CHAPTER 5 THE SNAKE AND THE MIRROR
Thinking about Language
III. In the sentences given below some words and expressions are italicised.
They variously mean that one
• is very frightened.
• is too scared to move.
• is frightened by something that happens suddenly.
• makes another feel frightened
QUESTION-3
Match the meanings with the words/expressions in italics, and write the
appropriate meaning next to the sentence. The first one has been done for
you.
1. I knew a man was following me, I was scared out of my wits. (very
frightened)
2. I got a fright when I realised how close I was to the cliff edge.
3. He nearly jumped out of his skin when he saw the bull coming towards
him.4. You really gave me a fright when you crept up behind me like that.
5. Wait until I tell his story — it will make your hair stand on end.
6. Paralysed with fear, the boy faced his abductors.
7. The boy hid behind the door, not moving a muscle.
ANSWER:
1. I knew a man was following me, I was scared out of my wits. (very
frightened)
2. I got a fright when I realised how close I was to the cliff edge. (very
frightened)
3. He nearly jumped out of his skin when he saw the bull coming towards
him. (to be suddenly surprised or frightened by something)
4. You really gave me a fright when you crept up behind me like that. (too
scared/ frightened)
5. Wait until I tell his story — it will make your hair stand on end. (feel
shocked or scared)
6. Paralysed with fear, the boy faced his abductors. (too horrified to move)
7. The boy hid behind the door, not moving a muscle. (too frightened to
move).