2
QuizMultiple Choice

Determine Meaning: Words and Phrases

Question 2 • FL-1001340-English 2 Sem 1 - Flex

Read the excerpt from Mark Twain's memoir, Life on the Mississippi.I was quaking from head to foot, and I could have hung my hat on my eyes, they stuck out so far.What is the most likely meaning of the phrase "I could have hung my hat on my eyes, they stuck out so far" in this sentence?

Answer
A
It is hyperbole that means that the author's eyes were wide with fear.
B
It is a simile that means that the author's hat was falling over his eyes.
C
It is an oxymoron that means that the author could not see anything.
D
It is personification that means that the author's eyes were too big for his face.

Explanation

The author says he was “quaking from head to foot,” which shows he was extremely frightened. Saying his eyes stuck out so far that he could hang his hat on them is an exaggerated image, or hyperbole, meant to show how wide his eyes were with fear. It does not mean his hat was actually falling over his eyes.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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