Question

Difficulty: EasyFigurative Language and Figures of Speech in Context

Read the short sentence below and identify the contextual meaning of the metaphor used. Complete the sentence by filling in the blank with the correct word.

Answer:When the manager stated that the new project was a 'castle built on sand', he meant that the project lacked a solid 【foundation】.

Answer

The expression 'castle built on sand' metaphorically indicates something that lacks a solid foundation or stability.
The figurative expression compares a vulnerable project to a castle constructed on weak, shifting sand, directly signifying a lack of a strong or solid foundation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the figurative expression in the text.
The phrase 'castle built on sand' is used metaphorically.
Sand shifts easily and cannot support heavy structures, serving as an image of instability.
2
Relate the metaphor to the context of the project.
Describing a project as a castle built on sand implies it is weak, unreliable, and lacks firm support.
The core contextual meaning points to a missing structural base or foundation.

Key Concept

Understanding Metaphorical Meaning in Context
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