Idioms and Phrases

It means to be in big trouble or in an embarrassing situation.

The idiom 'to haul over the coals' means to reprimand or criticize someone severely for their wrongdoing or poor performance. The imagery comes from the practice of dragging heretics over hot coals as punishment or interrogation. Modern usage refers to sharp criticism or severe scolding.

'To tempt providence' means to take unnecessary risks or to recklessly challenge fate, assuming that fortune will protect you regardless of your actions. It implies overconfidence in luck or divine favor while engaging in dangerous behavior. The phrase suggests pushing one's luck beyond reasonable limits.

'A dog in the manger' describes a person who selfishly prevents others from using or enjoying something that they themselves cannot use or do not need. The fable tells of a dog that sleeps in a manger filled with hay, preventing the hungry oxen from eating the hay even though the dog cannot eat it himself. It refers to selfish, obstructive behavior.

'Pony up' is a standard American idiom meaning to pay money, typically as a contribution toward a shared expense. The other options don't capture the financial aspect of this expression.

'Cow college' is historical American slang for an agricultural school or college, particularly land-grant institutions focused on farming and practical agriculture. It's not about actual cows or serious academic institutions.

'Chapter and verse' refers to specific biblical citations, and by extension, means providing exact references, detailed proof, or comprehensive evidence for something. It's about being precise and thorough in substantiating claims.

It means it will be be poorly received/will not be liked.

'To set the people by ears' means to incite, provoke, or stir up conflict between people. The imagery suggests causing people to fight like animals, similar to 'setting dogs on each other.' It's about creating discord and quarrels.

'Plugging a product' means to promote, endorse, or advertise it, typically in a prominent or repeated way. It comes from the idea of 'plugging' something like inserting it into public consciousness repeatedly.

To draw the long bow means to make a statement enlarged or altered beyond normal proportions. 

Here, umbrage is a noun that means a feeling of anger caused by being offended.

Try to do something; all the rest of the options are irrelevant to the idiom used in the sentence.

The idiom 'bore the brunt' means to suffer the worst part of something unpleasant or to receive the main impact or damage. In this context, the driver suffered the most severe consequences and injuries from the accident. The phrase does not mean paying compensation, accepting blame, or doing something intentionally - it specifically refers to bearing the heaviest burden of harm or suffering from an event.