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

Step 1: Analyze the question The sentence "Taya was beaten at his own game" is an idiom. We need the meaning that best fits it.

Step 2: Explain the concept The idiom "beat someone at their own game" means to defeat a person by using the very methods, tactics, or skills that they normally use or are known for. The person is outdone in the area where they are supposed to be strongest.

Example: A champion debater who is out-argued by a newcomer using the champion's own style has been "beaten at his own game."

Step 3: Test each option

• A. Taya's strategies were leaked. This suggests his secrets were exposed. It says nothing about him being defeated by the same methods. ✗
• B. Taya missed the target. This is about failing to hit a goal, which is unrelated to the idiom. ✗
• C. Taya forgot his own tactics. This suggests his own memory failure caused the loss. The idiom is about an opponent's success, not his forgetfulness. ✗
• D. Taya's methods were used to defeat him. This matches the idiom: his opponent used his own style or tactics and won. ✓

Step 4: Answer

Exam tip: For idiom questions, don't read the words literally. "Game" here doesn't mean a sport. Ask yourself, "What is the figurative meaning of the whole phrase?" Then eliminate options that only match individual words, like "target" or "tactics."