Meaning of 'ready for action'

[Sveta]

Test No. express/elem-4 "For Good", question 10

The battleships were all waiting in the harbour ready for action.

(a) prepared for war
(b) prepared for anything
(c) prepared for something
(d) prepared for take off

Test No. express/elem-4 "For Good", answer 10

The battleships were all waiting in the harbour prepared for war.

Correct answer: (a) prepared for war
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Meaning of 'ready for action'

Sveta

[Alan]

They are in the harbour.
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Present Simple

[Franco.caon]

I don't agree with the correct answer proposed (prepared for war)
what if those battleships were in the harbour ready to start a naval exercise, be it a war exercise or a humanitarian operation for delivery of food and aid to some area affected by a natural disaster???

[Farisiam]

I do agree with the answer (prepared for war) for the simple reason that, they are battleships. The main task for the battleships is fighting, unless something else is mentioned to the contrary. In this context, battleships are prepared for war.

I might be wrong!

Cheers,

Faris

[Beeesneees]

If a battleship or other type of military transport is declared ready for action, this means it is prepared for war - regardless of whether or not it is about to take part in a war, a training exercise or anything else (including just continuing to sit in the harbour).
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Cheers m' dears!

[Franco.caon]

Guys, I got it. I still don't like it, but I got it.
Let's all relax and go on with the next exercise... ;)))