In the following question, from the four alternatives, select the option that gives the correct meaning of the given idiom.
At the price of fire

Appeared in: DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

The idiom "at the price of fire" signifies that something is extremely expensive or being sold at an exorbitant price.
The word "fire" is used metaphorically to suggest a cost that is damagingly high, much like the destructive financial and personal cost of an actual fire.
An example sentence would be: "Due to the sudden shortage, essential supplies were being sold at the price of fire.".

Option A: This is a literal interpretation of the word 'fire.' Idioms are figurative expressions, and their meaning is not based on the literal definition of the words.
Option C: This phrase is awkwardly worded and does not correspond to the meaning of the given idiom or any standard English idiom. It incorrectly interprets 'price' as an exchange of cherished items rather than a monetary cost.
Option D: Similar to 'To be burnt,' this is a literal action associated with fire. It misses the figurative, metaphorical meaning of the idiom related to cost.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Meaning of English Idioms as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
This question tests general English language skills, which are important for clear communication but do not have a direct clinical application in nursing practice.
Effective communication, which includes understanding figurative language, is a core competency for nurses to interact effectively with patients, families, and colleagues.
What if the question was about a medical term? If the question asked for the meaning of a term like 'pyrexia,' the answer would relate to a clinical sign (fever), and the distractors would be other medical terms. The approach would shift from linguistic analysis to medical knowledge recall.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify that the question asks for the meaning of an idiom, which is a figurative expression, not a literal one.
Read the idiom carefully: "At the price of fire."
Consider the connotations of the keyword, "fire." Fire is often associated with destruction, danger, and significant loss or cost.
Evaluate the options to see which one aligns with a figurative interpretation. Options like "To be burnt" and "To burn" are literal and can be eliminated.
Assess the remaining options. "Very expensive" aligns with the concept of a high, damaging cost associated with fire.
Conclude that "Very expensive" is the most logical figurative meaning for the idiom.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.