Question

Out of the given options, choose the option that correctly states the meaning of the given phrase/idiom:
A man of straw
a) a man of no substance
b) a man of substance
c) a worthy fellow
d) an unreasonable person

Answer 1

Hint: The phrase ‘a man of straw’ refers to ‘a person regarded as having no integrity’. It is usually used as an idiom and it is a phrase that is commonly used in an informal manner, mostly in North America. Idioms are not to be taken literally, they are metaphorical.

Complete answer:
An idiom is a group of words established by usage as
having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words. For example, the idiom
‘over the moon’ refers to extreme happiness.
These phrases are usually not easily understood, and they require context. So, the given phrase also has context.

Now, we know the meaning and usage of the given idiom. Let’s look at the given options:

a) a man of no substance - This phrase refers to ‘a man who has no integrity’. This phrase has the exact same meaning as the given idiom. This is the required answer. So, this is the correct option.
b) a man of substance - This phrase refers to ‘a man that has integrity’. This is the opposite meaning of the given phrase. It does not have the same meaning as the given idiom. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
c) a worthy fellow - This phrase refers to ‘a person who is essentially good and deserving of good things’. However, this is not what the idiom means. It does not have the same meaning as the given idiom. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
d) an unreasonable person - This phrase refers to ‘a person who cannot be reasoned or pleaded with’. However, this is not what the idiom means. It does not have the same meaning as the given idiom. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.

Note:
Idioms are metaphorical and are not usually literal. Try to find the option that most resembles the meaning of the given idiom. Use it in a sentence to fully understand the context.