Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom: Give a piece of one's mind

Question

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom:

Give a piece of one's mind

1. A. To advise someone
2. B. To rebuke someone strongly (Correct answer)
3. C. To donate something valuable
4. D. To share one''s ideas

Correct Answer

Option B — To rebuke someone strongly

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is To rebuke someone strongly.

Key Points

• The idiom 'to give someone a piece of one's mind' means to scold or rebuke them strongly — to express anger or criticism frankly and forcefully.
• So the correct meaning is 'To rebuke someone strongly.' The other options are wrong: it does not mean gentle advice, donating something, or calmly sharing ideas — the phrase always carries a tone of anger or reprimand.
• idioms are fixed figurative expressions whose meaning cannot be worked out literally. 'A piece of one's mind' sounds neutral but idiomatically signals a sharp telling-off.

Exam Tip

• learn idioms with the emotion they convey — this one is negative/angry, which rules out the positive-sounding options 'advise' and 'share ideas' at a glance.