Question

The following idiom is followed by some alternatives. Choose the one which best expresses its meaning.
A DARK HORSE

• A. Black colour horse
• B. An unknown entry
• C. Well Known face
• D. Known depredator

Hint:

When you encounter an idiom, try to rule out the literal meaning first. "A dark horse" is almost never about an actual horse that is dark in color. This process of elimination can often help you narrow down the choices.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Idiom
The idiom "a dark horse" refers to a candidate or competitor about whom little is known but who unexpectedly wins or succeeds. The term originates from horse racing, where a "dark" (i.e., unknown) horse unexpectedly won a race.

Step 2: Evaluating the Options


(A) Black colour horse: This is the literal meaning of the words and not the idiomatic meaning.

(B) An unknown entry: This perfectly captures the essence of the idiom. A dark horse is an entrant in a competition (like an election, a race, an award) who is not well-known and is not expected to win, but then does.

(C) Well Known face: This is the opposite of a dark horse.

(D) Known depredator: A depredator is a predator. This is completely unrelated to the meaning of the idiom.


Step 3: Final Answer
The idiom "a dark horse" refers to a surprise winner or an unknown but successful competitor. "An unknown entry" is the best description of this. Therefore, option (B) is the correct answer.