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Difficulty: MediumPhrasal Verbs and Prepositional Verbs

Match each of the following phrasal verbs with its appropriate contextual meaning as used in formal English.

  • paper overto conceal or gloss over flaws superficially rather than resolving them
  • hit uponto discover or think of an idea unexpectedly or by chance
  • saddle withto burden someone with an unwelcome task or heavy responsibility
  • whip upto deliberately incite or excite strong feelings and enthusiasm

Answer

1. 'paper over' matches 'to conceal or gloss over flaws superficially rather than resolving them'. 2. 'hit upon' matches 'to discover or think of an idea unexpectedly or by chance'. 3. 'saddle with' matches 'to burden someone with an unwelcome task or heavy responsibility'. 4. 'whip up' matches 'to deliberately incite or excite strong feelings and enthusiasm'.
Each phrasal verb is correctly paired according to standard English idiomatic usage: 'paper over' expresses superficial concealment; 'hit upon' denotes unexpected discovery; 'saddle with' signifies imposing a burden; and 'whip up' means inciting enthusiasm or emotion.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the figurative meaning of 'paper over'.
Recognize that 'paper over' originates from applying wallpaper over wall cracks, signifying a superficial attempt to hide underlying flaws.
Matching to the definition describing superficial concealment of issues.
2
Analyze the meaning of 'hit upon'.
Identify that 'hit upon' denotes arriving at an insight or solution accidentally or unexpectedly.
Matching to the definition regarding discovering an idea by chance.
3
Analyze the expression 'saddle with'.
Recognize the metaphor of placing a heavy saddle onto a horse, implying placing a burdensome task or obligation onto someone.
Matching to the definition describing burdening someone with an unwelcome task.
4
Analyze the expression 'whip up'.
Identify that 'whip up' means to vigorously excite or stir feelings, enthusiasm, or public sentiment.
Matching to the definition of deliberately inciting strong feelings.

Key Concept

Phrasal and prepositional verb semantic mapping in standard English
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Topics

Phrasal Verbs and Prepositional Verbs

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