Select the most appropriate option that can substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence.
Sarah pretended not to understand the hint he gave.

1. A

   broke the ice

2. B

   turned a blind eye

3. C

   let the cat out of the bag

4. D

   played it by ear

Appeared in: DSSSB 13 August 2024

Explanation

• The idiom 'turned a blind eye' means to knowingly and intentionally ignore something, such as a fact, a problem, or a person's actions.
• In the context of the sentence, 'pretended not to understand the hint' implies a deliberate act of ignoring the hint.
• Therefore, 'turned a blind eye' is the most accurate and fitting substitution for the underlined phrase, as it conveys the same meaning of willful ignorance.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

• Option A: This idiom means to initiate a social conversation or relieve tension. It is about starting an interaction, not ignoring one.
• Option C: This idiom means to reveal a secret. The sentence is about ignoring a hint, not revealing confidential information.
• Option D: This idiom means to improvise or act without a plan. Sarah's action of ignoring the hint is a deliberate choice, not an act of improvisation.

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Clinical Relevance

• Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Understanding and applying English idioms in context as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
• A strong command of idioms is crucial for clear and nuanced communication, which is essential in professional settings, including healthcare, for correctly interpreting what patients and colleagues mean.
• English proficiency sections of competitive exams, including those for nursing admissions, frequently test knowledge of idioms to assess a candidate's overall command of the language.
• What if? If the underlined phrase was 'decided to act spontaneously without a plan,' the correct idiom would be 'played it by ear,' highlighting the importance of matching the precise meaning.

How to Approach the Question

• First, determine the literal meaning of the underlined phrase: 'pretended not to understand the hint he gave'. This clearly indicates an act of intentional ignorance.
• Next, analyze the meaning of each idiom provided in the options.
• 'Broke the ice' means to start a conversation.
• 'Turned a blind eye' means to ignore something on purpose.
• 'Let the cat out of the bag' means to reveal a secret.
• 'Played it by ear' means to improvise.

Concept Tested & Keywords

• Concept Tested: Understanding and applying English idioms in context.
• Stem keywords: substitute, underlined segment, idiom
• Lead-in keywords: most appropriate

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