Question

"To catch a tartar" means ___________

• A. To trap wanted criminal with great difficulty
• B. To catch a-dangerous person
• C. To catch a person who is more than one's match
• D. To meet with disaster

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The phrase "To catch a tartar" is an idiom in English. An idiom is a figurative expression that has a meaning different from the literal interpretation of its words. In this context, "To catch a tartar" means specifically to catch a dangerous person.

Let's look at the reasoning: 

• The phrase originated from martial incidents where overly confident attackers encountered unexpectedly fierce or perilous opponents, akin to the unwelcome complication of catching a tartar, known for being ferocious. Therefore, it effectively conveys the idea of capturing someone who is both unexpected and formidable.
• Among the given options:
  • To trap a wanted criminal with great difficulty: This suggests a focus on effort and evasion rather than inherent danger, which is not the primary implication of the idiom.
  • To catch a dangerous person: This correctly aligns with the original figurative intent, highlighting the hazardous nature of the person captured.
  • To catch a person who is more than one's match: This implies someone superior in skill or ability, but not necessarily dangerous.
  • To meet with disaster: This does not align with the meaning, as it's focused on disaster rather than capturing a person.

Hence, the suitable interpretation of the idiom "To catch a tartar" is To catch a dangerous person.