In the following question on English idioms, choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the expression A laughing stock, used to describe someone or something that is widely ridiculed.

Introduction / Context:
This idiom question looks at the expression A laughing stock. The phrase is widely used in conversational English, media commentary, and literature to describe a person, group, or organisation that has become the target of general ridicule. Understanding this idiom is important for interpreting social criticism and humorous writing.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Idiom: A laughing stock.
• Options describe an object of laughter, a storehouse of jokes, an object of desire, and a valuable stock.
• You must choose the meaning that reflects ridicule and humiliation.
• The phrase does not refer to physical stock or merchandise in finance or trade.

Concept / Approach:
A laughing stock is someone or something that people laugh at in a negative way, often because of repeated mistakes, failures, or foolish behaviour. The focus is on being the object of scornful amusement. The correct option must therefore indicate that the subject is being laughed at, not that it is a source of jokes or something admired. The words storehouse and stock of high value tend to suggest positive assets, which is opposite in tone to this idiom.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that when newspapers say a team has become a laughing stock, they mean it is widely mocked. Step 2: Examine option a, an object of laughter. This clearly indicates that others laugh at the person or thing. Step 3: Examine option b, a storehouse of jokes. This suggests a place where jokes are kept, which is not how the idiom is used. Step 4: Examine option c, an object of desire, which describes something attractive, the opposite of what a laughing stock is. Step 5: Examine option d, a stock of high value, which refers to financial assets and suggests respect, not ridicule. Step 6: Decide that option a best captures the idea of someone or something being mocked.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider the sentence After the scandal, the politician became a laughing stock. If we paraphrase it as became an object of laughter, the meaning stays faithful. On the other hand, saying became a storehouse of jokes or became an object of desire would completely change the tone and meaning. Similarly, became a stock of high value would clash with the implied humiliation. This comparison demonstrates that option a is the correct interpretation.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
A storehouse of jokes: Refers to a place or collection of jokes, not a person or group being laughed at.
An object of desire: Expresses admiration or attraction, which is the opposite of ridicule.
A stock of high value: Suggests financial worth and respect, not shame or embarrassment.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners focus only on the word laughing and assume any mention of jokes will be correct. Others think of stock only in its commercial sense and combine that with a positive interpretation. To avoid such mistakes, always consider the emotional tone of the idiom in real usage. A laughing stock carries a strongly negative tone, highlighting embarrassment and mockery. Remembering that will help you reject any option that suggests admiration or value.

Final Answer:
The idiom A laughing stock refers to an object of laughter, so option a is correct.