Idioms and Phrases

The phrase "hornet's nest" is an idiom that refers to a situation that is likely to cause trouble or provoke anger, hence a violent or troublesome situation. This matches option B.

The phrase "a man of straw" refers to someone who lacks substance or strength, often used to describe a weak or insubstantial person. Therefore, option A, "A man of no substance," is the correct meaning.

The phrase 'to put one’s hand to the plough' means to begin a task with determination and commitment, often implying undertaking a difficult or challenging task. Therefore, option B is correct.

The idiom "an arm and a leg" means something is very expensive or costly, implying it costs a large amount of money. This matches option C exactly.

The phrase "apple of discord" originates from Greek mythology, referring to an object that causes strife or conflict. Therefore, it means anything causing trouble, discord, or jealousy, which matches option A.

The phrase "keep at bay" means to keep something or someone at a distance or prevent them from approaching or causing harm, which matches option B.

The idiom "beating a dead horse" means to continue to focus on or argue about something that has already been resolved or is no longer relevant, which matches option A.

The phrase "icing (also frosting) on the cake" refers to an attractive but inessential addition or enhancement that makes something already good even better, which matches option D.

The phrase "a hot potato" refers to a controversial or awkward issue that people want to avoid dealing with, making option D the correct meaning. The other options do not accurately reflect the idiomatic usage of the phrase.

The phrase "drop a dime" is an idiomatic expression meaning to inform on someone or act as an informant, especially to the authorities. This matches option A exactly.

The phrase "get your goat" is an idiom meaning to irritate or annoy someone. Therefore, option B is correct as it directly matches the idiomatic meaning.

The phrase "cap it all" (often "to cap it all off") means to finish or complete something, often by adding a final element that tops or sums up all previous points. It can also mean to surpass or outdo something. This usage is supported by authoritative sources like Cambridge Dictionary, Dictionary.com, and Collins Dictionary, which define it as finishing or completing an experience or situation, often with a final touch. Therefore, the most accurate meaning among the options is "To finish."

The phrase "elephant in the room" refers to an obvious problem or issue that everyone is aware of but chooses to ignore or avoid discussing, usually because it is uncomfortable or sensitive. Option A accurately captures this meaning.

The idiom "to smell a rat" means to suspect that something is wrong or that there is foul play involved. Therefore, option C correctly captures the meaning of the phrase.

"A litmus test" is an expression meaning a decisive or conclusive test that clearly indicates the presence or absence of a quality or condition, which matches option A.

The phrase "put a spoke in my wheel" is an idiom meaning to obstruct or hinder someone's plans or progress, which aligns with option C: "thwarted in the execution of the plan."

The phrase 'tipped off' means to be given advance information or a warning, which fits option C. The other options do not match the meaning of 'tipped off'.

"Go Dutch" is an idiomatic expression meaning that each person pays for their own share, especially when sharing the cost of a meal or outing equally.

"Ace in the hole" is an idiom meaning a hidden advantage or a secret strength that can be used when needed. This matches option A exactly.

The phrase "far cry from" means something is very different from or distant from something else, making option D the correct choice.

The phrase "At the drop of a hat" means to do something immediately or without any delay, which corresponds to option C: "Done in an instant." Option B is incorrect because it implies ease or lack of preparation, which is not the meaning of the phrase.

The idiom "to have an axe to grind" means to have a private or selfish motive, often to serve one's own interest. Option A correctly captures this meaning.

The phrase "black and blue" is an idiom that means covered with bruises, typically from being beaten or injured. Therefore, option A, "Full of bruises," correctly defines the phrase.

The idiom 'to end in smoke' means to fail or be ruined, which aligns with option B 'To ruin oneself.' The other options do not match the meaning of this phrase.

The phrase 'to set one's face against' means to oppose something firmly or with determination. This idiomatic expression is best captured by option A.