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Difficulty: MediumIdioms and Idiomatic Expressions

During the parliamentary investigation, the foreign consultant was discovered to be sailing under false colours throughout the contract negotiations. Which of the following best expresses the meaning of the underlined idiom?

  1. A
    navigating a maritime vessel with unauthorized national flags
  2. acting deceptively by misrepresenting one's true identity or intentionsAnswer
  3. C
    embezzling public funds through illegal offshore banking channels
  4. D
    operating with absolute transparency and adherence to professional standards

Answer

The expression 'sailing under false colours' means acting deceptively by misrepresenting one's true character, identity, or intentions.
The idiomatic phrase 'sailing under false colours' metaphorically means to pretend to be something one is not, or to act deceptively to disguise one's true motives or identity. Therefore, the option describing acting deceptively by misrepresenting one's true identity or intentions is the correct interpretation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the underlined idiomatic expression in context
The idiom 'sailing under false colours' originates from nautical practice where pirate or enemy ships raised friendly flags (colours) to deceive target ships.
Understanding the figurative origin helps identify its modern metaphorical usage in formal contexts.
2
Evaluate the contextual meaning within the sentence
In the sentence, discovering that the consultant was 'sailing under false colours' implies that their credentials, background, or true motives were fraudulent.
Idioms in Use of English tests require selecting the precise figurative interpretation that fits the context.
3
Distinguish the correct meaning from distractor options
The correct definition refers to pretending to be something one is not in order to deceive others.
Literal interpretations of ships/flags, specific unstated criminal acts like embezzlement, or opposite meanings of transparency must be eliminated.

Key Concept

Interpretation of Idiomatic Expressions
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions

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