After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations of the sentence is given. Choose the…

Analyze the question: This is an idiom question. You are asked to interpret "a running battle."

Explain the concept: A running battle is a fight or dispute that goes on for a long time, with repeated clashes or disagreements. "Running" here means continuing or ongoing, as in "running commentary" or "running water." It does not mean a single fight and it does not mean physical running.

Work through the options:

• A. An argument which developed into a fight: This describes one argument that turned physical. A running battle is continuous and repeated, and it is usually verbal, so this is wrong.
• B. A series of arguments on the report: The dispute is ongoing and made up of repeated disagreements, and it is about the financial report. This matches the idiom.
• C. To work hard to complete the report: This has nothing to do with conflict, so it is wrong.
• D. Difficulties understanding the report: The sentence describes a conflict between two people, not confusion, so this is wrong.

Answer: The proprietor and his accountant have had repeated disagreements over the report.

Exam tip: In idiom questions, look for the word that signals duration or repetition. "Running" points to something continuing, so choose the option that says "series" or "continuous." Be careful with options that exaggerate the meaning, such as "developed into a fight."