Basic Details
Word: Sting
Part of Speech: Verb/Noun
Meaning: To prick or wound with a sharp point; or the sharp pain caused by such an action.
Synonyms: Prick, bite, hurt
Antonyms: Soothe, calm, comfort
Idioms and Phrases
- Sting in the tail: A surprising and unpleasant ending to something that is otherwise good. Example: "The story had a happy beginning, but it had a sting in the tail that left the readers shocked."
- To feel the sting: To feel hurt or upset about something. Example: "He felt the sting of rejection after his team chose another candidate for the project."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The bee's sting caused her arm to swell and turn red.
Example 2: Sometimes, the truth can sting, but it is often what we need to hear.
Example 3: As he pricked his finger on the thorn, he winced, feeling the sting immediately.
Fun Fact
Did you know that honeybees can only sting once? After they sting, they lose their stinger and die shortly after, making their sting a very important act of self-defence.
Famous Quote
"The sting of a little bite cannot be compared to the pain of a broken heart." - Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "sting" mean?
a) To hug tightly
b) To prick or wound
c) To run quickly
d) To sing beautifully
Answer: b) To prick or wound
2. Which of these is a synonym of "sting"?
a) Soothe
b) Comfort
c) Hurt
d) Assist
Answer: c) Hurt
3. Which sentence uses "sting" correctly?
a) The giant butterfly gave me a sting to my hand.
b) I love to sting my friends with jokes.
c) She felt the sting of the bee as it landed on her arm.
d) The dog will sting the ball in the park.
Answer: c) She felt the sting of the bee as it landed on her arm.
4. Which idiom describes an unpleasant surprise?
a) To feel the sting
b) Sting in the tail
c) A breath of fresh air
d) The tip of the iceberg
Answer: b) Sting in the tail
5. What is the opposite of "sting"?
a) Hurt
b) Comfort
c) Prick
d) Soothe
Answer: d) Soothe
