In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom or phrase. To make a fuss about.

Introduction / Context:
This idiom based question asks for the meaning of the phrase to make a fuss about. The expression is common in everyday English and often appears in conversations, stories, and articles. It typically describes a situation where a person reacts too strongly, complains a lot, or pays more attention to something than is really necessary. Understanding such idioms is important for both comprehension and natural expression in English.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The idiom is to make a fuss about.
• The answer choices describe different kinds of behaviour, such as being delighted, working hard, or being strict.
• We need the option that best captures the usual meaning of the idiom.
• In normal usage, making a fuss has a slightly negative connotation of overreacting or being unnecessarily anxious.
• The context does not suggest joy or quiet hard work; it suggests an exaggerated reaction.

Concept / Approach:
The concept tested is interpretation of idiomatic language. A fuss is an unnecessary or excited display of attention, worry, or activity. Therefore, when someone makes a fuss about something, they place too much emphasis on it, often complaining or worrying openly. The correct option must include the idea of excessive behaviour rather than reasonable concern. Options that describe positive feelings or simple diligence do not match the usual negative shade of the idiom.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that a fuss usually means unnecessary or noisy excitement, complaint, or anxiety. Step 2: Understand that to make a fuss about something means to react more strongly than the situation requires. Step 3: Examine Option D, which states an excessive display of attention, worry, or activity over something. Step 4: Notice that this exactly corresponds to the sense of the idiom in ordinary usage. Step 5: Option A, to be extremely delighted, is incorrect because making a fuss is more often associated with complaining or worrying than with pure joy. Step 6: Option B, to work very hard for eventual success, describes diligence, not fussiness. Step 7: Option C, to be very strict or to have very high standards, suggests firmness but not necessarily overreaction. Step 8: Option E, to ignore something important, is actually the opposite of paying excessive attention. Step 9: Conclude that Option D is the only option that fully captures the idiomatic meaning.

Verification / Alternative check:
Place the idiom in an example sentence. The teacher asked the parents not to make a fuss about small mistakes. Here, the teacher is asking them not to overreact or not to show too much worry. Replacing make a fuss with be extremely delighted or work hard would make no sense. Replacing it with show an excessive display of attention, worry, or activity would keep the meaning intact. This confirms that Option D is the best fit.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
To be extremely delighted implies strong positive emotion but does not include the idea of needless complaint or anxiety. To work very hard for eventual success describes perseverance and effort, which is quite different from fussing. To be very strict or to have very high standards may lead to some fussing in certain contexts, but it is not the direct meaning of the phrase. To ignore something important and move on quickly is almost the opposite of making a fuss, because it implies too little attention instead of too much.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners confuse making a fuss with celebrating, especially when they hear phrases like making a fuss of someone, which can mean paying extra attention in a positive way. However, in exam contexts, the idiom typically carries a negative or critical tone. Another pitfall is to forget the idea of excess, which is central to the meaning. If you remember that fuss means unnecessary excitement or worry, you can reliably choose the correct interpretation in such questions.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is To show an excessive display of attention, worry, or activity over something.