When the result was announced, it was discovered that Bimbo and Pam were neck and neck. This means that Bimbo…

Step 1: Analyze the question The question tests your understanding of the idiom "neck and neck" in the context of results being announced.

Step 2: Explain the concept "Neck and neck" comes from horse racing. When two horses run so closely that one's neck is level with the other's, nobody can tell who is ahead. In everyday English, it means two people or groups are very close in a competition, with almost equal scores or positions.

Step 3: Work through the options

• A. had almost the same result: This matches the idiom, since "neck and neck" means very close, with almost no difference between them.
• B. failed badly: The idiom says nothing about failing.
• C. had equal result: This is tempting, but "neck and neck" suggests being extremely close, not necessarily exactly identical. Equal results would be better expressed as "tied" or "level".
• D. passed well: The idiom says nothing about how well they performed.

Step 4: Answer The best interpretation is A: had almost the same result. It captures the closeness the idiom implies without claiming the results were exactly the same.

Exam tip: Idiom questions often include a "too absolute" option like C. Ask yourself whether the idiom means "exactly" or "very close". "Neck and neck" means very close. Also, picture the horse race to remember it quickly.