In this English idiom question, choose the option that best explains the meaning of the expression "to keep the wolf from the door", that is, to avoid severe poverty or starvation.

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your understanding of a common English idiom, "to keep the wolf from the door". Idioms are fixed expressions whose meanings are not always obvious from the literal meanings of the individual words. In this case, the image of a wolf at the door represents hunger, debt, and serious financial trouble. When exam questions ask you to choose the correct meaning of an idiom, you must focus on the figurative sense that native speakers commonly associate with that expression.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The idiom given is "to keep the wolf from the door".
• It is used in everyday English, especially in the context of money and survival.
• We must choose the option that best represents the figurative meaning, not the literal image of a wolf.
• Only one option should be fully correct and most appropriate in standard English usage.

Concept / Approach:
The key to idiom questions is to recall or infer the commonly accepted meaning. The "wolf" here symbolizes danger, hunger, or poverty trying to enter the house. "Keeping the wolf from the door" therefore means managing to survive, paying bills, and avoiding starvation or extreme financial hardship. It does not refer to travel, entry restrictions, or business negotiations directly. We compare this meaning with each of the answer options and select the one that matches best.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that the idiom is metaphorical, not literal. Step 2: Recall that in many idioms, wild animals like wolves represent danger, threat, or hunger. Step 3: Understand that the "door" represents the home or basic security of a person or family. Step 4: Combine the ideas and interpret the expression as keeping severe poverty or hunger away from one's household. Step 5: Compare this meaning with the options and observe that "Avoid starvation and extreme poverty" matches perfectly. Step 6: Confirm that the other options talk about cracking a deal, prohibiting entry, or going on a pleasant tour, which are unrelated to the idiom's established meaning.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify the meaning by checking how the idiom is used in example sentences. For instance: "His small shop does not make him rich, but it keeps the wolf from the door." In this sentence, the shop is not about getting a big opportunity or enjoying a tour; it simply ensures that he has enough money to survive and not go hungry. Dictionaries and standard English usage guides also define this idiom as "to avoid starvation or financial ruin" or "to have just enough money to live". This confirms that the first option is the correct interpretation.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"Crack an important business deal" is about business success, which may bring money, but the idiom does not specifically refer to negotiating deals; it refers more broadly to survival. "Indicate that entry is prohibited" focuses on a literal door and keeping someone out. The idiom is not used for signboards or prohibiting visitors. "Have a pleasant and carefree tour" is about enjoyment and travel, which is completely different from the idea of avoiding hunger or poverty.

Common Pitfalls:
Students often treat idioms too literally or link them to one word only, such as "door" or "wolf", and then guess that it might be about physical protection or stopping entry. Another common mistake is to choose a positive-sounding option like having a pleasant tour, simply because it seems attractive. In idiom questions, always think about how native speakers actually use the expression in sentences and remember that idiomatic meanings are often metaphorical. Also, be careful not to overthink and add meanings like bravery or heroism when the idiom is primarily about financial survival.

Final Answer:
Avoid starvation and extreme poverty is the correct meaning of the idiom "to keep the wolf from the door".