In this idiom question, choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the phrase “a gentleman at large”.

Introduction / Context:
The phrase “a gentleman at large” is an idiomatic expression used in older English literature and sometimes in exam questions. The words taken separately may mislead learners into thinking it refers simply to a well-mannered man walking freely. However, idioms have established meanings that may differ from the obvious literal sense. This problem asks you to choose the option that best explains this particular idiom in simple and direct language.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The idiomatic phrase is “a gentleman at large”.
• You must select the alternative that expresses its correct sense.
• The options are: a man in the crowd, a man without a job, a man who runs around, a man who is generous.

Concept / Approach:
The expression “at large” can have several meanings in English, such as “at liberty”, “not confined to one place” or “without a specific role or occupation”. In the idiom “a gentleman at large”, the key idea is that the man is living without any fixed employment or definite work, often moving about freely and supported by others or by his own resources. In older usage, it can carry a slightly humorous or critical tone, suggesting a person who lives comfortably without doing regular work. So the best explanation will revolve around being without a job or settled occupation, not about crowds, generosity or random running around.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Note that “gentleman” refers to a man of some social status or manners. Step 2: Understand that “at large” in this idiom does not mean “big” but suggests a free, unconfined state without a fixed position or duty. Step 3: Check option a) “a man in the crowd”. This is far too general and ignores the “at large” sense of having no fixed role. Step 4: Check option b) “a man without a job”. This matches the idea of someone who has no regular employment and “moves at large”. Step 5: Check option c) “a man who runs around”. This emphasises physical movement rather than social condition or employment. Step 6: Check option d) “a man who is generous”. Nothing in the phrase indicates generosity; this is unrelated. Step 7: Conclude that option b) “a man without a job” is the most accurate explanation in the exam context.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider a sentence: “After losing his post in the company, he became a gentleman at large, living off his savings and social contacts.” In this context, the phrase clearly points to a life without regular work, not to generosity or frantic movement. Similarly, “He has been a gentleman at large for many years” implies an idle or unemployed gentleman. Substituting “man in the crowd” or “generous man” does not produce the same sense. Therefore, “a man without a job” is the best fit among the options.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“A man in the crowd” only talks about physical presence in a group and fails to convey the idea of lacking fixed employment. “A man who runs around” focuses on activity level but not on social or occupational status. “A man who is generous” introduces a moral quality that is completely absent from the idiom. Only the option describing someone without a job lines up with the idiomatic use of “at large” in this expression.

Common Pitfalls:
Many learners confuse “at large” with being “in public” or “among people” and may wrongly assume it refers to any man in a crowd or in society. Others look at the word “gentleman” and connect it with positive traits like generosity, which again is not relevant here. To avoid such errors, remember that idioms must be learned from examples and dictionaries rather than guessed purely from word parts. Regular exposure to authentic English texts will make such phrases feel familiar instead of puzzling.

Final Answer:
“A gentleman at large” means a man without a job.