Question

which of the following describes the relationship between an idiomatic phrase and a literal phrase? (1 point)
a literal phrase indirectly states the meaning of an idiomatic phrase.
a literal phrase is the straightforward language that interprets the figurative meaning of an idiomatic phrase.
an idiomatic phrase presents non-literal language that influences the connotation of the literal phrase.
an idiomatic phrase restates the meaning of a literal phrase to make it easier for a reader to understand.

Explanation:

• Analyze Option A: A literal phrase should directly (not indirectly) explain an idiomatic phrase's meaning, so A is wrong.
• Analyze Option B: Idiomatic phrases are figurative (non - literal), and literal phrases use straightforward language to interpret their figurative meaning. This matches the relationship.
• Analyze Option C: An idiomatic phrase's non - literal language doesn't influence a literal phrase's connotation; rather, the literal phrase explains the idiom. So C is incorrect.
• Analyze Option D: It's the literal phrase that restates the idiom's meaning (or the idiom is a figurative version), not the other way around. So D is wrong.

Answer:

B. A literal phrase is the straightforward language that interprets the figurative meaning of an idiomatic phrase.