This means that Shehu … — Choose from the options lettered A - E the interpretation you consider most…

Step 1: Analyze the question The question tests your knowledge of idioms. The expression is "take the bull by the horns," and you must pick the option that best captures its meaning in the sentence.

Step 2: Explain the concept "To take the bull by the horns" means to face a difficult or dangerous situation directly, boldly, and with courage, instead of avoiding it. It has nothing to do with real bulls. It is about confronting a problem head-on.

Step 3: Apply it to the sentence "Shehu decided to take the bull by the horns and go to the Principal." Shehu chose to confront the issue directly by going to the Principal in person.

Step 4: Evaluate the options

• A. decided not to fear the principal: This is close, but it focuses on fear of the principal. The idiom is about tackling the problem boldly, not about overcoming fear of a person.
• B. invited the principal to intervene: Wrong. Shehu went to the Principal. He did not invite the Principal anywhere.
• C. put the matter boldly to the principal: Correct. It captures both the boldness and the direct handling of the issue.
• D. was afraid of the bull and sought help: Wrong. This takes the idiom literally and contradicts its meaning.
• E. wrote a protest letter to the principal: Wrong. The sentence says he went to the Principal, and a letter is not a direct confrontation.

Step 5: Answer

Exam tip: When you see an idiom, never read it literally. Ask yourself, "What is the figurative meaning?" Then eliminate options that mention the literal objects (here, the bull). Related idioms to remember are "bell the cat" (take a risky initiative) and "face the music" (accept the consequences).