IDIOMS — Choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the underlined expression in context. Sentence: 'The curious neighbours were disappointed, as the young couple's quarrel was just a STORM IN A TEA CUP.'

Introduction / Context:
“A storm in a teacup” (also “tempest in a teapot”) refers to a lot of commotion over something trivial. The neighbours were “disappointed,” implying they expected drama but witnessed only an exaggerated fuss about a small matter. The idiom tests understanding of proportionality—big reaction, tiny cause.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The event: a couple’s quarrel.
• Observers: curious neighbours, primed for spectacle.
• Outcome: disappointment because the quarrel was trivial despite noise.

Concept / Approach:
The idiom juxtaposes “storm” (great turbulence) with “teacup” (very small container) to signal disproportion. Correct interpretation must capture “great fuss over a trifle,” not actual violence or fragility of materials. Contextual clues (disappointment of onlookers) support the triviality reading.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Recognize the fixed idiom: “storm in a teacup.”2) Map to core meaning: excessive commotion over something minor.3) Select the paraphrase “fuss about a trifle.”4) Check coherence with neighbours’ disappointment.

Verification / Alternative check:
Substitute: “The quarrel was only a fuss about a trifle.” The sentence now directly states the intended evaluation of the argument’s importance.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
A) “violent quarrel” contradicts the idea of triviality.C) “brittle situation” is vague and not idiomatic here.D) Literalizes the phrase; the idiom is figurative.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming intensity of noise equals seriousness. The idiom warns that sound and fury can conceal a very small cause.

Final Answer:
fuss about a trifle