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    Question

    An idiom/phrase is given in bold. Following this

    idiom/phrase are given three sentences, which use the given idiom/phrase. The idiom/phrase may or may not be used correctly in one or more sentences. Identify the sentence(s) that use(s) the idioms/phrases incorrectly either in grammar or context and mark the answer accordingly. Up a Creek Without a Paddle I. I bought a boat and paddled up a creek without a paddle yesterday.  II. I fixed the problem easily; I was never up a creek without a paddle. III. I lost my wallet and phone on the trip, so now I’m really up a creek without a paddle.
    A Only III Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    B Both I and II Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    C Only I Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    D Both II and III Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    E All I, II and III Correct Answer Incorrect Answer

    Solution

    The phrase "up a creek without a paddle" means to be in a difficult, challenging, or hopeless situation with no easy way to get out of it. The image is a literal one: if you're in a boat in a creek without a paddle, you have no way to steer or move, leaving you stranded and in trouble. • Sentence I uses the idiom incorrectly. It states that the person was literally up a creek without a paddle, but idioms are figurative, not literal. • Sentence II also uses the idiom incorrectly. It claims the person was "never" in the situation, but the context of the sentence doesn't align with the idiom's meaning of being in a predicament. • Sentence III uses the idiom correctly to describe a figurative situation. Losing a wallet and phone puts a person in a very difficult spot, so they are "up a creek without a paddle."

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