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Difficulty: EasyIdioms and Idiomatic Expressions

Select the option that best conveys the meaning of the underlined idiomatic expression in the sentence below.

When questioned by the investigation committee regarding the missing funds, the treasurer accidentally spilled the beans.

  1. revealed the secret informationAnswer
  2. B
    dropped a container of food
  3. C
    confessed to stealing the money
  4. D
    concealed the truth from everyone

Answer

revealed the secret information
The idiomatic expression 'spill the beans' means to disclose confidential or secret information, often inadvertently. In the context of an investigation into missing funds, the treasurer revealing secret facts aligns precisely with this figurative definition.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the underlined idiomatic expression in the sentence context
The idiom is 'spilled the beans'.
Recognizing the phrase as a fixed idiomatic unit prevents literal misinterpretation.
2
Recall the established figurative meaning of the idiom
'Spill the beans' means to prematurely or inadvertently disclose secret or confidential information.
Idiomatic expressions convey non-literal meanings agreed upon by convention.
3
Match the meaning to the correct option
The option stating 'revealed the secret information' accurately captures the sense of disclosing facts.
It directly reflects the non-literal definition without adding unwarranted assumptions.

Key Concept

Interpretation of English Idioms and Fixed Expressions
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions

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