From the given options, choose the appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom in the sentence given below. (Keep in mind the context). That four-bedroom flat has cost me an arm and a leg. I am not sure how I'll repay my debts?

1. A

   To create an embarrassing situation

2. B

   To be a source of injury

3. C

   To make someone lose his/her friends

4. D

   To be very expensive

Appeared in: AIIMS Bhuvneshwar NO- 2018

Explanation

• The idiom 'to cost an arm and a leg' is a common English expression that means something is extremely expensive.
• The context of the sentence, where the speaker has bought a large four-bedroom flat and is now worried about repaying debts, strongly supports the idea of a high cost.
• This phrase emphasizes the significant financial burden the purchase has created, making 'to be very expensive' the correct interpretation.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

• Option A: This option is incorrect because the idiom does not relate to social awkwardness or embarrassment.
• Option B: This is a literal interpretation of the words 'arm' and 'leg'. Idioms have figurative meanings that are different from their literal definitions.
• Option C: The idiom has a financial meaning and is unrelated to social relationships or friendships.

Related Visual

• Visual 1: No visual is required for this question type.

Clinical Relevance

• Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Idiomatic Expressions in English as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
• Understanding idioms is crucial for effective communication, as their figurative meanings often differ greatly from their literal words.
• In any professional setting, misinterpreting an idiom can lead to significant misunderstandings with colleagues, clients, or patients.
• What if the sentence was 'The negotiation for the flat was an arm-wrestle'? The meaning would change to a difficult struggle or contest of wills, not a high price.

How to Approach the Question

• First, read the sentence and identify the underlined idiom: 'cost me an arm and a leg'.
• Next, analyze the context provided in the sentence. The speaker bought a 'four-bedroom flat' and is worried about how to 'repay my debts'.
• This context strongly suggests a financial problem, specifically a very high price.
• Evaluate the given options based on this contextual clue. The phrase 'to be very expensive' directly aligns with the idea of a large debt from a purchase.
• Eliminate the other options as they do not fit the context: embarrassment, physical injury, or losing friends are not related to the financial strain mentioned.

Concept Tested & Keywords

• Concept Tested: Idiomatic Expressions in English
• Stem keywords: idiom, cost me an arm and a leg, four-bedroom flat, repay my debts
• Lead-in keywords: appropriate meaning
• Negative lead-in flag: false

Question ID

QO4qhSeMV4eMRWU5QmSTJu

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