In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom or phrase “Not to mince matters”.

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your understanding of the idiom not to mince matters. Idioms are fixed expressions whose overall meaning is different from simply adding up the meanings of individual words. In this case, the phrase is related to how someone speaks when they are being very direct. To answer, you must select the option that best captures the accepted idiomatic meaning.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- Idiom: Not to mince matters. - Options include meanings related to ease, confusion, interference, and frank speech. - We must pick the option that reflects speaking plainly and directly.

Concept / Approach:
The idiom to mince words means to soften what one says, often to avoid hurting someone or to be polite. Therefore, not to mince words or not to mince matters means to speak plainly and bluntly, without softening the truth and without hiding unpleasant facts. This involves straightforward, frank speech that may sometimes sound harsh. Any option that suggests politeness, confusion, comfort or interference in other people affairs will not match this core idea.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that mince means to cut or soften something into very small parts. In speech, to mince words means to soften or sugarcoat hard truths. Step 2: Understand that not to mince matters is a variant that implies the speaker will not soften or hide the reality, but will present it directly. Step 3: Examine option A, To be at ease. This refers to comfort and relaxation, not to the manner of speaking frankly. Step 4: Examine option B, To confuse others. This is the opposite of clear and direct speech and therefore cannot be the correct meaning. Step 5: Examine option C, To interfere in others affairs. This describes behaviour regarding involvement, not the style of speaking. Step 6: Examine option D, To speak very frankly and directly, without softening the truth. This precisely matches the idiomatic use of not to mince matters.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider an example sentence. A manager might say, I will not mince matters; your performance has been unsatisfactory. Here the manager signals that the feedback will be very direct and perhaps unpleasant. Replacing the idiom with to speak very frankly and directly, without softening the truth leaves the meaning unchanged. Trying to replace it with any of the other options destroys the sense. For example, I will not mince matters; I will confuse you does not make sense. This confirms option D as the correct interpretation.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
To be at ease is wrong because it describes a relaxed feeling, not an approach to speaking honestly. To confuse others is wrong because the idiom actually involves clarity, not confusion. To interfere in others affairs is wrong because that concerns involvement in situations, not style of communication.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may guess that not to mince matters means not to get involved or not to interfere, because the word matters can suggest issues or affairs. However, the idiom is built on the older phrase to mince words and is about how we express those matters. To avoid confusion, it is helpful to learn idioms in small groups with examples, such as not to mince words, to get to the point and to speak one mind. Seeing these together strengthens your understanding that this idiom refers to frank, straightforward speech.

Final Answer:
“Not to mince matters” means to speak very frankly and directly, without softening the truth.