In this idiom question, choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the expression “have a chip on one's shoulder”.

Introduction / Context:
The idiom “have a chip on one's shoulder” is frequently used in modern English to describe a person who is easily offended or deeply resentful about something. It appears in newspapers, self-help books and conversation. In competitive exams, it is tested to see if you can interpret the figurative meaning correctly. The question here asks you to choose the alternative that best expresses this meaning in simple language.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The idiom is “have a chip on one's shoulder”.
• You must select the closest explanation.
• The options are: nurse a grudge, feel physically tall, suffer an ailment, carry a burden.

Concept / Approach:
Historically, the expression comes from the practice of a person literally placing a small chip of wood on their shoulder and daring others to knock it off, which would start a fight. Symbolically, it represents a person who is always ready to take offence because they already have some unresolved resentment. Thus, the idiom means to nurture a sense of grievance or grudge, often about some past insult or unfairness. The correct option should capture this idea of ongoing resentment, not physical height, illness or general burden.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Fix the meaning of the idiom: to have a long-standing feeling of resentment and to be easily offended. Step 2: Examine option a) “nurse a grudge”. This means to keep a feeling of resentment alive over time, which matches the idiom closely. Step 3: Examine option b) “feel physically tall”. This refers to body height, which is not suggested by the expression. Step 4: Examine option c) “suffer an ailment”. This describes illness and is unrelated to emotional resentment. Step 5: Examine option d) “carry a burden”. While this can be metaphorical, it is general and does not specifically point to resentment or ready anger. Step 6: Conclude that option a) is the best and most precise explanation.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider the sentence: “He has had a chip on his shoulder ever since he was passed over for promotion.” Here, the meaning is that he has been nursing a grudge and remains touchy or easily offended about that incident. If we substitute “nurses a grudge”, the sentence still works perfectly. Replacing it with “feels physically tall”, “suffers an ailment” or “carries a burden” would not make sense. This practical substitution check confirms that “nurse a grudge” is correct.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“Feel physically tall” is a distraction based on the word “shoulder” and has nothing to do with resentment. “Suffer an ailment” incorrectly treats the phrase as if it described a medical condition. “Carry a burden” is too general; it might refer to responsibility, work or guilt, but it does not directly express the sense of ongoing grievance. Only “nurse a grudge” captures the emotional and attitudinal meaning of the idiom accurately.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes focus only on “shoulder” and imagine the phrase must describe some physical strain or posture. Others treat “chip” as a large object and think of heavy burdens. The key is to remember that many idioms evolved from old customs whose literal details are no longer obvious. Regular reading and use of learner's dictionaries to check idioms will help you avoid such misinterpretations and score full marks on these questions.

Final Answer:
“To have a chip on one's shoulder” means to nurse a grudge and be ready to take offence.