From the alternatives given below, choose the correct meaning of the idiom 'trials and tribulations'.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Correct Answer Various difficulties, hardships, or problems, especially those that test one's courage, endurance, or resolve
Explanation The question asks for the correct meaning of the idiom 'trials and tribulations'. This expression is a classic doublet used to describe the collective adversities, struggles, and hardships that someone faces during a journey or throughout life.
The individual words highlight this meaning. "Trials" refers to troublesome experiences that put a person's patience or endurance to the test, while "tribulations" refers to severe distress or deep suffering.
The other options represent completely different concepts or separate expressions. Option 1 describes a high-pressure environment or an intense test of capability, which is often called a crucible. Option 3 defines the idiom "trial balloon," which means floating a tentative plan to gauge public reaction. Option 4 defines the process of "trial and error," which is a method of solving problems through repeated attempts until a solution is found.
Key Points Idioms like 'trials and tribulations' often pair two words with similar meanings together for emphasis. Recognizing the distinct meaning of related phrases ensures you do not get tripped up by shared keywords on your exam paper.