ENGLISH - IDIOMS

The idiom 'to play to the gallery' means to perform or act in a way designed to impress or gain approval from the general public or audience. It refers to seeking popular applause rather than focusing on substance or quality. 'Trying to get public appreciation' correctly captures this meaning of performing for audience approval.

The idiom 'lost in the clouds' describes someone who is mentally absent, confused, or deeply lost in daydreams rather than paying attention to reality. Option B correctly captures this state of being bewildered or perplexed. The other options do not relate to the figurative meaning of being mentally lost or confused.

In medieval times, throwing down a gauntlet (armored glove) was a formal challenge to combat. Accepting it meant accepting the challenge to fight. Option B correctly captures this meaning of accepting a challenge. The other options incorrectly suggest defeat or negative outcomes rather than courageously accepting a challenge.

This idiom refers to discussing private, embarrassing, or scandalous personal matters in public view. Option D correctly captures the meaning of exposing intimate personal or family issues that should remain private. The other options are too literal or don't capture the scandalous nature of what's being exposed.

To have a brush with something means to have a brief, often unexpected encounter or experience with it. Option D correctly captures this meaning of encountering something briefly. The other options incorrectly reference painting, pleasant relationships, or being impressed, which are unrelated to the idiom's meaning.

The white feather was historically associated with cowardice - white feathers in game birds were considered signs of poor fighting spirit. To show the white feather means to act cowardly. Option A correctly captures this meaning. The other options refer to lying, running away, or showing true colors, which are different concepts.

Upsetting the apple cart means disrupting an established arrangement or causing trouble by interfering with the existing order. Option C correctly captures this meaning of disturbing arrangements. The other options incorrectly focus on making people sad, causing general uproar, or being in trouble, rather than the specific act of disruption.

Lean times refers to periods of scarcity, difficulty, or financial hardship. The idiom 'lean times' correctly completes the sentence about persevering through hard times. Option B is correct. The other options don't form recognized idioms - 'fat times' would mean prosperous times, opposite of what perseverance suggests.

To tuck into food means to start eating eagerly and heartily. Option A correctly captures this meaning of eating with enthusiasm. The other options incorrectly suggest eating hurriedly, waiting impatiently, or attacking - none of which capture the sense of enjoying food heartily.

The idiom 'eyes are bigger than your stomach' refers to taking more food than you can actually eat, showing greed or lack of self-awareness about your capacity. Option C correctly identifies this as being greedy. The other options incorrectly refer to being far-sighted, ambitious, or having bad intentions, which miss the idiom's specific meaning about overestimating capacity.

To be under a cloud means to be under suspicion, in trouble, or experiencing a period of sadness or difficulty. Option D correctly completes the sentence - the grandfather's death would leave her in a state of gloom or suspicion. The other cloud-related idioms (cloud nine, squaring a cloud) don't fit the context of bereavement.

To skin someone alive is a hyperbolic expression meaning to scold or punish someone severely and harshly. Option B correctly captures this idiomatic threat of severe punishment. The other options (beat, bake, berate) with 'alive' don't form recognized English idioms.

To skip a beat refers to a moment of excited, suspended emotion when your heart seems to pause - often from surprise, joy, or shock. Option B correctly completes the sentence - topping exams would cause this reaction. The other options use incorrect words (skimped, skipped a boat) that don't form this idiom.

The idiom 'a new lease of life' means to get a fresh start or new opportunity, often after a difficult period. 'Lease' here refers to having renewed life or energy. The other options don't match this established English idiom.

'Beggared description' is an idiom meaning something is so extraordinary that words cannot adequately describe it - it exceeds the capacity of language. The phrase suggests the subject is beyond what can be expressed. 'Highly praised' or 'needed no description' don't capture this meaning.