**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The word 'green' is often used idiomatically to describe someone who is new to a situation and therefore lacks experience. The fact that the intern is a 'fast learner' implies she is starting from a position of inexperience. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal interpretation. Option (b) is the opposite. Option (d) relates to 'green-eyed monster' (jealousy), a different idiom.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'spill the beans' means to disclose a secret or reveal information that was supposed to be kept private. The context of a 'surprise' party makes it clear that a secret was let out. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) and (d) are literal misinterpretations. Option (b) is the opposite.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'play it by ear' means to deal with a situation as it develops, rather than following a pre-arranged plan. When a strategy's success is uncertain, improvisation is often necessary. Option (c) correctly defines this approach. Option (a) is a literal misinterpretation. Option (b) is the opposite. Option (d) is unrelated.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'read between the lines' means to infer a meaning that is not explicitly stated. A detective would use this skill to understand that a suspect is being deceptive. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) and (d) are literal misinterpretations. Option (c) is the opposite.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'skating on thin ice' means to be in a precarious or dangerous situation. Submitting a report late to a boss is a risky action that could lead to negative consequences. Option (b) correctly defines this risk. Option (a) is a literal interpretation. Option (c) and (d) are the opposite of the idiom's meaning.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'a flash in the pan' refers to something that has a sudden, brilliant, but short-lived success and is not repeated. The context of being 'hugely popular for a month and then disappeared' perfectly illustrates this meaning. Option (a) is the correct definition. Option (b) is the opposite. Option (c) is a literal misinterpretation. Option (d) is incorrect as the idiom implies a brief period of success before failure.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'have a lot on one's plate' means to be very busy with a large number of responsibilities or problems. A 'new job' and a 'new baby' are two major life events that would create a lot of tasks and stress. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal misinterpretation. Option (b) is the opposite. Option (d) is an unrelated profession.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'up in the air' describes a plan or issue that has not yet been settled or decided. An election that is 'too close to call' is a perfect example of an uncertain outcome. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal misinterpretation. Option (b) is the opposite. Option (d) is a possible but unrelated fact.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'pull out all the stops' means to use all the resources and effort available to achieve something. It originates from the 'stops' on a pipe organ, which are pulled out to turn on all the sounds. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is the literal origin. Options (c) and (d) are the opposite of making a maximum effort.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'at heart' is used to talk about what someone is really like, despite their outward appearance or behavior. It refers to one's fundamental character. Option (a) is the correct definition. Option (b) and (d) are literal misinterpretations. Option (c) is the opposite.