Match each phrasal or prepositional verb listed in Column A with its corresponding contextual meaning in Column B.
- harp onTo talk continuously and tediously about a particular matter
- whittle downTo reduce the overall size or quantity of something gradually
- zero in onTo direct all undivided attention toward a specific subject or target
- bargain forTo anticipate or take into account as a likely possibility
Answer
'harp on' matches with 'To talk continuously and tediously about a particular matter'; 'whittle down' matches with 'To reduce the overall size or quantity of something gradually'; 'zero in on' matches with 'To direct all undivided attention toward a specific subject or target'; and 'bargain for' matches with 'To anticipate or take into account as a likely possibility'.
Each phrasal verb correctly corresponds to its established figurative definition: 'harp on' means to dwell on something tediously; 'whittle down' means to cut back or reduce gradually; 'zero in on' means to focus sharply; and 'bargain for' means to anticipate or factor in.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Understanding contextual meanings of idiomatic phrasal and prepositional verbs in English
Estimated Time:1m 0s