**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'beat a dead horse' (or 'flog a dead horse') means to continue to pursue or discuss a subject that is no longer useful or relevant because a decision has already been made. It is to waste effort on a lost cause. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal interpretation. Options (c) and (d) are the opposite of this repetitive behavior.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'at daggers drawn' means that two people are in a state of intense animosity and are on the verge of fighting. A dispute 'over the inheritance' is a common cause of such bitter family feuds. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) and (d) are literal misinterpretations. Option (b) is the opposite.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'down in the dumps' means to be sad, depressed, or in low spirits. Losing a job is a common reason for feeling this way. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal misinterpretation. Option (b) is the opposite. Option (d) is an unrelated action.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'split hairs' means to make overly fine or trivial distinctions; to argue about insignificant details. The phrase 'over such a minor detail' directly explains the meaning. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal interpretation. Option (c) is the opposite of arguing. Option (d) is what one should do instead of splitting hairs.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'caught red-handed' means to be discovered in the very act of committing a crime or doing something wrong. The phrase implies clear and irrefutable evidence. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) and (d) are literal misinterpretations. Option (b) is incorrect; the idiom means being caught *during* the act.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'a chip off the old block' refers to a person who is very similar to their parent in personality or appearance. The example of being 'just as stubborn as his father' illustrates this similarity. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal misinterpretation. Option (b) is the opposite. Option (d) is a possible but separate issue.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'throw a spanner in the works' (or 'throw a wrench in the works' in the US) means to do something that suddenly prevents a plan from progressing. New, contradictory evidence can ruin a legal case. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is the opposite. Option (c) is a literal interpretation. Option (d) is a possible but incorrect interpretation.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'dodge a bullet' means to have a narrow escape from a dangerous or undesirable situation. Avoiding a bad investment that leads to bankruptcy is a perfect example of avoiding a financial disaster. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is the literal meaning. Option (c) is the opposite. Option (d) is an unrelated profession.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'with bells on' is used to say that one will be very happy and enthusiastic to go somewhere. It emphasizes eagerness. The phrase 'I wouldn't miss your party for the world!' reinforces this enthusiastic acceptance. Option (d) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal misinterpretation. Options (b) and (c) are the opposite of an enthusiastic 'yes'.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'move heaven and earth' means to do everything one possibly can to achieve a goal. It implies a huge amount of effort and determination. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal misinterpretation. Option (b) is the opposite. Option (d) is a possible part of the effort, but not the whole meaning of the idiom.