In the following question, out of the given four alternatives, select the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase: "Paper over the cracks".

Introduction / Context:
The idiom "Paper over the cracks" is used to describe a situation where people try to hide problems or disagreements rather than solving them. It is similar to literally putting wallpaper over cracks in a wall so that the damage cannot be seen, even though it still exists underneath. This question checks whether you can identify this figurative meaning correctly.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Idiom: "Paper over the cracks."
• Options: take risk, cause embarrassment, hide problems, be absent without permission.
• The question focuses on determining the real communicative function of this phrase.

Concept / Approach:
To "paper over the cracks" means to cover up or disguise problems, disagreements, or weaknesses instead of dealing with them honestly. The problems still exist, but they are temporarily hidden so that everything appears fine on the surface. Among the given options, "To hide problems" captures this meaning exactly and is thus the correct answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Visualise the literal scene: a wall has cracks that show damage, and someone sticks paper or wallpaper over them so the wall looks good from far away. Step 2: Extend this image to people or organisations: they may hide internal issues or conflicts so that things look better from outside. Step 3: Identify the option that explicitly mentions hiding problems: option C. Step 4: Confirm that the other options talk about unrelated ideas like risk, embarrassment, or absence from duty. Step 5: Choose option C as the correct meaning.

Verification / Alternative check:
Example sentence: "The management tried to paper over the cracks by announcing a small bonus, but the staff were still unhappy." If we replace the idiom with "hide problems," we get: "The management tried to hide the problems by announcing a small bonus..." which fits the context perfectly. This confirms that "to hide problems" is the right interpretation.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A: "To take risk" is more related to idioms like "take the plunge" or "stick one's neck out," not to hiding issues. Option B: "To cause embarrassment" is more likely associated with idioms like "lose face" or "put one's foot in it." Option D: "To be absent from duty without permission" describes "abscond" or "absent without leave," which is totally unrelated to covering up problems.

Common Pitfalls:
One trap is to focus on individual words like "cracks" and think of danger or risk, but the key is the full phrase. The "paper" in the idiom is like wallpaper or a thin covering, not a written document. Always consider the idiom as a whole picture: cracks exist, but paper is placed over them so they cannot be seen easily. This mental image will guide you to the meaning of hiding problems rather than solving them.

Final Answer:
The idiom "Paper over the cracks" means: To hide problems (rather than solving them properly).