what does a chaff mean?

[Erem]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #707 "English Slang Idioms (449)", question 3

"There are various theories on how to separate the ......... from the chaff in the workplace and, unfortunately, none work for each type of organization. Identifying non-productive employees can be more difficult than you might think," the Management professor told the class.

(a) apples
(b) grapes
(c) wheat
(d) melons

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #707 "English Slang Idioms (449)", answer 3

"There are various theories on how to separate the wheat from the chaff in the workplace and, unfortunately, none work for each type of organization. Identifying non-productive employees can be more difficult than you might think," the Management professor told the class.

Correct answer: (c) wheat
_________________________

what is a chaff?

Erem

[Mister Micawber]

.
'Chaff' is uncountable. It is the dry outside leaves of the wheat, which is removed because we cannot use it.
.
_________________
Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mr. Micawber

[Huyen Nghiem]

what's the idiom in this sentence

[Ralf]

Hi Huyen,

'to seperate the wheat from the chuff' means 'to single out the good ones'.

Take care,

Ralf
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