CDS 2026 (I) English, question 50

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.

Q50

Be under a cloud

  1. (a) To be the object of suspicionCorrect answer
  2. (b) To be filled with gloom
  3. (c) To operate as an undercover agent
  4. (d) To hide one’s misdeeds

Solution.

Answer: (a) To be the object of suspicion

  1. To be under a cloud is to be suspected of wrongdoing or out of favour.
  2. It describes a damaged reputation, not sadness, so (b) does not fit.