Basic Details
Word: Fumble
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To handle something clumsily or to make a mistake when trying to do something.
Synonyms: Mishandle, fumble, drop
Antonyms: Handle, manage, succeed
Idioms and Phrases
- Fumble the ball: To make a mistake or to fail to take advantage of an opportunity. Example: "He really fumbled the ball when he didn't answer the question during the quiz."
- Don't fumble around: To waste time or move around without purpose. Example: "When you're ready to speak, don't fumble around; just get to the point."
Usage Examples
Example 1: She didn't want to fumble her way through the presentation, so she practiced it many times beforehand.
Example 2: During the game, he fumbled the ball and allowed the other team to score a goal.
Example 3: When he tried to find his keys in his pocket, he fumbled and dropped them on the floor.
Fun Fact
The word "fumble" comes from the Old French word "fombler," which means "to feel about" or "to handle clumsily." It has been used in English since the Middle Ages to describe awkward handling of objects.
Famous Quote
"It's not how we fumble but how we recover that counts." - Anonymous
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "fumble" mean?
a) To do something smoothly
b) To handle something clumsily
c) To finish a task quickly
d) To make something better
Answer: b) To handle something clumsily
2. Which of these is a synonym of "fumble"?
a) Handle
b) Manage
c) Mishandle
d) Succeed
Answer: c) Mishandle
3. Which sentence uses "fumble" correctly?
a) She fumbled the recipe and made a delicious cake.
b) He fumbled his words during the speech and got nervous.
c) They fumbled through the rain to enjoy a picnic.
d) I fumbled the book and placed it carefully on the shelf.
Answer: b) He fumbled his words during the speech and got nervous.
4. Which idiom means to make a mistake?
a) Don't fumble around
b) Fumble the ball
c) A stitch in time saves nine
d) Break the ice
Answer: b) Fumble the ball
5. What is the opposite of "fumble"?
a) Fail
b) Handle
c) Drop
d) Stumble
Answer: b) Handle
