In this idiom and phrase question, choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the expression flea market.

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your understanding of idioms and everyday expressions used in English, especially those that appear in newspapers, travel writing and general conversation. The term flea market is quite common in Western contexts and sometimes appears in exam reading passages as well. It does not refer literally to a market for insects. Instead, it has a specific cultural meaning related to inexpensive goods and second hand items sold in an open market setting.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Idiom: flea market.
• Options describe different kinds of markets or places.
• We must choose the explanation that correctly matches real usage of this term.
• The focus is on the usual type of goods sold and the structure of the market.

Concept / Approach:
A flea market is typically an outdoor or semi open market where many small sellers offer second hand goods, curios, old clothes, furniture, toys and sometimes handmade items at low prices. Buyers often bargain and search for hidden treasures. The name may come from the idea of old items possibly having fleas, but the modern meaning is clear and not literal. It is not specifically for stolen goods, jewellery only or merely a crowded space. Therefore, the correct description among the options is a street market selling second hand goods.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall where you have seen or heard the term flea market. It often appears in travel shows or stories set in European or American cities. Step 2: Think of what is normally sold there: old books, used clothes, antique items, second hand tools and similar goods. Step 3: Compare this image with the given options. Option a restricts the market to semi precious stones and jewellery, which is too narrow. Step 4: Option b describes a market where stolen goods are sold, which is incorrect and would normally be called a thieves market or black market. Step 5: Option c, a street market selling second hand goods, fits exactly with the common meaning of flea market.

Verification / Alternative check:
If you check standard English dictionaries, they define flea market as an open market that sells second hand or old goods. Some definitions also mention cheap or bargain priced articles. None of these descriptions suggest that the goods are stolen or that the market is limited to gems and jewellery. The idea of a small but crowded and noisy place is incomplete because noise and crowd can exist in many places that are not flea markets. The key feature is second hand goods sold in a market style arrangement, confirming option c as correct.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• a market for semi-precious stones and jewellery: This would be a jewellery market, not specifically a flea market, which offers a wide variety of cheap items.
• a market where stolen goods are sold: This describes a black market or illegal market, not the usual legal and casual flea market.
• a small but crowded and noisy place: Many places can be crowded and noisy such as bus stands or restaurants; this description misses the idea of second hand goods entirely.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may be misled by the word flea and think of dirt, theft or low moral standards and therefore choose the stolen goods option. Others may focus only on the atmosphere of such markets and pick the crowded and noisy description. To avoid these traps, always think of the central concept behind an idiom rather than one emotional association. Reading articles about travel, culture and lifestyle can familiarise you with such terms and make idiom questions much easier.

Final Answer:
The expression flea market means a street market selling second hand goods, which matches option c.