Question

The following idiom is followed by some alternatives. Choose the one which best expresses its meaning.
SPILL THE BEANS

• A. Reveal a secret
• B. Guard a secret
• C. Destroy a secret
• D. Create a secret

Hint:

Visualizing the idiom can sometimes help. Imagine a pot full of beans (secrets). To "spill" them means they all come tumbling out for everyone to see. This image helps reinforce the meaning of revealing something.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Idiom
The idiom "spill the beans" means to disclose a secret or reveal information prematurely or indiscreetly. The origin is uncertain, but one theory relates it to an ancient Greek voting method where beans were used, and spilling the container would reveal the results early.

Step 2: Evaluating the Options


(A) Reveal a secret: This is the exact definition of the idiom. If you "spill the beans," you are telling a secret.

(B) Guard a secret: This is the opposite of spilling the beans.

(C) Destroy a secret: This doesn't quite fit. Revealing a secret makes it no longer a secret, but "destroy" is not the right verb.

(D) Create a secret: This is the opposite of the idiom's meaning.


Step 3: Final Answer
The best meaning for "spill the beans" is to reveal a secret. Therefore, option (A) is the correct answer.