In the following question, choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the idiom: "Adam's ale".

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your knowledge of English idioms. The phrase Adam's ale is a colourful expression with a traditional, somewhat humorous flavour. You must identify what this idiom refers to in everyday language from the options given.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- Idiom: Adam's ale.
- Options: Gift, Food, Water, Belongings.
- The idiom alludes to Adam from the Bible and what he would have had to drink in the Garden of Eden.

Concept / Approach:
Adam's ale is an old-fashioned idiom that simply means water, especially plain drinking water, as opposed to alcoholic drinks. The idea is that the first man, Adam, would have had water as his natural drink. None of the other options—gift, food or belongings—capture this specific meaning. Recognising this idiom helps you understand literary or humorous references in English texts.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the meaning of Adam's ale as used in idiomatic English. It refers to plain water.Step 2: Check Gift. This has no connection with the imagery of Adam and a drink.Step 3: Check Food. While food is also something basic and necessary, the idiom specifically points to a beverage, not solid nourishment.Step 4: Check Water. This exactly matches the idea that Adam would drink natural water, and is the established meaning of the idiom.Step 5: Check Belongings, which refers to personal property and is unrelated to drinks.Step 6: Therefore, Water is the correct explanation of Adam's ale.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider typical usage in a sentence: He does not drink alcohol; he is content with Adam's ale. In such contexts, Adam's ale is clearly contrasted with beer, wine or spirits and refers to simple water. Substituting gift, food or belongings does not make sense here. This pattern of use supports the meaning of plain water rather than any of the other options.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Gift refers to something given voluntarily and has no link with the idiom's imagery.
- Food is nourishment but the phrase Adam's ale specifically focuses on a drink, not food.
- Belongings refers to possessions or property, which again does not match the idea of a natural drink.

Common Pitfalls:
Because the idiom uses a proper name (Adam) and an old word (ale), some learners might mistakenly think it refers to an alcoholic drink, since ale is a type of beer. However, the traditional play on words contrasts Adam's ale (water) with alcoholic drinks consumed later by humans. The key is to remember that Adam, in the Garden of Eden, is imagined drinking only pure water, not beer. Learning a few such idioms with images or stories behind them makes them easier to remember.

Final Answer:
The idiom Adam's ale means Water.