Question

select the correct answer.

read the sentence from paragraph 2.

\i dont know, bob, the theory is all right, but how it will work out in practice is a cat of another color; one thing is sure, though, and that is if it dont work we are out of the running in the race, for the new boat the jenkins boys have just bought, will run circles round the sprite.\

what does the phrase \a cat of another color\ mean in this excerpt?

something that may not work more than once
something different that cannot be predicted
something that needs more new parts to work
something that will not function fast enough

Explanation:

Analyze the context of the phrase

The sentence contrasts "theory" with "practice": "the theory is all right, but how it will work out in practice is a cat of another color." This contrast indicates that theory and practice are two different things, and the practical outcome is uncertain or cannot be predicted.

Evaluate the options

• "something that may not work more than once": Incorrect, as the passage does not discuss repetition.
• "something different that cannot be predicted": Correct, as "a cat of another color" (a variation of "a horse of a different color") refers to a completely different matter whose outcome is uncertain compared to the theory.
• "something that needs more new parts to work": Incorrect, as there is no mention of needing additional parts.
• "something that will not function fast enough": Incorrect, as the speed of functioning is not the focus of this specific phrase.

Answer:

• something that may not work more than once
• something different that cannot be predicted (Correct answer)
• something that needs more new parts to work
• something that will not function fast enough