In the question below choose the option nearest in meaning to the word Underlined: The fact that Ruth has inherited her late husband's house is cold comfort...
In the question below choose the option nearest in meaning to the word Underlined: The fact that Ruth has inherited her late husband's house is cold comfort to her
Answer Details
The option nearest in meaning to the underlined phrase "cold comfort" is "inadequate comfort."
"Cold comfort" is an idiomatic expression that means something that is meant to be comforting but is actually not very helpful or comforting at all. In this context, Ruth has inherited her late husband's house, but this is not enough to truly comfort her in her loss.
Therefore, the correct sentence could also be: "The fact that Ruth has inherited her late husband's house is inadequate comfort to her." which means that even though Ruth has inherited her husband's house, it is not enough to make her feel comforted in her time of grief.