Idioms and Phrases

The idiom 'to keep one's head' means to remain calm and composed, especially in difficult or stressful situations. It doesn't mean being physically active, thinking coherently, or keeping advice to oneself. This expression emphasizes emotional control over panic.

'To give up the ghost' is an idiomatic expression meaning to die or expire, originating from the belief that the spirit leaves the body at death. It doesn't mean suffering, fighting evil, or becoming rational. The phrase is used metaphorically for machines or systems that stop working.

 To snap one's fingers at means to treat someone with contempt. Option 4 means the same

A snake in the grass means concealed danger..... danger not visible. So, option 3 is correct.

 To be fast and losse is to be undependable.

Whiter than white: Someone who is whiter than white is completely good and honest and never does anything bad.

Gilt-edged refers to stocks or securities (such as gilts) that are regarded as extremely reliable investments.

Tip of the iceberg: (Figurative) Only a part of something that can be easily observed, but not the rest of it, which is hidden. (Referring to the fact that the majority of an iceberg is below the surface of the water.)

To stick one's neck out is to expose oneself to trouble.

A baker's dozen refers to thirteen items. This tradition originated in medieval England when bakers would give thirteen items for the price of twelve to avoid penalties for selling underweight bread. The extra item ensured customers received the full amount they paid for, protecting bakers from accusations of short-selling.

To disabuse means to persuade someone that an idea or belief is mistaken. 'To disabuse one's mind' means to remove a false belief or misunderstanding from someone's thinking. Option B correctly captures this meaning of clearing up a misapprehension.

'To play fast and loose' means to behave irresponsibly, unreliably, or deceitfully. It originates from a cheating trick in games. The correct answer 'to play tricks' (D) captures the essence of deceptive, unreliable behavior rather than mere inconsistency or emotional manipulation.

'A bull in a china shop' is a classic metaphor for someone who is clumsy, careless, or rough in situations requiring delicacy and care. Just as a bull would cause destruction in a shop filled with fragile porcelain, this person damages things through their clumsy approach. Option D perfectly captures this meaning.

'To look down one's nose at someone' means to regard them with a sense of superiority, disdain, or contempt. The physical gesture of literally looking down one's nose suggests arrogance and scornful judgment. Option D 'to regard with half-hidden contempt' correctly captures this attitude of looking down on others.

'To clinch the issue' means to settle, resolve, or finally decide something. When the chairman's casting vote 'clinched the issue,' it means it decided the matter conclusively. Option B 'decided' is the correct meaning - the vote brought the discussion to a definitive conclusion.