Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumIdioms and Idiomatic Expressions

The committee's investigation revealed that the regional treasurer had been using public development funds to feather his own nest. Which of the following best explains the meaning of the underlined expression?

  1. enrich himself for personal gain at the expense of his officeAnswer
  2. B
    purchase expensive bedding and poultry supplies for his private estate
  3. C
    construct comfortable housing shelters for disadvantaged citizens
  4. D
    renovate municipal building interiors using official departmental accounts

Answer

enrich himself for personal gain at the expense of his office
The idiom 'to feather one's nest' means to gain wealth, comfort, or resources for oneself, usually dishonestly or by exploiting one's official position. In the context of the sentence, the treasurer used public funds to enrich himself.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the underlined idiomatic phrase within the context of the sentence.
The expression is 'feather his own nest'.
The sentence describes an investigative finding regarding a treasurer and public development funds.
2
Determine the figurative meaning of the expression.
The idiom means to accumulate personal wealth improperly while holding a position of responsibility.
Idioms convey non-literal meanings that cannot be deduced solely from the definitions of their individual words.
3
Select the option that accurately captures this figurative meaning.
The option stating 'enrich himself for personal gain at the expense of his office' is correct.
It correctly identifies the selfish and illicit personal enrichment implied by the idiom.

Key Concept

Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions
Rate this question

Topics

Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions

More questions from this topic