Select the alternative meaning of the underlined part of the sentence. The chain snatchers took to their heels when the police party arrived. A. Took shelter in a jungle B. Open indiscriminate fire C. Took to flight D. Unconditionally surrendered

GATE 2015 · General Aptitude · Phrase Meaning · medium

Answer: C. Took to flight

1. Decode the idiom: 'Took to their heels' = ran away quickly = fled the scene. The chain snatchers fled when the police arrived.
2. Match with options: A — 'took shelter in a jungle' implies hiding, not fleeing. B — 'open indiscriminate fire' means to shoot wildly, completely unrelated. C — 'took to flight' = fled/ran away — direct synonym. D — 'unconditionally surrendered' is the opposite of fleeing. Option C is correct.