Question

Choose the correct meaning of the given idiom/proverb/phrase-
A man of straw.
a) A creditable man
b) A very active man
c) A man of no or little substance
d)An unreasonable man

Answer 1

Hint: An idiom is a group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deductible from those of the individual words. For example: Over the moon, see the light.

Complete answer:
The given idiom – “A man of straw” means a man whose character is weak and who lacks definite beliefs. The party is run by “men of straw” without guts and without principles. In journalism, people also talk about “straw men”. This form of expression is used in both British and American English. A man of straw is also a person undertaking a financial commitment without adequate means.
Let us examine all the given options to find out the correct option :
Option ‘a' – A creditable man. This option does not express the exact and correct meaning of the given idiom, hence is an incorrect option.
Option ‘b’ – A very active man. This option is also not conveying the correct meaning as of the given idiom, so we'll eliminate this as well.
Option ‘c’ – A man of no or little substance. This is the only option which conveys the actual meaning of the given idiom. This is the correct option.
Option ‘d’ – An unreasonable man. An unreasonable man is someone who is not guided by or based on good sense. This is also not conveying the correct meaning as of the provided idiom. This is also an incorrect option.
As we have analysed all the given options, we can easily figure out the correct answer. Here, the option which correctly conveys the meaning of the given idiom is option ‘c’ – A man of no or little substance.

Note: Idioms are meant to be taken metaphorically, but at times they may convey their literal meaning. You may differ as to which idiom is expressing a literal meaning and which one is expressing a metaphoric one.