Directions: In the question below, a common idiom is provided, followed by four sentences. Identify the sentence that demonstrates the correct contextual usage of the idiom. If none of the options display the correct usage, select "None of these".
Take pains
Correct Answer :
To ensure the architectural blueprint was flawless, the designer took pains with every minute detail.
Solution :
Correct Answer: To ensure the architectural blueprint was flawless, the designer took pains with every minute detail.
Meaning of the Idiom:
The idiom "take pains" means to make a great effort, take special care, or work meticulously to perform a task correctly and thoroughly.
Step-by-Step Analysis of the Sentences:
1. "The company took pains to ignore the safety complaints raised by their factory workers."
Incorrect context: The phrase "take pains" implies positive effort or careful attention toward achieving a result, not deliberate negligence or ignoring safety complaints.
2. "The sudden heavy rainfall took pains on the crops, causing widespread damage across the valley."
Incorrect context: Inanimate forces of nature like rainfall cannot "take pains." The correct phrase for causing damage would be "took a toll on" or "wreaked havoc on."
3. "To ensure the architectural blueprint was flawless, the designer took pains with every minute detail."
Correct context: Putting extra care and effort into fine details to ensure perfection is the exact definition and ideal usage of "taking pains."
4. "She decided to take pains by running away from the problem instead of facing it."
Incorrect context: Evading or running away from a problem is an act of avoiding effort, which directly contradicts the meaning of "taking pains."
Hence, the sentence demonstrating the correct contextual usage is: "To ensure the architectural blueprint was flawless, the designer took pains with every minute detail."
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