Choose the appropriate expression from the options to fill in the blank of the following sentence:
I'll just have to _________ and hope no one sees that I'm upset.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → put on a brave face
The speaker does not want anyone to see that he is upset, so he will hide his feelings behind a brave face.
Complete sentence: I'll just have to put on a brave face and hope no one sees that I'm upset.
| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) be full of beans | to be lively and full of energy. It describes real high spirits, not hiding sadness. | The children were full of beans on the first day of the holidays. |
| (2) put on a brave face (answer) | to look cheerful or calm while one is actually upset or worried | She was hurt by the result, but she put on a brave face at the party. |
| (3) feel at sea | to feel confused and unsure what to do. It does not mean hiding one's feelings. | I felt at sea during my first week in the new office. |
| (4) go ballistic | to become suddenly and violently angry. That would show everyone how upset he is. | The coach went ballistic when the team arrived late. |
| Also asked in CUET (UG): at sea – 05-06-2023 Slot 3 |