**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'jump on the bandwagon' means to join or follow something that is already popular or successful. The 'huge bonuses' made a certain action popular among employees. Option (c) accurately describes this behavior. Option (a) is a literal interpretation of 'bandwagon.' Option (b) is incorrect; the idiom means to follow, not start, a trend. Option (d) is a possible action but not the meaning of the idiom.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'on cloud nine' describes a state of extreme happiness or elation. Receiving a long-awaited 'promotion' is a clear cause for such a feeling. Option (b) correctly defines this state of emotion. Option (a) and (c) are literal interpretations. Option (d) describes a different emotional state.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'smell a rat' means to be suspicious or to feel that something is wrong in a particular situation. The fact that the 'alibi didn't add up' is a strong reason for suspicion. Option (c) is the correct meaning. Options (a) and (b) are literal and incorrect interpretations. Option (d) is completely unrelated.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'put on airs' means to act superior, arrogant, or pretentious. The phrase 'looked down on his old friends' provides a clear contextual clue. Option (b) correctly defines this behavior. Option (a) and (c) are literal interpretations of the word 'air.' Option (d) is the opposite of the idiom's meaning.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'hit the nail on the head' means to say or do something that is precisely correct or accurate. The sentence praises the 'analysis,' suggesting it was very accurate. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) suggests chance, not accuracy. Option (b) is the literal action from which the idiom is derived. Option (d) is a negative outcome, while the idiom is complimentary.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'back to the drawing board' means to start a process all over again, typically because a previous attempt has failed. The context of the 'project was a failure' indicates the need for a fresh start. Option (a) correctly defines this action. Option (b) is a literal interpretation. Option (c) means to quit, whereas the idiom implies restarting. Option (d) is an illogical response to failure.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'cost an arm and a leg' is a hyperbole used to describe something that is very expensive. The mention of a 'luxury car' reinforces the idea of a high price. Option (d) correctly captures this meaning. Option (a) is the opposite. Option (b) is a different method of payment. Option (c) is an incorrect, literal interpretation of the phrase.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'give someone the cold shoulder' means to intentionally ignore someone or treat them in an unfriendly way, usually as a sign of displeasure. The context of an 'argument' suggests a reason for such behavior. Option (c) correctly defines this action. Option (a) is a literal misinterpretation. Options (b) and (d) are actions, but they do not convey the meaning of deliberate ignorance.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'a wet blanket' refers to a person whose pessimistic or gloomy attitude dampens the enjoyment of others. The description of the intern complaining about 'fun activities' directly supports this definition. Option (b) is the correct meaning. Option (a) is a literal interpretation. Options (c) and (d) are character traits, but they are the opposite of what a 'wet blanket' represents.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'let the cat out of the bag' means to disclose a secret, often by mistake. The context of a 'surprise party' makes it clear that a secret was supposed to be kept. Option (c) accurately conveys this meaning. Option (a) is a literal misinterpretation. Options (b) and (d) are possible events related to a party but do not represent the meaning of the idiom.