Basic Details
Word: Harmonica
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A small musical instrument played by blowing air into holes along a metal reed.
Synonyms: Mouth organ, French harp
Antonyms: N/A
Idioms and Phrases
- Blow your own harmonica: To boast about your achievements. Example: "He often blows his own harmonica about winning the science fair."
- Play second fiddle: To have a lower status than someone else; can be related to harmonica when compared to more prominent instruments. Example: "Though he played the harmonica at the band, he felt he was playing second fiddle to the guitarist."
Usage Examples
Example 1: During the picnic, she entertained everyone by playing her harmonica beautifully.
Example 2: The busker on the street corner played his harmonica while people stopped to listen.
Example 3: He bought a new harmonica to join the local band that played folk music.
Fun Fact
The harmonica was invented in Germany around the early 19th century and is now popular in various music genres, including blues, rock, and folk.
Famous Quote
"Life is like playing a harmonica; you must make music with what you have." - Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "harmonica" mean?
a) A type of drum
b) A small musical instrument
c) A string instrument
d) A wind instrument
Answer: b) A small musical instrument
2. Which of these is a synonym of "harmonica"?
a) Trumpet
b) Mouth organ
c) Flute
d) Guitar
Answer: b) Mouth organ
3. Which sentence uses "harmonica" correctly?
a) The harmonica jumped over the fence.
b) He passionately played his harmonica at the concert.
c) The harmonica swam in the pool.
d) The harmonica painted a picture.
Answer: b) He passionately played his harmonica at the concert.
4. Which idiom means something similar to boasting about ones achievements?
a) Blow your own harmonica
b) Play second fiddle
c) On cloud nine
d) Turn a page
Answer: a) Blow your own harmonica
5. What is the opposite of "harmonica"?
a) N/A
b) Piano
c) Drum
d) Flute
Answer: a) N/A
