Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

English

Chapter

Grammar: Idioms

Question:

Select the correct meaning of the idiom in bold and italics.

Look, the devil is beating his wife. Do you think we'll see a rainbow?

Options:

One who presents a counter argument

If you have nothing to do, you are likely to do some mischief

The sun is shining while it rains

When someone comes in unexpectedly while being talked about

Correct Answer:

The sun is shining while it rains

Explanation:

The correct meaning of the idiom "the devil is beating his wife" is the sun is shining while it rains. It is a regional saying in the Southern United States that refers to the phenomenon of a sunshower, which is a brief shower of rain that occurs while the sun is still shining. The idiom is thought to have originated in the 19th century, and it is believed to be a reference to the way that the devil is often depicted as being angry and violent.

The other options for the meaning of the idiom are incorrect. One who presents a counter argument is not the devil beating his wife. If you have nothing to do, you are likely to do some mischief is not the devil beating his wife. When someone comes in unexpectedly while being talked about is not the devil beating his wife.