Choose the correct option to complete the given sentence:
The workers ________to keep the factory running.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → put their shoulder to the wheel
Put one's shoulder to the wheel means to work very hard and make a determined effort. It comes from the picture of a man pushing with his shoulder against the wheel of a cart stuck in the mud. The workers made a great effort to keep the factory running.
Example: If we all put our shoulders to the wheel, we can finish the project on time.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: lived like fighting cocks — Incorrect. To live like fighting cocks means to live very well, with plenty of good food; it says nothing about hard work.
Example: After the business grew, the family lived like fighting cocks.
Option 2: became tough nuts — Incorrect. A tough nut is a person or problem that is difficult to deal with; it does not show effort to keep a factory running.
Example: The new manager proved to be a tough nut to crack.
Option 4: faced the music — Incorrect. To face the music means to accept criticism or punishment for something one has done.
Example: He was caught cheating and had to face the music.
The following words have also been asked in other CUET (UG) English papers:
| Word | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| face the music | – | – | – | 07-06 S1 14-06 S3 22-06 S1 | – |