Foreign Words and Phrases

'Au fait' is a French phrase meaning 'thoroughly acquainted' or 'well versed' with something. When someone is 'au fait' with a city's layout, it means they know it thoroughly and can navigate it competently. The phrase conveys expertise and familiarity rather than superficial knowledge.

It means '(especially of an examination) oral rather than written'.

'À la' is a French term meaning 'in the style of' or 'according to the manner of' someone or something. When something is done 'à la' a person, it means it's done just like that person would do it or in their characteristic style. The phrase is commonly used in contexts like 'à la carte' (according to the menu) or describing cooking in someone's style.

Correct Answer: on the menu
It means the items listed on the menu.

'Beau monde' is a French phrase meaning 'beautiful world' or 'fashionable society'. It refers to the fashionable, stylish, or elite social circles in society. The term describes people who are socially prominent, trend-setters, or move in high society circles, rather than fashion itself or a single attractive person.

The word means a word or expression used in a given context so that it can be understood in two ways. Hence, option 3 is the correct answer.

'Carte blanche' is a French term literally meaning 'white card' or 'blank card'. It refers to giving someone complete authority, full discretion, or unconditional freedom to act or make decisions without seeking prior approval. When someone has carte blanche, they have a free hand to do whatever they think is best in a situation.

A kibbutz is a collective community in Israel where agriculture and other forms of work are shared, with profits and losses distributed among members. This communal living arrangement emphasizes equality and cooperation.

Non compos mentis is Latin for 'not of sound mind' - used to describe someone who is mentally incapable or not in their right frame of mind. This legal term indicates mental incompetence.

Correct Answer: Already seen
It means an impression or illusion of having seen or experienced something before. 

En masse is French for 'in a mass' or 'as a whole' - doing something all together or collectively as a crowd. This phrase describes group action where everyone participates simultaneously.

Haute couture (spelled 'HAUTE COUTRE' in the question) refers to high-end luxury fashion designing. The term describes prestigious fashion houses that create custom-fitted clothing. Despite the typo in the question, the answer is correct.

Je ne sais quoi is French for 'I don't know what' - describing an indescribable or elusive quality that makes something special. The phrase captures a feeling or attribute that cannot be put into words.

A corrigendum is a correction or error notice published in a newspaper or magazine to rectify mistakes in previous content. It's an admission of error with the corrected information.

Répondez s'il vous plaît (RSVP) is French for 'reply if you please' or 'please respond'. It's used on invitations to request that guests confirm their attendance.

A detour is a deviation from the direct route - taking a longer, alternative path around obstacles. It involves changing from the shortest or original path to reach the same destination via a different route.

Hors de combat is French for 'out of the fight' - describing someone who is unable to participate, typically due to injury. It's commonly used in military or sports contexts.

The Latin phrase "in extremis" literally means "at the point of death" or in extreme/dying circumstances. It refers to someone in a critical, life-threatening condition. Option C captures this precise meaning - being on the brink of death.

A "factotum" is a person employed to handle all kinds of tasks or work - essentially a general helper or jack-of-all-trades. The word comes from Latin meaning "do everything." Option A correctly identifies this as someone doing all kinds of jobs.

"Volte-face" refers to an unexpected change in opinion, policy, or action - essentially a complete reversal. It comes from French literally meaning "turn face" like an about-face movement. Option B correctly identifies it as an unexpected change.

Nonchalance is the state of being calm, relaxed, and unbothered, especially in situations where others might be stressed. It means showing cool composure under pressure. Option B correctly identifies this as being composed under pressure.

 Bijou means a jewel, something small and exquisite.