Use Of English 2014 Jamb Examination

This sentence employs two distinct idioms: 'a drop in the ocean' and 'in the pipeline'. The phrase 'a drop in the ocean' refers to an amount that is so small it is almost insignificant when compared to what is needed or expected. Meanwhile, 'in the pipeline' refers to projects or plans that are currently being developed or are scheduled to happen in the future. By combining these, the minister is expressing that the current budget is extremely small and insufficient to cover the vast costs of the numerous projects that are currently being planned or prepared for execution. Therefore, the available funds are inadequate for the projected expenditure.

To 'farm something out' is a phrasal verb that means to send out or subcontract work, or in a personal context, to give the care or responsibility of something (or someone) to others. When the woman 'farmed her children out' to her neighbours, it means she made arrangements for the neighbours to take over the daily care, upbringing, or responsibility of her children. In many legal jurisdictions, especially regarding child welfare, abandoning or shifting parental responsibility in this manner without proper legal oversight can be a cause for police investigation or arrest. This explains why the police are seeking her.

The expression 'pigs would fly' (or 'when pigs fly') is a well-known English idiom used to describe a situation that the speaker believes will absolutely never happen. It is a form of hyperbole based on the physical impossibility of a pig taking flight. By using this phrase in relation to Jummai passing her exams, her father is expressing extreme skepticism or a total lack of belief in her academic abilities, essentially stating that her passing is an impossibility in his eyes.

The idiom 'between a rock and a hard place' describes a dilemma where a person is faced with two difficult or unpleasant alternatives, and they must choose between them. It signifies being in a position where any course of action taken will have negative consequences or will be very difficult to navigate. In the context of the press reporting a resignation that may or may not be true or intended, the president is indicating that he was forced into a situation where he had to make a very tough decision regarding his next steps or his public response.

To be 'like a bear with a sore head' is a common British English idiom used to describe someone who is extremely irritable, bad-tempered, or 'grumpy'. The imagery suggests that a bear, already a formidable animal, would be particularly unpleasant and prone to snapping at others if it were suffering from a physical ailment like a sore head. Therefore, when Kunana is compared to such a bear, it indicates that his current mood or general disposition is very cross and ill-humoured.

The idiom 'a bumpy ride' is used metaphorically to describe a period of time or an experience that is full of obstacles, challenges, or difficulties. While the literal meaning might suggest a vehicle travelling over rough terrain, in this context, it refers to the treatment Olu gave his brother. By giving him a 'bumpy ride', Olu ensured that his brother faced significant struggles or a hard time. This expression is often used in social, professional, or personal relationships to describe an experience that was far from smooth or easy.

The phrase 'doesn't have to' expresses a lack of obligation or necessity. It differs significantly from 'must not' or 'should not', which imply a prohibition or a strong recommendation against an action. When someone 'doesn't have to' do something, it means the requirement is removed, but the choice remains. Therefore, if Adeola doesn't have to go to the farm, it is not mandatory, meaning he is free to go if he chooses to do so, but he will not be in trouble if he stays away.

The idiom 'keep one's eye on the ball' means to remain alert and focused on the most important aspect of a task or goal. Conversely, to 'take your eyes off the ball' means to lose focus, become distracted, or stop paying attention to the critical elements of what you are doing. In a professional setting, if a boss tells an employee to take their eyes off the ball, they are telling them (perhaps ironically or as a specific instruction for a break) to stop concentrating on the primary objective or the most important matter at hand.

To be 'hedged in' is a phrasal verb that means to be hemmed in, confined, or enclosed on all sides so that movement is restricted or escape is impossible. The term originates from the idea of a physical hedge acting as a boundary or barrier. When the robber was hedged in by the people, it signifies that the crowd formed a physical perimeter around him, effectively surrounding him so that he had no way to flee the scene.

Living 'hand-to-mouth' is an idiomatic expression that describes a state of extreme financial precariousness. It refers to a situation where all the money a person earns is immediately spent on basic necessities like food, with nothing left over for savings or emergencies. It implies that the 'hand' puts into the 'mouth' whatever it has just acquired. Workers living this way are barely surviving because they exist on the absolute minimum required for subsistence, leading to a lack of security and general unhappiness.