**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'have a soft spot for someone' means to be particularly fond of them and to treat them with more leniency than others. Always forgiving someone's mistakes is a clear sign of such fondness. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal misinterpretation. Options (b) and (d) are the opposite.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'in the doghouse' means to be in trouble with someone, typically a spouse or partner, because of something you have done wrong. Forgetting an anniversary is a classic reason to be in the doghouse. Option (a) is the correct definition. Option (b) is a literal interpretation. Options (c) and (d) are the opposite of being in trouble.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'raining cats and dogs' is a hyperbole used to mean that it is raining very hard. The suggestion to cancel a picnic supports the idea of heavy rain. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal and impossible interpretation. Options (c) and (d) describe weather that would be suitable for a picnic.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'blow one's own trumpet' means to boast proudly about one's own accomplishments. Winning an award is an accomplishment one might boast about. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal interpretation. Option (b) and (d) are the opposite of boasting.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'take someone for a ride' means to trick, cheat, or deceive them. Losing 'all his savings' because of a business partner's actions strongly implies deception. Option (c) is the correct definition. Options (a) and (b) are literal, positive interpretations. Option (d) is the opposite of being cheated.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'eat humble pie' means to admit one's error and behave humbly, especially after being proven wrong. Having to 'apologize to everyone' after being caught in a lie is a clear act of eating humble pie. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal misinterpretation. Options (c) and (d) are the opposite of taking responsibility.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'a red herring' refers to something that misleads or diverts attention from the central issue. 'Vague answers' are often used as a tactic to 'distract from the real issue.' Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is the literal meaning. Option (c) is the opposite. Option (d) is unrelated.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'on its last legs' is used to describe something that is old, worn out, and close to failing. The suggestion to 'buy a new one' supports the idea that the old car is no longer reliable. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) and (d) are the opposite. Option (c) is a detail that doesn't change the overall poor condition implied by the idiom.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'turn a blind eye' means to deliberately ignore something that you know is wrong. Ignoring a son's 'misbehavior' is a classic example of this. Option (c) correctly defines this intentional ignorance. Option (a) refers to a physical disability. Options (b) and (d) are actions of acknowledgment, not ignoring.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'touch-and-go' describes a situation that is very precarious and uncertain. The fact that they 'finally' reached an agreement implies there was a period of uncertainty where the outcome was in doubt. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is the opposite. Option (b) is a literal misinterpretation. Option (d) is irrelevant.