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

Step 1: Analyze the question The question tests your knowledge of idioms. You are asked what "by hook or by crook" means in the sentence: They vowed to win the race by hook or by crook.

Step 2: Explain the concept An idiom is a fixed expression whose meaning cannot be worked out from the individual words. "By hook or by crook" means by any means possible, whether fair or unfair. It suggests a strong determination to achieve a goal, no matter what method must be used.

Step 3: Work through the options

• A. peaceful negotiations: The idiom has nothing to do with negotiation or peace. Wrong.
• B. any possible means: This matches the idiom exactly. The speakers are determined to win, and the method does not matter. Correct.
• C. bribing the other competitors: Bribery is only one possible unfair method. The idiom is much broader and does not specifically mean bribery. Wrong.
• D. being honest: The idiom often suggests the opposite, since it includes underhand methods. Wrong.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is B. any possible means.

Step 5: Exam tip For idiom questions, choose the option that captures the general meaning rather than a specific action. Option C is a tempting trap because it is one example of a "crooked" method, but the idiom itself is general. Similar idioms to remember include "by all means" and "at all costs".

Keep practicing, you are doing great!