Basic Details
Word: Spoil
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To damage something or make it worse; to ruin or impair something.
Synonyms: Ruin, damage, impair
Antonyms: Preserve, protect, improve
Idioms and Phrases
- Spoilt for choice: To have too many options to choose from, making it difficult to decide. Example: "With so many delicious desserts available, I felt spoilt for choice."
- Spoil the ship for a ha'pworth of tar: Meaning that neglecting small details can lead to greater problems. Example: "He didnt fix the small leak in the roof; spoil the ship for a ha'pworth of tar could mean more damage in the future."
Usage Examples
Example 1: If you leave the milk out for too long, it will spoil and become undrinkable.
Example 2: The heavy rain spoiled our plans for a picnic in the park.
Example 3: She tried not to spoil the surprise birthday party for her friend by giving too many hints.
Fun Fact
The word spoil comes from the Old French word espoillier, which means to strip or take away. Over time, it evolved to mean damaging or ruining something.
Famous Quote
"One rotten apple spoils the whole barrel." - Proverb
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "spoil" mean?
a) To create something new
b) To damage or ruin something
c) To improve a situation
d) To celebrate an event
Answer: b) To damage or ruin something
2. Which of these is a synonym of "spoil"?
a) Protect
b) Enhance
c) Ruin
d) Preserve
Answer: c) Ruin
3. Which of these is an antonym of "spoil"?
a) Damage
b) Destroy
c) Preserve
d) Ruin
Answer: c) Preserve
4. Which sentence uses "spoil" correctly?
a) I will spoil the car tomorrow.
b) Dont spoil the surprise by telling her about the party.
c) The rain will spoil the flowers.
d) They spoil the cake before eating it.
Answer: b) Dont spoil the surprise by telling her about the party.
5. What does "spoilt for choice" mean?
a) Having too many options
b) Having no options
c) Being unhappy
d) Being indifferent
Answer: a) Having too many options
