Question

Choose the option closest in meaning to the phrase in bold: He was a king who ruled his subjects with a high hand.

• A. sympathetically
• B. oppressively
• C. democratically
• D. generously

Hint:

The idiom describes a harsh, uncaring style of ruling, not a kind one.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Idioms often carry a hidden judgment about how someone acts, so read "with a high hand" as a phrase about the style of rule, not its literal words.

1. sympathetically: This describes caring, understanding rule, the opposite of ignoring people's feelings.
2. oppressively: This describes harsh, unfair rule with no regard for people's rights, matching the idiom's real sense exactly.
3. democratically: This implies rule by consent and shared voice, which contradicts a king acting "with a high hand."
4. generously: This suggests kindness and giving freely, again the opposite mood of the idiom.

Option B, oppressively, is the only word that matches the harsh, uncaring sense of "with a high hand."

Let's summarize:

• "With a high hand" means acting harshly, with no regard for others' rights or feelings.
• Idiom questions need you to judge the mood behind the phrase, not translate it word for word.

Whenever an idiom names a "hand" or gesture, check whether it signals control, care, or force before picking an answer.