English Idioms — Meaning in Context Select the option that BEST explains the idiom as used here. Sentence: “The detective left no stone unturned to trace the culprit.”

Introduction / Context:
The expression “leave no stone unturned” is a widely used English idiom that conveys the idea of making every possible effort to achieve a goal. In investigative contexts—police work, auditing, journalism—the idiom signals a thorough, methodical search in which the investigator examines every clue and pursues every lead. The sentence given states that a detective adopted this exhaustive approach to find the culprit, so we must choose the meaning that captures the sense of total, comprehensive effort.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The subject is a detective engaged in tracing a culprit.
• The idiom “left no stone unturned” appears in a neutral, professional context.
• We are looking for the option that communicates exhaustive use of resources and methods, not careless action or illegal tactics.

Concept / Approach:

The metaphor imagines a searcher turning over every stone in a field so that nothing remains unchecked. Translated into modern investigative practice, it means exploring all legitimate avenues: interviewing witnesses, checking records, testing hypotheses, canvassing areas, and verifying alibis. Therefore, the correct paraphrase is the one that emphasizes completeness and diligence rather than irrelevance, laziness, or unethical behavior.

Step-by-Step Solution:

1) Identify the core metaphor: turning every stone → checking every possibility.2) Map the metaphor to investigation: pursue all leads and methods.3) Evaluate options for “exhaustiveness” and “legitimacy.”4) Select “used all available means,” which perfectly matches the idiom’s intent.5) Confirm fit with the detective’s professional duty and context.

Verification / Alternative check:

Substitute the idiom with the option in the sentence: “The detective used all available means to trace the culprit.” This preserves meaning, tone, and professional appropriateness, validating the choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

took no pains: The opposite of exhaustive effort; suggests laziness.did very irrelevant things: Implies foolish or off-topic actions, not thoroughness.resorted to illegitimate practices: Adds illegality that the idiom does not imply.

Common Pitfalls:

Students sometimes confuse “no stone unturned” with “try anything, even illegal.” The idiom is about diligence and completeness, not misconduct. Another pitfall is assuming it means chaotic busyness; in practice, it denotes systematic, step-by-step coverage of all plausible avenues.

Final Answer:

used all available means