In English idioms used in competitive examinations, the phrase "Curry favour" refers to trying to gain approval or advantage from someone by using flattery or servile behaviour. Choose the alternative that best expresses the meaning of this idiom.

Introduction / Context:
The idiom "Curry favour" is widely used in English to describe behaviour where a person tries to please someone powerful in order to gain an advantage. Such idioms are very common in competitive exams because they test both vocabulary and understanding of subtle social behaviour. Knowing the precise meaning helps in reading comprehension and descriptive writing as well.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The idiom in the question is "Curry favour".
- The task is to identify its meaning from the given options.
- The context is social interaction where someone wants approval or benefit from another person.

Concept / Approach:
"Curry favour" does not refer to cooking or making a curry. Instead, it refers to seeking approval by insincere praise, flattery, or overly helpful behaviour. The person is usually trying to win special treatment or advantages. For exam purposes, focus on the idea of seeking favourable attention in a calculated way, not general attention or fair judgment.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Remember typical usage such as "He tried to curry favour with his boss by constantly agreeing with her" which shows a selfish motive. Step 2: Identify the key idea as trying to gain approval or advantage, usually by flattery. Step 3: Examine the options and locate the one that directly expresses this idea. Step 4: Option B, "Seek favourable attention through flattery", clearly reflects the idiom's meaning. Step 5: Confirm that none of the other options match the idiomatic sense.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consulting a good dictionary or idiom list will show meanings such as "to try to win favour by flattery" or "to seek to gain advantage by servile behaviour". This is consistent with option B. Using the idiom in various sentences where someone is trying to impress a teacher, boss, or leader will also show that the goal is favourable attention, not fairness or punishment.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A, "Seek impartial judgment in a dispute", suggests fairness, which is opposite to the manipulative nature of "Curry favour". Option C, "Prepare a spicy food dish", wrongly interprets "Curry" as food. Option D, "Attract random attention in a crowd", lacks the idea of gaining advantage or approval. Option E, "Demand strict punishment for others", has nothing to do with flattery or seeking approval.

Common Pitfalls:
A frequent mistake is to connect the idiom with Indian food because of the word "Curry". Another confusion is thinking it simply means to please someone in a genuine way. In fact, the idiom usually carries a negative tone, suggesting insincere or strategic behaviour to gain benefits. Remember this nuance when answering exam questions.

Final Answer:
"Curry favour" means to seek favourable attention or advantage through flattery or servile behaviour, so the correct option is Seek favourable attention through flattery.