She is astonished to see people of diverse backgrounds live ———— in the village.
AForty winks
BCheek by jowl
CPushing up daisies
DFifth wheel
Answer:
B. Cheek by jowl
Read Explanation:
Understanding the Idiom 'Cheek by jowl'
- Meaning: The idiom 'cheek by jowl' signifies people living or situated very close together, in extremely close proximity. It implies a lack of personal space and often suggests a harmonious or at least a coexisting relationship despite the closeness.
- Origin: The term originates from the Old French word 'jole', which referred to the jawbone. Thus, 'cheek by jowl' literally meant cheek next to jawbone, emphasizing extreme closeness.
- Usage in Context: In the given sentence, 'She is astonished to see people of diverse backgrounds live ———— in the village,' the idiom fits perfectly to describe people from different backgrounds living very closely, perhaps in a way that surprises the observer due to the close integration.
Synonyms and Related Concepts for Competitive Exams
- Close Proximity: Adjacent, neighboring, side-by-side, shoulder-to-shoulder.
- Crowded Conditions: Cramped, packed, in close quarters.
- Coexistence: Together, in company, in association.
Exam Relevance
- Idioms and Phrases: This question tests the understanding of common English idioms, a frequent topic in competitive exams like SSC, Banking, UPSC, and others.
- Vocabulary Enhancement: Familiarizing oneself with such idioms expands vocabulary and improves comprehension skills.
- Contextual Application: Recognizing how an idiom functions within a sentence is crucial for answering cloze tests, sentence completion, and reading comprehension questions.