Question
Select the alternative meaning of the underlined part of the sentence.
The chain snatchers took to their heels when the police party arrived.
Official answer and solution
- Official answer
- C
- From
- Official GATE 2015 answer key
Solution
Interpret the standard English idiom 'took to their heels'.
The idiom 'take to one's heels' means to run away rapidly to escape danger, pursue flight, or flee.
- In the given sentence, the chain snatchers ran away when the police party arrived.
- 'Took to flight' precisely captures running away in escape.
Hence, the correct alternative is option C.
Final answer
C
Common trap
Interpreting the phrase literally as involving hiding in the ground or taking shelter.
The answer is the one in the official GATE answer key. The solution is this site's own explanation.
Source
- Paper
- GATE 2015 Computer Science and Information Technology (CS) Session 1
- Question
- 7 of 65, printed as GA Q.7
- Section
- General Aptitude
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