In the following English idiom question, select the option that best expresses the meaning of the given phrase. With a vengeance most nearly means to do something how?

Introduction / Context:
This question deals with the idiom with a vengeance. In modern English, this phrase is often used to emphasise that something happens to a very great or extreme degree. It does not literally refer to revenge in many contexts, but rather acts as an intensifier, for example saying that a trend has returned with a vengeance.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The idiom is with a vengeance.
• Common usage includes expressions like The heat has come back with a vengeance.
• The options mention disaster, similar views, casual attention, and emphasis on degree.
• The exam expects recognition of the idiom as an intensifier.
• We assume no special or unusual context that would change this meaning.

Concept / Approach:
Although vengeance can mean revenge, the phrase with a vengeance has developed a broader idiomatic use. It signals that something happens strongly, intensely, or more than before. The correct option must highlight this emphasis on the intensity or degree of an action, rather than literal revenge or disaster.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall typical sentences, such as After the break, the team played with a vengeance, meaning they played very aggressively and intensely. Step 2: Note that the context does not usually involve actual revenge but rather strong effort or extreme occurrence. Step 3: Compare the answer choices and find the one that talks about emphasising the degree to which something occurs. Step 4: Recognise that options about disaster, shared views, or casual looking around do not reflect this intensifying sense. Step 5: Select the option that explicitly states that the phrase is used to emphasise degree.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, try replacing with a vengeance in a sample sentence. In The rains returned with a vengeance, you can rephrase it as The rains returned very intensely and strongly. This matches the concept of emphasising the degree. It does not mean that the rains have similar views or that a disaster must occur, although heavy rain can cause problems.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Option A, a complete disaster, may describe one possible result of something intense, but the idiom itself does not mean disaster; it means extreme degree.
• Option B, having similar views, describes agreement and is unrelated to the idea of intensity.
• Option C, looking out for something casually, misunderstands the phrase and does not match standard usage.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes cling too literally to the root word vengeance and therefore look for answers about revenge or punishment. However, idioms often drift away from their original literal meanings. Recognising that with a vengeance is used mainly as an intensifier helps avoid this confusion.

Final Answer:
With a vengeance is commonly used to stress that something happens in a very strong or extreme way. Therefore, the correct option is To an intensified or extreme degree, used to emphasise how strongly something happens.