Question

I'm afraid I can't help you; that's out of my hands

• A. Something I can't reach
• B. Something I can easily do
• C. Something I'm not responsible for
• D. Something I don't want to do

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Something I'm not responsible for

Understanding the Idiom: "Out of My Hands"

• The idiom "out of my hands" signifies a situation or issue over which an individual no longer has control, responsibility, or the ability to influence.
• It implies that the decision-making power or the authority to act has been transferred to someone else, or that the matter is beyond one's personal sphere of influence.
• Essentially, if something is "out of your hands," it means you are not responsible for it and cannot change its outcome.

• Contextual Usage and Implications:

  • When someone says, "I'm afraid I can't help you; that's out of my hands," it means they lack the power or authority to intervene or resolve the situation.
  • This phrase is often used in formal or professional settings to indicate a lack of direct control, for example, a customer service representative might say this if a higher authority or a different department needs to handle an issue.

• Synonyms and Related Phrases for Competitive Exams:

  • Similar idiomatic expressions or phrases that convey a lack of control or responsibility include:
    • Beyond my control
    • Not my call
    • It's up to them/someone else
    • In someone else's court
    • Beyond my purview (more formal)
    • Above my pay grade (colloquial, implying it requires higher authority)

• Relevance for Competitive Exams:

  • Understanding idioms and phrases is a crucial component of English language sections in various competitive exams (e.g., SSC, Banking, UPSC, CAT, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS).
  • Questions often test the ability to interpret the meaning of an idiom in context, identify its correct usage, or find its synonym/antonym among given options.
  • Focus on common idioms that denote responsibility, control, agreement, disagreement, and emotional states, as they frequently appear.