Match the meanings with the words/expressions in italics, and write the appropriate meaning next to the sentence. The first one has been done for you.
1. I knew a man was following me, I was scared out of my wits. (very frightened)
2. I got a fright when I realised how close I was to the cliff edge.
3. He nearly jumped out of his skin when he saw the bull coming towards him.
4. You really gave me a fright when you crept up behind me like that.
5. Wait until I tell his story — it will make your hair stand on end.
6. Paralysed with fear, the boy faced his abductors.
7. The boy hid behind the door, not moving a muscle

Question

Here are some sentences from the text. Say which of them tell you, that the author: (a) was afraid of the snake, (b) was proud of his appearance, (c) had a sense of humour, (d) was no longer afraid of the snake.
1. I was turned to stone.
2. I was no mere image cut in granite.
3. The arm was beginning to be drained of strength.
4. I tried in my imagination to write in bright letters outside my little heart the words, ‘O God’.
5. I didn’t tremble. I didn’t cry out.
6. I looked into the mirror and smiled. It was an attractive smile.
7. I was suddenly a man of flesh and blood.
8. I was after all a bachelor, and a doctor too on top of it!
9. The fellow had such a sense of cleanliness...! The rascal could have taken it and used it after washing it with soap and water.
10. Was it trying to make an important decision about growing a moustache or using eye shadow and mascara or wearing a vermilion spot on its forehead.

Answer 1

1. I knew a man was following me, I was scared out of my wits.

Meaning: very frightened

2. I got a fright when I realised how close I was to the cliff edge.

Meaning: a sudden feeling of fear

3. He nearly jumped out of his skin when he saw the bull coming towards him.

Meaning: very startled or frightened

4. You really gave me a fright when you crept up behind me like that.

Meaning: scared suddenly

5. Wait until I tell his story — it will make your hair stand on end.

Meaning: to cause fear or horror

6. Paralysed with fear, the boy faced his abductors.

Meaning: unable to move because of fear

7. The boy hid behind the door, not moving a muscle.

Meaning: completely still, as if frozen

Solution and Explanation