Asked in: IB ACIO 2023 T-1
pour oil on troubled waters in SSC previous-year questions
- IB ACIO 2023 T-1 Idioms & Phrases
Which of the following statements correctly use the idiom ' pour oil on troubled waters' by substituting the underlined words?
A. If you unnecessarily interfere in others' affairs, you will suffer yourselves.
B. Fed up with frequent strikes, the management decided to ,deal with the situation decisively.
C. The government ordered a judicial enquiry into the communal riots in a bidto pacify the situation.
D. From his behaviour it is obvious that someone has prejudiced him against me.Answer & explanation
Answer: D) Only statement C correctly uses the idiom.
Explanation:
✅ Idiom: "Pour oil on troubled waters"
Meaning:
To calm down a tense or difficult situation (किसी तनावपूर्ण स्थिति को शांत करना या सुधारना)।
It implies an attempt to pacify or soothe a conflict or disturbance, not worsen or ignore it.
🔹 Statement A:
If you unnecessarily interfere in others' affairs, you will suffer yourselves.
🔸 Meaning: This talks about meddling unnecessarily, i.e., interfering when not required.
🔹 Analysis:
This is about creating problems, not resolving or calming them.
Hence, ❌ incorrect use of the idiom.
🔹 Statement B:
Fed up with frequent strikes, the management decided to deal with the situation decisively.
🔸 Meaning: The management decided to take strong,
pour oil on troubled waters – questions
Has pour oil on troubled waters been asked in SSC exams?
Yes – pour oil on troubled waters has been asked in SSC exams: IB ACIO 2023 T-1.