IDIOMS — Choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the underlined comparison. Sentence: 'I felt like a fish out of water among all those business tycoons.'

Introduction / Context:
The simile “like a fish out of water” is a widely used English expression meaning to feel out of place, awkward, or uncomfortable in an unfamiliar environment. The speaker is surrounded by business tycoons and evidently feels not at ease in that social setting.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Comparison: person vs fish removed from its natural habitat.
• Setting: high-powered business circle.
• Emotion: social discomfort rather than stupidity or moral judgment.

Concept / Approach:
The expression stresses environmental mismatch, not cognitive ability or status. While feeling “inferior” can accompany discomfort, the core idiomatic meaning is about being out of one’s element. Therefore, “uncomfortable” is the most accurate single-word gloss.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Identify the idiom’s image: a fish thrives in water; outside it, it struggles.2) Translate to human context: social or situational awkwardness.3) Select “uncomfortable” as the closest single-word meaning.4) Reject options that imply lack of intelligence or fixed inferiority.

Verification / Alternative check:
Substitute: “I felt uncomfortable among all those business tycoons.” The sense of being out of place remains clear.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
A) “troubled” — too broad; may imply worry unrelated to setting.B) “stupid” — attacks ability, not context fit.D) “inferior” — status-focused; not the core meaning.

Common Pitfalls:
Over-interpreting the idiom as a comment on intelligence or permanent status. It simply highlights situational unease.

Final Answer:
uncomfortable