Question:
When they embraced a new religion, it is safe to say they did it for loaves and fishes.
When they embraced a new religion, it is safe to say they did it for loaves and fishes.
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Watch for idioms with moral or religious origins — their modern meanings are often figurative and relate to motives or attitudes rather than the literal event.
Updated On: Aug 12, 2025
- selflessly
- honest reasons
- material benefits
- because of fear
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
The idiom "loaves and fishes" originates from a biblical reference but is used figuratively to mean personal or material gain, often at the expense of moral or spiritual values.
In the given sentence, converting to a new religion for "loaves and fishes" implies doing so for tangible rewards rather than sincere belief.
Option (c) "material benefits" is the correct meaning, as it fits this figurative sense.
Option (a) "selflessly" is the opposite of the intended meaning.
Option (b) "honest reasons" also contradicts the phrase, which implies selfish motives.
Option (d) "because of fear" is unrelated — fear could be a motive, but the idiom refers specifically to benefits or rewards.
Example: "The politician’s supporters were there only for the loaves and fishes" — meaning they supported him for the material benefits they expected to gain.
In the given sentence, converting to a new religion for "loaves and fishes" implies doing so for tangible rewards rather than sincere belief.
Option (c) "material benefits" is the correct meaning, as it fits this figurative sense.
Option (a) "selflessly" is the opposite of the intended meaning.
Option (b) "honest reasons" also contradicts the phrase, which implies selfish motives.
Option (d) "because of fear" is unrelated — fear could be a motive, but the idiom refers specifically to benefits or rewards.
Example: "The politician’s supporters were there only for the loaves and fishes" — meaning they supported him for the material benefits they expected to gain.
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