Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

English

Chapter

Grammar: Idioms

Question:

Select the most appropriate meaning of the following idiom.

To pay lip service

Options:

To be insincere

To make loud statements

To talk out of turn

To ask for permission

Correct Answer:

To be insincere

Explanation:

The most appropriate meaning of the idiom "to pay lip service" is to be insincere. It is an informal expression that means to say something that you do not really mean, or to give only lip-service to an idea or cause. The idiom is thought to have originated in the 17th century, and it is believed to be a reference to the way that people used to pay their respects to the dead by saying prayers over their lips.

The other options for the meaning of the idiom are incorrect. Making loud statements does not mean to be insincere. Talking out of turn does not mean to be insincere. Asking for permission does not mean to be insincere.