Which among the following are true about the figures of speech?
[A] Figures based on sound – paronomasia
[B] Figures based on construction – zeugma
[C] Figures based on imagination – irony
[D] Figures based on association – chiasmus
[E] Figures based on indirectness – euphemism
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

The correct answer is A, B and E only.

Let us analyze each of the statements to understand why they are classified correctly or incorrectly:

[A] Figures based on sound – paronomasia: True
Paronomasia is a phrase or play on words (commonly known as a pun) that exploits multiple meanings of a term, or of similar-sounding words, for humorous or rhetorical effect. Because it relies heavily on the phonetic similarity of words, it is classified under figures of speech based on sound.

[B] Figures based on construction – zeugma: True
Zeugma is a literary device in which a word or phrase (usually a verb or an adjective) applies to more than one noun, blending together grammatically and logically different ideas (for example, "She broke his car and his heart"). Since it alters the standard sentence structure or syntax, it is classified as a figure of speech based on grammatical construction.

[C] Figures based on imagination – irony: False
Irony is a figure of speech in which the intended meaning of words is the opposite of their literal meaning, or where the outcome of events is contrary to what was expected. It is categorized under figures based on contrast or opposition (or indirectness), rather than pure imagination (which is typical of figures like simile or metaphor).

[D] Figures based on association – chiasmus: False
Chiasmus is a rhetorical device in which words, grammatical constructions, or concepts are repeated in reverse order (for example, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country"). This is a figure of speech based on construction or arrangement, not association (figures based on association include metonymy or synecdoche).

[E] Figures based on indirectness – euphemism: True
Euphemism is the substitution of an agreeable or inoffensive expression for one that may offend or suggest something unpleasant (for example, using "passed away" instead of "died"). It is used to refer to something indirectly or politely, placing it under the category of figures based on indirectness.

Therefore, statements A, B, and E are correct, making "A, B and E only" the correct option.