Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.
After years of fights with his neighbour Ram, Shekhar decided to hold out the _______ and invited Ram for tea.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The correct answer is option 4 i.e. olive branch.
Context:The sentence says Shekhar had been fighting with Ram for years but then decided to end the hostility by inviting him for tea. The blank must be filled with an expression that conveys peace-making or reconciliation.
Meaning of the options:
Poker face: An expressionless face that hides emotions — unrelated to peace or reconciliation.
Comparing apples to oranges: An idiom meaning to compare two unlike things — irrelevant here.
Chip on shoulder: Holding a grudge or feeling resentful — opposite of what is being described.
Olive branch: A symbol of peace or reconciliation — fits perfectly in this context.
Correct word: Olive branch
Reason:The idiom “to hold out the olive branch” means to offer peace or reconciliation, which matches exactly with the situation where Shekhar invites Ram for tea after years of conflict. The other idioms are unrelated or opposite in meaning.
Final Sentence: After years of fights with his neighbour Ram, Shekhar decided to hold out the olive branch and invited Ram for tea.
Hence the chosen option is correct.