JAMB 2019 English Language · Question 45

Choose the correct interpretations of the statement given, for questions below All the Nigerian footballers have itchy feet

Options

  1. A.the footballers have insured feet
  2. B.the footballers use their feet to steer
  3. C.the footballers like to travel
  4. D.the footballers like play skillfully

Answer: C. the footballers like to travel

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: You are asked to interpret the idiom "itchy feet" in the sentence "All the Nigerian footballers have itchy feet."

Explain the concept: An idiom is an expression whose meaning is different from the literal meaning of its words. "To have itchy feet" means to have a strong desire to travel, move to a new place, or leave your present situation. It has nothing to do with a skin condition or with skill.

Step-by-step solution:

  1. Option A (insured feet): This misreads the idiom as something literal about the feet. Insurance has no link to "itchy." Rejected.
  2. Option B (use their feet to steer): "Steer" is about guiding a vehicle or ball, and this too is a literal reading. Rejected.
  3. Option C (like to travel): This matches the idiomatic meaning of restlessness and a desire to go to new places. For footballers, it fits the common situation of players moving abroad or between clubs. Accepted.
  4. Option D (like to play skillfully): Skill with the feet is a different idea. It would be expressed by something like "nimble feet" or "golden feet." Rejected.

Answer: C. the footballers like to travel

Exam tip: In idiom questions, never accept the literal meaning. Ask yourself what the expression means figuratively. Related idioms to remember:

  • Itchy feet = desire to travel or move on
  • Cold feet = sudden fear or nervousness
  • Itchy palms = greed for money
  • Have two left feet = clumsy at dancing or moving

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