GATE CS 2015 Set 1 — Question 6

MCQ+2 / -0.67EasyVocabulary (Words, Idioms, Phrases in Context)Verbal AptitudeGeneral Aptitude

General Aptitude → Verbal Aptitude → Vocabulary (Words, Idioms, Phrases in Context)

Last updated 5 September 2026

Question

Select the alternative meaning of the underlined part of the sentence. The chain snatchers took to their heels when the police party arrived.

Correct answer (C) took to flight Solution To find the correct meaning of the underlined idiom "**took to their heels**", let us analyze its idiomatic usage: 1. Idiom Definition: The phrase "to take to one's heels" is an established English idiom which means to run away rapidly, flee, or escape from a situation, especially out of fear or to avoid capture. 2. Contextual Analysis: In the given sentence: > "The chain snatchers took to their heels when the police party arrived." The arrival of the police would naturally cause criminals (chain snatchers) to flee or run away to avoid being caught. 3. Evaluating the Options: Option A (took shelter in a thick jungle): This is too specific and not the general meaning of the idiom. Option B (open indiscriminate fire): This means to start shooting, which is incorrect. Option C (took to flight): "To take to flight" or "take flight" means to run away or flee from danger. This directly matches the meaning of "took to their heels". Option D (unconditionally surrendered): This means to give up, which is the opposite of running away. Therefore, the correct option is C . Turn this into a strength. Explore AI-powered practice and doubt support with Success Tracker.

Review answer and solution without JavaScript

Interactive answer checking needs JavaScript. The published solution is available below.

Correct answer (C) took to flight Solution To find the correct meaning of the underlined idiom "**took to their heels**", let us analyze its idiomatic usage: 1. Idiom Definition: The phrase "to take to one's heels" is an established English idiom which means to run away rapidly, flee, or escape from a situation, especially out of fear or to avoid capture. 2. Contextual Analysis: In the given sentence: > "The chain snatchers took to their heels when the police party arrived." The arrival of the police would naturally cause criminals (chain snatchers) to flee or run away to avoid being caught. 3. Evaluating the Options: Option A (took shelter in a thick jungle): This is too specific and not the general meaning of the idiom. Option B (open indiscriminate fire): This means to start shooting, which is incorrect. Option C (took to flight): "To take to flight" or "take flight" means to run away or flee from danger. This directly matches the meaning of "took to their heels". Option D (unconditionally surrendered): This means to give up, which is the opposite of running away. Therefore, the correct option is C .

Continue learning with Success Tracker

Use Success Tracker to ask about the reasoning, then try another GATE CS question to check your understanding.

AI-powered practice· Unlimited practice on eligible plans

PYQs with solutions: Attempt available previous-year questions, then compare your reasoning with the worked solution. Coverage varies by stream.
Practice that adapts: Choose a topic, work on weaker areas and bookmark questions to revisit. Your attempts feed your progress tracking.
AI doubt support: Ask follow-up questions about a step or concept while practising, instead of stopping at the final answer.

Unlimited practice is available on eligible plans. Free practice and AI usage have limits; check the current plan allowances before choosing.

This page stays readable without an account. AI responses can be wrong; check them against the solution and source material.