CDS 2026 (I) English, question 43

Topic: Idioms and phrases

Answers by SolvedPaper. UPSC has not released the official answer key for this paper yet. We will update it when they do.

Directions · Q41 to Q50

Given below are some idioms/phrases followed by four alternative meanings to each. Select the most appropriate response from the options provided and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

Q43

Play possum

  1. (a) Pretend to be deadCorrect answer
  2. (b) Take big risks
  3. (c) Behave in a stupid way
  4. (d) Be excessively happy

Solution.

Answer: (a) Pretend to be dead

  1. To play possum is to pretend to be dead, asleep or unaware in order to avoid attention or danger.
  2. Pretend to be dead is the closest option.