Choose the most appropriate option to fill in the blank in the given sentence:
The CFO refused the last minute invitation to the meeting of the company as it was not in his character to _________ to the general manager.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → play second fiddle
To play second fiddle means to take a less important position under someone else. The phrase comes from the orchestra, where the second violin plays a supporting part to the first. The CFO refused the invitation because it was not in his character to accept a lower position than the general manager.
Example: After the merger, the founder had to play second fiddle to the new chairman.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 2: take a leap in the dark — Incorrect. To take a leap in the dark means to do something risky without knowing what will happen; it has nothing to do with rank.
Example: Leaving a steady job to start a business was a leap in the dark.
Option 3: take time by the forelock — Incorrect. To take time by the forelock means to act promptly and seize an opportunity (Time was pictured with a lock of hair on his forehead, which had to be grasped as he came). It does not fit refusing a lower position.
Example: She took time by the forelock and applied on the first day.
Option 4: play truant — Incorrect. To play truant means to stay away from school or work without permission; it does not fit the sentence.
Example: The boys played truant and went to the cinema.
The following words have also been asked in other CUET (UG) English papers:
| Word | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| play second fiddle | 23-05 S2 | – | – | – | – |
| take time by the forelock | 21-05 S1 | – | – | – | – |