Question:

Choose the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom in the following sentence from the options given: When the trainee asked a question about the reliability of the data, the trainer flew off the handle.

Updated On: Sep 16, 2026
  • flew away from there
  • threw away a handle
  • opened the handle and ran away
  • lost his temper
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Concept:
  • Idioms should never be read literally, they carry a fixed figurative meaning.
  • 'Flew off the handle' means to suddenly become very angry.

Step 1: Recall the meaning of the idiom
'Flew off the handle' describes someone losing their temper suddenly and without much warning.

Step 2: Eliminate the literal-sounding options
'Flew away from there', 'threw away a handle' and 'opened the handle and ran away' are all literal interpretations of the words, which is exactly the trap idiom questions set, they are wrong.

Step 3: Match with the figurative meaning
The trainer reacting badly to a simple question about data reliability fits with him suddenly getting angry.

Final Answer: lost his temper
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