In the given text, the blanks are numbered (i)-(iv). Select the best match for all the blanks. Steve was advised to keep his head (i) before heading (ii) to bat; for, while he had a head (iii) batting, he could only do so with a cool head (iv) his shoulders. A. (i) down (ii) down (iii) on (iv) for B. (i) on (ii) out (iii) for (iv) on C. (i) down (ii) out (iii) for (iv) on D. (i) down (ii) out (iii) on (iv) for
GATE 2024 · General Aptitude · Most Appropriate Word · medium
Answer: The correct answer is C: (i) down, (ii) out, (iii) for, (iv) on — forming the four idioms: keep head down, head out, head for [talent], cool head on shoulders.
- Identify each idiom: (i) 'keep his head down' = stay calm and focused before batting. (ii) 'heading out to bat' = going to the crease. (iii) 'a head for batting' = natural talent for batting. (iv) 'a cool head on his shoulders' = calm and level-headed.
- Match with options: Required: (i)=down, (ii)=out, (iii)=for, (iv)=on. Check options: A gives (ii)=down — wrong ('heading down' not idiomatic for going somewhere). B gives (i)=on — 'keep head on' is not the standard idiom for focus. D gives (iv)=for — 'cool head for shoulders' is non-standard. Only C matches: down/out/for/on.