TheCATExam
Sign in

CAT 2003 Slot 2 — VARC Question 17

Idioms & PhrasesEasy

Each question has a base word that is used in the options given below. Choose the option in which the usage of the word is inappropriate.

Help

Answer & solution

  • A

    This syrup will help your cold.

  • B

    I can't help the colour of my skin.

  • Ranjit may help himself with the beer in the fridge.

  • D

    Do you really expect me to help you out with cash?

Solution

‘Help’ used in sentence 1 means ‘relieve or ease’ and has been used correctly (help your cold = ease your cold).
In option 2, help used with can or cannot means ‘to refrain from or avoid’ (cannot refrain from the colour of my skin).
In sentence 3, it should be ‘help himself to’ and not ‘help himself with’. ‘To help oneself to’ is an idiom and means ‘to serve’ or ‘provide oneself with’.
Help in the last sentence (4) means the usual meaning, ‘aid, assistance’ and the word has been correctly used.

Hence, the correct answer is option 3.

CAT 2003 Slot 2 VARC Q17: Each question has a base word that is used in the options given below. Choose the option in which the usage of — Solution | TheCATExam