Choose the correct meaning of idiom:
Coals of fire upon his head
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The correct answer is option 4 i.e. To shame an enemy through kindness.
Idiom: Coals of fire upon his head
Meaning: To make someone feel ashamed or guilty by treating them kindly, especially when they expect hostility.
Example: Instead of arguing, he helped his rival, heaping coals of fire upon his head.
Meaning of the other options:
- To punish someone for hypocrisy: Incorrect meaning.
- To provoke guilt through accusation: Opposite idea (involves blame, not kindness).
- To offer false forgiveness: Not implied in the idiom.
Hence, the chosen option is correct.