Choose the idiom that can replace the underlined words without changing the…
2026
Choose the idiom that can replace the underlined words without changing the meaning of the sentence.
Houses in good neighbourhoods are very rare these days.
Answer: A. Few and far between — ConceptAn idiom is a fixed expression whose overall meaning is not obtained by reading each word literally. To replace a phrase with an idiom, first identify…
- A.
Few and far between
- B.
Cut and dried
- C.
Ever and anon
- D.
Fair and square
Attempted by 8 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Concept
An idiom is a fixed expression whose overall meaning is not obtained by reading each word literally.
To replace a phrase with an idiom, first identify the exact meaning required by the sentence, then choose the idiom with that meaning and grammatical fit.
Application
Here, “very rare” describes houses in good neighbourhoods as scarce and not commonly found. “Few and far between” carries that meaning, so the sentence becomes: “Houses in good neighbourhoods are few and far between these days.”
Contrast
“Cut and dried” means already settled or decided; it does not express scarcity.
“Ever and anon” means occasionally; it expresses the frequency of an event, not the rarity of an object.
“Fair and square” means honestly or according to the rules; it does not describe availability.
Therefore, the appropriate replacement is “few and far between”.