Select the most appropriate idiom to fill in the blank. Sentence: He is ______…
2019
Select the most appropriate idiom to fill in the blank.
Sentence:
He is ______ if he fails at this juncture.
- A.
not worth his salt
- B.
not fit to hold a candle
- C.
out of spirits
- D.
a new kid on the block
Attempted by 81 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Correct answer: "not worth his salt"
Meaning: This idiom means someone does not deserve respect, pay, or a position because they are not competent or effective.
Why it fits: The sentence expresses that failure at this critical point would show he is not competent or deserving; "not worth his salt" directly conveys that idea. Example: He is not worth his salt if he fails at this juncture.
Usage note: You may also see the neutral form "not worth one's salt."
Why the other choices are incorrect:
"not fit to hold a candle" is an incomplete phrasing of the idiom usually given as "not fit to hold a candle to (someone)," meaning far inferior to someone else — it does not convey becoming undeserving because of failure.
"out of spirits" means feeling sad or discouraged, which describes mood rather than competence or worth.
"a new kid on the block" means someone new or inexperienced; it does not express that the person would be undeserving or incompetent if they fail now.
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