Definition of leave (someone) in the lurch
: to leave (someone) without help or protection when it is needed

To play  a supporting or minor role in relation to someone else: “Tired of playing  second fiddle , she resigned and started her own company.”In an orchestra, the position of  second  violinist (fiddle ) is not as glamorous as that of first violinist.

Assume the truth of an argument or proposition to be proved, without arguing it.
Begging the question means "to elicit a specific question as a reaction or response,"and can often be replaced with "a question that begs to be answered."
 

In the English language, 'Black sheep 'is an idiom used to describe an odd or disreputable member of a group, especially within a family.

'A man of straw 'is a man whose character is weak and who lacks definite beliefs; a man of no substance. Therefore option A is the correct answer. 
Options B, C and D are incorrect because these are not the correct meanings of the given phrase.

To smell a rat: to suspect or realize that something is wrong in a particular situation.

To hit the nail right on the head: to describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem

Definition: "To set one's face against" means to oppose with determination or to be strongly against something or someone.

To understand the meaning of the phrase "to set one's face against," we need to analyze the given options and choose the most appropriate one.
Option A: To oppose with determination:
- This option accurately describes the meaning of the phrase.
- It implies taking a firm stance against something or someone.
- When someone sets their face against something, they are determined to oppose it.
Option B: To judge by appearance:
- This option does not reflect the meaning of the phrase.
- "To set one's face against" is not related to judging someone based on their appearance.
Option C: To get out of difficulty:
- This option does not reflect the meaning of the phrase.
- "To set one's face against" is about opposition, not finding a way out of a difficult situation.
Option D: To look at one steadily:
- This option does not reflect the meaning of the phrase.
- "To set one's face against" is about opposition, not staring at someone steadily.
Conclusion:
Based on the analysis of the given options, the most suitable answer is Option A: To oppose with determination. This option accurately represents the meaning of the phrase "to set one's face against."

tipped off : to give someone a warning or secret information about something.

Explanation:
The phrase "gave me the cold shoulder" is an idiomatic expression that means to ignore or treat someone with indifference. In this context, the person being referred to met someone after a long time, but instead of engaging or showing warmth, the person ignored them.
Options:
A: Scolded me - This option does not align with the given context as scolding involves expressing disapproval or criticism, which is different from ignoring someone.
B: Insulted me - This option also does not fit the context as insulting someone involves saying or doing something disrespectful or offensive, which is different from ignoring someone.
C: Abused me - This option is not applicable in the given context as abuse refers to the act of mistreating someone physically, emotionally, or verbally, which is different from ignoring someone.
D: Ignored me - This option accurately reflects the meaning of the phrase "gave me the cold shoulder" as it implies being treated with indifference or being disregarded.
Therefore, option D, "ignored me," is the correct answer that best fits the given context.

The given sentence states that he passed himself off as a noble man. To find the correct answer choice, let's understand the meaning of the phrase "passed himself off as" which means to pretend to be someone else or to assume a false identity.

The correct answer is Option B: pretended to be because it accurately conveys the meaning of the original sentence.

Let's analyze the other answer choices:

• Option A: was regarded as - This implies that others considered him to be a noble man, but it does not capture the element of deception or pretense present in the original sentence.


• Option C: was thought to be - This suggests that others had a belief or opinion about him being a noble man, but it does not convey the idea of pretending or assuming a false identity.


• Option D: was looked upon - This implies that others had a certain perception or view of him, but it does not specifically indicate pretending or assuming a false identity.


 

Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: pretended to be as it accurately represents the intended meaning of the original sentence.

hanging fire: to delay, wait, hold back, or hesitate.

die in harness: to die while still at work.

big draw: a big source of attraction.

lost heart: having lost confidence or enthusiasm.