Question

Choose the most appropriate alternative to the given idiom/phrase-
A FEATHER IN ONE’S CAP

a)Accumulating more money or property
b)Taking more burden on oneself
c)Being felicitated for one’s artistic merits
d)Something achieved that constitutes a victory

Answer 1

Hint: An idiom refers to a phrase or a group of words that has a different meaning in a metaphorical sense than the literal meaning of its words.

Complete answer:

‘A feather in one’s cap’ refers to an asset or an achievement that brings success or praise. The idiom has been derived from the custom or ritual in some cultures of a warrior adding a new feather to their head-gear after killing an enemy or achieving victory.
We know the meaning and the origin of the given idiom. Now, let’s look at its usage:
Example- It’s a feather in your cap if you’re able to qualify this round. Here, we can understand that X will gain praise and achievement if he’s able to qualify the current round.
Let’s examine the given options:
Option a- ‘Accumulating more money or property’ refers to collecting or gaining more money or property. It is different in meaning to the given idiom. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option b- ‘Taking more burden on oneself’ refers to overloading or overburdening oneself. It is different in meaning to the given idiom. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option c- ‘Being felicitated for one’s artistic merits’ refers to being awarded or praised for one’s talent in art. It is similar in meaning to the given idiom. Hence, it is the correct option.
Option d- ‘Something achieved that constitutes a victory’ refers to gaining success or praise for achieving success. It is different in meaning to the given idiom. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
The correct answer is Option ‘c’.

Note: Do not get confused by the actual meaning of the words, but keep in mind that idioms only focus on the metaphorical meaning of the words.