Choose the foreign phrase that can best replace the underlined words in the given sentence:
Last month the minister opposed the new metro line, but today he made a complete change of his position and supported it.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → volte-face
In the given sentence, a complete change of his position means a full change in what one thinks or says about something. The foreign phrase for it is volte-face. Example: After the debate, Neha made a complete change of her position on school uniforms.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) faux pas | an embarrassing mistake in a social situation | Wearing shoes inside the temple was a big faux pas. |
| (2) status quo | the state of things as it is now | The residents want to keep the status quo and stop the new road. |
| (3) volte-face (answer) | a sudden turn-around in opinion or policy | The board’s volte-face on the exam dates confused every student. |
| (4) vice versa | the other way round | Riya helps Meera with maths, and vice versa. |