Select the most appropriate idiom that can substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. Tom was overwhelmed with work and found it difficult to manage everything.

Appeared in: DSSSB 6 September 2024

Explanation

The idiom 'at the end of his rope' signifies reaching the absolute limit of one's patience, endurance, or resources when facing a difficult situation.
This expression perfectly captures the feeling of being completely overwhelmed and unable to cope any longer.
The sentence describes Tom as 'overwhelmed with work' and finding it 'difficult to manage everything,' which is the exact emotional and situational state conveyed by being 'at the end of his rope'.

Option A: This idiom means 'in summary' or 'briefly.' It is used for conciseness, not to describe a state of being overwhelmed.
Option B: This idiom means to succeed or escape by a very narrow margin. It implies success, albeit a difficult one, not the feeling of being overwhelmed and unable to manage.
Option C: This idiom refers to initiating conversation or social interaction to ease tension. It is completely unrelated to workload or stress.

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.
While not a clinical question, understanding figurative language is crucial for therapeutic communication. A patient might use an idiom like 'I'm at the end of my rope' to express severe distress, anxiety, or depression.
Recognizing this as a cry for help, rather than a literal statement, allows the nurse to assess the patient's psychosocial state and provide appropriate support or intervention.
Misinterpreting such idioms can lead to missing vital cues about a patient's mental health and well-being.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the underlined phrase in the sentence: 'overwhelmed with work and found it difficult to manage everything.' Identify the core meaning, which is a state of extreme stress and inability to cope.
Next, read each of the four idiom options.
Evaluate the figurative meaning of each idiom. Think about the context in which you have heard them used.
Compare the meaning of each idiom to the core meaning of the underlined phrase.
Eliminate the idioms that do not match. 'In a nutshell' is about summarizing. 'By the skin of his teeth' is about a narrow success. 'Breaking the ice' is about social interaction.
Select the idiom that is the closest match. 'At the end of his rope' directly conveys a sense of being overwhelmed and out of patience, making it the correct substitute.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full DSSSB 6 September 2024

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