Idioms and Phrases

'Laugh up one's sleeve' means to laugh secretly or quietly, often at someone else's expense or while hiding one's amusement. The idiom suggests suppressed, concealed laughter rather than public or open amusement. It implies laughing discreetly, possibly while pretending to be serious.

'Chicken-hearted' means cowardly, timid, or lacking courage. The idiom draws from the perception of chickens as easily frightened birds. It describes someone who is not brave or bold in difficult situations, contrasting with someone who acts fearlessly or faces challenges head-on.

'Kick up a row' is an idiom that means to cause a disturbance, commotion, or create trouble. Option A correctly identifies this meaning. The other options refer to different concepts: meeting by chance, pursuing something, or doing something quietly, none of which relate to the idiom.

'Come off with flying colours' means to achieve great success or perform exceptionally well, especially in a difficult situation or examination. Option C accurately captures this meaning. The idiom originates from the military tradition of flags (colours) being displayed triumphantly after victory.

'Capital punishment' is a legal term referring to the death penalty as punishment for a crime. Option B correctly defines this term. 'Capital' here means 'pertaining to death' or 'serious enough to warrant death,' not related to capital cities or financial capital.

'Hit the nail on the head' means to describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem, or to be exactly right about something. Option B captures the essence of doing the right thing correctly. The idiom comes from carpentry - hitting a nail precisely on its head drives it in straight.

'Leave no stone unturned' means to do everything possible to achieve a goal, to try every possible means. Option B correctly identifies this meaning. The idiom suggests an exhaustive search where you would literally turn over every stone to find what you're looking for.

'Hit below the belt' means to act unfairly or use tactics that are considered unsportsmanlike. Option A is correct. This idiom comes from boxing where hitting an opponent below the waist is against the rules and considered unfair.

'Nip the evil in the bud' means to stop something harmful or bad at an early stage before it grows or spreads. Option A correctly explains this concept. The metaphor comes from gardening - nipping (pinching off) a bud prevents a plant from growing.

'Cut a sorry figure' means to make a poor impression or perform badly in a situation. Option B correctly identifies this meaning. The idiom suggests someone who looks embarrassed or unsuccessful in their attempt.

'To be under a cloud' means to be under suspicion or to have one's reputation questioned. Option D correctly defines this phrase. When someone is 'under a cloud,' people doubt them or view them with mistrust.

'Of one's own accord' means to do something voluntarily or willingly, without being forced or pressured. Option B correctly captures this meaning. When someone does something 'of their own accord,' they choose to do it themselves.

'Part and parcel' means an essential or integral part of something. Option C correctly identifies that it refers to something essential. The idiom suggests that something is so closely connected that it cannot be separated from the whole.

'Poke one's nose into' means to interfere or meddle in someone else's business or affairs. Option A correctly defines this phrase. The idiom suggests unwelcome intrusion into matters that don't concern you.

The idiom 'pros and cons' refers to the advantages and disadvantages of something. Option D correctly captures this meaning as the reasons both supporting and opposing something.