / Approach:
Literally, the word "teeth" suggests direct confrontation, as if facing the teeth of strong opposition. In idiomatic English, "in the teeth of" means "in spite of" or "in the face of" strong opposition, difficulties, or adverse conditions. When a team wins "in the teeth of fierce opposition", it means they succeed despite that opposition. Therefore, the correct answer should include the idea of overcoming or continuing despite difficulties, not something related to fashion, summary, or failure.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall common usage examples such as "The project continued in the teeth of severe criticism", or "The ship sailed on in the teeth of the storm". Step 2: Interpret these examples. In both sentences, the action continues despite strong difficulties or opposition. Step 3: Examine option B, "Inspite of something". Although it has a small spelling error ("Inspite" should be "In spite"), the intended meaning is "despite something", which fits the idiom. Step 4: Check option A, "In fashion". This is about popularity or style and does not match the idea of facing difficulties. Step 5: Check option C, "In brief". This relates to giving a short summary and has no connection with opposition or hardship. Step 6: Check option D, "Fail to keep position". This suggests losing a place or rank, which again does not reflect the sense of continuing despite resistance. Step 7: Because only option B communicates the idea of acting in spite of obstacles, it is the correct meaning of the idiom.


Verification / Alternative check:
To verify further, consider dictionary style definitions that describe "in the teeth of something" as "in spite of something very difficult or strong" or "against strong opposition or difficulty". These definitions map directly onto "in spite of something". Additionally, we can test the options by substituting them into example sentences and checking which one preserves the meaning. For instance, "The charity worked in the teeth of public apathy" becomes "The charity worked in spite of public apathy", and the sentence still makes complete sense.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- "In fashion" deals with what is stylish or popular and has no link to opposition or adversity.
- "In brief" relates to summarising information and is used in completely different contexts.
- "Fail to keep position" suggests losing rank or place, which does not reflect the idea of continuing despite obstacles.


Common Pitfalls:
A typical mistake is to guess idiom meanings based purely on a literal reading of key words. Seeing the word "teeth", some students may imagine aggression or maybe something that bites, but fail to connect it with the established phrase "in the teeth of". Another pitfall is to ignore the preposition "of", which signals that the idiom attaches to a difficulty or obstacle that follows. To avoid such errors, learners should familiarise themselves with idioms through reading and by reviewing commonly tested lists, remembering them as fixed expressions rather than constructing meanings word by word.


Final Answer:
The idiom "In the teeth of" means in spite of something, that is, continuing or acting despite strong opposition or difficulty.

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