After the following sentence, a list of possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretaion that is…

Analyze the question: The question tests your knowledge of the idiom "tongue in cheek". You are asked what it means about the father when he spoke of a vacation abroad.

Explain the concept: "Tongue in cheek" describes a remark made ironically, jokingly, or not seriously. The speaker doesn't really mean what is said, and often the listeners know it. The phrase comes from the old facial expression of pushing your tongue into your cheek to hold back a smile while saying something humorous or insincere.

Step-by-step solution:

1. The sentence says, "We knew our father was talking tongue in cheek." The children understood he was not being serious.
2. Check each option: • A. sincere: This means honest and serious, which is the opposite of "tongue in cheek." ❌ • B. courageous: This means brave, which has nothing to do with the idiom. ❌ • C. joking: This means not serious and speaking playfully. ✅ • D. reasonable: This means sensible or fair, which does not match the meaning. ❌
3. The best interpretation is that the father was joking about the vacation abroad. He didn't truly mean they would go.

Answer: C. joking

Exam tip: For idiom questions, work out whether the phrase is positive, negative, serious, or playful, then eliminate the options that clash with it. "Tongue in cheek" always signals non-seriousness, so words like joking, ironic, humorous, or insincere will fit. Related idioms to revise are pull someone's leg (tease) and in jest (as a joke).