Idioms / Literary Phrases – Choose the option that BEST explains the highlighted expression in context. Sentence: “The arrival of the mother-in-law in the family proved a rift in the lute.” What does this imply about the household climate?

Introduction / Context:
“A rift in the lute” is a poetic idiom meaning the emergence of discord within what used to be harmony. A lute produces music; a rift (crack) spoils the sound. In family narratives, it signals that harmony has been damaged.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Focus phrase: “proved a rift in the lute.”
• Setting: changing family dynamics after a relative’s arrival.
• Task: pick the meaning that matches loss of harmony.

Concept / Approach:
Map the metaphor: instrument (harmony) + rift (crack) → disharmony. The idiom does not primarily mean worry, discipline, or pleasantness; it specifically targets harmony versus discord.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Understand imagery: a cracked instrument cannot produce pleasing music.Translate to social context: relationships lose smooth functioning.Select “brought about disharmony” as the direct paraphrase.

Verification / Alternative check:
Paraphrase: “The arrival … brought disharmony to the family.” The sentence remains coherent and accurate.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• caused unnecessary worries: worry is not the idiom’s core sense.
• caused a pleasant atmosphere: opposite of discord.
• brought about a disciplined atmosphere: discipline is unrelated to harmony in this context.

Common Pitfalls:
Treating “rift” as mere anxiety rather than structural discord; reading the idiom literally.

Final Answer:
brought about disharmony