Select the most appropriate expression that can substitute the underlined words in the given sentence.
The watchman tried every possible way to catch the thief of the hostel.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is option 2 i.e. explored every avenue.
Error concept: Incorrect idiomatic expression.
What is wrong: The phrase “tried every possible way” can be more appropriately expressed using the idiom “explored every avenue.” Other options do not convey the intended meaning.
Grammatical concept:
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“Explored every avenue” is an idiomatic expression meaning to try all possible methods or options to achieve something.
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The other idioms:
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“Called it a day” – stop working
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“Arrived at the eleventh hour” – did something at the last moment
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“Cut the cackle” – stop talking
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Incorrectness of the concept in context: Using the other idioms would change the meaning of the sentence.
How to correct: Replace “tried every possible way” with “explored every avenue.”
Correct phrase/ correction: explored every avenue
Final sentence: The watchman explored every avenue to catch the thief of the hostel.
Hence, the chosen option is correct.