Examkin

Question

Difficulty: HardIdioms and Idiomatic Expressions

In the sentence below, choose the option that BEST explains the underlined idiomatic expression.

During the press conference, rather than showcasing his firm's latest achievements, the managing director chose to cry stinking fish before potential investors.

What does the underlined expression mean in this context?

  1. disparage or speak ill of his own organizationAnswer
  2. B
    sell substandard or contaminated products to the public
  3. C
    praise his company's accomplishments enthusiastically
  4. D
    protest bitterly against aggressive market competitors

Answer

disparage or speak ill of his own organization
The idiomatic expression 'cry stinking fish' means to depreciate or speak badly of one's own efforts, goods, or group. In the sentence, the phrase 'rather than showcasing his firm's latest achievements' indicates that the director engaged in self-deprecating criticism rather than self-praise.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the target idiomatic expression in the sentence.
The target expression is 'cry stinking fish'.
The sentence presents this idiom to evaluate its contextual figurative meaning.
2
Analyze the context of the sentence for clues.
The context contrasts showcasing achievements ('rather than showcasing...') with what the director chose to do ('chose to cry stinking fish').
The contrast indicator 'rather than' signals an action opposing positive self-presentation.
3
Retrieve the figurative meaning of the idiom and select the matching option.
'Cry stinking fish' means to criticize or decry one's own belongings, business, or party. Therefore, disparaging one's own organization is the correct interpretation.
Idioms cannot be interpreted literally; their established figurative meanings must be applied to the context.

Key Concept

Idiomatic Interpretation in Context
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Rate this question

Topics

Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions

More questions from this topic