Idioms and Phrases

It is exactly what the idiom means.

'Spick and span' means neat, clean and well looked after.

Option 3 is the correct explanation of the underlined idiom.

The idiom 'to show a clean pair of heels' means to run away quickly, typically to escape from someone or something. It originates from the idea of someone running so fast that their heels are clearly visible to the pursuer. It does not mean confronting cleanliness obsession or readiness to serve.

The idiom 'the gift of the gab' refers to the natural talent for speaking fluently and persuasively. Someone with this gift can speak eloquently, convincingly, and engagingly. It does not mean being out of control, making mistakes, or being lovable - it specifically describes the ability to use speech effectively.

"Stand on ceremony" means to insist on observing strict formalities and etiquette, or to act with reserve and formality. A casual approach (A) would be the opposite. Leading from front (C) is unrelated. The idiom specifically refers to being formal and reserved in social interactions.

'On cloud nine' means to be very happy.

Wear one's heart on one's sleeve means to show one's feelings.

To show the white feather means to behave in a cowardly manner.

In the blues means melancholy and low-spirited.

Salad days is a Shakespearean idiomatic expression to refer to a youthful time.

This is the correct explanation.

'A month of Sundays' means a very long period of time.

Living Doll is an idiom used to describe an exceptionally attractive person, usually a woman, with beautiful features. It was popular in the mid-20th century. The other idioms don't fit: 'bowl of cherries' means a great situation, 'better half' means spouse, 'not born yesterday' means not gullible, and 'sweet corn' isn't a standard idiom for beauty.

To 'sweep the board' means to win everything or achieve complete success in a competition. This perfectly matches the context of someone giving an outstanding performance in a debate competition. The other idioms don't fit: putting the cart before the horse means doing things in the wrong order, making a song and dance means creating unnecessary fuss, taking the load off one's feet means sitting down to rest, and casting a spell isn't related to winning competitions.