Idioms and Phrases

To be at ease means to be comfortable, relaxed, or free from worry. 'To be comfortable' directly captures this state. 'To apologise' and 'Do things easily' are unrelated, while 'To take things easy' is similar but more about attitude than current state.

To bury the hatchet is an idiom meaning to make peace and end a conflict or quarrel. The phrase comes from Native American tradition of literally burying weapons. 'To make peace' correctly captures this meaning. 'To kill', 'To crimate' (typo for 'create'? unclear), and 'To avoid' don't match.

To gain ground is an idiom meaning to make progress, become more popular, or advance gradually. 'To succeed slowly and steadily' captures this gradual advancement meaning. The other options are literal misinterpretations or unrelated phrases.

To make both ends meet is an idiom meaning to earn just enough money to cover basic expenses and survive. It refers to making income stretch to cover costs. 'To fulfill the basic needs' correctly captures this meaning of financial survival.

To be in the good books means to be in someone's favor or to be regarded positively by someone. It doesn't refer to actual books or mood - it's about social standing and approval in someone's estimation.

To do something off hand means to do it without preparation, spontaneously, or immediately without prior thought or practice. It refers to improvisation rather than discouragement, hope, or physical reach.

The idiom 'black and blue' refers to the dark bruise marks that appear on skin after being severely beaten. Option B correctly captures this physical meaning. The other options (bitter relations, to pacify, in a mood) are unrelated to the visible effects of physical injuries.

The phrase 'to follow suit' means to do what someone else has done or to act in a similar manner, originating from card games where players must follow the lead suit. Option C precisely states this meaning. Option D 'To follow others' is close but less specific about imitating actions.

The idiom 'to leave someone in the lurch' means to abandon them when they need help most, leaving them in a difficult situation. Option B correctly identifies this meaning of deserting a friend during trouble. The other options are unrelated to abandonment or assistance.

The phrase 'to make the most of' means to use something to its fullest potential or extract maximum benefit from an opportunity. Option A 'To utilise utmost' correctly captures this meaning of thorough utilization. The other options (to hurry, confused, nearly finished) don't relate to maximizing value.

The phrase 'to rise to the occasion' means to step up and handle a challenging situation effectively when it arises. Option B correctly identifies this as meeting an emergency or difficult situation. Option A 'Stand together' suggests unity rather than individual response to challenge.

The idiom 'to turn over a new leaf' means to change one's behavior for the better, often after past mistakes. Option C correctly states this meaning of complete transformation. Option D 'Go to the next page' is a literal misinterpretation - 'leaf' here refers to a page in a book, but metaphorically means starting fresh.

The idiom 'to be under a cloud' means to be under suspicion or viewed with distrust, as if a literal cloud were casting shadows on one's reputation. Option A correctly captures this meaning. Option B 'To be under cover' suggests protection rather than suspicion - the opposite meaning.

The idiom 'to let the cat out of the bag' means to reveal a secret that was supposed to be hidden. Option B correctly identifies this meaning of disclosure. The phrase likely originates from marketplace fraud where a cat (worthless) was substituted for a pig (valuable) in a bag.

A 'Fabian policy' refers to a strategy of delaying tactics and avoiding direct confrontation, named after Roman general Fabius Maximus who wore down Hannibal's forces through patience rather than battle. Option A correctly identifies this meaning of postponing decisions. This has nothing to do with Finland.