Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom in the given sentence.
My old car was pressed into service as an emergency vehicle for my ailing grandmother.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The correct answer is option 3 i.e. To use for a particular purpose when a special need occurs.
Error concept: Misinterpretation of idiom.
What is wrong: The phrase “pressed into service” may be misunderstood as maintenance or care, which is incorrect.
Grammatical concept:
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“Pressed into service” means to use something or someone for a specific purpose, especially in an emergency or special situation.
Incorrectness of the concept in context: Misunderstanding the idiom changes the intended meaning of the sentence.
How to correct: Understand and apply the idiomatic meaning correctly.
Correct phrase/ correction: To use for a particular purpose when a special need occurs
Final sentence: My old car was pressed into service as an emergency vehicle for my ailing grandmother.
Hence, the chosen option is correct.