**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.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'take a rain check' means to decline an invitation or offer but suggest that you would be willing to accept it at a future date. Having 'too much work' is a common reason for postponing social plans. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal misinterpretation. Option (c) is the opposite. Option (d) is incorrect.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The informal adjective 'fishy' is used to describe a situation or story that arouses suspicion because it seems dishonest or not true. An alibi that is not convincing would be described as fishy. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal interpretation. Option (b) is the opposite. Option (d) is an unrelated detail.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'bite one's tongue' means to deliberately stop oneself from saying something that one would really like to say, often to avoid an argument or to be polite. Resisting the urge to respond to criticism is a common situation for using this idiom. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal misinterpretation. Option (b) is the opposite action. Option (d) is unrelated.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'a slap on the wrist' means a very light punishment for a mistake or wrongdoing, one that is less severe than is deserved. The contrast with being 'fired' emphasizes the mildness of the punishment. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is the opposite. Option (c) is a reward. Option (d) is a literal interpretation.