22. What does the phrase 'neither here nor there' mean in the sentence provided?
Answer: A
Not relevant
The phrase 'neither here nor there' in the context of the sentence indicates that the topic being discussed, the company holiday party, is not relevant to the ongoing finance meeting.
A) Not relevant
This option correctly captures the essence of the phrase 'neither here nor there,' which signifies that something is not pertinent or applicable to the situation at hand. In this case, discussing the holiday party during a finance meeting distracts from the main agenda, making it irrelevant.
B) Very close
This option is incorrect because 'neither here nor there' does not imply proximity or closeness in any sense. Instead, it suggests a lack of relevance, which is not aligned with the meaning of being "very close."
C) Not surprising
This option is also incorrect as it does not relate to the concept of relevance. The phrase does not denote anything about expectations or surprises; rather, it emphasizes that the topic does not contribute to the current discussion.
D) A very serious matter
This choice is incorrect because 'neither here nor there' implies a lack of seriousness or importance regarding the subject being discussed. It suggests that the holiday party is not a serious or significant issue within the context of the finance meeting.
Conclusion
The correct answer, "Not relevant," accurately reflects the meaning of 'neither here nor there' as it pertains to the sentence provided. All other options fail to grasp the core concept of relevance and importance in the context of the discussion, thereby reinforcing why A is the definitive choice.