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Question 43 of 239

Choose the option that best conveys the meaning of the underlined portion in the following sentence;

Mrs. Dada has been deserted by her husband because he feels she has a heart of stone

  • A. she has a heavy heart
  • B. she has little warmth of feeling
  • C. she has a hard heart
  • D. she is hard hearted

Correct Answer: D

Explanation
Correct Option: B. she has little warmth of feeling Explanation of the Correct Answer The phrase "heart of stone" is an idiomatic expression that suggests a person lacks compassion, empathy, or warmth. When someone is described as having a "heart of stone," it implies that they are emotionally cold or unfeeling. Step-by-Step Breakdown:
  1. Understanding the Idiom:
  2. The idiom "heart of stone" is commonly used to describe someone who is emotionally unresponsive or indifferent to the feelings of others. It suggests a lack of kindness or sensitivity.
  3. Analyzing the Options:
  4. Option A: she has a heavy heart - This phrase typically means someone is feeling sad or burdened. It does not convey the idea of being unfeeling or lacking warmth.
  5. Option B: she has little warmth of feeling - This option directly aligns with the meaning of "heart of stone." It indicates that the person does not express or possess emotional warmth, which is consistent with the idiom.
  6. Option C: she has a hard heart - While this option is somewhat close, it is not as precise as Option B. "Hard heart" can imply a lack of compassion, but it does not explicitly convey the idea of having "little warmth of feeling."
  7. Option D: she is hard-hearted - This option suggests a similar meaning to "heart of stone," but it is more about the person's character rather than their emotional capacity. It implies a general disposition rather than the specific lack of warmth.
  8. Conclusion:
  9. The best option that captures the essence of "heart of stone" is B, as it succinctly conveys the idea of lacking emotional warmth, which is the core meaning of the idiom.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect or Weaker
  • Option A is incorrect because it suggests sadness rather than a lack of emotional warmth.
  • Option C is somewhat related but does not capture the nuance of emotional warmth as effectively as Option B.
  • Option D is also related but focuses more on the character trait rather than the emotional state implied by "heart of stone."
Revision Summary
  • "Heart of stone" means lacking compassion or emotional warmth.
  • The correct interpretation is that Mrs. Dada is perceived as having "little warmth of feeling."
  • Options A, C, and D do not accurately convey the meaning of the idiom.
  • Understanding idiomatic expressions is crucial for interpreting nuanced meanings in English.
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