Read the passage excerpt below and match each figurative expression on the left with its intended contextual meaning on the right:
"During the policy debate, the delegate described the compromise as 'a soft pillow stuffed with sharp rocks', lamented that the committee was 'drowning in dry speeches', and urged members not to ignore 'the loud whispers of reform' echoing through the country."
- a soft pillow stuffed with sharp rocksA seemingly comforting proposal that conceals harsh underlying difficulties
- drowning in dry speechesBeing completely overwhelmed by tedious, uninspiring discourse
- the loud whispers of reformSubtle yet unmistakable indications of impending structural change
Answer
The correct matches pair 'a soft pillow stuffed with sharp rocks' with 'A seemingly comforting proposal that conceals harsh underlying difficulties', 'drowning in dry speeches' with 'Being completely overwhelmed by tedious, uninspiring discourse', and 'the loud whispers of reform' with 'Subtle yet unmistakable indications of impending structural change'.
Each expression derives its true meaning from the literary devices employed (oxymoron and hyperbole/metaphor) within the passage's thematic context of political deliberation.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Contextual Interpretation of Figurative Expressions