Our teacher was not speaking … when he said that the bursar was under a cloud

Analyze the question

The sentence is: "Our teacher was not speaking __ when he said that the bursar was under a cloud."

"Under a cloud" is an idiom meaning under suspicion or in disgrace. It does not mean that a real cloud is above the bursar's head.

Explain the concept

"Literally" means in the exact, actual sense of the words. We use "not speaking literally" when someone uses a figure of speech or an idiom and does not mean the words in their real, physical sense.

Check each option

• A. literally: The teacher used an idiom. He did not mean the bursar was physically beneath a cloud, so "not speaking literally" fits perfectly.
• B. simply: "Not speaking simply" suggests he was not being plain or easy to understand. This is not the point of the sentence.
• C. frankly: "Not speaking frankly" means he was not being honest or open. This does not explain the idiom.
• D. directly: "Not speaking directly" means he was not addressing someone face to face. This is not relevant here.

Answer

The correct option is A. literally.

Exam tip

When a sentence contains an idiom or a figure of speech (for example "under the weather" or "raining cats and dogs"), a blank before or after "not speaking" usually calls for literally. It is also worth learning common idioms, since WASSCE and JAMB often test them.