English Idioms and Vocabulary

The verb phrase 'have trouble' is followed by a gerund (verb ending in -ing), not an infinitive. The correct construction is 'have trouble doing something,' making 'remembering my password' grammatically correct. Options A, B, and C incorrectly use infinitive or bare verb forms.

The idiom 'make a clean breast of something' means to confess fully and completely, holding nothing back. It comes from the idea of baring one's chest/heart honestly. Other options refer to gaining prominence, self-praise, or destroying things prematurely.

The idiom 'to keep one's temper' means to maintain composure and remain calm even when provoked. Therefore, 'to be in a good mood' (or at least a controlled one) is the closest fit. 'To preserve energy' or 'be aloof' do not relate to the emotional regulation of anger.

To have an axe to grind means to have a selfish or ulterior motive for doing something. It comes from a story by Benjamin Franklin where a man flattered a boy to grind his axe for free, teaching that people may have hidden personal agendas. Other options describe failing to arouse interest or having no result.

Above board means to be open, honest, and legitimate in one's dealings. The phrase originates from gambling, where keeping one's hands 'above the board' (table) showed that no cheating was occurring by hiding cards up one's sleeve. Other options incorrectly refer to physical height, debt status, or beauty.

To emulate means to match or surpass a person or achievement, typically by imitation. The phrase 'to try to equal or excel' captures this definition perfectly. 'Diverge' and 'converge' refer to movement directions, while 'reduce or lessen' is the opposite of the growth implied by emulation.