**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The proverb 'don't wash your dirty linen (or laundry) in public' is advice to not discuss or argue about personal, embarrassing, or private matters in public. It means to keep private issues private. Option (b) is the correct explanation. Option (a) is a literal interpretation. Option (c) is general advice but not the meaning of the idiom. Option (d) is the opposite of the proverb's advice.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'on the horns of a dilemma' means to be in a situation where one is faced with a choice between two options, both of which are difficult or unpleasant. Choosing between a career opportunity and family is a classic dilemma. Option (a) is the correct definition. Options (b) and (c) are literal misinterpretations. Option (d) is the opposite.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'a different kettle of fish' is used to say that a situation or topic is completely different from another one that has just been mentioned. It emphasizes a distinction. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal misinterpretation. Option (b) is the opposite. Option (d) refers to a literal kettle.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'throw dust in someone's eyes' means to confuse or mislead someone so that they cannot see the truth. Using a 'forged document' is a clear act of deception. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal interpretation. Option (b) is the opposite. Option (d) is an unrelated action.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The proverb 'when the cat's away, the mice will play' (shortened here) means that people will not follow the rules if the person in charge is absent. It suggests a lack of discipline when supervision is removed. Option (b) is the correct explanation. Option (a) is the literal situation from which the proverb is derived. Option (c) is the opposite of what the proverb implies. Option (d) is nonsensical.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'the whole nine yards' means everything, the full extent of something. The detailed and extravagant list of wedding features illustrates that they included everything possible. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal interpretation. Option (c) is the opposite. Option (d) is an unrelated interpretation.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'between a rock and a hard place' describes a dilemma in which one is faced with two difficult choices, both of which will lead to a bad outcome. Having to choose between selling one's house and bankruptcy is a classic example of such a difficult choice. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) and (d) are literal misinterpretations. Option (c) is the opposite.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'have a green thumb' (or 'green fingers' in the UK) means to have a special skill for making plants grow successfully. The ability to 'make any plant grow' is the definition of this talent. Option (c) is the correct meaning. Option (a) and (d) are literal misinterpretations. Option (b) is the opposite.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'in the same boat' means that multiple people are in the same, usually unpleasant, circumstances. All students being worried about the same exam is a perfect example of this shared predicament. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal misinterpretation. Option (c) implies rivalry, not a shared problem. Option (d) is the opposite.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'a breath of fresh air' refers to a new person or thing that brings a welcome change and a sense of revitalization. A new leader with fresh ideas can have this effect on a 'struggling company.' Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) and (d) are literal misinterpretations. Option (c) is the opposite.