In the following question, out of the given four alternatives, select the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase: "Be a dab hand at something".

Introduction / Context:
The idiom "Be a dab hand at something" is used mainly in informal British English to describe someone who is very good or skilful at a particular task or activity. It can be used for both professional skills and everyday abilities, such as cooking, repairing things, or playing games. This question checks whether you can recognise that positive meaning.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Idiom: "Be a dab hand at something."
• Options: nonsense talking, hearing fake intention, listening to conversations, being skilled.
• The question seeks the best paraphrase of the idiom in standard English.

Concept / Approach:
A "dab hand" is an informal phrase meaning an expert or someone particularly good at something. For example, "She is a dab hand at painting" means she is very skilled at painting. Therefore, the meaning revolves around competence and skill, not negative behaviour or passive listening. Among the options, "Skilled in a particular area" clearly matches this idea.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the typical usage: "He is a dab hand at fixing computers," "My mother is a dab hand at making pickles." Step 2: Understand that in all such sentences, the phrase compliments someone's ability and expertise. Step 3: Examine the options and look for the one that indicates high skill or ability. Step 4: Option D says "Skilled in a particular area," which matches exactly. Step 5: Confirm that the other options are irrelevant or negative and do not express the idea of skill.

Verification / Alternative check:
Insert the options into an example sentence: "My friend is a dab hand at mathematics." If we restate it as "My friend is skilled in mathematics," the meaning is the same. But saying "My friend is always telling nonsense" or "ready to listen to other people's conversation" completely changes the sense, which proves that option D is the only suitable paraphrase.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A: "Always telling nonsense" suggests foolish or meaningless talk, which is not at all the idea of being good at something. Option B: "Hearing a fake intention" is unclear and ungrammatical; it does not describe any special skill. Option C: "Ready to listen to other people's conversation" describes curiosity or nosiness, not competence.

Common Pitfalls:
The phrase "dab hand" is idiomatic and might mislead learners who focus on the literal meaning of "hand." Remember that English uses "hand" in many expressions to refer to help or skill (for example, "a safe pair of hands"). When you see "dab hand," think "expert" or "very skilful person." Linking it to actual example sentences that praise someone's ability will help fix the meaning in your memory.

Final Answer:
The idiom "Be a dab hand at something" means: Skilled in a particular area.