Choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the idiom "At a snail's pace" as used in English.

Introduction / Context:
This idiom question tests your understanding of a very common English expression, at a snail's pace. It is frequently used in everyday conversations, news reports, and descriptions of slow processes. Knowing such idioms helps you both understand native speakers and express yourself more vividly in English.

Given Data / Assumptions:
The idiom is:

• At a snail's pace

The options are:

• Quietly
• Quickly
• Continuously
• Slowly

The task is to select the option that matches the figurative meaning of the phrase.

Concept / Approach:
A snail is a small creature that moves extremely slowly. The idiom at a snail's pace uses this image to describe anything that progresses very slowly. It does not refer to how noisy or continuous the action is, only to its speed. Therefore, slowly is the obvious and precise match. The other options either contradict the idea or refer to different aspects of behaviour.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the key idea in the idiom. A snail symbolises slow movement. Step 2: Recall typical usage: Traffic was moving at a snail's pace, meaning it was moving extremely slowly. Step 3: Examine Quietly. This refers to the level of noise and does not capture the idea of slowness. Step 4: Examine Quickly. This is the direct opposite of what the idiom intends to express. Step 5: Examine Continuously. This refers to something happening without stopping, not to how fast it happens. Step 6: Examine Slowly. This matches the image of a snail and reflects the intended meaning of the idiom. Step 7: Therefore, Slowly is the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Check by substituting in an example: The project is progressing at a snail's pace. If we restate this as The project is progressing very slowly, the meaning remains the same. None of the other options can replace at a snail's pace in such sentences without changing the sense completely. This confirms that slowly captures the metaphor correctly.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Quietly is wrong because it describes sound, not speed. Quickly is wrong because it expresses high speed, while the idiom expresses low speed. Continuously is wrong because it talks about continuity, not the rate or speed of the action. The idiom is specifically about slowness, which only the option slowly accurately conveys.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may overthink idioms and suspect a trick, but here the image is straightforward: snails are slow. Another pitfall is confusing different metaphorical expressions involving animals or creatures, such as as slow as a snail, like a tortoise, or at a snail's pace. All of these highlight slowness. Regular exposure to such phrases in reading and listening helps reinforce their meanings and prevents confusion under exam pressure.

Final Answer:
The idiom at a snail's pace means Slowly.