After the bitter dispute with his business partner, Aryan decided to 'burn his bridges' by publicly exposing their failed venture. What does this idiom warn against?

• A. To destroy one's own property out of anger
• B. To permanently damage a relationship or situation with no possibility of return (Answer)
• C. To share confidential information with the media
• D. To take a reckless financial decision

'Burn your bridges' means to take an irreversible action that destroys a relationship or future opportunity — just as burning a bridge behind you prevents retreat. Option A is a literal misreading. Option C (sharing information) is related to the context but not the idiom's meaning.

After months of delays, the new project manager finally 'got the ball rolling' by scheduling the first stakeholder meeting. What does this idiom mean?

• A. To ensure a project stays within budget
• B. To initiate a process or activity and set it in motion (Answer)
• C. To bring all team members together for a vote
• D. To take complete control of a new project

'Get the ball rolling' means to start a process or activity so that others can follow. The image is of a ball that, once pushed, keeps moving under momentum. Option D (taking control) implies authority the idiom does not convey — it focuses on initiation, not ownership.

The shopkeeper was 'caught red-handed' stealing from the cash register by the CCTV camera. What does this idiom mean?

• A. To be suspected of a crime without conclusive proof
• B. To be discovered in the act of doing something wrong (Answer)
• C. To be accused unfairly by a superior
• D. To be identified as a suspect after an investigation

'Caught red-handed' means to be discovered in the very act of doing something wrong or illegal — the metaphor derives from a murderer caught with blood-red hands. Option A (suspected) and D (identified after investigation) both lack the immediacy of the act being caught in progress.

In the highly competitive smartphone market, mid-range devices are 'a dime a dozen'. What does this phrase mean?

• A. The devices are very cheap and low in quality
• B. The devices are very common and available in large numbers (Answer)
• C. The devices are sold at heavily discounted prices
• D. The devices are popular but difficult to find

'A dime a dozen' means something is extremely common, easily available, and therefore not particularly special or valuable. A dime is ten cents — buying a dozen for that price implies something is cheap and plentiful. Option A (low quality) is implied by context but not part of the idiom's meaning. Option D (difficult to find) is the opposite.

The postal worker delivers mail 'come rain or shine', even during the most severe monsoon seasons. What does this phrase mean?

• A. Regardless of any circumstances or conditions (Answer)
• B. Only in favourable weather conditions
• C. With great difficulty and personal sacrifice
• D. Depending on the weather forecast for the day

'Come rain or shine' means to do something regardless of the circumstances or obstacles — just as rain or sunshine cannot stop the action. It emphasises unconditional reliability. Option B is the opposite. Option C adds suffering not inherent in the phrase.

Despite the urgency of the matter, the government committee kept 'dragging its feet' on approving the new environmental regulations. What does this idiom suggest?

• A. Moving forward with great difficulty due to limited resources
• B. Deliberately delaying or being slow in doing something (Answer)
• C. Making errors due to insufficient research
• D. Opposing a proposal without stating the reasons

'Drag one's feet' means to act with deliberate slowness or reluctance, effectively delaying progress. The image is of someone who literally drags their feet while walking, resisting forward movement. Option A (difficulty due to resources) suggests genuine limitation rather than deliberate delay.

Winning the national journalism award was considered a 'feather in her cap' by all her colleagues. What does this idiom express?

• A. An achievement that adds prestige and distinction to one's record (Answer)
• B. A rare opportunity that comes once in a career
• C. A personal decoration worn at formal ceremonies
• D. A sign of peace and acceptance from rivals

'Feather in one's cap' means an achievement or distinction that adds to one's reputation. The origin is from the custom of Native American and medieval European warriors adding feathers to their headwear for each notable achievement. Option B (rare opportunity) confuses achievement with luck.

It took Priya a few weeks to 'get the hang of' the new accounting software. What does this idiom mean?

• A. To become accustomed to and skilled at something (Answer)
• B. To install and configure a software system
• C. To read the instruction manual thoroughly
• D. To complete a task on the first attempt

'Get the hang of' means to learn how to do something and become comfortable with it through practice. Option B and C describe preparation steps; the idiom describes the resulting competence. Option D (first attempt) contradicts the gradual learning the idiom implies.

The senior professor said he had 'a bone to pick' with the journal editor over the way his paper was reviewed. What does this mean?

• A. To have a specific complaint or grievance to discuss with someone (Answer)
• B. To study a subject with great concentration
• C. To make a formal accusation in writing
• D. To share detailed feedback on someone's work

'Have a bone to pick with someone' means to have a specific complaint or disagreement to raise with that person. The image is of two dogs fighting over a bone — a confrontational meeting with a definite focus. Option D (feedback) is too neutral; the idiom implies grievance and dissatisfaction.

The financial director was 'in hot water' after it was discovered that he had approved expenses without proper documentation. What does this idiom convey?

• A. In a very comfortable and privileged position
• B. In a situation of trouble, likely to face serious consequences (Answer)
• C. In a state of emotional turmoil and stress
• D. In a hurry to complete an urgent assignment

'In hot water' means to be in trouble or in a difficult situation likely to result in punishment or criticism. The image is of being scalded — being in hot water is unpleasant and dangerous. Option C (emotional turmoil) is a consequence of trouble but not the idiom's meaning.