Multiple choice

Directions: Select the right meaning of the underlined word.

For being so late, his boss rapped him on the knuckles.

  1. appreciated

  2. got him new post

  3. rebuked him

  4. give a hug

  5. made a apathetic face
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

'Rapped on the knuckles' is an idiomatic expression meaning to reprimand, scold, or criticize someone mildly for a mistake or wrongdoing. It draws from the old practice of rapping students' knuckles with a ruler as punishment. The boss wasn't literally hitting the employee, but rather giving him a mild disciplinary warning for being late.

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