Basic Details
Word: Handicap
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A condition that makes it difficult for someone to do certain things; an obstacle.
Synonyms: Disability, disadvantage, impairment
Antonyms: Advantage, benefit, strength
Idioms and Phrases
- Play to one's handicap: To benefit from a disadvantage or to use it to one's advantage. Example: "Despite his lack of experience, he played to his handicap and emerged victorious in the competition."
- Level the playing field: To make a situation fair for everyone, often by reducing the advantages one group has over another. Example: "The new policies aim to level the playing field for students with learning disabilities."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The athlete showed great determination while competing despite his handicap.
Example 2: There are many ways to help individuals with a handicap feel included in sports.
Example 3: The organisation aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by those with various handicaps.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the term "handicap" originated from a game called "Hand in Cap" where players exchanged items of value? This eventually evolved to refer to any obstacle in life.
Famous Quote
"What we have to do... is to find a way to celebrate our diversity and enhance our unity." Jesse Jackson
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "handicap" mean?
a) A type of sport
b) A condition that makes things difficult
c) A type of food
d) A style of music
Answer: b) A condition that makes things difficult
2. Which of these is a synonym of "handicap"?
a) Joy
b) Disability
c) Speed
d) Wealth
Answer: b) Disability
3. Which of these is an antonym of "handicap"?
a) Impairment
b) Advantage
c) Disadvantage
d) Burden
Answer: b) Advantage
4. Which sentence uses "handicap" correctly?
a) She sang beautifully, despite her handicap getting in the way.
b) The handicap was really tasty.
c) He wore a handicap to keep warm.
d) The playground was full of handicap.
Answer: a) She sang beautifully, despite her handicap getting in the way.
5. Which idiom means to make things fair for everyone?
a) Level the playing field
b) Play to one's handicap
c) Jumping the gun
d) Mending fences
Answer: a) Level the playing field
