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Difficulty: HardIdioms and Idiomatic Expressions

During the annual audit, the board of directors cautioned the head of finance that his aggressive tax avoidance strategies were sailing close to the wind. Which of the following options BEST explains the meaning of the underlined idiomatic expression as used in the sentence?

  1. A
    navigating international trade maritime routes to reduce freight costs
  2. acting on the verge of illegal or morally unacceptable behaviorAnswer
  3. C
    adapting company financial policies swiftly to changing market conditions
  4. D
    committing overt criminal fraud that carries mandatory imprisonment

Answer

Acting on the verge of illegal or morally unacceptable behavior
The idiom 'sailing close to the wind' comes from nautical terminology where a boat sails as close as possible to the direction of the wind, risking stalling or capsize. Figuratively, it refers to taking actions that come very close to breaking the law or violating accepted moral standards.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The head of finance is being cautioned by the board regarding aggressive tax strategies.
Contextual clues like 'cautioned' and 'aggressive tax avoidance' point toward risky or boundary-pushing behavior.
2
Determine the figurative meaning of the idiom 'sailing close to the wind'
The idiom means acting close to the limits of what is legal, safe, or socially acceptable.
Idioms cannot be interpreted literally word-for-word; their established metaphorical usage must be applied.
3
Evaluate the options against the idiomatic meaning
The option stating 'acting on the verge of illegal or morally unacceptable behavior' accurately reflects the idiom.
It captures the precise sense of taking dangerous risks near ethical or legal limits without overstepping into outright proven crime.

Key Concept

Idiom Interpretation in Context
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Topics

Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions

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