After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations of the sentence is given. Choose the interpretation that you consider most appropr...
Assessment:WAEC SSCE - English Language - 1997 (Objective)Subject:English Language
After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations of the sentence is given. Choose the interpretation that you consider most appropriate for each sentence.
The boys ran away with their tails between their legs: This shows that the boy left
Answer Details
The most appropriate interpretation for the sentence is "completely defeated." The phrase "ran away with their tails between their legs" is an idiom that is commonly used to describe someone who is defeated or embarrassed. It is often used to describe animals that are scared or defeated in a fight, as they may literally tuck their tails between their legs and run away. In this case, the phrase is being used figuratively to describe the boys, suggesting that they were thoroughly defeated or embarrassed. Therefore, the sentence does not indicate that the boys left as great winners, utterly confused or after destroying so much, but rather that they left completely defeated.