In the following question, out of the four alternatives, choose the one which gives the meaning of the given idiom or phrase. A s…

Question

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, choose the one which gives the meaning of the given idiom or phrase. A stitch in time saves nine

1. A. Tailoring is a valuable skill
2. B. Drunk or intoxicated
3. C. Saving money for the future
4. D. Timely action prevents more work (Correct answer)

Correct Answer

Option D — Timely action prevents more work

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Timely action prevents more work later.

Key Points

• A stitch in time saves nine means that repairing a small problem promptly avoids a far larger repair afterwards.
• The image is literal in origin: one stitch in a small tear now spares nine stitches once it has widened.
• The distractors read the words literally — tailoring as a skill, or saving money — which is exactly what idioms are designed to defeat.

Additional Information

• Proverbs on prompt action: strike while the iron is hot, make hay while the sun shines, the early bird catches the worm, procrastination is the thief of time.
• Proverbs on the opposite failing: too little too late, shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted, crying over spilt milk.
• A proverb states a general truth or piece of advice and can stand as a complete sentence; an idiom is a fixed phrase whose meaning is not deducible from its words and functions inside a sentence.
• Never select an option that merely restates the literal words — in idiom questions that option is placed there deliberately.