From the alternatives given below, choose the correct meaning of the idiom 'to be chuffed to bits'.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Correct Answer
To be very happy or pleased
Explanation
The idiom "to be chuffed to bits" is a popular informal British English expression used to convey an intense feeling of delight, pride, or satisfaction regarding a particular event or accomplishment. The word "chuffed" on its own signifies being proud or pleased, and adding the intensifier "to bits" maximizes this emotional state to mean extremely gratified. This directly aligns with the meaning provided in option 2.
The remaining choices are incorrect because they fail to capture the positive emotional value of the expression. Option 1 ("To be very sad or gloomy") and Option 4 ("To feel very angry") introduce completely opposite, negative emotional states. Option 3 ("To shatter the heart to bits") is an incorrect literal interpretation driven purely by the presence of the word "bits" in the phrase, which bears no relation to the actual idiomatic meaning.
Key Point
Idiomatic expressions should never be interpreted literally by breaking down individual words like "bits." In competitive language exams, recognizing regional colloquialisms like "chuffed" as indicators of high personal satisfaction or joy will help you instantly isolate the correct choice.