Idioms – Choose the option that best explains the meaning of the highlighted expression in context. Sentence: He was undecided. He “let the grass grow under his feet.”

Introduction / Context:
The idiom “let the grass grow under one’s feet” criticises delay and inaction. It suggests wasting time instead of acting promptly, often causing missed opportunities. In the sentence, his indecision aligns with procrastination rather than physical immobility or absence from a place.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Clue: “He was undecided,” signalling hesitation.
• Idiom: “let the grass grow under his feet.”
• We need a paraphrase that emphasises procrastination or dawdling.

Concept / Approach:
Among the choices, “loitered around” best conveys wasting time without taking necessary action. The idiom is metaphorical; it does not literally mean sitting still. It also does not mean leaving the scene. Therefore, select the option that most closely reflects delay and dawdling.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Paraphrase: “He was undecided and kept dawdling.” This retains both indecision and delay, validating the choice as the closest fit among the options provided.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• stayed out: Indicates absence, not procrastination.
• sat unmoving: Describes physical stillness, missing the action-timing nuance.
• moved away: Opposite of staying; unrelated to delay.

Common Pitfalls:
Interpreting idioms literally. The metaphor of grass growing simply highlights how long someone remains inactive in terms of decision-making and timely action.

Final Answer:
loitered around