Choose the correct Idiom from the options given to complete the sentence:
The boy _____ to the pleadings of his well wishers.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → turned a deaf ear
The idiom takes "to" before what is ignored, here the pleadings (earnest requests) of the well-wishers.
Complete sentence: The boy turned a deaf ear to the pleadings of his well wishers.
| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) turned a new leaf | The idiom turn over a new leaf means to start behaving in a better way. It does not take "to the pleadings". | After failing once, he turned over a new leaf and studied hard. |
| (2) cut loose | to free oneself from control, or to start enjoying oneself freely | After the exams, the students cut loose at the party. |
| (3) became black and blue | badly bruised. It describes injury, not a response to pleadings. | He fell off his bicycle and his knees were black and blue. |
| (4) turned a deaf ear (answer) | to refuse to listen to something, to ignore it on purpose | The factory owner turned a deaf ear to the workers' complaints. |
| Also asked in CUET (UG): turn a deaf ear – 25-05-2026 Slot 1 turn over a new leaf – 29-05-2026 Slot 2, 27-05-2025 Slot 1 black and blue – 11-05-2026 Slot 1, 01-06-2023 Slot 3 |