Idioms and Phrases

The phrase 'flea in the ear' means something irritating or annoying that won't go away - like a flea buzzing in your ear. In the context, high prices are an ongoing irritation to the frustrated wife. It's similar to 'thorn in the side' or 'bugging someone'.

'Fire away' means to begin something immediately or do something quickly and energetically. It comes from the idea of firing a gun or cannon - action without delay. In the sentence, it's telling someone to start working right away, not lazily or tomorrow.

The phrase 'good for nothing' is an idiom that means completely worthless or serving no useful purpose. Among the options, only 'useless' correctly captures this meaning. 'The future' and 'trained' are positive concepts, while 'senseless' suggests irrationality rather than worthlessness.

'At the eleventh hour' is a biblical idiom referring to the last possible moment before something happens, similar to workers hired at the eleventh hour in a parable. 'At the last moment' is the correct interpretation. The other options ('at the start', 'in between', 'at the corner') are completely unrelated to the idiom's meaning.

'Hour by hour' describes something happening progressively over time, bit by bit. When a patient is sinking 'hour by hour', it means their condition is declining gradually, not suddenly or immediately. This is the standard meaning of this temporal phrase.

The phrase 'put on' in the context of clothes means to wear them. The sentence discusses the cost of clothes, so the logical action is wearing them. 'Show', 'describe', and 'decide' don't make sense in this grammatical or semantic context.

'To the skin' is an idiom meaning completely or thoroughly, suggesting something goes to the very core or essence of a person. Saying someone is a communist 'to the skin' means they are completely and utterly committed to communism in their beliefs and identity.

'Talk tall' is an idiom meaning to speak boastfully, brag, or make grand claims about oneself. The sentence warns that boasting in high society doesn't lead to positive outcomes. 'Boast' correctly captures this meaning of arrogant or exaggerated speech.

'Out of order' means improper, unacceptable, or not following correct procedure or etiquette. Celebrating a conspicuous (showy) wedding when modesty is expected would be considered improper behavior. 'Proper' is the opposite of what the phrase means.

'Come to terms with' means to accept, reconcile with, or reach agreement with a difficult situation. In this context, it means accepting hard realities rather than fighting against them. 'To agree' correctly captures the acceptance aspect of this idiom.

'All over' as an idiom means finished, ended, or completed. When someone says 'it is all over with him now,' they mean his situation, chances, or life has come to an end. 'Finished' is the correct meaning among the options.

'Takes orders' is a phrase that means to obey or follow commands given by a superior. A soldier's relationship with their commander is one of obedience to the chain of command. 'Obeys' correctly captures this hierarchical relationship.

'Pester someone with' means to persistently annoy, bother, or trouble someone with repeated demands or requests. The speaker is asking not to be troubled by persistent demands. 'Trouble' correctly captures this annoying, persistent behavior.

'In peril' is a formal phrase meaning in danger or at risk of harm or destruction. When a nation is in peril, it means it faces serious threats. 'In danger' is the correct meaning, while other options ('in sake hands', 'in progress', 'happy') are either incorrect or opposite in meaning.

The phrase 'out and out' is an idiomatic expression that means completely or thoroughly. In this context, it emphasizes that Swami Vivekanand was a person who fully embodied high principles in every aspect of his life. The other options (closely, freely, wisely) do not capture the comprehensive meaning of this idiom.

In this context, 'rendered' means to provide or give service to someone. The phrase 'rendered great service' means he gave significant help or assistance to his friends. While 'render' can have other meanings like 'make' or 'cause to be', in the context of service, it means to give or provide.

Option (4) is correct.

The phrase 'hold the scales even' is a metaphorical expression referring to the scales of justice, which must remain balanced. This idiom means to be impartial or fair, treating all parties equally without bias. The other options (to forgive, to be partial, to render support) do not capture the essence of judicial fairness.

Option (3) is correct.

Option (2) is correct.

'On the floor' means under discussion.

Hand in glove means to be on intimate terms, in close association. So, accomplices is the correct answer.

Option (4) is correct. By fits and starts means 'in short, inconsistent, and irregular intervals, as of motion or progress'.
 

'Hot water' means 'trouble' or 'difficulty'.

The idiom 'lose sight' means not to overlook or not to let something slip out.