JAMB 2019 English Language · Question 3

Choose the correct interpretations of the statement given, for questions below I know my onions

Options

  1. A.I know my job very well
  2. B.I know my rights
  3. C.I am clever because of experience
  4. D.I am aware of my position

Answer: A. I know my job very well

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: "I know my onions" is an idiom. You are asked to choose the option that gives its correct meaning, not its literal one.

Explain the concept: In idioms, the meaning of the whole phrase is different from the meaning of the individual words. "To know your onions" is a British English idiom that means to know a subject or job thoroughly, to be an expert in your field. It is not about vegetables, rights, or position.

Step-by-step solution:

  1. Literal meaning: knowing about onions. This makes no sense in context, so the phrase must be an idiom.
  2. Idiomatic meaning: to be very knowledgeable and competent in what you do.
  3. Check each option: • A. I know my job very well: matches the idiom, since it means being competent and knowledgeable in your work or field. • B. I know my rights: this is about awareness of entitlements, which is a different idea. • C. I am clever because of experience: it hints at experience, but the idiom is about thorough knowledge of a subject, not cleverness gained through experience. • D. I am aware of my position: this is about status or rank, which is unrelated.

Answer: Option A, "I know my job very well", is the closest meaning.

Tip: For idiom questions, never translate word by word. Ask yourself, "What is the overall message?" Also learn related expressions, such as "know the ropes" (understand how things work) and "know your stuff" (be well informed). They carry similar meanings and often appear in JAMB.

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