**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'in hot water' means to be in a difficult situation or in trouble, especially with someone in authority. Missing an 'important deadline' is a common reason for getting into trouble at work. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal interpretation. Options (b) and (d) are the opposite of being in trouble.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'cross that bridge when we come to it' is a piece of advice meaning one should not worry about a potential future problem but rather face it when and if it occurs. It advises against premature worry. Option (c) correctly explains this approach. Option (a) is the opposite of the idiom's advice. Option (b) is a literal misinterpretation. Option (d) suggests avoidance, whereas the idiom suggests dealing with the problem at the appropriate time.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'hold water' means that a statement, theory, or argument seems to be sound, logical, and able to stand up to scrutiny. Being 'consistent with all the evidence' is a key reason why the testimony would be considered valid. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal interpretation. Option (b) is the opposite. Option (d) is irrelevant.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'the big guns' refers to the most powerful and influential people or entities in a particular field. A small company would find it challenging to compete against such dominant players. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) and (c) are literal interpretations. Option (d) is the opposite of what 'big guns' implies.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'to have a chip on one's shoulder' means to have an angry or resentful attitude, often because of a perceived past injustice. The feeling of not getting 'the same opportunities' is the source of this resentment. Option (c) correctly defines this attitude. Option (a) and (d) are literal interpretations. Option (b) is a different kind of attitude, not one born of resentment.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'living on borrowed time' means to continue to live or exist beyond the point at which one was expected to die or cease to exist. A 'serious illness' often leads to a prognosis that the person has outlived. Option (a) is the correct definition. Option (b) and (c) are different concepts related to borrowing and time. Option (d) is the opposite of the precarious situation implied by the idiom.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'a shot in the arm' refers to something that provides a boost or stimulus, often to morale or confidence. A job offer is a significant positive event that would boost one's confidence. Option (b) correctly defines this effect. Option (a) is the literal action from which the idiom is derived. Option (c) and (d) are negative outcomes, the opposite of the idiom's meaning.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'pull the wool over someone's eyes' means to deceive, fool, or mislead someone. The use of 'misleading statistics' is a clear attempt at deception. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) and (d) are literal misinterpretations. Option (c) is the opposite of the idiom's meaning.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'a fish out of water' describes a person who feels awkward or uncomfortable because they are in a situation that is not familiar to them. An older person struggling with modern technology is a common example of this. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is the opposite. Options (c) and (d) are incorrect, literal interpretations related to fish.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'wear one's heart on one's sleeve' means to make one's feelings and emotions obvious and apparent to others. The phrase 'you can easily tell how he's feeling' is a direct explanation of this. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) and (d) are literal misinterpretations. Option (c) is the opposite.