Choose the correct idiom to replace the underlined phrase in the following sentence:
Prakhar is obsessed with sustainable living. He is always lecturing someone or another about the benefits of composting and waste management.
A. has a chip on his shoulder about
B. has wind in his sails about
C. has a bee in his bonnet about
D. has a bun in the oven about
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → C only
A. has a chip on his shoulder about — Incorrect. To have a chip on one's shoulder means to feel resentful about something one thinks unfair and to be easily offended; Prakhar is keen on his subject, not bitter about it.
Example: He has a chip on his shoulder about not being chosen for the team.
B. has wind in his sails about — Incorrect. Wind in one's sails means energy and confidence to go ahead; it does not express an obsession, and "wind in his sails about" is not an English idiom.
Example: The early win gave the team wind in its sails.
C. has a bee in his bonnet about — Correct. To have a bee in one's bonnet about something means to think and talk about it all the time, to be obsessed with it. Prakhar is "always lecturing someone or another" about composting and waste management.
Example: My father has a bee in his bonnet about switching off the lights.
D. has a bun in the oven about — Incorrect. To have a bun in the oven is informal slang for being pregnant; it has nothing to do with an obsession.
The following words have also been asked in other CUET (UG) English papers:
| Word | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| have a bee in one's bonnet | 14-05 S2 | – | – | – | – |