Identify the figure of speech in the following sentence from the given options:
'The terror of the situation was a blessing in disguise.'
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Epigram
An epigram is a brief, pointed statement that often holds an apparent contradiction which turns out to be true. "Terror" and "a blessing" seem to cancel each other, yet the sentence says the frightening situation did in fact bring good.
Example: The child is father of the man.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: Antithesis — Incorrect. Antithesis sets opposite ideas side by side in balanced, parallel phrases; the sentence has a contrast but no such balanced structure.
Example: Man proposes, God disposes.
Option 2: Apostrophe — Incorrect. An apostrophe speaks directly to an absent person, an idea or a thing as if it could hear; the sentence addresses no one.
Example: O Moon, how lovely you look tonight!
Option 4: Euphemism — Incorrect. A euphemism is a mild word used in place of a harsh or unpleasant one; the sentence does not soften "terror".
Example: His grandfather passed away last year.